Shadows of the Empire: Star Wars Legends

By: Steve Perry

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Shadows of the Empire illuminates the shadowy outlines of a criminal conspiracy that exists in the background of the events in the movies, ruled by a character new to us. Prince Xizor is a mastermind of evil who dares to oppose one of the best-known fictional villains of all time: Darth Vader. The story involves all the featured Star Wars movie characters, plus Emperor Palpatine and, of course, Lord Vader himself.

Awesome production value but missing the SotE OST

Very enjoyable, but unfortunately it doesn't feature tracks from the bespoke SotE OST, unlike the original abridged audiobook.

My Favorite Star Wars Book of All Time

Shadows of the Empire is one of those rare Star Wars stories that stays with you no matter how much time passes. I first read this book as a kid, and coming back to it years later was like rediscovering a missing chapter of the saga. It fits so seamlessly between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi that it almost feels like the movie we never got to see.

What makes this book so special is how naturally it fills the emotional and story gap between those two films. Luke is wounded and questioning himself, Han’s absence is felt all throughout the book, and Vader is terrifying in a way that deepens his presence without overexposing him. Even the original characters, especially Prince Xizor, feel like they belong in the Star Wars universe rather than standing out as add-ons. Xizor is a fantastic villain...he is calculating, dangerous, and powerful in ways that differ from Vader, which makes even their tension incredible to watch unfold.

Reading this again as an adult, I now appreciate the political intrigue even more. The pacing is excellent, and every chapter feels purposeful, driving the story toward Return of the Jedi in a way that enhances the film.

This book is pure Star Wars magic. It expands the universe, respects the characters, and delivers an unforgettable story that still holds up decades later. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Shadows of the Empire is an absolute must-read.

5 out of 5 stars. No hesitation.

A Sleeper Hit

Before I checked this title out, I looked at reviews, and people seemed to be talking around their main issues with it. It seemed like "Fanservice: A Star Wars Story" was this title's biggest flaw, while "Too Much SA In My Star Wars" was another common criticism. And sure, while the films themselves may not be the best place for that kind of story, it's perfect in this novel.

This isn't your granddaddy's Heir to the Empire. This is a look at the grimey, seedy underbelly of the Empire, the criminal underworld. Characters in this story are truly reprehensible and not loveable in the slighest (unlike characters from the films like Han Solo or Lando). That is this novel's greatest strength. Instead of characters you love to love, Shadows of the Empire introduces new characters you love to hate.

Instead of trying to create a new character like Vader, who could be redeemed, we're introduced to Xizor, a truly disgusting, vile villain with little to no redeemable qualities. He exists purely to serve his own aims and is extremely despicable in doing so. He gives Emperor Palpatine a run for his money in doing things that cross a line.

We also get a Han Solo-like character in the form of Dash Rendar. But while he's very similar to Solo, Dash manages to be just different enough that he stands on his own. He's not as easily loveable and is a bit more rough around the edges, and he also is put to the test in this story. He's essentially put through more trauma that Han is in the OT, forcing a more dynamic and evolutionary character arc than one we see in the OT with Han Solo.

Overall, the plot is excellent. Luke is served great in this story that is the bridge between Empire and Return of the Jedi. Leia is given adequate material. Plenty of fun moments with characters like Artoo, Threepio, and Chewbacca. Overall, this is a masterclass in Star Wars storytelling. It feels like you're watching the Originals again. Very action-forward, while also being character-focused. It's a tough balance to get right, but Shadows of the Empire manages to pull it off.

30 years worth the wait

One of the best books finally unabridged. This book basically started the EU and is a must listen for any fan. Remember the Bothans.

The best attempt at a movie between any SW movies

Glad there’s finally an audiobook of SoTE on Audible. This was a lot of fun to revisit. I read the book back in the 90s and still have it in my library. I have to admit Xizor is kind of a weak nemesis to Darth Vader and the Alliance. He’s only a playboy who does nothing but use his money to get what he wants. He has nothing else that represents a threat to anyone except for the part when he tries to seduce Leia. His biggest threat is his bodyguard which I suppose was a character created to make Xizor more dangerous than he himself really is. I kinda wish the narrator would read the non speaking parts with regularity throughout the whole book as opposed to changing his voice depending on who we are in the environment of within the narrative. It’s a nitpick and I’m sure most others are unruffled by that strategy.