Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (abridged audiobook)
The abridged audio version of the Shadows of the Empire novel, titled Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire audiobook, was read by Anthony Heald and written by Steve Perry. Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing originally released this audiobook in 1996 as a component of the broader Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire multimedia initiative.
The audiobook version of Shadows of the Empire incorporates Xizor's Theme, which Joel McNeely originally composed for the Shadows of the Empire soundtrack. It also contains unique sound effects, some of which were recreated from the Original trilogy Star Wars films.
The audiobook, which was initially available on two audio cassettes, has a total duration of 183 minutes.
Publisher's summary
This is a period defined by peril. Han Solo, encased in carbonite, is being transported to the loathsome gangster Jabba the Hutt. As Princess Leia organizes a mission to rescue him and Darth Vader searches the galaxy far and wide for Luke Skywalker, a new, menacing presence arises. A shrewd and pitiless leader of a formidable crime syndicate, he will challenge Vader for the favor of their shared master… the dreaded Emperor.
SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE
His designation is Xizor, Underlord of a criminal empire spanning the galaxy, and his ambition is to supplant Darth Vader as the Emperor's most trusted advisor. To achieve this, he will devise a diabolical scheme to undermine Vader in the Emperor's estimation. Simultaneously, he will forge an uneasy alliance with the Dark Lord, united by their common interest in Luke.
Despite his cold-blooded and reptilian nature, Xizor possesses a captivating, predatory charm that even Leia finds difficult to completely dismiss. Against Chewbacca's better judgment, who vowed to protect her from harm while Han remains frozen, Leia willingly ventures into Xizor's domain, engaging in a perilous game of passion and determination to acquire the information necessary to defeat him.
As the conflict between Xizor and Vader escalates, Luke discovers himself as the potential prize sought by the two most malevolent beings in the galaxy—one desiring his survival, and the other his demise.
This exclusive Star Wars production, complete with original Star Wars music, the specially crafted Xizor's Theme, and immersive sound effects, enriches the Star Wars saga with an enthralling new chapter and introduces significant new characters that no Star Wars enthusiast will want to overlook!
Media
Editions
- ISBN 9780553474381 ; Released on April 1, 1996, by Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing , Cassette tape [5]
- ISBN 9780553754803 ; Released on February 9, 2007, by Random House Audio , Digital download [1]