Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, written by Steve Perry. Science Fiction Book Club edition, Published in 1996, it is part of the Star Wars Legends universe. The novel takes place between the movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The novel takes place between the movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Plot: follows Luke Skywalker and his allies as they battle Darth Vader and a new criminal mastermind named Prince Xizor. Princess Leia's efforts to rescue Han Solo. Luke Skywalker's flight as he becomes a target for both Darth Vader and the crime lord Prince Xizor. The conflict between Vader and Xizor, the leader of the Black Sun criminal organization, as they vie for Emperor Palpatine's favor. 298 pages. SMOKE-FREE HOME, Please view all photos as they are part of the description.