Survivor's Quest constitutes the complete, spoken-word rendition of the Star Wars Legends novel bearing the same title, penned by Timothy Zahn. This audio version is narrated by Marc Thompson and was brought to listeners by Random House Audio on December 19, 2023, as a component of The Essential Legends Collection. Following the novel is a full recording (lasting 109 minutes) of the short story "Fool's Bargain", also from Zahn's pen.
It sometimes appears that a Jedi's responsibilities are unending, a sentiment deeply understood by Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker. Despite their Force-forged connection, the Jedi Master and his spouse find themselves still navigating the complexities of married life after three years—and struggling to carve out shared moments amidst their relentless duties. However, this is set to shift dramatically when they are united on an unexpected assignment—and must combine their extraordinary abilities to confront a subtle adversary…and recover a fragment of Jedi heritage.
The narrative commences with a communication from an unlikely source: Nirauan, the world once dominated by Thrawn, the perilous apprentice of Emperor Palpatine…and from which Luke and Mara barely made a life-saving escape. The message itself carries significant weight. After a half-century, the remnants of Outbound Flight—a groundbreaking Jedi expedition brutally annihilated by Thrawn—have been located on Nirauan. Now, the fiercely honorable aliens inhabiting the planet desire to relinquish the remains of the ill-fated mission to the New Republic. Accepting this gesture will necessitate an extended journey into the perilous star cluster where the thousands of souls aboard the Outbound Flight vessel encountered their tragic end. Yet, it may also signify something more profound…something that has ignited an unexplainable sense of unease within Mara.
Regardless of what awaits, the Skywalkers will not confront it in isolation. Accompanying them on this peculiar and solemn voyage are an officer from the post-Palpatine Empire, accompanied by a contingent of Imperial stormtroopers; a delegation of diplomats from a benevolent alien race that venerates the fallen Jedi for rescuing them from savage conquerors; and a New Republic ambassador concealing his own enigmatic intentions.
Before long, suspicion, secrecy, and a clandestine saboteur proliferate throughout the isolated vessel. However, the most profound peril resides within the dilapidated confines of Outbound Flight itself, entombed for fifty years on a desolate planetoid. As the stranded hulk unveils astonishing revelations and unforeseen horrors to its visitors, Luke and Mara find their core beliefs—and their very existence—under relentless assault. And the ultimate challenge will be surviving the deadly trap meticulously crafted by adversaries renowned for their mercilessness…and determined to finalize the task Thrawn initiated: the extermination of the Jedi.
The audiobook's narration is provided by Marc Thompson, with its release handled by Random House Audio on December 19, 2023, falling under the umbrella of The Essential Legends Collection. The recording took place at CDM Sound Studios, overseen by Cathleen Conte, and the editing was conducted by Justin Kilpatrick, with post-production and sound mixing managed by Paul Goodrich. Production and direction were helmed by Kevin Thomsen, and Nick Martorelli served as the executive producer.
- ISBN 9780593910085 ; December 19 , 2023 ; Random House Audio ; Digital audiobook [1]