Heir to the Empire

by Timothy Zahn

A review by Don J'Bar

 

Heir to the Empire is set about 5 years after ROTJ, and is actually the first novel licensed by Lucas. It was a trend setter and remains, to this day, the standard by which Star Wars Fiction is judged. The novel not only recreates the Space Opera but is easily integrated into the more known Lucas defined Universe by bringing back our favourite characters but also introduces to a few new ones as well. In fact, we meet some of the most widely known characters in the Expanded Universe.

The Rebel Alliance, trying to form the New Republic Government, is up to its ears in bureaucratic red tape, and Leia Organa Solo, pregnant for twins, is called upon to perform more and more government functions because of her upbringing as the "daughter" of Bail Organa. These assingnments include getting new members to join the Republic and to help with the Peace Process. However a new and heretofore unknown Grand Admiral of the Empire has returned from the Unknown regions and has taken control of the Empire's resources and is proving to be a tactical genius, using hit-and-run techniques (not the Empire's style at all) to cause more and more havoc among New Republic Forces.

Grand Admiral Thrawn, realizing that the key to victory for the Empire lies with the Skywalker twins, attempts to kidnap them and put them to his use (the Emperor never succeeded - why should Thrawn, right?) He comes close to succeeding however, if not for the assisstance of some unlikely allies from the new crimelord - Talon Karrde - and his associates, including Mara Jade, who has a rather shady past as the Emperor's Hand......

The novel moves along and captivates from the get go. Zahn brings the Star Wars Universe back alive with flying colours, in a most captivating way. I cannot say enough good things about this novel, I suggest you read it for yourself. In fact the three part series is all worthwhile (look soon for Dark Force Rising here)

I have to give this a definite 4 of 4 rebel insignias. It is totally awesome fiction.

Just my two credits, Don

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

All images and graphics and assorted fan art are © The Staff of the Expanded Universe. They are not to be used without permission unless otherwise stated., in which case credit will be given where credit is do. Remember people we worked hard to bring this stuff out to you , so at least acknowledge where it came from!

Thanks to the greatest Jedi of all time, the mighty George Lucas and his vision for bringing us this epic tale. Again all items belonging to George Lucas and all of his associates are© of his companies, and I take no reponsibility for their use. Enjoy!!!