Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn is widely praised for reviving the Star Wars universe with compelling characters and a well-constructed plot. Fans appreciate the introduction of Grand Admiral Thrawn and the expansion of the Star Wars lore. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and feel certain plot elements are predictable. Overall, a must-read for Star Wars enthusiasts.

Readers who enjoy Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn are typically fans of science fiction, specifically the Star Wars universe. They appreciate strong character development, intricate plotlines, and epic space adventures. Comparable titles include Star Wars: Thrawn by Zahn and Dune by Frank Herbert.

Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn takes place five years after the defeat of the Empire in Return of the Jedi, where Luke Skywalker, Leia Skywalker, and Han Solo work to build the New Republic. Meanwhile, Grand Admiral Thrawn, leading the remnants of the Empire, strategizes to reclaim power. Thrawn captures ysalamiri to counter Jedi powers, allies with smuggler Talon Karrde and Dark Jedi clone Joruus C'baoth, and initiates a plot to capture Luke and Leia.

Suspenseful / Adventurous / Informative / Mysterious / Exciting

- Heir to the Empire is credited with kicking off the modern Star Wars expanded universe in 1991, providing a continuation of the story set after the events of Return of the Jedi.
- When the novel was published, it reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise.
- Timothy Zahn introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn in Heir to the Empire, a character who has since become a fan-favorite and has appeared in other Star Wars media, including the animated series Star Wars Rebels.

**Grand Admiral Thrawn**  
A strategic and manipulative non-human leader in the Imperial army, known for his blue skin and red eyes and respected for his exceptional military mind.

**Captain Pellaeon**  
Thrawn’s second-in-command on the Star Destroyer Chimaera, providing a viewpoint into Thrawn’s strategies and character.

**Joruus C’baoth**  
A clone with Jedi powers and unstable temperament, who becomes entangled with Thrawn and Pellaeon’s plans.

**Luke Skywalker**  
A Jedi hero of the Rebel Alliance and twin brother to Leia, exploring his role and abilities in the aftermath of the original trilogy.

**Leia Skywalker (Organa)**  
Luke’s twin sister and a key figure in the New Republic, balancing her developing Jedi abilities with her political responsibilities.

**Han Solo**  
A former smuggler and general who now aids the New Republic through missions alongside Luke and Leia, married to Leia.

**Talon Karrde**  
A crafty smuggler leader whose knowledge of secrets gives him power and who faces moral decisions affecting the New Republic.

**Mara Jade**  
Karrde’s second-in-command who harbors a deep-seated animosity towards Luke, with a mysterious past hinting at further significance.

Timothy Zahn

Novel

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Heir to the Empire reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Heir to the Empire | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Heir to the Empire and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Heir to the Empire Summary and Study Guide

Background

Heir to the Empire Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Heir to the Empire Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

Heir to the Empire Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-22

Heir to the Empire Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-32

Heir to the Empire Chapters 23-32 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Heir to the Empire Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Heir to the Empire Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Heir to the Empire Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Heir to the Empire Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Heir to the Empire Essay Topics

Heir to the Empire

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Heir to the Empire?

Reading Age

Book Details