Product Description

Princess Leia is struggling to hold the New Republic together. An ambitious Moff Disra is leading a conspiracy to divide the coalition with a plot to blame the Bothans for a heinous crime. Then comes the startling news that Grand Admiral Thrawn - believed to be dead for ten years - is alive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #322703 in Books
• Published on: 1998-09-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

From the Back Cover
Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn makes his triumphant return to the Star Wars universe in this first of an epic two-volume series in which the New Republic must face its most dangerous enemy yet - a dead Imperial warlord.

SPECTER OF THE PAST

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 unravelling 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.

About the Author
Timothy Zahn
Timothy Zahn is one of science fiction's most popular voices, known for his ability to tell very human stories against a well-researched background of future science and technology. He won the Hugo Award for his novella Cascade Point and is the author of sixteen science fiction novels, including the bestselling Star Wars trilogy: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command; the novels Conquerors' Pride, Conqueror's Heritage, and Conquerors' Legacy; three collections of short fiction; and the two novels in The Hand of Thrawn sequence, Specter of the Past and Vision of the Future. He lives in Oregon, USA.

Customer Reviews

Zahn's usual standard
This book is just as good as the original Thrawn trilogy. All characters and storylines interact well to produce on of the best Star Wars novels that I have read. After finishing this you will be desperate to read 'Vision of the Future'.

However, I would not recommend reading this book if you haven't read the original Thrawn trilogy. Not because it is hard to pick up the storyline but reading this first will spoil your enjoyment of three great novels.

No other author manages to capture the magic of the movies quite like Zahn does. I can't wait for more.

A great idea well written
Having never read any star wars books, only listened to the audio and this was a great starter. It brings back characters from the old thrawn trilogy, who had not had any major roles since, like Talon Karde, and Captain/Vice Admiral/Admiral Pellaeon (who had only been in darksaber since).
The introduction of new characters suchas Moff Disra and Major Tierce gives the story a new flavour and the ending will leave you interested and keen to read vision of the future.

An enthralling read with a great plot
A great book from an excellent author. It is worth buying this book just for the plot. The idea of the whole Thrawn scam is quite clever with some clever plot twist and excellent description, this a brilliant book. The character developemnt is great and the plot twists near the end of this duology are good. I've just re-read this book for the uptenth tome and you HAVE to get it . If you don't you don't know what you're missing.