The Hand of Thrawn

The Hand of Thrawn is a pair of novels set in the Star Wars Star Wars expanded universe galaxy, written by Timothy Zahn. The books continue Zahn's eight-book series which chronologically began with the Outbound Flight Project.

Series novels

1. Specter of the Past (1997) ISBN 0-553-09542-0
2. Vision of the Future (1998) ISBN 0-553-10035-1

Characters

The continuing Star Wars saga includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, C-3PO, R2-D2, Lando Calrissian, Mara Jade Skywalker, Talon Karrde, Wedge Antilles, Corran Horn, Gilad Pellaeon, and various other Imperial personnel.

Plot summary

The New Republic's stability is threatened by infighting and rumors that the tactical genius Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned from the dead.

Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, uncertain of the directions his life is taking, tries to reduce his use of the Force for unnecessary things. He runs into trouble, and is rescued by an old friend, Mara Jade. Mara and Talon Karrde then pick up strange signals from alien ships. Mara follows one, and becomes stranded on an unknown planet.

It is revealed that the Imperial remnant is attempting to revive sleeper cells of clone troopers. Leia and Han attempt to deal with this issue, while Chewbacca takes the children to Kashyyyk for safety.

Mara, out of contact with the New Republic, is seen by Luke in a disturbing vision. Luke sets out, with R2-D2, to help.

Many of the main characters become wrapped up in the search for the Caamas document, which supposedly contains information as to who destroyed the Caamasi homeworld. Han and Lando go to the Imperial capitol, Bastion, to search. Talon Karrde and the Mistryl bodyguard Shada D'ukal, along with C-3PO, also depart to search for it.

Luke meets a race of pterodactyl-like creatures and finds Mara, and they embark on a journey to discover more about the fortress they are inside.

Proposal

Vision of the Future is the book in which Luke proposes to Mara Jade when they believe they are going to die.

References

• Specter of the Past, 1st printing, 1997. Timothy Zahn. ISBN 0-553-29804-6
• Vision of the Future, 1st printing, 1998. Timothy Zahn. ISBN 0-553-10035-1