-
Tarkin: Star Wars
- Narrated by: Euan Morton
- Series: Star Wars, Book 9
- Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $28.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Expanded Edition
- By: Mur Lafferty
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,225
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,131
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,125
Though Han Solo has thrilled Star Wars fans for decades, the notorious wisecracking scoundrel was chasing adventure and dodging trouble long before he walked into the cantina at Mos Eisley spaceport. Young Han dreams of someday soaring into space at the helm of his own starship and leaving his home, the gritty industrial planet Corellia, far behind. But as long as he's trapped in a life of poverty and crime - and under the thumb of the sinister Lady Proxima and her brutal street gang - reaching the distant stars seems impossible.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Mark Thompson give sand a voice and make Anakin Skywalker like it
- By Amazon Customer on 01-07-19
By: Mur Lafferty
-
Star Wars: Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,029
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4,142
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4,132
For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padme Amidala. Separated after Padme's death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime, and the unspeakable power of the dark side.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Abridged
- By MichaelA. on 10-19-14
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 5 hrs and 1 min
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 860
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 731
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 723
The war that erupted in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones is nearing its boiling point. The Separatist forces continue their assault on the Republic as the diabolical triumvirate of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and their Master, Darth Sidious, fine-tune their strategy for conquest. Capturing Trade Federation Viceroy and Separatist Councilmember Nute Gunray is the mission that brings Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, with a squad of clones in tow, to Neimoidia.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stop Abridging Great Books!
- By Barbara S. Best on 05-21-18
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Darth Plagueis
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Daniel Davis
- Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 24,232
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21,928
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 21,877
Darth Plagueis: one of the most brilliant Sith Lords who ever lived. Possessing power is all he desires. Losing it is the only thing he fears. As an apprentice, he embraces the ruthless ways of the Sith. Darth Sidious: Plagueis’s chosen apprentice. Under the guidance of his Master, he secretly studies the ways of the Sith, while publicly rising to power in the galactic government, first as Senator, then as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor. as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
See Episodes I-III in a whole new light!!!
- By kalei on 11-09-12
By: James Luceno
-
Rogue Squadron: Star Wars Legends (Rogue Squadron)
- By: Michael A. Stackpole
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,047
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 972
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 969
They are sleek, swift, and deadly. They are the X-wing fighters. And as the struggle rages across the vastness of space, the fearless men and women who pilot them risk both their lives and their machines. Their mission: to defend the Rebel Alliance against a still-powerful and battle-hardened Imperial foe in a last-ditch effort to control the stars!
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
I love this book
- By James Vick on 09-07-21
-
Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Alexander Adams
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 719
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 622
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 618
Hoping to stem the growing tide of unrest, Chancellor Valorum convenes an emergency trade summit on the planet Eriadu. A group of Jedi Knights is sent to protect the delegates from possible terrorist attack, but what should have been a simple peacekeeping assignment turns out to be a mission into the heart of a political firestorm. For shadowy forces are at work, pulling the strings in a bid for power that could leave the Republic reeling. And the chancellor is only the most visible victim.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Good Background to Episode 1
- By Terryn on 03-08-13
By: James Luceno
-
Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Expanded Edition
- By: Mur Lafferty
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,225
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,131
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,125
Though Han Solo has thrilled Star Wars fans for decades, the notorious wisecracking scoundrel was chasing adventure and dodging trouble long before he walked into the cantina at Mos Eisley spaceport. Young Han dreams of someday soaring into space at the helm of his own starship and leaving his home, the gritty industrial planet Corellia, far behind. But as long as he's trapped in a life of poverty and crime - and under the thumb of the sinister Lady Proxima and her brutal street gang - reaching the distant stars seems impossible.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Mark Thompson give sand a voice and make Anakin Skywalker like it
- By Amazon Customer on 01-07-19
By: Mur Lafferty
-
Star Wars: Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,029
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4,142
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4,132
For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padme Amidala. Separated after Padme's death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime, and the unspeakable power of the dark side.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Abridged
- By MichaelA. on 10-19-14
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 5 hrs and 1 min
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 860
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 731
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 723
The war that erupted in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones is nearing its boiling point. The Separatist forces continue their assault on the Republic as the diabolical triumvirate of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and their Master, Darth Sidious, fine-tune their strategy for conquest. Capturing Trade Federation Viceroy and Separatist Councilmember Nute Gunray is the mission that brings Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, with a squad of clones in tow, to Neimoidia.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stop Abridging Great Books!
- By Barbara S. Best on 05-21-18
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Darth Plagueis
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Daniel Davis
- Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 24,232
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21,928
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 21,877
Darth Plagueis: one of the most brilliant Sith Lords who ever lived. Possessing power is all he desires. Losing it is the only thing he fears. As an apprentice, he embraces the ruthless ways of the Sith. Darth Sidious: Plagueis’s chosen apprentice. Under the guidance of his Master, he secretly studies the ways of the Sith, while publicly rising to power in the galactic government, first as Senator, then as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor. as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
See Episodes I-III in a whole new light!!!
- By kalei on 11-09-12
By: James Luceno
-
Rogue Squadron: Star Wars Legends (Rogue Squadron)
- By: Michael A. Stackpole
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,047
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 972
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 969
They are sleek, swift, and deadly. They are the X-wing fighters. And as the struggle rages across the vastness of space, the fearless men and women who pilot them risk both their lives and their machines. Their mission: to defend the Rebel Alliance against a still-powerful and battle-hardened Imperial foe in a last-ditch effort to control the stars!
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
I love this book
- By James Vick on 09-07-21
-
Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Alexander Adams
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 719
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 622
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 618
Hoping to stem the growing tide of unrest, Chancellor Valorum convenes an emergency trade summit on the planet Eriadu. A group of Jedi Knights is sent to protect the delegates from possible terrorist attack, but what should have been a simple peacekeeping assignment turns out to be a mission into the heart of a political firestorm. For shadowy forces are at work, pulling the strings in a bid for power that could leave the Republic reeling. And the chancellor is only the most visible victim.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Good Background to Episode 1
- By Terryn on 03-08-13
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Most Wanted
- By: Rae Carson
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,462
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,357
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,355
Set before the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Han and Qi'ra don't have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They're street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia's criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi'ra are on the run.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A solid if uninspired Star Wars adventure
- By Joey on 05-25-18
By: Rae Carson
-
Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy: The Paradise Snare
- Volume 1
- By: A. C. Crispin
- Narrated by: David Pittu
- Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 636
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 536
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 535
He was a child without a past, a Corellian street urchin, abandoned, foraging for scraps of food, when the cruel Garris Shrike whisked him away to join a nomadic band of space-faring criminals. Now, years later, chafing under Shrike's sadistic tyranny, driven by dreams of adventure and glory, Han fights his way free. His goal: to become an Imperial Navy pilot. But first he needs hands-on experience flying spacecraft, and for that he takes a job on the planet Ylesia.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
missing key parts
- By Anonymous User on 05-05-18
By: A. C. Crispin
-
Death Troopers: Star Wars Legends
- Death Troopers
- By: Joe Schreiber
- Narrated by: Sean Kenin
- Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4,602
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,970
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3,971
When the Imperial prison barge Purge - temporary home to 500 of the galaxy’s most ruthless killers, rebels, scoundrels, and thieves - breaks down in a distant, uninhabited part of space, its only hope appears to lie with a Star Destroyer found drifting, derelict, and seemingly abandoned. But when a boarding party from the Purge is sent to scavenge for parts, only half of them come back - bringing with them a horrific disease so lethal that within hours nearly all aboard the Purge die in ways too hideous to imagine. And death is only the beginning.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Freaking scary!
- By Kerry on 06-02-10
By: Joe Schreiber
-
Star Wars: Legacy of the Force #1: Betrayal
- By: Aaron Allston
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,093
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,688
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,686
Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, has unified the Jedi order into a cohesive group of powerful knights. But as the new era begins, honor and duty will collide with friendship and blood ties. The Skywalker and Solo clans find themselves on opposing sides of an explosive conflict, with potentially devastating repercussions for both families, for the Jedi order, and for the entire galaxy.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Abridged sucks!
- By Remo Lalli on 04-18-18
By: Aaron Allston
-
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
- By: Sean Williams
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,614
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,108
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,104
The overthrow of the Republic is complete. The Separatist forces have been smashed, the Jedi Council nearly decimated, and the rest of the Order all but destroyed. Now absolute power rests in the iron fist of Darth Sidious - the cunning Sith Lord better known as the former Senator, now Emperor, Palpatine. But more remains to be done.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Audiobook Unleashed
- By Alex on 02-27-09
By: Sean Williams
-
Dune
- By: Frank Herbert
- Narrated by: Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton, and others
- Length: 21 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 104,634
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 90,386
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 90,295
Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Maud'dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
This classic deserves better
- By Matthew Salvo on 07-01-21
By: Frank Herbert
-
A Game of Thrones
- A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
- By: George R.R. Martin
- Narrated by: Roy Dotrice
- Length: 33 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 134,473
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 116,860
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 116,635
Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse - unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances....
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Everybody is apparently a chain smoking old man.
- By Althea on 11-04-13
-
Star Wars: The Fallen Star (The High Republic)
- By: Claudia Gray
- Narrated by: Marc Thompson
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,124
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,944
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,943
Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary but victorious thanks to its Jedi protectors—and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Not terrible but not great
- By Amazon Customer on 01-04-22
By: Claudia Gray
-
Shatterpoint: Star Wars Legends
- By: Matthew Stover
- Narrated by: Sullivan Jones
- Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 984
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 891
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 890
The jungle planet of Haruun Kal, homeworld of the legendary Jedi Master Mace Windu, has become a battleground in the increasing hostilities between the Republic and the renegade Separatist movement. The Jedi Council has sent Depa Billaba - Mace’s former Padawan and fellow Council member - to Haruun Kal to train the local tribesmen as a guerrilla resistance force. But now the Separatists have pulled back, and Depa has not returned.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Buy this audiobook!!!!
- By The Big D/ Easy on 06-15-21
By: Matthew Stover
-
Star Wars: Outbound Flight
- By: Timothy Zahn
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,813
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,469
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,455
Six Jedi Masters, 12 Jedi Knights, and 50,000 men, women, and children, will embark - aboard a gargantuan vessel, equipped for years of travel - on a mission to contact intelligent life and colonize undiscovered worlds beyond the known galaxy. The government bureaucracy threatens to scuttle the expedition before it can even start - until Master C’baoth foils a murderous conspiracy plot, winning him the political capital he needs to set in motion the dream of Outbound Flight.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Too many missing parts....
- By David on 12-28-09
By: Timothy Zahn
-
Star Wars: The New Jedi Order: Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse
- By: James Luceno
- Narrated by: Anthony Heald
- Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 416
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 351
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 351
Leia Organa Solo, estranged from her husband, Han, oversees the evacuation of refugees on planets in the path of the merciless Yuuzhan Vong. Luke Skywalker struggles to hold the fractious Jedi Knights together, even while one of them undertakes a bold but reckless undercover mission. And Han Solo stumbles into the dark heart of a raging battle.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Feel like I've been ripped off
- By Michael E French on 03-19-17
By: James Luceno
-
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
- By: Steve Perry
- Narrated by: Anthony Heald
- Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 852
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 722
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 717
He is Xizor, Underlord of a galaxywide criminal organization, and he seeks to displace Darth Vader as the Emperor's right hand. To do so, he will hatch a brilliantly evil plan to discredit Vader in the Emperor's eyes. In the meantime, he will join the Dark Lord in an unholy alliance whose common target is Luke Skywalker.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Would have been better Unabridge
- By Kallie on 11-10-12
By: Steve Perry
Publisher's Summary
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
Best-selling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.
He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly….and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.
Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin's guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel - by intimidation…or annihilation.
Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin - whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire's supremacy…and its enemies' extinction.
Critic Reviews
"Euan Morton channels the outstanding late British actor Peter Cushing, who played Grand Moff Tarkin, evil master of the Death Star, in the original Star Wars movie. One hears a voice that is precise and unspeakably heartless as he shrugs at ideas such as planetary destruction. Here is Tarkin’s biography from childhood to the time he is promoted to Grand Moff by Emperor Palpatine, learning a few tips from Darth Vader himself (nicely portrayed) as they both grow in influence and power. It’s better not to overanalyze the situations presented in the plot. Instead, listeners should just pretend they’re 14 again, hear the familiar music and sound effects, and enjoy." (AudioFile magazine)
Featured Article: Remembering Carrie Fisher with Our Favorite Quips and Quotes from Her Writings
Actress, writer, and advocate Carrie Fisher, best known for her performance as the bold, intelligent, and morally-grounded Princess Leia Organa in the Star Wars film franchise, was a hero to so many—an outspoken, brilliant, and, quite frankly, hilarious film icon who stood out from the Hollywood crowd. The late Star Wars star's legacy lives on forever in her candid memoirs and incisive fiction. Read on for Carrie Fisher's best quotes.
Experience Star Wars Like Never Before
universe of adventure anytime, anywhere.
More from the same
What listeners say about Tarkin: Star Wars
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- kalei
- 11-20-14
Solid, but not earth-shattering
I don't know that Tarkin got the "Darth Plagueis treatment" as the description states. It was a great book, a gripping story, and an in-depth look at the man who came to command the Death Star and how he came to this position of power, but it didn't do for me what "Plagueis" did. Plagueis changed my appreciation and understanding the Expanded Star Wars Universe, gave me a reason to appreciate the Episode I-III movies, and set off my ongoing fascination with Sith history and philosophy. I felt no irresistable urge to watch Episode IV after this book, and can't say that I feel any greater attachment to the character or that corner of the Star Wars Universe. It's certainly worth the read, hence the 4-star rating, but it's not Plagueis.At least not to me.
53 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- William
- 11-15-14
Look into the early years of the Empire
Is there anything you would change about this book?
The story felt rushed. There was A singular story that was doggedly when I felt there could have been more subplots woven in or expanded upon.
Would you recommend Tarkin: Star Wars to your friends? Why or why not?
For diehard fans I would recommend it because it does give one a look at the early years of the empire. However if they were not a huge fan of the series or not that into sci-fi there are better Star Wars books I would recommend they start with.
What about Euan Morton’s performance did you like?
His performance was well done. He did a great job channeling Peter Cushing.
Was Tarkin: Star Wars worth the listening time?
As a diehard fan I enjoyed it.
20 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- George
- 11-26-14
Maybe i was expecting too much.
I absolutely loved "Darth Plagueis" it was a fascinating story and added a lot great information to the extended Star Wars cannon.
Hence, when i heard that James Luceno was doing a book on "Tarkin" i pre-ordered it immediately. Unfortunately, this book failed to deliver for me. The main plot line is closer to an extended comic book rather than an epic story. About a 1/5 of the book focuses on Tarkin's background, but the rest focuses on single mission Vader and Tarkin undertake. At the risk of spoilers, i will only say that Tarkin and Vader both appear pretty incompetent and are outwitted over and over again as they play an intergalactic version of "Dude, where is my space ship?"
To me this book does nothing to really reinforce the background story and the Star Wars cannon or add any depth. Also the narrators voice for Darth Vader is the worst i have ever heard.
22 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Troy
- 11-04-14
The Mind Behind the Imperial War Machine
James Luceno has made a niche for himself in penning the stories behind the greatest villains in Star Wars history. Thanks to him, fans have crawled inside the heads of Darth Plagueis, Emperor Palpatine, and Darth Vader. At long last, the man who controlled the Death Star takes center stage.
Taking place 5 years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this book offers both amazing insight into the buildup and workings of the Imperial war machine as well as flashbacks into the rise of Tarkin under Palapatine's guidance. Luceno builds on story points from the prequel films and The Clone Wars TV series, showing us how those events helped to shape Tarkin as a person, then driving the story forward to organically lay the groundwork for what is seen in the original trilogy. As a character study, it is a master class, and worthy of Luceno's already gifted reputation.
According to interviews I've read, Luceno revisited early Hammer films to help craft Tarkin's mannerisms and speech patterns, relying on performances from the late, great Peter Cushing. Between Luceno's writing and Euan Morton's narration, the effect is remarkable, as if Cushing is being channeled from the beyond. As a bonus, a flashback sequence with Count Dooku before the beginning of the Clone Wars offers the idea of reuniting Cushing with his friend and counterpart, Christopher Lee. Little moments like this and the little references Star Wars history add to the geek level, but the story itself is far bigger than such things. New threats and ideas are built out of the rubble from the Clone Wars, making this story worthy of a man of Tarkin's caliber.
Bottom line, this is one story that needed to be told. Whether you're a casual Star Wars fan or one dedicated to understanding the full canon, this has plenty to offer. Tarkin is unassuming at first by comparison of those like Vader or the Emperor, but his contributions to the Empire are undeniable. This book takes on the same sort of character. It starts a bit slow, and you might wonder if you really need to read it. Once the story gets going (which it does in short order), it's easy understand why Tarkin is a giant in the saga's lore.
34 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Matt Moore
- 01-22-16
Deep and Dark
A bold foray into the psyche of Wilhuff Tarkin. It's an intriguing read that open doors to the Star Wars canon.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- nathan
- 01-20-15
Darth Vader voice a little silly sounding...
great overall, book is enjoyable and performance is good, nice voices that vary for each character - highly recommended by a star wars fan.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- TR Jensen
- 12-03-14
Fun Read!
Nice to see a 'behind the scenes' work, giving some background to Tarkin. I was happily surprised at how much Darth Vader and Darth Sidious featured in this! Luceno really has the dark side down ... I loved Plagueus and Rise of Darth Vader. Now, I'm planning on reading everything else he has written.
Docked a star on performance because while the Tarkin and Sidious voices were great, the Darth Vader voice wasn't fantastic. But it doesn't really detract from the overall work.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Trevor
- 05-22-15
Fantastic!
I couldn't put this one down. James Luceno is one of my favourite Star Wars authors and never disappoints. This has got to be one of his best yet!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- James F Moore
- 03-26-15
Small Story for a Large Figure
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
I can't quite recommend this book. While it provides early background development material for Tarkin, the main plot is underwhelming. It felt like a "buddy story" for Tarkin and Vader to recover a piece of stolen equipment. The main characters are always reacting to situations, which is the opposite of the commanding presence they emanate in the movies.
Would you be willing to try another book from James Luceno? Why or why not?
I've enjoyed Luceno's other stories, so I was hoping to enjoy this one more. The primary story seemed like a minor adventure for such a large character.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story3 out of 5 stars
- Gustaf
- 01-23-15
ok, not Great.
hoped for more of a story interesting and smart story like the story of the thrawn trilogy.
I don't regret having read it but I won't read it again.
Darth Bane is the best book! read it!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Pu3r360
- 05-15-19
Vader & Tarkin crossover we needed
this book gave me something I never knew I needed.
Tarkin and Vader teaming up.
if your a fan of the empire winning this book is for you, if your a fan of Vader this book is for you.
it's gripping and reveals the dark past of a character who up to this point rarley has been fleshed out.
this audiobook comes highly recommended
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance1 out of 5 stars
-
Story2 out of 5 stars
- Daniel
- 07-09-19
Terrible voice acting
The voice acting for Tarkin was decent, the only one in the whole audiobook. The performnace done for Vader and the Emperor was shameful, it sounded like a guy trying to mimic Vader while he was drunk. Other Star Wars audiobooks have very good voice acting for Vades and the Emperor(Thrawn books, Lords of the Sith).
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-08-19
Tarkin is a boss
Great back story for tarkin and full of Vader and Imperial might vs the Rebels
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Wonderful
- 04-14-20
Tarkin's Origins
I really enjoyed this! Even though I still don't know the meaning of a lot of the words in this. Such as ISB? The start was fast paced and fun, the middle slowed down a bit. The ending was exhilarating. The narrator was very good, and the sound effects throughout made you feel like you were there. Shall we say this story shows a more human side to Grand Moff Tarkin.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jason
- 09-25-19
brilliant
loved it good novel well read. well written. would recommend this book. tarkin is a deep and interesting character
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Gary Wherton
- 02-14-22
great narration!
good story, enjoyed the narration. fills in between revenge of the sith & rogue one.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anton Bengtsson
- 01-24-22
Imperial Propaganda
The best kind of Imperial Propaganda. Long Live the Emperor and his loyal subjects of the Empire.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 12-14-21
Loved it!
Loved thus story, the narrators impression of tarkin is spot on. Vader and the Emperors impersonation was really good although vader was slightly off but 100% loved this book!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Chris
- 11-01-21
Great
Great book detailing the early life and career of Moff Tarkin. Well worth a listen.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Emma
- 10-12-21
Amazing audiobook
this audiobook gives a lot of info about tarkin and has a great story. i think that 5+ stars should be given
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Isaac Mitchell
- 06-03-20
Interesting and enjoyable.
I was skeptical when I saw this book wasn't narrated by Marc Thompson, or Jonathan Davis, as most other Star Wars novels are and before reading this I had only mild interest in the character of Tarkin. I was however pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel, it was well paced and drew me in to Tarkins backstory, as well as the main plot. The sections from the emperor's point of view also helped fufil part of my desperate want of a Palpatine novel.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-17-21
This slaps
Love this, excellent voice acting, not precisely movie perfect but you hardly notice it once it gets going. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the clone wars show, as it’s full of little references and callbacks. 10/10
