Listen free for 30 days

  • Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2

  • Written by: Timothy Zahn
  • Narrated by: Marc Thompson
  • Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (504 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2 cover art

Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2

Written by: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $42.11

Buy Now for $42.11

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

The dying Empire's most cunning and ruthless warlord - Grand Admiral Thrawn - has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the New Republic's destruction. With the aid of unimaginable weapons long hidden away by the Emperor on a backwater planet, Thrawn plans to turn the tide of battle, overwhelm the New Republic, and impose his iron rule throughout the galaxy.

Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republican Council - only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies.

Yet most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness...and scheming to corrupt Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side.

©2011 Timothy Zahn (P)2012 Random House Audio

What listeners say about Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    431
  • 4 Stars
    61
  • 3 Stars
    11
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    397
  • 4 Stars
    25
  • 3 Stars
    6
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    356
  • 4 Stars
    57
  • 3 Stars
    13
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Better than Disney Star Wars

I started listening to the Thrawn series to get a different take on the Star Wars universe after I was disappointed with the new sequel trilogy from Lucasfilm. The writing and characters in these books are far superior to what you will find in cinemas.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Better than current cannon

having listened to the current cannon thrawn books, this 'Legends' Thrawn trilogy is (in my opinion) better overall in all three rating categories. Performance wise the female voices are a lot better, the background and ambient noises are appropriate; very pleasant to listen too. The story is fast paced with lots of action.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

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

Excellent Book

Absolutely enjoyed this book. From exploring the character of Mara Jade to the mentions of the Katana Fleet.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

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

Tim learned a new word

I am sure that Tim uses the word “sardonic” so often to teach us that it’s synonymous with “sarcastic.”
How many times does he believe he can cannibalize his own writing.
He had some great descriptions in past books but the cut n paste writing here does not escape notice.
The story is ok.
I wish Thrawns motivations & thought patterns were more described/explained as they were in the first book. It doesn’t seem like the same mysterious genius we were introduced to in the first book. It’s like Thrawn is getting slower and dumber.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Read for the plot, stay for the adventure!

The characters we know and love grow more in this book and the common themes of Star Wars are built upon and expanded to fruition. New ships, new characters and new experiences await our heroes in this journey to finally defeat the Empire!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Real Sequel Trilogy

This is the real sequel trilogy that actually respects what George Lucas created, while also expanding on it with new great characters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, narrator and sound effects

Really enjoyed the story, moving on tk book 3 now. Definitely recommend to any star wars fan.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This should be CANNON

To me this is the true continuation of the original star wars saga. After Disney butchered the sequel trilogy I found it hard to end be a fan. My friend recommended this trilogy and I was instantly transported to the start wars I love.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

Heavily Plot-Driven.. but Great

There are long stretches of diplomacy between various species, formation & dissolution of impromptu alliances, and political machinations & treachery in this middle installment of the first 'Thrawn' trilogy. To be certain, Timothy Zahn includes frequent blaster/light sabre battles, space dogfights, and nailbiting captures & rescues - but every scene is keyed to advancing the overall plot: the efforts of Grand Admiral Thrawn to deliver Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa-Solo to a "Mad Jedi Master" ally (named Joruus C'baoth) and to take down the fledgling New Republic. The result is certainly enjoyable.. but a markedly "cerebral" 'Star Wars' tale (compared to Books 1 & 3).

Fortunately, Marc Thompson's straight-up brilliant reading performance makes the book a more than worthwhile listen. His professional diction, pacing, timbre, and cadence are matched with an incredibly emotive tone and nearly flawless voice-acting. Random House Audio sound engineers further enliven the book with voice modulation technology, cinema-quality sound effects & background noises, and judicious musical emphasis (using John Williams' iconic score).

Altogether, this 7/10-star episode in the 'Star Wars: Legends' series of audiobooks is one of the weaker ones.. but still well worth your Credit. It was an excellent listening option for a couple of quiet afternoons.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Epic!

Wonderful continuation, & I’m looking forward to book 3. I’ve really enjoyed all the Thrawn audiobooks I’ve listened to thus far 😃

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Tyler
  • Tyler
  • 2012-06-26

Marc Thompson Delivers Again!

Any additional comments?

Having listened to the First volume of the Thrawn Series done by Thompson, I knew I had to wait until he completed his versions of the second two volumes. I am glad I waited. The story is excellent, as most people already know. However, Thompson gives an excellent performance enhanced by a great and not overbearing soundtrack, deliver an amazing entertainment experience. Get this audio-book, you will not be disappointed.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

41 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Ron
  • Ron
  • 2012-07-10

UNABRIDGED!!

Finally the unabridged version. What more could you want? Marc Thompson did a great job with the reading and the production quality seems to be on pair with all the other Star Wars books. I would say this is a must have.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Travis
  • Travis
  • 2015-12-31

Why didn't they use this writing for the movie!?

The force awakens is a horrible recycled plot. This trilogy thus far has been great! I'm pretending the movie in my head is the one in theaters.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Cage
  • Cage
  • 2012-07-04

The adventure continues...

Following in the footsteps of last year's 20th anniversary release of Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Marc Thompson delivers another perfect performance with this second installment of The Thrawn Trilogy. For the uninitiated, this series' popularity helped launch the expanded universerse we all take for granted now. For example, the 'Imperial Planet' was first named Coruscant in this trilogy. If you enjoyed it as much as I did, this audiobook will make you want to listen to the third and final book, The Last Command, thankfully also available unabridged and narrated by Marc Thompson. The Force is strong with this one!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for deej
  • deej
  • 2017-09-13

should have been the next movies in the series

I wish these would have been the next movies in the series. much better story than episode VII. GREAT JOB BY Timothy Zahn

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Gary
  • Gary
  • 2013-03-01

Marc Thompson,Timothy Zahn what else do you need?

Any additional comments?

Marc Thompson' performance of this brilliant story is second to none. He created voices for previously unknown characters and did a fantastic job on mimicing the characters we all know from the first three films. His portrayal of Grand Admiral Thrawn really made the character come to life. He was menacing and always in control. Really great series.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for sascha krohn
  • sascha krohn
  • 2019-11-02

excellent !

proper sequel to episode 4 5 and 6
way better than the new disney star wars

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Greg
  • Greg
  • 2012-08-07

Like "Empire" the middle volume is great

Where does Star Wars: Dark Force Rising rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

What did you like best about this story?

Marc Thompson's reading

What does Marc Thompson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great voice acting. Mark and Jim Dale are the best.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Another great book by Tim Zahn. Hope they re-do the "Hand of Thrawn" series. Un-Abridged and with Marc Thompson doing the reading.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Lisa Newman
  • Lisa Newman
  • 2020-08-15

True spirit of original movies

If you are a true Star Wars fan this series is a must-classic story that does justice to the original trilogy and it’s characters unlike the last set of movies especially the Last Jedi and the trash that it was

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Dr. Joe
  • Dr. Joe
  • 2016-09-01

Great Story with a Superb Performance!!!

Would you listen to Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2 again? Why?

I just turned 40 but this audiobook made me feel like a kid again! So much fun and action and intrigue. I will listen to this book over and over again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2?

What a wild, extensive and intriguing continuation of book 1. A vast array of characters and worlds with a great plot, with a nice bit of mystery and the perfect adversary!

Which character – as performed by Marc Thompson – was your favorite?

I have quickly become a huge fan of Marc Thompson because of his supreme talent. He is a true Actor and not just a narrator. He has perfect timing and a wide range or character voices and accents. Simply the best!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

With the impeccable performance by Marc Thompson and the authentic Star Wars sounds and music I found myself feeling the emotions that the text conveyed...angry, anxious, nervous, wonder, bewildered, relief etc. Thank you Random House for an outstanding production!!!

Any additional comments?

I'll say it again... Timothy Zahn and Marc Thompson make magic together. Great writing and great performance!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Client d'Amazon
  • Client d'Amazon
  • 2018-03-21

As with first book, great story and stellar perf.

as with the first book of the trilogy, the story is engaging and feels very much star wars; the perormance is perfect with a great set of voices by Marc Thompson, especially his han and luke voices ( thrawn & pelyon too but they don't have movie counterparts).

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

.