Written by some of today’s leading science fiction writers, these tales sweep us into a world where the only laws are cunning, force, and power—and only the bravest, craziest, and deadliest dare to tread. Here mercs and smugglers, gangsters and warriors fight toe to toe, side by side, and behind each other’s backs in the backwaters of a universe ripped apart by war. On Zelos II a man and a woman are held prisoner in a dark cell, each fighting in their own way for survival at the hands of Imperial captors—and a chance for escape that could cost one of them their life. On the tortured landscape of Ryloth, Fenig Nabon awaits a ship of women warriors to complete a dangerous deal: the smuggling of a troupe of dancers to the homeworld of the Hutts—only to get more than she bargained for. And in a stunning novella written especially for this collection by Hugo Award–winning, New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, Senator Garm Bel Iblis, believed dead at the hands of an Imperial assassin, teams up with Hal Horn in a duel against the Empire’s most dangerous agent. At stake are the plans for a terrifying new weapon called the Death Star—and the fate of both the Empire and the New Republic. Including these stories of intergalactic derring-do: “Interlude at Darkknell” by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole “Jade Solitaire” by Timothy Zahn “Gathering Shadows” by Kathy Burdette “Hutt and Seek” by Chris Cassidy and Tish Pahl “The Longest Fall” by Patricia A. Jackson “Conflict of Interest” by Laurie Burns “No Disintegrations, Please” by Paul Danner “Day of the Sepulchral Night” by Jean Rabe “Uhl Eharl Khoehng” by Patricia A. Jackson “The Last Hand” by Paul Danner “Simple Tricks” by Chris Cassidy and Tish Pahl

Written by some of today’s leading science fiction writers, these tales sweep us into a world where the only laws are cunning, force, and power—and only the bravest, craziest, and deadliest dare to tread. Here mercs and smugglers, gangsters and warriors fight toe to toe, side by side, and behind each other’s backs in the backwaters of a universe ripped apart by war. On Zelos II a man and a woman are held prisoner in a dark cell, each fighting in their own way for survival at the hands of Imperial captors—and a chance for escape that could cost one of them their life. On the tortured landscape of Ryloth, Fenig Nabon awaits a ship of women warriors to complete a dangerous deal: the smuggling of a troupe of dancers to the homeworld of the Hutts—only to get more than she bargained for. And in a stunning novella written especially for this collection by Hugo Award–winning, New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, Senator Garm Bel Iblis, believed dead at the hands of an Imperial assassin, teams up with Hal Horn in a duel against the Empire’s most dangerous agent. At stake are the plans for a terrifying new weapon called the Death Star—and the fate of both the Empire and the New Republic. Including these stories of intergalactic derring-do: “Interlude at Darkknell” by Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole “Jade Solitaire” by Timothy Zahn “Gathering Shadows” by Kathy Burdette “Hutt and Seek” by Chris Cassidy and Tish Pahl “The Longest Fall” by Patricia A. Jackson “Conflict of Interest” by Laurie Burns “No Disintegrations, Please” by Paul Danner “Day of the Sepulchral Night” by Jean Rabe “Uhl Eharl Khoehng” by Patricia A. Jackson “The Last Hand” by Paul Danner “Simple Tricks” by Chris Cassidy and Tish Pahl

No sooner has Darth Vader's funeral pyre burned to ashes on Endor than the Alliance intercepts a call for help from a far-flung Imperial outpost. Bakura is on the edge of known space and the first to meet the Ssi-ruuk, cold-blooded reptilian invaders who, once allied with the now dead Emperor, are approaching Imperial space with only one goal; total domination. Princess Leia sees the mission as an opportunity to achieve a diplomatic victory for the Alliance. But it assumes even greater importance when a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi appears to Luke Skywalker with the message that he must go to Bakura-or risk losing everything the Rebels have fought so desperately to achieve.

When the Empire falls, a New Republic rises! After Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, Emperor Palpatine is dead — but can his faithful Hand, Mara Jade, complete her final mission of revenge? Replica droid assassin Guri has also lost her master but as she struggles for humanity, her android brain makes her a target! When rivals clash over Jabba the Hutt’s criminal empire, the Bloated One makes a surprising appearance! And a mysterious doppelganger is asking for trouble impersonating everyone’s favorite bounty hunter — it’s Boba Fett vs. Boba Fett! Collecting: Star Wars: Mara Jade: By The Emperor’s Hand #0-6, Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire — Evolution #1-5, Star Wars: The Jabba Tape, Star Wars: Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction, and material from Star Wars Tales #1, #3-5, #10, #14-15, #20 and #22.

Culled from the pages of the Star Wars Adventure Journal, one of the most popular Star Wars magazines in the field today, comes this exciting new short-story collection. Here are stories from such award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors as Timothy Zahn, Michael A. Stackpole and Kathy Tyers as well as exciting newcomers, including Erin Endom, Laurie Burns, and Patricia A. Jackson. From the desperate flight of a civilian mail courier carrying vital Rebel intelligence through an Imperial blockade, to a suicidal commando raid on an impregnable Imperial prison, to a Corellian smuggler mysteriously hired by an actor turned Jedi Knight turned Imperial assassin for one final transformation, these tales capture all the high adventure, imaginative genius, and nonstop action that are the hallmarks of the Star Wars saga. What's more, the centerpiece of this magnificent collection is the short novel Side Trip, the first-ever collaboration between Timothy Zahn and Michael A. Stackpole, in which a freighter smuggling arms for the Rebels is commandeered by an Imperial Star Destroyer led by a mysterious helmeted figure who claims to be the notorious bounty hunter Jodo Kast. It is all part of a devious plan that includes Hal and Corran Horn, who are working undercover to nail the infamous Corellian warlord Zekka Thyne. But one slip-up can get them all killed. Collected for the first time, Star Wars(r): Tales from the Empire is one book no fan will want to be without. (r), TM and (c) 1997 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

Those who survived the war against the Empire discovered that peace brought its own problems. Wellaware thet the galaxy was filled with dangerous suprises, Leia Organa Solo did her best to see that her children grew up with something resembling a normal family life.

In the wake of Return of the Jedi, the Emperor has been defeated! But the nascent New Republic still has enemies -- and that's where X-Wing Rogue Squadron comes in! Led by Wedge Antilles, the galaxy's greatest pilots will take on all threats. Dogfights, assassination attempts, political intrigue -- it's all in a day's work! Meanwhile, Palpatine's top assassin Mara Jade must complete her final mission...or die trying! And the human-replica droid Guri ponders her destiny -- and the secrets buried in her programming -- in a gripping sequel to Shadows of the Empire! Don't miss these classic Star Wars tales, penned by some of the franchise's biggest bestselling authors! COLLECTING: Star Wars: Mara Jade - By the Emperor's Hand (1998) 0-6, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire - Evolution (1998) 1-5, Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Leader (2005) 1-3, Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron (1995) 1-35, Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron Special (1995) 1, Star Wars Handbook (1998) 1; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) 10, 12, 15, 23