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  • Tarkin: Star Wars

  • Written by: James Luceno
  • Narrated by: Euan Morton
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (229 ratings)

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Tarkin: Star Wars

Written by: James Luceno
Narrated by: Euan Morton
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Publisher's Summary

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

Best-selling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly….and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin's guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel - by intimidation…or annihilation.

Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin - whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire's supremacy…and its enemies' extinction.

©2014 James Luceno (P)2014 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"Euan Morton channels the outstanding late British actor Peter Cushing, who played Grand Moff Tarkin, evil master of the Death Star, in the original Star Wars movie. One hears a voice that is precise and unspeakably heartless as he shrugs at ideas such as planetary destruction. Here is Tarkin’s biography from childhood to the time he is promoted to Grand Moff by Emperor Palpatine, learning a few tips from Darth Vader himself (nicely portrayed) as they both grow in influence and power. It’s better not to overanalyze the situations presented in the plot. Instead, listeners should just pretend they’re 14 again, hear the familiar music and sound effects, and enjoy." (AudioFile magazine)

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What listeners say about Tarkin: Star Wars

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Most memorable book.

a really good look into the imperial Moff Tarkin and his life and the events that shaped him. very good use of existing characters in the Empire and gives quite a bit of back story to other characters as well.

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

good story but sadly now out of date

seems to be older continuity due to lack of certain people and events, but an amazing story about the character and his background.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Enjoyable

Overall a good listen. I found it to be a good Origin and lead up to the movies for Tarkin, though it felt like it was missing something I cannot place. otherwise enjoyable and certainly worthwhile.

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

Ok story, lackluster performance

story was ok, but the performance was a bit weak. All the north American accents sounded like they were said by a robot or through a text to speech editor.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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AWESOME!

Gives background to Tarkin who was a main character in the 77 film. It doesn't wander off , it stays true to the Star Wars story

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

Exceptional

Love star wars? Great! you'll love this book! The book has left me wanting more, the only thing I disliked was the fact that the story ended short of my expectations in the timeline. but overall it is a very great Brook!

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