Reddit mentions of Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic Volume 1 (Epic Collection: Star Wars)

When it comes to stepping into the EU for the first time, you should generally read the Thrawn Trilogy, X-Wing up to starfighters of Adumar/courtship of princesses/I, Jedi, and the Jedi Academy Trilogy first, as those are the earliest works that are integral to the EU (at least the post-endor EU). But really, you should read Zahns books in the order they were released. And yes, Mara Jade: by the Emperors hand is worth reading. It's well written, and revolves heavily around Mara as an Imperial Agent. It is more difficult to get a hold of now though, because of the Disney buy out. It's probably cheaper to get it in an omnibus with other stories. I got it with the Shadows of the Empire omnibus back when Dark Horse published them, but now they're probably in the legends epic collection published by Marvel. It's probably in the first volume of the New Republic collections.

edit: Yes, it is. https://www.amazon.ca/Star-Wars-Legends-Epic-Collection/dp/0785197168/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1478640230&sr=8-13&keywords=legends+epic+collection

second edit: Also, unless you already know Mara's mission given to her by the Emperor, then you may want to read the Thrawn Trilogy first.