The Heir to the Empire

"Heir to the Empire" is a 1991 science fiction novel by Timothy Zahn, part of the Star Wars universe. Set five years after the original film trilogy, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a cunning alien strategist who seeks to restore the fallen Galactic Empire. The story follows familiar characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo as they confront new threats and challenges. The novel is notable for revitalizing the Star Wars franchise in literature, establishing what is now called the Expanded Universe, and introducing complex characters and plots that further enriched the galaxy far, far away.