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Summary: exciting,mysterious,one of the best yet!
Review: i loved this book! i have read everything i could get my hands on in the starwars series and have a collection with over 60 books but this one is my favorite next to the rouge squadron series!
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Summary: page number discrepancy #2
Review: Actually, I think I was assuming that the print would be larger, there would still be as many pages about. That's how it is with differnt size books sometimes. Specifically, the Scriptures. But I simply didn't want to let down if the page number was wrong. An 832 page book will last a lot longer and I really like that. I, of course, did check the the Barnes and Noble description. N.O.Intended.
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Summary: This is a GREAT book. . . Zahn at his best.
Review: Get this book now! it is more than worth it, and the best star wars book I've ever read (exept for its sequel, Vision of the Future).
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Summary: I would give it 4.5 stars but..........
Review: This would have gotten an immediate five, but as soon as you start reading you'll realize why. This book wasn't as good as any of the last two books in Zahn's previous trilogy. It kinda compared to "Heir to the Empire" in the sense that it was a build to the next two as is this to the sequel. This book has action but not Zahn style action, its a mix between character building, politics, and action. Yet the book is still intriguing I read over a 100 pages a day and finished in four days. I like the new character Shada, I like strong women characters. She also adds mystery as to where she came from. I also like the fact as how Zahn implied that Luke is a very powerful jedi, yet limits his use to avoid veering close to the dark side. That made the book more balanced because if Luke just sort of threw everybody away with a force push it'll be kinda boring. I also like the fact how he makes Mara and Luke work together. Not to why I didn't give it a five... First of all what's up with kicking Chewbacca and the kids out of the book. Last time it was nice when Trawn had control of Leia since he had her kids. I don't know why but most authors seem to leave out Chewbacca. I also thought he could of focus on Luke and Mara more they had a few scenes. I would also of like to know about the Jedi Academy in more detail. It's like Luke just abandonned them to go on adventures. However this is a great improvement over the junk that has been put in the Star Wars univers Such as: Planet of Twilight, The Crystal Star, the Black Feet Crisis , and Children of the Jedi.
Rating: 
Summary: An okay book, but a little disappointing.
Review: I expect that the next book in the series will be much better. Unfortunately, most of this book is spent "setting up" various plotlines that simply don't get resolved. At the end, it seems that a lot of things are about to happen. The book just ends in the wrong place.
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Summary: An eagerly awaited letdown
Review: Bantam's last-ditch attempt to redeem an already inconsistent and poorly constructed amalgamation of novels has, instead of encouraging fans to return, left many disgruntled. One can only hope that George Lucas himself gives these Bantam stories as much credence as he did 'Splinter of the Mind's Eye'in 1978. Though Zahn's style is more than acceptable, the story itself is more of a replica of the 'Heir to the Empire' trilogy. However, instead of recapturing 'Heir's' magical reunion with characters forgotten since 1983, 'Specter' and its panned-out sequel, 'Visions of the Future'oozes over-encouragement from publishers keen to sell quantity rather than quality. This plot is not only predictable, but well spent.It came as no suprise that both 'Specter'and 'Visions' did not reach the British or European bestseller lists. Perhaps if Zahn would have been given more time to plan an adequate storyline, Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade's sudden relationship would not have seemed unrealistic to a generation of original Star Wars fans old enough to have families of their own. Parents be encouraged -this is a set of books for children.
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Summary: Well, it serves as a good transition novel
Review: well its true what people say, there is very little action. its not even too exciting. and unlike the thrawn trilogy (heir to the empire, dark force rising, the last command) there is not much interaction between the characters we know and love. its the new characters who take center stage in this novel, and luke does pretty much nothing here. but, you have to read this book because it provides the background needed to understand Vision of the Future (which is wayyyy better) also it follows from the last command so make sure u read those three first. think of it this way, you dont want to miss Vision of the Future so you'll have to read this. and as long as u're a star wars fan, u wont mind so much. enjoy!
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Summary: As good as the best.
Review: If this points to the demise of any future history of the primary SW characters, a better vehicle will be hard to find. My mind picture of the continuing saga is renewed with every chapter.Bravo Mr Zahn.
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Summary: No other author can rival Zahn when it comes to Star Wars
Review: This book is the most original, creative and all around best in the Star Wars series since Zahn's first trilogy. As a Star Wars fan I really can't praise Zahn enough. While his fellow star wars authors continue to bore us with more reconstructions of the death star and the many uninspiring missions of rogue squadron, Zahn is the only one taking Star Wars to new levels. The nature of the conflict in this latest book is much more deep, involving and original than anything else so far. Believe me, it is much more than just the "return" of Grand Admiral Thrawn. It explores the conflicts and animosity within the Republic itself, political intrigue and conspiracy, and power struggles within the empire as well. The many subplots and different worlds described in this book help to make the star wars universe more immersive and remind the reader just how big that universe is. Zahn is also the only author who has introduced new characters into the star wars universe that are actually interesting and original(Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, the Noghri and especially Thrawn). But despite all this, Specter is not for all star wars fans. The plot can only be appreciated by the mature reader and there is very little action throughout the entire book. But then again, all the juvenile fans are more likely to be playing the video games and buying the toys than to be reading books. Anyway, Zahn is the greatest and he continues to set the standard for star wars stories. BUT I still have a few gripes(nothing's perfect). First of all, I think that there were too many unnecessary characters that sometimes served as a distraction. Secondly, although Zahn did a great job of portraying the old characters of star wars he failed to take them in any new direction this time around. Third, there could've been more action(at least one lightsaber duel next time PLEEZ!!). And finally, I was disappointed to see that Luke didn't do much of anything this time. Despite all these minor flaws, those who've already read Zahn's first trilogy won't be able to find better star wars reading anywhere else. Hats off to you Mr. Zahn and I hope you continue writing Star Wars.
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Summary: STAR WARS AT ITS BEST!!!
Review: Timothy Zahn makes a triumphant return to the Star Wars Universe with Specter of the Past. This novel not only connects with Vision of the Future, but it also relates back to the original Thrawn Trilogy. Zahn perfectly sets everything into motion, clears up past author's mistakes and prepares you for Vision of the Future. This is Star Wars at its best and takes you into the past of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Make sure to get Vision of the Future, the exciting conclusion to The Hand of Thrawn series.
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