Review: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (Thrawn Trilogy, #1) by Timothy Zahn

Synopsis:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In this essential Star Wars Legends novel-the first ever to take place after the events of the original trilogy-Grand Admiral Thrawn makes his debut on the galactic stage.

Five years ago, the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and drove the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins. And Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi Knights.

But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperor’s warlords, Grand Admiral Thrawn, has taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic. For this dark warrior has made a vital discovery that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to build.

Review:

I might have started a new obsession. Oops.

Backstory: of course, I watched the films growing up so there’s a certain nostalgia. I was obsessed with The Clone Wars TV show as a kid (I used to play with the collectible cards as if they were characters).
Yet, I don’t consider myself a Star Wars geek. I knew the main characters, but couldn’t tell you much about the lore, side characters, or politicking.

So, why did I binge this entire book in a day when I had a busy day at work?

I’ve got to admit, nostalgia played a factor. Furthermore, we got POVs from numerous characters that fleshed out the story and offered different attitudes and mindsets.

There was also more politicking involved than just a fun romp in space with battleships and lightsabers. The perfect balance between humour and self-doubt was a highlight for me and has made me want to rewatch everything.

The audiobook performance was incredible. There’s one narrator, but it was as if the actual actors from the films were narrating their own dialogue.
There were well-placed soundtracks that never overpowered the narrator, as well as clever and fun sound effects.

This may have made me overhaul by entire audiobook tbr and I am not a mood reader.