• Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

  • By: Timothy Zahn
  • Narrated by: Marc Thompson
  • Length: 14 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (6,896 ratings)

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Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

By: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
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Editorial reviews

"Longtime fans should get considerable pleasure from this addition to the saga." ( Publishers Weekly)

Publisher's summary

Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn makes his triumphant return to the Star Wars(r) universe in this first of an epic new two-volume series in which the New Republic must face its most dangerous enemy yet--a dead Imperial warlord.

The Empire stands at the brink of total collapse. But they have saved their most heinous plan for last. First a plot is hatched that could destroy the New Republic in a bloodbath of genocide and civil war. Then comes the shocking news that Grand Admiral Thrawn--the most cunning and ruthless warlord in history--has apparently returned from the dead to lead the Empire to a long-prophesied victory. Facing incredible odds, Han and Leia begin a desperate race against time to prevent the New Republic from unraveling in the face of two inexplicable threats--one from within and one from without. Meanwhile, Luke teams up with Mara Jade, using the Force to track down a mysterious pirate ship with a crew of clones. Yet, perhaps most dangerous of all, are those who lurk in the shadows, orchestrating a dark plan that will turn the New Republic and the Empire into their playthings.

©2011 Timothy Zahn (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Zahn turns in his usual high-caliber performance." ( Library Journal)

Featured Article: Remembering Carrie Fisher with Our Favorite Quips and Quotes from Her Writings


Actress, writer, and advocate Carrie Fisher, best known for her performance as the bold, intelligent, and morally-grounded Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars film franchise, was a hero to so many—an outspoken, brilliant, and, quite frankly, hilarious film icon who stood out from the Hollywood crowd. The late Star Wars star's legacy lives on forever in her candid memoirs and incisive fiction. Read on for Carrie Fisher's best quotes.

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What listeners say about Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good, but no heir to empire

To put it simply, it lacks the artfullness of the original thrawn trilogy. still good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story evolution

I enjoy the continued adventures of the main characters from the original trilogy plus newcomers. The Force is well woven through the tale and there are micro and macro storyline a to enjoy. This one really spreads its wings and pulls you along. Can't wait to listen to book two.

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great

great book . can't wait to finish story .best one yet. definitely downloading more of this story line.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

good to go

little to much ln depth dialogue in places concerning the cal moss set up. other than that a good prequel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story.

Easy to follow and very immersive. I would recommend it to any Star Wars fan!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing reading

I swear by Marc Thompsons readings. He's a very talented voice actor. Highly recommend this version. I'd get no other reading. Don't bother for any other look for Marc Thompsons readings

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A turning point

I love this story. Our heroes have defeated the Empire after decades of war. Then by means of duplicity a Grand Moff resurrects Grand Admiral Thrawn. With New Republic in chaos and the Chiss searching the galaxy, Mara and Luke working together to find something known only as the Hand of Thrawn... a weapon created by the real genius to deal with in inevitable extragalactic invasion....enjoy. I did.

Please release unabridged Star Wars Legends. There is money to made. I’d buy them all. I’m simply uninterested in the reboot. I tried it and even Zahn’s novels fall short. I periodically check one out of the library. I have too much of an EU bias. I’m sure I am not the only one.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great adventure in Star Wars

If you love Star wars you will love this book. A great listen with an amazing story! Well worth your time!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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a good book but hard to finish.

this is actually a good story but it's hard to finish because after you have been spoiled with the smooth calculating assault of Thrawn. the real Thrawn that is.it is hard to stay motivated when you're not getting his brilliant tactics schemes and other interesting behavior. it was a good book I just wish or was wishing that Thrawn being a clone could be true or some kind of way that he survived he made the books in the store he's brilliant and so interesting they were hard to tear away from but being teased on a fake Thrawn was just not appealing.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Everything about this was great. This was a stellar sequel to the incredible thrawn trilogy. And Marc Thompson is absolutely incredible! Every voice was unique and pleasant to listen to, as well as very fitting of the characters. It was not uncommon for me to sit in my car after any sort of trip not wanting to stop it.

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