Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes - an Expanded Universe Is Born

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy - Legends

By: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell - editor

Narrated by: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell

Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes is a special recording that features new commentary by author Timothy Zahn and editor Betsy Mitchell, written for the 20th anniversary edition of Heir to the Empire, read by Zahn and Mitchell. Included here is audio from the that new unabridged recording to enhance their comments. 

The biggest event in the history of Star Wars books, Heir to the Empire follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia after they led the Rebel Alliance to victory in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

©2011 Timothy Zahn (P)2011 Random House

Good but Unnecessarily Separate

Commentary is interesting and exciting, but why not include this with the baseline 20th-anniversary edition?

Takes a little time to get used to

The information is very interesting that is presented. However the playing a bit of the book and then fading out to a Timothy Zahn or Betsy Mitchell comment takes a bit to get used to. Kind of like watching a movie with commetary track on.

Empire of Dreams

If you could sum up Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes in three words, what would they be?

Informative. Fun. Insightful.

What other book might you compare Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes to and why?

There isn't another book quite like it. I wish more books took this behind the scenes approach especially with the other Star Wars novels. I would love to hear behind the scenes on the major Star Wars novels. Darth Plagueis I'm looking at you!

Have you listened to any of Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard their previous works. This is my first foray but from that alone I was very impressed it felt like a DVD documentary but for books. I loved every moment of it.

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

This book gave me another dimension to the story from the author's POV. I wish it was longer! It had everything. There were plenty of surprises on how it came to be which left me giddy.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Star Wars in general but also is curious on the inner workings of the author's journey in making such a tale, this is for you.

Superbly insightful

Having both read and listened to the Thrawn trilogy this narrative by Zahn and Mitchell gives a humorous insight towards the method and struggles that had been faced in the creation of such a story that rivals the original trilogy. A must listen for any fan of the books.

Great insight into the challenges faced

This was a great insight into the challenges author Timothy Zahn faced in kickstarting the EU. This is not something I would have normally purchased (unless it came free with the set), but I don't regret this one at all.

The Father of the EU Shares Insight

This is a fun and informative look behind the scenes of the book that started started the Star Wars Extended Universe. Timothy Zahn is the father of the EU and his incredible trilogy still holds up and is much loved today. It is the Episode 7, 8, and 9 we should have had on film. Many wonderful and beloved characters debut here, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, and more. Thrawn is key to several theatrical projects now.
It’s a thrill to hear all the little details and his thought processes of writing this modern masterpiece.

Behind the written star wars universe.

Where does Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes - an Expanded Universe Is Born rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Since this is a look at the written universe, this ranks as one of my best books listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes - an Expanded Universe Is Born?

I would have to say the entire program.

Have you listened to any of Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. This one is just as good as the others I have in my library.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a short program, you can listen all at once.

Any additional comments?

If you are a star wars fan, and you love the novels, as well as the films, you will love to listen to this great look behind what it takes to make a star wars novel, and it is great to hear the author comment on his own novel. I would recommend listening to the complete novels in this series. Star wars heir to the empire,dark force rising, and the last command.

Great

Let me start by pointing out that this is a commentary and NOT the complete novel.

Great insight on the inner workings of Heir to the empire. Mr. Zahn outlined several items such as Thrawn’s leadership qualities, transitioning iconic characters to paper, name references of colleagues and friends, and much more.

Great addition to an excellent novel. I recommend it only if you’re a super SW fan.

Feel like a bait and Switch

They have a Star Wars like cover and it starts with the same title as the real book. So if you are in a hurry you just wasted a credit on a youtube video.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, but

I bought this during one of Audible's massive sales, and probably wouldn't otherwise. It's an interesting glimpse into the early days of the legends continuity but for its length it's really not worth the price they ask. Wait for a steep sale or if you really have a credit you really can't think to use on a longer story