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Tarkin: Star Wars

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About this listen

 A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing the 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.

Praise for Tarkin

“Tarkin tells a compelling tale of mystery while revealing much about a character who has fueled debate among fans since 1977, as well as the oppressive regime he represents. [James] Luceno has proven once again that the villains of Star Wars are as much fun as the good guys.”—New York Daily News

“Another home run in the new canon . . . This is the highest and best distillation of Tarkin stories, old and new, we’ve ever been given.”—Big Shiny Robot

“A spectacular novel, with the intrigue, action, and profound characterization we have come to expect from the pen of Luceno . . . [Tarkin] provides a nuanced, multi-faceted anti-hero who is captivating, ominous, and calculating; in many ways, this is an origin tale of the Empire [and] a fascinating portrait of one of the more popular characters in the Original Trilogy. It may very well be one my favorite Star Wars novels.”—Coffee with Kenobi

“A fascinating look at the pathos of one of the galaxy’s most criminally underused characters.”—TheForce.net Adventure Fantasy Fiction Historical Military Science Fiction Space Opera Star Wars Interstellar Thought-Provoking Bounty Hunter

Critic reviews

“Tarkin tells a compelling tale of mystery while revealing much about a character who has fueled debate among fans since 1977, as well as the oppressive regime he represents. [James] Luceno has proven once again that the villains of Star Wars are as much fun as the good guys.”—New York Daily News

“Another home run in the new canon . . . This is the highest and best distillation of Tarkin stories, old and new, we’ve ever been given.”—Big Shiny Robot

“A spectacular novel, with the intrigue, action, and profound characterization we have come to expect from the pen of Luceno . . . [Tarkin] provides a nuanced, multi-faceted anti-hero who is captivating, ominous, and calculating; in many ways, this is an origin tale of the Empire [and] a fascinating portrait of one of the more popular characters in the Original Trilogy. It may very well be one my favorite Star Wars novels.”—Coffee with Kenobi

“A fascinating look at the pathos of one of the galaxy’s most criminally underused characters.”—TheForce.net
All stars
Most relevant
loved it good novel well read. well written. would recommend this book. tarkin is a deep and interesting character

brilliant

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Really enjoyed this! The narration is pitch perfect-good story, just a really fun journey in to the Star Wars universe! I have listened to allot of Star Wars books now and this is in my top 5 for sure!!

Just Awesome!

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This story adds so much to characters that you already know. Not only Tarkin, but the Emperor and Darth Vader as well as a load of new characters as well.

The story delivers on the back story of the makings of Tarkin, so much that you feel he deserved more of the spotlight in The New Hope and Rogue One.

Another excellent Star Wars story

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Great back story for tarkin and full of Vader and Imperial might vs the Rebels

Tarkin is a boss

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This tells you the story of Tarkins rise to power. interesting story but not as gripping as other Star Wars books. I found the audio performance to be very dull. This made the flow of the story to be slow.

Rise to power.

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