"Heir to the Empire" is a science fiction novel written by Timothy Zahn, published in 1991. It is set in the Star Wars universe, taking place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The story follows Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo as they face new challenges from a cunning antagonist named Grand Admiral Thrawn. The novel introduces several new characters, including Mara Jade, a former assassin with a complex history involving Emperor Palpatine. "Heir to the Empire" is notable for revitalizing the Star Wars franchise and is the first book in the Thrawn Trilogy, which expanded the lore of the galaxy far, far away.