Customer Reviews

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy: Heir to the Empire: Volume I

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In 1991, Bantam Books and Lucasfilm Ltd. reinvigorated interest in the Star Wars universe (well, galaxy) by gathering a diverse group of noted science fiction writers and starting a regular series of novels set in the time period which follows Return of the Jedi.

Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, the first volume of a three-book cycle, was almost an instant phenomenon when it was published in hardcover. With its depiction of the continuing battle between what is left of the Galactic Empire and the fledgling New Republic, this novel cleverly mixes the characters from the Classic Trilogy with a cast of newly created heroes and villains, some of whom will make appearances in other authors' Star Wars works.

As Heir to the Empire begins, the New Republic has been engaged in a long campaign to mop up the remnants of the once-mighty Empire. The once dreaded Imperial Fleet is in disarray, political and military control of the late Emperor Palpatine's New Order has changed hands several times, yet the former Rebels have reduced Imperial dominion to one quarter of its former size. Yet even as Mon Mothma and the New Republic government establish democratic rule from Coruscant (former capital of both the Old Republic and the Galactic Empire), a new dark force has arisen in the form of one of the Empire's most cunning warriors.

His name is Thrawn, and his tactical and intellectual gifts are so great that the racist and sexist Palpatine had promoted him to be the only non-human to wear the white uniform of Grand Admiral. For several years after the Battle of Endor (where the Rebels destroyed the second Death Star and both the Emperor and Darth Vader died), Thrawn was pacifying the Unknown Regions until his return to Imperial territory. Now, with a small but powerful Imperial fleet at his command, the mysterious Grand Admiral believes he holds the key to the undoing of the New Republic and the restoration of the Empire.

Zahn not only introduced a set of new characters that would become essential to what fans know as the Expanded Universe series (the charming smuggler-chief Talon Karrde, the beautiful but mysterious Mara Jade, the devoted Imperial fleet captain Pelleaon, and the mad clone Joruus C'baoth), but he brought fans of the movie heroes up to date on the lives of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and the droids.

A professional reviewer, at the time of the book's first appearance in 1991, wrote that Heir to the Empire "captures the spirit of the movie trilogy so well, you can almost hear John Williams' soundtrack." Indeed, Zahn does a superb job rendering the personalities from George Lucas' films that one can almost hear Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Billy Dee Williams, and Anthony Daniels when reading their characters' dialogue. The pace of the book is brisk and the action sequences are so well done that one can swear they are cinematic. Although there are many Star Wars authors whose novels are spellbinding, Zahn stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

Being a hard-core Star Wars fan since '77, I was thrilled but cautious when 'Heir To The Empire' first came out. I had read 'Splinter of the Mind's Eye', the FIRST Star Wars novel outside of the original trilogy books (which ALL stink, by the way) and although it was entertaining, it just seemed like a story with characters who had the same names as Leia & Luke & Darth etc. There was no real substance that tied the 'spirit' of the movies to the book. But even so, I gave Timothy Zahn a shot, and all I can say is WOW! He has captured the very 'essence' of Star Wars PERFECTLY. IF George Lucas ever decided to make Episode 7, 8 & 9 he would start with 'Heir' for sure. I don't think even HE could improve upon his own stories any better than Zahn has. Everything from Grand Admiral Thrawn (a fantastic character, and MUCH more depth than Darth or the Emperor) to the Emperor's Hand, Mara Jade, to the ingenious introduction of creatures that actually REPEL the Force, this book and it's incredible sequels are NOT to be missed. If you have EVER wondered if there were novels about the Star Wars Universe that were every bit as good as the movies, than Zahn is your author and the next series you read should start with 'Heir To The Empire'. I have read and re-read this series 3 times now, and each time I find something new to remember, and another reason to be impressed with Zahn's writing style and ability. I have also read almost all of the 'other' Star Wars novels out there (since a rash of them have been published since the completion of 'The Last Command') and there are but a small few that are even worthy of the Star Wars name, and none of THEM even rival THIS series by Zahn. I'm telling ya, THIS is IT! Ever wonder where Lucas came up with the name for the Imperial world, 'Coroscant'? He BORROWED it from Zahn (no joke). I figure if you don't read this series, you just CAN'T be a serious fan of Star Wars...but if you ARE, don't put off grabbing this entire series ASAP. It's just fantastic Space Opera. Go ahead, give it a shot. Read book 1, enjoy. Go to book 2, repeat. Etc.

A very entertaining, action-packed first volume in a trilogy that retains the values of the films.
The Rebel Alliance has since become the New Republic and is struggling to form a galactic government with the planet Coruscant as its center. However, the honeymoon period is about to be cut short, when a vicious tactical genius aided by a powerful Jedi Master take over the remants of the Empire and set out to destroy the fledgling New Republic.
The characters that we know and love have grown in stature but have not lost their capacity to be in the center of things. Luke's continuing his development as a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, Han has continued his shift to respectability by marrying Princess Leia and the two of them even have twins on the way who promise to be tremendously strong in the Force. The famous droid duo of C3PO and R2-D2, and the Wookie Chewbacca all return as well. Periphery characters such as Wedge and Lando Calrissian are fleshed out as well.
New characters are also introduced. The charming smuggler Talon Karrde makes an appearance, spearheading the remants of Jabba the Hutt's criminal organisation, and so does his fiesty red-haired partner-in-crime Mara Jade, a dangerous woman with a mysterious past and a sharp tongue. A new race of gray-skinned aliens called the Noghri, who serve the Empire as lethal commandos, are also along for the ride. The best of these characters though is the red-eyed, blue-skinned, white-uniformed Grand Admiral Thrawn; a deliciously brilliant tactical genius, dangerous and decisive, and with such a degree of class, charm and intelligence that its impossible not to warm to the guy. He is also refreshingly grey in a universe that was depicted in the films as black and white (until that revelation at the end of the middle film). He has a thirst for power, and does not suffer fools, but neither does he have the evil capriciousness that led Darth Vader to summarily execute those men who failed him. He is a realistic military commander, who gets the best out of his available resources but does not waste them foolishly.
The evil Jedi Master Joruus C'Baoth though is a relentlessly irritating concoction however, as petulant and moody as a teenager. The fact that Zahn meant to have him this way does not soften the blow either. I felt compelled to read on if only for the intensely satisfying moment when this guy would meet his doom.
The writing itself is limited, but Zahn has an eye for an action set-piece and these don't fail to disappoint. I did get annoyed at the overuse of the words 'sardonically', 'sarcastically' and 'countered', and the extensive tight smiles, lip twisting and sentence ellipsis. Its still true to the films though, with space battles, fire fights and a healthy dose of stormtroopers, and the story itself is so full of twists and turns that it is a guaranteed page-turner. Its no literary masterpiece, but if you love the films and a juicily convoluted plot that never fails to excite, then you won't go far wrong with this.

Heir to the Empire is the first in a wonderfully written trilogy by Timothy Zahn. This authorized continuation to the Star Wars saga takes place five years after Return of the Jedi.

The last of the Emperor's ruthless regime, Grand Admiral Thrawn, has taken over the Imperial Starfleet, and positioned it for a suprise attack on the New Republic, with the help of a long-lost dark Jedi Knight. Thrawn is the ultimate villian. He shows incredible poise and patience where others have failed in the past.

All of the familiar characters are back along with some incredible new ones, who fit perfectly into this action-packed book. Zahn loads the book with incredible detail, and sets beautifully-descibed backgrounds for the great storyline. He clearly develops the plot so that, by the end of the novel, you can't wait to read the next book of the series.

The character development is superb, and he maintains good descriptive language in this excellent book of intrigue and mystery. The classic good vs. evil conflict has never been more interesting, because you can't tell who truly is the good and who is the evil. You cannot go wrong with this book.

Perhaps you miss Chewbacca, or the earlier years when Star Wars seemed a bit simpler, and no one felt the need to start pruning central and favorite characters, in order to make "Science Fiction" more realistic. Or maybe you need to brush up on which Grand Admiral was causing trouble for planets after studying with his glowing red eyes their art, as a prelude to their destruction. And do you recall which sessile tree-dwelling creatures made their debut or the Planet that was their home, or perhaps the smuggler who also resided there.

I just wanted to go back to where the Star wars experience continued, to the summer of 1991, and the first trilogy written by Timothy Zahn. I wanted to see how well this volume held up after almost a decade, and dozens upon dozens of books, and one prequel later.

The effect is rather jarring, and it is only not due to Chewbacca's presence, or the amount of action that takes place on his home planet of Kashyyyk. The Star Wars Universe described some 9 years ago for readers, that documented events only 5 years after Episode VI, really is a very different place. The cast of players is dramatically fewer, and I gained even more appreciation for just how complex the latest novels have become.

I also suggest that for those who became fans of the written adventures later on in their development, that they would gain a much better grounding by reading these first books that take place after the middle cinematic trilogy. Many of the players in this first book continue on to the most recent "Balance Point" by Kathy Tyers. And others, who also remain, have evolved so far as to be unrecognizable, if you knowledge of them is limited to the more recent books.

I know there are fans out there that have never forgotten a single detail of any adventure. I wish I could claim such an accurate memory. This book sat on a shelf for 9 years, and while the read was very different, it was still very enjoyable. The only element that has diminished is that when this book first arrived, it was the first fresh experience for all who had been with the series since 1977, and for those who had never seen the films.

Diminished may be too strong a word, for Mr. Zahn is one of the masters of the Star Wars history, and excellent writing rarely degrades with time.

So get it, or read again what you may have owned for a decade. Travel back to Mount Tantiss, and the figure that calls it home, and your subsequent reads will be improved.

"Heir To The Empire" was the first Star Wars novel to come out back in the early 90s when the saga was revived through novels and comics. It's not the first Chronologically to follow the movie "Return Of The Jedi" (that distinction goes to "The Truce At Bakura", and in my opinion either "Heir" or "Truce" make great starting points for anyone who's seen the movies but hasn't yet delved into the books) but it was the first published, so I've decided to do its writeup first.

If you want to start with "The Truce At Bakura" you might be better off not reading the rest of this, because "Truce" picks up immediately after "Jedi" while "Heir" takes place 5 years after that timeframe, and in talking about it it'll be necessary to say where the Star Wars Universe is at in that period of time.


Five years have passed since the death of the Emperor and the destruction of the second Death Star, but that momentous victory didn't signal the abrupt end of the Empire itself. It did set in motion the Empire's rapid decline, and after five years the Empire finds itself boxed into an area a fifth the size of its former territory, while the Rebellion, now known as the New Republic, has liberated the rest of the Empire's territory. Luke Skywalker has grown in the Force to where he's far more powerful than he was at the end of "Jedi", Han Solo and Leia Organa are married with young children (this all comes out in the first couple of chapters of the book; no spoilers), the Republic is beginning to fully flourish and prosper, and the once seemingly indomitable Empire is low on ships, low on troops, low on morale, and losing ground to the Republic at a constant basis.

Into this time of void for the Empire and growing revitalization for the rest of the galaxy comes Imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of several major new characters who make their debut in "Heir". What's kept the expanding Star Wars Universe strong is that it's kept its characters from the movies (in some cases expanding their roles quite a bit, like with Admiral Ackbar, a feature character in some books) but it's continued adding new ones, actually adding new ones who come to be just as important as the movie players. After the first "Star Wars" they didn't restrict themselves to having that movie's characters and that movie's characters only: they added Yoda, Lando Calrissian, gave us our first look at the Emperor, added new planets, vehicles, etc. Same with "Return Of The Jedi" - enter the Ewoks (who I feel have been unjustly maligned), the Mon Calamari, a slew of new species and characters at Jabba's Palace and so on. Likewise the prequel movies, years after the books started going again, didn't limit themselves to having just Obi-Wan, Annakin, Yoda, et al. when they were younger; enter Padme Naberrie, Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn, Jar Jar Binks, Count Dooku and a wealth of others. The novels and comics have been successful in expanding the overall mythos of Star Wars most times out, not by diminishing the classic characters but by bringing in new, vital characters.

Thrawn is definately one of these. A blue-skinned hybrid between a human and an unknown alien, Thrawn is brilliant and ruthless, but possessed of a magnetism that inspires loyalty and reinvigorates the demoralized Imperial forces. Probably the greatest strategic mind the Empire ever produced, Thrawn spent the years of the original Star Wars movie trilogy far off on the outermost fringes of the galaxy, subduing what few systems had not already become part of the Empire. The last of the Empire's twelve Grand Admirals, his return to the heart of the galaxy and subsequent assume of command of the remaining Imperial fleet manages to suddenly - and believably - turn the tide of battle significantly. Thrawn immediately establishes himself as one of the great Star Wars villains, as impressive as the Emperor, Darth Maul, the Fetts, etc., possibly surpassed only by Darth Vader himself.

Of the many other characters introduced the other one who not only makes an immediate impact but establishes herself as one of the great Star Wars characters in the entire pantheon is Mara Jade. She's a secretive, mysterious character in "Heir", her origin not being revealed until later in the saga, but she's hugely engaging, a powerfully driven ticking timebomb driven by hate and loss and biding her time as part of a smuggling outfit. She's every bit as important a new character as Thrawn.

Outstandingly written to the point where you can visualize the exotic locales with crystal clarity, can almost hear the thrum of the star destroyers and the mesmerising buzzing hum of the lightsabers, can practically Smell the lightsabers(like freshly fallen snow mixed with a hint of some flavor like vanilla or frosting or incense, I imagine them), "Heir To The Empire" places one right in the middle of the saga. And proves masterfully that the story of "Star Wars" is fully justified in continuing on past the end of "Return Of The Jedi". Magnificent.

Timothy Zahn captures the spirit and the feel that we all love from Episodes IV, V and VI.

His original Trilogy was an excellent continuation of the lives of the characters of those movies. It shows the struggles of the Rebellion transforming into the New Republic and introduces a villain that you will enjoy so much you sometimes find yourself rooting for the bad guys.

In my opinion the Zahn Trilogy are the best of the myriad of Star Wars novel out there. If you love the original trilogy of movies, you will love these books.

I had the chance to meet the man and have him sign the books for me. I could tell that he truly loved the Star Wars universe and had a great appreciation for his readers.

I've been watching Star Wars episodes (4-6) throughout my entire childhood. At the end of this incessant compulsion there used to be an empty feeling that has now been finally relieved. In Heir to the Empire Timothy Zahn (Hugo award winning author, trust me it's a big deal) delivers a staunch continuation into the Star Wars universe. He has brought forth a new trilogy and really starts it off with a bang. Zhan gives the reader a new story using the entire surviving old cast. He excels at maintaining Luke, the droids, the Wookie and the rest of the gangs classic personality while still creating new and interesting feats and growths for all these characters. There is a plethora of new villains, old heroes and some that are in-between. All of which fit perfectly in the star wars universe and are just as interesting or more so than some of classic icons e.g. Darth Vader.

Story (thrilling fun): Zahn starts us off five years after the battle of Endor. Han and Leia are married awaiting twins. Leia has under gone her apprentice as a Jedi and is gifted to say the least. Luke's a very powerful Jedi but not without limits or the need for assistance from time to time. The New Republic founder's (which includes our gang) are finding that maintaining their new leviathan of a government is nothing short of grueling. There also finding that just as the empire wasn't impervious to falling neither are they. The Empire is all but vanquished and beaten down but still holds considerable array of personnel and star ships. Plus a new Grand Admiral has trickled from the shadows thus giving us a story. His razor sharp cunning puts the Republics ability to maintain control into question along with giving Luke and the gang a whole new set of quests and adventures to overcome. Overall this gripping story is just as much fun as watching its predecessors.

Descriptions (lush): Zahn is simply an artist at painting exotic scenes that let my imagination be utterly entertained. His ability to provided vivid atmospheres really took this book to the next level. Zhan delivered time and time again whether conveying the ambiance of a star destroyer bridge, the swagger of fan favorite Han Solo or the urgency to survive in a hostile forest.

Originality (fresh): Zahn delves deep into galactic politics creating a broader space opera than ever before. There's new vicious species along with curiously gifted ones. Not to mention several well thought out diabolical schemes for the surviving Empire. Zahn ideas at times are flat out genius while others are nothing short of well crafted. I'm mainly impressed with Grand Admiral Thrawn who is the Empire's new glowing red eyed commander and the reader's new villain to love. Then coming out of woodwork is Mara Jade a female force to be reckoned with. Her closet is overflowing with secrets (don't worry no spoilers here) that really keep the story full of surprises. So much more but I don't want to ruin any of this instant classic fresh spins and turns.

Final thoughts (this is episode VII): If you love Star Wars this is really episode 7. It's as great as your imagination can handle and lives up to all the hype. For non-sci-fi readers or non-Star Wars fans this may not be for you yet if that is your M.O. I'm perplexed as to why you're even reading this review. This is solid book from character development down to plot and has excellent re-readability. To sum this up this is one of my all time favorite reads and authors. The real Heir to the Empire is Timothy Zahn.

Compared to some of the other Star Wars books out there (Children of the Jedi, The Courtship of Princess Leia,) Heir to the Empire (and the other two books of this series) are pretty good. However, I find this book to be rather overrated by most people.

For one, the characters that Zahn introduces are not all that interesting. The story's main villian (Grand Admirial Thrawn) is a cool-headed genius who plots and schemes and rarely makes a mistake, however we are given no real insight into who Thrawn is. The smuggler boss, Talon Karrde, is similar to Thrawn in that he is also cool-headed and smart, and basically emotionless.

The worst thing about this book is undoubtably the dialog. As has been noted by other reviewers, Zahn REPEATEDLY uses the same expressions and phrases for all his characters, under almost all circumstances. It makes all the dialog sound the same and sound very uninteresting. Everybody always doing "wry grins" and saying things wryly and "squeezing their thumb and forefinger together" (whatever that is,) and saying "Point," "Agreed," talking in cool, carefully modulated voices. It's stupid and it got on my nerves.

While the overall plot was okay, the weak characters and dialog really spoil the series. At times, it's like you want to know what happens next, getting to the next part is sometimes painful because of the poor dialog, and somewhat lacking descriptions.

And it really doesn't feel like Star Wars too me. There is more wallowing in grey areas than good vs. evil stuff, there is little drama and no color, and no cool special effects.

A lot of people recommend this as the first Star Wars book you should read, but I personally don't. I think the X-Wing Series is probably the best series out right now. Although it doesn't star any of the main characters of the movies, that is part of what's so great about it... all the characters are new and fresh and are developed from scratch.

I have this trilogy in paperback ....and love the story. Having said that, the transcription from book to e-book is horrible. Mass mispellings, many parts of certain chapters weren'tseperated and ran back to back. It's almost as if it was typed by a 14 yr old who can't even proofread his/her own work. Half the time you can tell words were misspelled because the autocorrection completely changes the word from the original. If you have a tablet, get this trilogy on a different e-reader program.