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  • Tarkin: Star Wars

  • By: James Luceno
  • Narrated by: Euan Morton
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (8,911 ratings)

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Tarkin: Star Wars

By: James Luceno
Narrated by: Euan Morton
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Publisher's summary

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

Best-selling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly….and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin's guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel - by intimidation…or annihilation.

Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin - whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire's supremacy…and its enemies' extinction.

©2014 James Luceno (P)2014 Random House Audio
  • Series: Star Wars, Book 24
  • Unabridged Audiobook
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Critic reviews

"Euan Morton channels the outstanding late British actor Peter Cushing, who played Grand Moff Tarkin, evil master of the Death Star, in the original Star Wars movie. One hears a voice that is precise and unspeakably heartless as he shrugs at ideas such as planetary destruction. Here is Tarkin’s biography from childhood to the time he is promoted to Grand Moff by Emperor Palpatine, learning a few tips from Darth Vader himself (nicely portrayed) as they both grow in influence and power. It’s better not to overanalyze the situations presented in the plot. Instead, listeners should just pretend they’re 14 again, hear the familiar music and sound effects, and enjoy." (AudioFile magazine)

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What listeners say about Tarkin: Star Wars

Average customer ratings
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Good

Darth Vaders voice was bad but it still was a great listen and enjoyed it

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Captivating

This book was thrilling, made me wish I could listen to it without any breaks.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting background story

Nice to hear a little background to why Tarkin is who he is. Enjoyed it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Tarkin Provides Nice Backstory to Classic Villain

The Tarkin novel provides a nice in-depth backstory to classic villain, and a interesting adventure. Highly recommend this title.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good read

I enjoyed this one for the most part, it was wonderfully performed and gave the reader a glimpse into the minds of Tarkin, Vader, and Darth Sidious. My only issue with this story is that it can be a bit wordy at times, a little to much attention to every single detail in the narrative.. but then again Tarkin was nothing if not detail oriented. Overall very insightful and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any Star Wars fan

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hands down the best Star Wars story!

So much awesomeness from Tarkin and Vader. They def need to make a movie like this, make it happen Disney!

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decent

decent story. Provides insight into Miff tarkins psyche. wish the story had been a bit longer though.

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perfect

the drama, voices and story is great. Love it. listening now for the second time.

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Great listen

Great look into Tarkin's mysterious mind. Brilliantly acted, I couldn't stop listening the entire time!

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    4 out of 5 stars

Time to root for the bad guy

No spoiler review.

this was a will written novel that maintains Tarkin's renowned ruthlessness, but has you hoping he captures the rebels. Luceno did a superb job pulling the reader into routing for one of the greatest antagonist in the Star Wars universe, without sacrificing the character.

The narration was well done though I found myself distracted at times. I would recommend reading it instead of listening to it.

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