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

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)

Performance is amazing, Story is a bit tacked-on

The story-line is a remnant of the Thrawn Trilogy. It definitely feels like it can't let go of that original storyline and make it a book of its own. The performance, however is just as good. If you enjoyed Marc Thompson's narration in the original 3, you'll enjoy this. You might be tempted, however, to fast forward through some dry parts of the plot line.

That said, it's "dry" for Timothy Zahn. It's still heads and shoulders above most other Sci-Fi writers, especially those trying to write Star Wars.

So amazing!!

I forgot how much listening to a Star Wars book feels like your in the middle of the story! I love all the voices the narrator can do plus all the sound effects really make me feel like I'm right there!

Best Narrator I've Heard

Marc Thompson gives depth and personality to every character he voices. Aside from his more narrow skill with female voices, he's better than I could hope a narrator to be. This book continues with the same feeling as the original Thrawn Trilogy, the only shortcoming is the somewhat forced involvement of all the classic characters.

Great

Good book. worthwhile, and marc Thompson has an outstanding performance as always. spend the money.

Love it

This is way better then anything disney starwars or Kathleen the Hutt Kennedy has ever released

Star Wars at its best!

Intrigue, action, suspense. Zahn's Star Wars novels have it all. Specter of the Past might even be bettet than Heir to the Empire

WHERE IS THE NEXT ONE....

Amazingly well done. Its is not as good as the Thrawn trilogy, but is easily one of the very best stories in the Star Wars series, which on its own is an achievement as majority of the books in the star wars universe are just so far above and beyond better than the competition. Now all I wish they would do is not tease readers with these single releases and go ahead and get the other part of this done already. Almost Christmas and mo follow up??? Common guys. Its not like you don't know how addictive these books are. CAN WE PLEASE GET THE NEXT ONE

Good story

I really enjoyed the story and I like I always enjoy Marc Thompson's performance as narrator, however, occasionally when he does a voice for an alien character the voice is a little too, alien and can be difficult to understand. That shouldn't discourage someone from listening though, still a very good performance.

Yet again a great star wars book by zahn and marc

What made the experience of listening to Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 the most enjoyable?

I have heard alot of books read by marc and like all the others you feel right at home from the first chapter. Knowing the voices of all the characters in the book makes it extremely easy to follow who does and say what. The story was for me captivating from start to end. some good surprises/twists mixed with the star wars humor. Though if is should be your first star wars book I would imagine that you would feel rather lost as there is alot of history from earlier books, at least i triggered alot in rememberance of earlier books. All in all a really good book which should keep you entertained never the less.

What other book might you compare Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 to and why?

The thrawn trilogy by timopthy zahn

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the scene with luke encountering the old woman and the child.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

this book does make me laugh quite abit. might be my enjoyment of the star wars that triggers it but never the less i have good times with marc zahn and starwars.

Another Great One

Great book and wonderful performance. Marc always does a nice job. Don't hesitate, listen to it.