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  • Tarkin: Star Wars

  • By: James Luceno
  • Narrated by: Euan Morton
  • Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (490 ratings)
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Tarkin: Star Wars cover art

Tarkin: Star Wars

By: James Luceno
Narrated by: Euan Morton
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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

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)

What listeners say about Tarkin: Star Wars

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Very good

Really enjoyed the story, voices were a quite off but once you get used to them good listen

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Fantastic

Brilliant story, expertly narrated. A must listen for any star wars fans, highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic

Really makes you understand the Imperial point of view. A new found love and respect for Governor Tarkin.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A great book

This is a masterpiece of writing my only problem is with the narrator who at certain parts of the story gets unnecessarily loudly this can be a surprise for headphone users

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excellent

Great book we'll read and an excellent story following the making of a under rated star wars character.

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Loved it all

Enjoyed every minute of it, shame it was a little short but was a good listen and I've always wanted more tarkin.

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excellent listen

brilliant to listen in my car. love the story tarkin is the boss. Vader voice not great but doesn't take anything away from this. long live the empire

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Tarkin's Origins

I really enjoyed this! Even though I still don't know the meaning of a lot of the words in this. Such as ISB? The start was fast paced and fun, the middle slowed down a bit. The ending was exhilarating. The narrator was very good, and the sound effects throughout made you feel like you were there. Shall we say this story shows a more human side to Grand Moff Tarkin.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Rise to power.

This tells you the story of Tarkins rise to power. interesting story but not as gripping as other Star Wars books. I found the audio performance to be very dull. This made the flow of the story to be slow.

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Great narration and enjoyable origins story

Excellent narration and production. Great origins story for those wanting to delve deeper into Star Wars. Some 'hidden' details which (I find) help to explain the wider Skywalker Saga story

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