Specter of the Past: Star Wars Legends (The Hand of Thrawn)

Book I

By: Timothy Zahn

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

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.© and (P)1997 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM.

Critic reviews

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

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

Don't Listen

First, the narrator does a poor job at telling the story between his tone of voice and poor pronunciation.
Second, 11 hours of story were cut out to make this. If you really want to get into the story you need the full version with our favorite Marc Thompson narrating.

Narration is disappointing

Coruscant is pronounced /'kɔɹəsɑnt/. Yoda with a soft, “regular guy” voice did not work for me at all.. Unfortunately, this narrator doesn’t seem to know, nor care much about Star Wars. It took away from the book experience greatly. I will order a hardcover copy to be able to indulge it.
Narrator, obviously, has acting skills, but you have to know characters and names at least a little to narrate such a big franchise.

The story was good.

It's too short, and the narrating could've been better. Like in the original Thrawn trilogy.

Awesome book

I loved it I only wish is was read by the same people who did the original Thrawn trilogy

Just OK

Though not to the standard compared to other Star Wars novels and short stories, it is OK. I doubt that I will purchase any more of the series, though. The narration was OK, but nothing great.