Leia and Han are married and expecting twins and Luke is the first of a hoped-for new group of Jedi Knights. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, Heir to the Empire’s plot focuses on how the heroes of the original trilogy are now dealing with their place in the New Republic, still a relatively new institution. It’s no surprise that he has continued to remain a popular character in the Star Wars universe. Thrawn is a cold and calculating character who’s demeanor and tone of voice basically jump off the page. His analytical mind and penchant for studying art shows that the brain of evil can be just as deadly as their brawn.

Aside from his blue skin and fiery red eyes, this Chiss villain was and remains a truly unique character. Offering old and new fans alike the opportunity to experience Zahn’s classic tale, this updated edition features beautiful cover art by Tracie Ching.Īt the center of this tale is Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villain who has grown in popularity over the years and has made appearances in novels, comic books and animated series (with his live action debut on the horizon). The Essential Legends Collection paperback edition was released by Del Rey in June 2021 in celebration of 50 years of Lucasfilm. In a time before the prequel and sequel trilogies, fans clamored for anything Star Wars related, and Zahn’s book struck a chord-and its impact is still felt today.

Arguably the novel that kicked off the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Heir to the Empire is a political, action-packed, and character-driven galactic thrill ride.įirst published by Bantam Spectra in 1991, Heir to the Empire is credited with reinvigorating the Star Wars franchise by offering fans of the original trilogy a chance to catch up with beloved characters while introducing new ones. This Dad Reads and Tatooine Times have partnered up to present my review of Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars classic Heir to the Empire (also available over my blog).

Timothy zahn heir to the empire