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

  • Written by: Timothy Zahn
  • Narrated by: Marc Thompson
  • Length: 14 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (190 ratings)

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

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

Written by: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
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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

What the critics say

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

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

Average Customer Ratings
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Worth it the listen

If you are going to listen to an audio book before or after the legacy of the force this is it. I feel that they really do a great job building the characters that you hear about in the future and expand upon those that are already established.

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Spectre of the past 1

Probably one of the best storylines in all of the Star Wars universe, the story of thrawn even in death is still so great.

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

NEED THRAWN

You need to add thrawn in to the story’s again he is my hero and for once let the imperials Win a massive Battle

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Really need a women to do the females

Like it’s really bad sometimes like super cringy but whatever otherwise great book with great story, well told for the most part. I was expecting or I guess hoping for more thrawn then we get, without spoiling anything.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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It's Star Wars at its Best

What can I say, Timothy Zahn and Star Wars, the greatest sci-fi duo ever. Marc Thompson is fantastic in this too. #Audible1

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book worthy of Star Wars title

The only character i struggle with is Leia: from the originals, she'smore feisty and assertive. In the book, she's on a softer and indecisive side ...

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it unbelievable

Just the best unbelievable that one man is able to bring all these characters to life and be so distinct in their voices 10/10

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    4 out of 5 stars
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No thrawn but still good

where's thrawn :( other than that I loved the book, is was a great story so far

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well read book

the orator is one of the best of his kind. masterfully done. Good choice of book in terms of character variety for this speaker as well

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

Half a book...

Expected a complete story instead of only half of one. I understand how books can setup a sequel but this literally ends in the middle of a storyline. In my opinion that is bad form.

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