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.
