Hugo Award -winning author Timothy Zahn makes his triumphant return to the star wars 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. Spectre of the past. The empire stands on 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. them 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 form 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, orchastrating a dark plan that will turn the New Republic and the Empire into their playthings.
