Book 1 - Specter of the Past, The Hand of Thrawn

Zahn cooked up a great story and made it believable, something some authers of the Star Wars Universe have had trouble doing. And yet, having read several of Zahn's other works, I can't say it's one of his best. Despite its great plot, the cast were just hard to get in to. Worst off however was how the end, it just sort of, well, ended. Up to the end the plot has ammounted to very little. Had it not been for Zahn's amazing writing style my rating would have dropped below three. However, I encourage you to read the book because its sequal poses a definete match for his original series, the Heir to the Empire trilogy, but without the information presented in this book the reader can't enjoy it.
Remember, the Force is with you!

With Specter of the Past, Timothy Zahn returned to the Star Wars Expanded Universe and starting tying a neat little bow around the Bantam Spectra era of the publishing license. Bantam published a wide array of Star Wars stories in the 1990s starting with the superb Heir to the Empire. The majority of Bantam's novels were set in the post-Return of the Jedi era and took a wide variety of directions while still maintaining a reasonably cohesive overall storyline. Just as he kicked off the Star Wars literary renaissance with his Thrawn Trilogy, here Mr. Zahn is afforded the opportunity to provide some closure to this era and set the stage for the new (at the time) publisher Del Rey's gritty New Jedi Order saga.

Despite Grand Admiral Thrawn's apparent demise at the end of The Last Command, his persona haunts this story in a gripping and imaginative way. His mysterious reappearance frightens the New Republic deeply and breathes new life into the dwindling Empire. Beyond that, though, his mentorship of Admiral Pellaeon motivates the Admiral into making a necessary but humiliating decision regarding the future of the Empire's remnants. Pallaeon determines that making peace with the New Republic represents the Empire's only hope for the future. He bravely puts aside his own feelings and ego to lead the way down this bold path.

Concurrent with Pellaeon's plan to surrender is a fascinating storyline centered around the devastation of the planet Caamas decades earlier (an event brought to further light in the second Coruscant Nights book Street of Shadows). This plot could have been ripped from today's contentious and vindictive headlines, as the entire Bothan race takes heat for the actions of an unknown number of individuals years ago. Politicians scramble to benefit from the controversy and across the galaxy numerous petty grievances flare up, using the Caamas debate as an excuse to revisit ancient vendettas.

I relished the use of the Caamas document as a primary plot device. While I enjoy the scheming of evil Sith and Imperial warlords as much as anyone, this was an engaging change from the villain- and superweapon-of-the-week stories found fairly often in the Bantam era. Battle lines are drawn but good and evil are often not clearly delineated, a theme shown on a micro scale by the numerous local conflicts and on a macro one by the overall shift in the New Republic's leadership compared to the spark of benevolence found in Pallaeon's vision for the Empire. Of course, lest anyone think the entire Empire has suddenly changed character, we do get the evil Moff Disra, his co-conspirator Major Tierce, and the actor Flim trying to flare up the minor disagreements in the New Republic's constituencies into the downfall of the galactic government.

Mr. Zahn brings back several favorite/pivotal characters from throughout the Bantam books. Smuggler Talon Karrde returns along with Mara Jade, both still aiding and abetting the New Republic despite trying to keep their distance. Duplicitous-but-not-quite-evil Borsk Fey'lya is back and finds himself the center of an unwelcome spotlight with the resurgence of the Caamas holocaust. There are many minor nods to other stories and Zahn also lifts bits from Star Wars short stories he wrote for the Tales books and other sources.

Specter of the Past is an excellent start to the Hand of Thrawn duology. Strong and accurate characterizations, an intelligent plot, and a rapid pace set a rock-solid foundation for the sequel Vision of the Future.

Timothy Zahn resumes his role as perhaps the most accomplished Star Wars writer after the "Thrawn Trilogy" with the "Hand of Thrawn" series. As the most menacing villain since the Emperor, resurrecting the Thrawn charcter would seem a natural choice. Yet some may find the circumstances of Thrawn's return hand to swallow.

The core characters of the original Star Wars trilogy seem to be adjusting to a sense of peace as the novel begins. But the conflict between the Bothans and the Noghri is revisited at an suspicious time. This sets the plot in motion as the remains of Thrawn's group appear ready to surrender their cause. When Thrawn allegedly makes an appearnce, the peace is sent into a state of jeopardy with the potential Bothan conflict simmering. New members join the New Republic's cause, though somwhat reluctantly. The subplot of Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker also seems underused.

I enjoy Zahn's ventures into the Star Wars series, though I felt this one spent too much time in dialogue. I realize this is necessary to establish the series for the next book. However, the overall product was somewhat dry.

I was very disapointed with Timothy Zahn - I expect much more. The book is well written but would only serve as a great introduction to a novel. In his first trilogy, he has some kind of wrap up to each of the first two books, but the reader knows that more is coming, and needed, to finish the story. I feel like this book introduces the story line and then just stops. It is like reading half of a book and then waiting six months to finish it. I am sure I will get the book, but I will resist the next set of books that are sure to come. I would rather pay double for the complete book than be suckered in for part II.

This book is the most original, creative and all around best in the Star Wars series since Zahn's first trilogy. As a Star Wars fan I really can't praise Zahn enough. While his fellow star wars authors continue to bore us with more reconstructions of the death star and the many uninspiring missions of rogue squadron, Zahn is the only one taking Star Wars to new levels. The nature of the conflict in this latest book is much more deep, involving and original than anything else so far. Believe me, it is much more than just the "return" of Grand Admiral Thrawn. It explores the conflicts and animosity within the Republic itself, political intrigue and conspiracy, and power struggles within the empire as well. The many subplots and different worlds described in this book help to make the star wars universe more immersive and remind the reader just how big that universe is. Zahn is also the only author who has introduced new characters into the star wars universe that are actually interesting and original(Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, the Noghri and especially Thrawn). But despite all this, Specter is not for all star wars fans. The plot can only be appreciated by the mature reader and there is very little action throughout the entire book. But then again, all the juvenile fans are more likely to be playing the video games and buying the toys than to be reading books. Anyway, Zahn is the greatest and he continues to set the standard for star wars stories. BUT I still have a few gripes(nothing's perfect). First of all, I think that there were too many unnecessary characters that sometimes served as a distraction. Secondly, although Zahn did a great job of portraying the old characters of star wars he failed to take them in any new direction this time around. Third, there could've been more action(at least one lightsaber duel next time PLEEZ!!). And finally, I was disappointed to see that Luke didn't do much of anything this time. Despite all these minor flaws, those who've already read Zahn's first trilogy won't be able to find better star wars reading anywhere else. Hats off to you Mr. Zahn and I hope you continue writing Star Wars.

It was wonderful to read this book. After all those silly stories that the other authors wrote, that had all the same plot, it was nice to read something a little different. Besides, it's great to see Mara and Luke again...I couldn't stand that Callista anymore. Zahn did pretty well in this book, I hope he continues to do just as well on the sequel. Actually, reading only the first trilogy he wrote and ignoring almost all the other books in between you can still understand the whole story. Zahn is the best :)

You want Mara And Luke together?! It would never work! Mara would kill him! Not to mention the fact that there is no way that mara would live at the Jedi acadame.And dont even think about her and Lando. No No No! Mara Jade and Talon Karrd belong together!!!!! I mean look at his reaction when luke told him he had a vision that Mara looked dead in! The man was ready to send his entier fleat of ships after one person! Dose that tell you something? I will admit that Luke dose need a girlfriend BUT NOT MARA!!!

I thought that the beginning of this new Zahn trilogy was wonderful. For the Star Wars fan, this book is a "must read." It really sets the stage for the next two books. The characters hold true to their personalities, and the situations Zahn has created are fantastic. The idea of the Empire possibly surrendering to the New Republic is awesome. The possibility of Luke and Mara getting together is great! I just can't wait until the sequel comes out!

Okay, lets put it bluntley....Spectar is the best thing to come out of the Star Wars universe lately since the Rouge Squadron. Timothy Zahn and Stackpole are probably the only two writers that have taken the original star wars universe and made it better. Spectar is a product of that kind of writing. Nothing against the other SW's writers but they havent been able to capture the characters essence and they havent been able to grip a reader as Zahn can. I had almost given up on star wars books until I found out that Zahn was writing this book. This book brought back the characters and the creativity that first attracted me to the Star Wars universe. He has a great sense of plot and storytelling that is so addicting, you dont have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy the action and drama. He puts thought behind his villians, not just the brute Empire hates Republic storyline that most authors use. I have truley enjoyed this book for the refreshing storyline and character development, nothing like the other star wars books. I recommend it to any fan getting bored of the same old Star Wars plotline. All I can say is When is the sequel?!!!!!!! I cannot wait for more!

This novel is the spectacular return of a great Star Wars series. Timothy Zahn is a master storyteller. From the quick beginning to the end, it is satisfying Star Wars action. This novel is a MUST READ for any fan of Star Wars or even Science Fiction for that matter.
There is one catch, however. Make sure you have "Vision of the Future" handy after you finish this book. After this one ends the other picks right back up, and you don't want to put either one down until the last page is read!

Thrawn, long thought and accepted to be dead has arisen or has he? In this new series Zahn reawakens the fear felt in the senators of the council with the reemergence of the greatest strategist of the Empire. This comes to light in the center of the dealing of an age-old crime committed by the Bothans long before the Alderaan incident. Divided the Alliance is in the grip of losing it all to the rag tag minions of the Empire.

Zahn practically invented the starwars universe after ROTJ with Heir To The Empire (A must read!!!) When I first heard about the Hand of thrawn I couldn't wait to read it. As expected it is magic !!!!! I can't wait to get hold on the sequel. When I read Zahns books I feel the force They are so great they even destroy the possibility of making movies after ROTJ because I think most of you agree that Zahn`s books are equal to the movies in reliability about the starwars universe. When I read I feel ,The dream Luke had in the end gave me the chills, The characters Karrde, Mara Jade, G A Thrawn and Pellaon is the greatest additions to the starwars universe ever since the movies !!!!!! I love the situations Zahn puts the main characters in ! Specially all those hard choses about the ones they care for Anyone agrees ? Mail me if ya wanna
THANK YOU MR ZAHN !!!!!!!
One part of me is waiting for the solution of the greatest most epic story ever (STARWARS) and one part of me wants it to never end
Gotta go Seeya all *S*

I think Timothy Zahn did something that other authors don't, he explore character development in his novels and he also show the novel in dual perspective, those of the evil and those in the good. I suppose that's one reason why his novels require more than one book . Anyway, he is able to go into technical details of the technology in his novels but do not dwelve so deep in details that bore us but instead fascinate us.

Zahn is back! "Spector" is one of those books you just can't put down--and one that leaves you begging for more! He introduces some great new storylines--the Empire surrendering, Thrawn returning, a new twist on Luke and Mara's relationship, the Bothan intrigue...its all fantastic! Well-written as usual, Zahn proves again he is the master of the Star Wars books. I can't wait for the next one!!

This story contains Zahn's perpetual mastery, which is why it gets 4 stars, but it's very incomplete. The feel of The Hand of Thrawn Duology (Specter, and Vision of the Future) is that Zahn wrote the entire story, and then just found a good place to split it up so it could be two separate books. The ending isn't an ending at all, just the end of another chapter that happens to be the last in the book. However, this does not detract from the fact that it is still Timothy Zahn, and it's still great.

Actually, I think I was assuming that the print would be larger, there would still be as many pages about. That's how it is with differnt size books sometimes. Specifically, the Scriptures. But I simply didn't want to let down if the page number was wrong. An 832 page book will last a lot longer and I really like that. I, of course, did check the the Barnes and Noble description. N.O.Intended.

Timothy Zahn has picked up where he left off with his last Star Wars book, the Last Command! The political intrigue that he threads throughout the series is very detailed. He makes you think that the situations exists in the here and now, instead of in a galaxy far, far, away! Keep up the good work! Look forward to Visions of the Future. Anyone know when it will be released?

Zahn should leaving the Star Wars novels to Kevin J. Anderson. Never has it taken me so long to read a book. Zahn yammers on and on without saying much. Too many strange aliens which never appeared in the trilogy, and not enough of the main characters, espically Luke Skywalker. Too complicated, too many storylines, not enough action, and just plain uninteresting. One of the worst Star Wars novels to date.

Thankfully, this book once again blesses readers with Zahn's excellence. We were reintroduced to the world of Star Wars with his Heir to the Empire Trilogy -- an excellent beginning, and the works that followed his were simply of lesser quality. It's quite refreshing to read a Star Wars tale worthy of the name, the "myth", and the original stories.

Despite those who claim Mara and Luke do not belong together, I always have thought that they do. And Mr. Zahn probably thought the same. Those who have written novels that took place after Zahn's first trilogy couldn't catch his hint on Mara and Luke's relationship. Those two deserve a break after all that they have endured... and since they are two of a kind they deserve to be together. Both Mara and Luke have lost everything they had in the past... and that unites them... they understand each other. Luke doesn't need a housewife, he needs a friend, a companion... and no mather how sympathetic we are to Callista's problems, she is too deep into her own problems...in one word she's boring. Mara's my favourite character ever: she's real and not some mushy goody-good-doer. I even think she deserved to have her own prior history written in the star wars series.

A story that spreads the focus off of one character, giving everyone equal spotlight time though. I am pleased that there is the remote possibility that Luke Skywalker may possibly even have some one for himself now. I can really sympathize with him feeling like an outsider, even in his own family. Hopefully the sequal will give us Visions of the Future.

Once again, Timothy Zhan has my full attention. I unfortunately didn't realize this was a two book set. It isn't written on the cover or back of my paperback. So now..I am stuck waiting for the second half of what has up to this point been a fabulous story! It seems Zhan is aware of the fact that most of his readers are familiar with the star wars world, and wastes little time over-describing a bush from a remote world or the subtle difference between the eylashes of two members of the same alien species. While Character developement is nice, I find that too many of the star wars novels I read spend more time describing little, interesting to know, but unimportant things than giving me the epic action I crave. Not Zhan. If you are like me, buy these books, and the Heir to the Empire series. You won't be dissapointed! =Þ

Awesome. The book left me spellbound, and I can't wait for the next book(s)to come out. I loved every second of it, and for everyone who gave it less than a 8, needs to burn in the eternal, ever burnig flame, of the darkest inferno, of blackest hell. This book was, as they would say in french, Creme ala Creme(best of the best)!

My first word after finishing this book was WOW. This was such a great book, I couldn't put it down. I t was powerful and moving, definetly one of the best Star Wars books I have ever read. Timothy Zahn is a great author and draws you into the story. I advise all Star Wars fans, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hand of Thrawn series is amazing. This book is great and anybody who reads it will instanly love it. I just finished this book and now reading the sequal of this book Vision of The Future. It wraps up loose ends that other novels leave and will leave you recovering from a blaster set on stun. The greatest Grand Admiral returns to wreak mayhem in the Star Wars galaxy so the New Republic thinks. I recommend this book very much and anyone who reads it will not be disapointed.

I eagerly awaited Zahn's next Star Wars saga novel, and I wasn't disappointed. No other writer captures the spirit, fervor, and zeal of Star Wars as does Zahn. This book will have your hands shaking with anticipation, as you try to finish one page before springing to the next. I hope that other Star Wars writers use Zahn as an example.

Although I have just recently graduated from college (thank the Maker!) I'm not much of a reader. But I've been slowly plodding through all the Star Wars novels. If you really enjoyed the Thrawn trilogy, you'll enjoy these books (although you might be dissappointed at Thrawn's "return"!)
This book is written in Zahn's usual style and does a fairly decent job keeping you interested in each of the character's specific plot contributions. Zahn, following after the movies, does a good job following each of the seperate characters stories and masterfully bringing them together in the next book.

Specter of the Past is a beautifully written book that follows up on his previously written trilogy about Grand Admiral Thrawn. It all starts with Thrawn's reincarnation, while the New Republic slowly breaks up over an issue of Bothan betrayal. If you liked his first trilogy, you'll love this!

An early review of this book would suggest a need for some editing, maybe. It is a lot of setup: lots of political intrigue, several locations scattered throughout the galaxy, characters old and new, and considerable doses of continuity. I think Zahn will pull everything together, having loved the Thrawn trilogy these books follow.

Timothy Zahn is Great! This is the best book written for the Star Wars universe since The Last Command. I couldn't put this book down, and would read it late at night, even though I had to get up early in the morning. This book is a winner, and a must for all Star Wars Fans.

This book was excellent because of the plot, I thought. Unlike most of the other books, this one did not involve a superweapon of some sort. An old New Republic nemisis returning from the dead - completly new and original. I can't wait for Book 2 of this 2-part set to come out!

Zahn's done it again in this novel, producing quality Star Wars stories consistent with the movies, other novels and general theme of Star Wars. The setting is brilliant, and the character of Pellaeon is portrayed brilliantly. One of the best Star Wars books, if you keep up with SW, buy it.

The entire book is rising action (first act in dramatic terms), which makes it feel very slow and tedious. I haven't read Vision of the Future yet (just finished this one), but this entire book feels like it's just setting up for that. Unlike the 3 separate installments of the Thrawn Trilogy, which all work as independent books with their own conflicts being resolved (while also creating a full narrative over the three books), there's no resolution. It jumps back and forth between characters and plots, and 2/3 of the way through the book the reader still doesn't know where it's all leading. Bottom line: they should have released the 2 as one big book, but they probably wouldn't have made as much money or sold as many books. Zahn is one the best writers to handle the Star Wars universe, but I give it 3 stars due to publishing decisions.

Game on...
After suffering greatly from the parsimonious (and at times even scandalous!) inanity churned by the likes of Hambly and Anderson, Zahn returns to liberate the Star Wars universe with this towering masterpiece.
I have to admit that I felt a little cheated when I started reading this novel. Over the years since the Empire trilogy, I have come to realise what a unique and incredible villain Zahn had created in Thrawn. I usually despise the concept of past characters being resurrected as it cheapens the original story. But in this case I was willing to overlook it as I so desperately wanted to see the return of Thrawn. So you can imagine my vast disappointment when I discovered the legendary villain is in fact an impostor.
As I continued reading however, I began to realise two things. Firstly, the intricate plot/sub-plot development revolving around the Camaas incident and the issue of clones aboard pirate ships, was judiciously handled by the author in a manner and style that is easy to read and understand. Secondly, had the real Grand Admiral Thrawn been introduced then the New Republic (even with their Jedi knights) wouldn't have a hope in hell of surviving simply because Zahn created a flawless genius. Unlike Vader, Thrawn does not fight one-to-one, he is a leader who is a strategic mastermind. One, who could beat you at a game of chess starting with only half the pieces!
The one key area where several SW authors have failed is with the handling of Skywalker (what a name!). Other authors tend to either give Luke ridiculous omnipotent powers or find some means of preventing him using his abilities; both of which are unrealistic in terms of character development. Zahn however stays true to the farm boy hero created by Lucas and more importantly, finds the right balance between his force ability and his human characteristics; that is, we can see he is now a Jedi master but also that he is still the same old Luke.
As for Mara Jade, although I liked the Emperor's hand idea and her personal history, I didn't particularly like the character in the first series, simply because her aggressive hatred and emotional turmoil overshadowed any endearing qualities. This was my one complaint of the original series. However in this novel, which takes place ten years later, we see a very different Mara Jade. She is much more relaxed and is at peace with herself. Her "association" with Skywalker is intriguing and I for one cannot wait to see how this pans out in "Vision of the Future".
Incidentally, if you are a Mara fan, I recommend that you read Stackpole's "I, Jedi" prior to this one; I can't really explain why without spoiling the story, so I won't even try!
Finally, I cannot emphasise my delight at seeing Leia wield her lightsaber once more. It's all well and good making her head of the Republic but Zahn for one has not forgotten that she is a Jedi twin and part of the "new hope" emphasised by a certain revered 900 year old Jedi master.

Zahn's done it again in this novel, producing quality Star Wars stories consistent with the movies, other novels and general theme of Star Wars. The setting is brilliant, and the character of Pellaeon is portrayed brilliantly. One of the best Star Wars books, if you keep up with SW, buy it.

The entire book is rising action (first act in dramatic terms), which makes it feel very slow and tedious. I haven't read Vision of the Future yet (just finished this one), but this entire book feels like it's just setting up for that. Unlike the 3 separate installments of the Thrawn Trilogy, which all work as independent books with their own conflicts being resolved (while also creating a full narrative over the three books), there's no resolution. It jumps back and forth between characters and plots, and 2/3 of the way through the book the reader still doesn't know where it's all leading. Bottom line: they should have released the 2 as one big book, but they probably wouldn't have made as much money or sold as many books. Zahn is one the best writers to handle the Star Wars universe, but I give it 3 stars due to publishing decisions.

Game on...
After suffering greatly from the parsimonious (and at times even scandalous!) inanity churned by the likes of Hambly and Anderson, Zahn returns to liberate the Star Wars universe with this towering masterpiece.
I have to admit that I felt a little cheated when I started reading this novel. Over the years since the Empire trilogy, I have come to realise what a unique and incredible villain Zahn had created in Thrawn. I usually despise the concept of past characters being resurrected as it cheapens the original story. But in this case I was willing to overlook it as I so desperately wanted to see the return of Thrawn. So you can imagine my vast disappointment when I discovered the legendary villain is in fact an impostor.
As I continued reading however, I began to realise two things. Firstly, the intricate plot/sub-plot development revolving around the Camaas incident and the issue of clones aboard pirate ships, was judiciously handled by the author in a manner and style that is easy to read and understand. Secondly, had the real Grand Admiral Thrawn been introduced then the New Republic (even with their Jedi knights) wouldn't have a hope in hell of surviving simply because Zahn created a flawless genius. Unlike Vader, Thrawn does not fight one-to-one, he is a leader who is a strategic mastermind. One, who could beat you at a game of chess starting with only half the pieces!
The one key area where several SW authors have failed is with the handling of Skywalker (what a name!). Other authors tend to either give Luke ridiculous omnipotent powers or find some means of preventing him using his abilities; both of which are unrealistic in terms of character development. Zahn however stays true to the farm boy hero created by Lucas and more importantly, finds the right balance between his force ability and his human characteristics; that is, we can see he is now a Jedi master but also that he is still the same old Luke.
As for Mara Jade, although I liked the Emperor's hand idea and her personal history, I didn't particularly like the character in the first series, simply because her aggressive hatred and emotional turmoil overshadowed any endearing qualities. This was my one complaint of the original series. However in this novel, which takes place ten years later, we see a very different Mara Jade. She is much more relaxed and is at peace with herself. Her "association" with Skywalker is intriguing and I for one cannot wait to see how this pans out in "Vision of the Future".
Incidentally, if you are a Mara fan, I recommend that you read Stackpole's "I, Jedi" prior to this one; I can't really explain why without spoiling the story, so I won't even try!
Finally, I cannot emphasise my delight at seeing Leia wield her lightsaber once more. It's all well and good making her head of the Republic but Zahn for one has not forgotten that she is a Jedi twin and part of the "new hope" emphasised by a certain revered 900 year old Jedi master.

After reading Specter, I was reminded of the conflicts in the "new" Soviet Union. All these newly independent nations bringing up old conflicts, no longer fearing the hard-fisted rule of Communism. Now the New Republic faces similar challenges. Zahn brings up the challenging thought; "was the Emperor necessary to keep order in an otherwise chaotic universe?" As we see the Communist return to power, so too many races long for the stability that Imperial forces brought.Zahn addresses current issues with a blend of sci-fi color.

I agree with the reviewer from Ohio in that Specter of the Past is a whole book. In fact, for a while I forgot the book has a sequel and when I read the last page it took me a minute to get over the shock of having to wait to read the rest. Zahn thinks of things in ways no other Star Wars author does. And he gives nothing away as to what will happen in the next book. Many stories can be so predictable but not Zahn's. It's exciting and refreshing to read a book that keeps me guessing.

If this points to the demise of any future history of the primary SW characters, a better vehicle will be hard to find. My mind picture of the continuing saga is renewed with every chapter.Bravo Mr Zahn.

What makes Timothy Zahn the best is that he keeps Star Wars what it should be: a conflict between good and evil portrayed by the alliance and the empire. The other authors just go off on science fiction tangents that are fun, but Zahn keeps true to Star Wars. He develops Pellaeon's character extremely well. It's fun, intelligent, and involving.

The start of a duology that highlights the relationship between Luke and Mara, and expands upon the outer universe of Star Wars. Combined with the next book it offers a fun tale that revitalizes the fun of the Star Wars movies.

Timothy Zahn captures the Star Wars Universe in a way no other author has ever done it. From the Star Destroyer at the beginning, to the fierce battle at the end. We also see the return of out favorite characters, Mara Jade and Talon Karde, as no one else can write them. The book itself is exciting, and fast paced, a must read for Star Wars fans everywhere!