The dying Empire's most cunning and ruthless warlord--Grand Admiral Thrawn--has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the New Republic's destruction.  Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republic Council--only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies. 
Yet the most dangeous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness...and scheming to corrupt Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side.