Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 Audiobook By Timothy Zahn cover art

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

Preview
Get this deal Try for $0.00
Offer ends December 16, 2025 11:59pm PT.
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible? Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Just $0.99/mo for your first 3 months of Audible.
1 audiobook per month of your choice from our unparalleled catalog.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals.
Auto-renews at $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

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

By: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
Get this deal Try for $0.00

$14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offers ends December 16, 2025 11:59pm PT.

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $20.25

Buy for $20.25

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
Adventure Genre Fiction Military Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Science Fiction Space Opera

Editorial reviews

"Longtime fans should get considerable pleasure from this addition to the saga." ( Publishers Weekly)

Critic reviews

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

Featured Article: Who Is Grand Admiral Thrawn? The Ultimate Guide


Looking for a rundown of what The Mandalorian's latest name-drop means for the Star Wars universe? We've got you covered. Whether you're a casual fan who was left asking, "Wait...who is Grand Admiral Thrawn?" or a certified fanatic overjoyed at the very mention of the big blue bad, it's never a bad time for a quick refresher. We’ve compiled the best listens featuring Thrawn that offer key information on one of the most chilling villains in the entire franchise.

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before

Our stellar collection of intergalactic listens offers an expansive
universe of adventure anytime, anywhere.
Classic Zahn Storytelling • Intricate Plot • Exceptional Voice Acting • Distinct Character Voices • Political Intrigue

Highly rated for:

All stars
Most relevant
Amazingly well done. Its is not as good as the Thrawn trilogy, but is easily one of the very best stories in the Star Wars series, which on its own is an achievement as majority of the books in the star wars universe are just so far above and beyond better than the competition. Now all I wish they would do is not tease readers with these single releases and go ahead and get the other part of this done already. Almost Christmas and mo follow up??? Common guys. Its not like you don't know how addictive these books are. CAN WE PLEASE GET THE NEXT ONE

WHERE IS THE NEXT ONE....

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

I really enjoyed the story and I like I always enjoy Marc Thompson's performance as narrator, however, occasionally when he does a voice for an alien character the voice is a little too, alien and can be difficult to understand. That shouldn't discourage someone from listening though, still a very good performance.

Good story

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

What made the experience of listening to Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 the most enjoyable?

I have heard alot of books read by marc and like all the others you feel right at home from the first chapter. Knowing the voices of all the characters in the book makes it extremely easy to follow who does and say what. The story was for me captivating from start to end. some good surprises/twists mixed with the star wars humor. Though if is should be your first star wars book I would imagine that you would feel rather lost as there is alot of history from earlier books, at least i triggered alot in rememberance of earlier books. All in all a really good book which should keep you entertained never the less.

What other book might you compare Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 to and why?

The thrawn trilogy by timopthy zahn

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the scene with luke encountering the old woman and the child.

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

this book does make me laugh quite abit. might be my enjoyment of the star wars that triggers it but never the less i have good times with marc zahn and starwars.

Yet again a great star wars book by zahn and marc

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

Great book and wonderful performance. Marc always does a nice job. Don't hesitate, listen to it.

Another Great One

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

Half the book seemed like it was just developing the plot. A bit slow moving.

Good, but not my favorite Zahn

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

See more reviews