Thrawn (Star Wars)

This novel is clearly one of the better written ones in the new canon. Zahn doesn't disappoint in doing what he promises to do: tell the origin story of Grand Admiral Thrawn as seen in the Rebels cartoon show. I have a lot of thoughts about this book, how it compares to the old EU Zahn work, the differences between Thrawn as a quick-thinking tactical genius, moral anti-hero in this novel versus the very (overly?) patient evil villain in the cartoon, and where this stacks up with other novels in the new canon. To keep it brief and useful, I'll list the pluses and minuses (spoilers):Positive-Deals with Thrawn being the only prominent alien in Imperial service. Even references to him being mistaken for a Pantoran, the kind of small world-building detail that comes from carefully studying previous stories in the Star Wars universe, something that Zahn did so well in his previous books especially compared to the other old EU authors.-Related to that point, very good development of Thrawn's character and Gov. Pyrce's, making them more than the relatively two-dimensional characters they often are in the cartoon. Pryce's development might actually be better than Thrawn's.-The main characters are all interesting, including Eli Vanto, and you care about what happens to them even though they are imperials.-A very good twist on Thrawn's origin story that is the book's big payoff.-An interesting subplot where Thrawn discovers the secret construction of the Death Star.-The Chiss Ascendancy is back and hopefully a force to be reckoned with in future stories. One would have to think the Chiss ran into the First Order for example at some point.-Some cool references to the Clone Wars, including a Thrawn/Anakin Skywalker team-up that begs to be explored as soon as possible.Negatives-Thrawn's main opponent, clearly modeled after Talon Kaarde in many ways, isn't the most interesting antagonist.-The stakes of the story are, overall, pretty low, which isn't Zahn's fault so much as it is typical of how the Story Group refuses to let big, interesting stories be told in most of the new novels.-Because of the above point, this work isn't as interesting as Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy or Outbound Flight, his four best books in my opinion.-The cool Death Star subplot is resolved very quickly at the novel's end without any lasting consequences for Thrawn.-I always liked how Thrawn's lack of backstory made him more mysterious and threatening in the old Thrawn trilogy. I think filling in his story robs him of this, but as far as backstories go this was a good one.I don't think a book has to be perfect to earn five stars, and I'm giving it five stars because relative to the other new canon novels it is very well written and tells a remarkably engaging story considering it focuses on a non-film character. Thrawn was great, of course, but I have to say the biggest and most pleasant surprise was how well Zahn did with Pryce. Luceno's Catalyst and Zahn's Thrawn are the two best books in the new canon in my opinion. Fans of Thrawn and Zahn's previous work will like this book. Fans of Rebels will like how this sets up Season 3. Anyone disappointed with the rather pathetic, generally incompetent villains served up to us in the new canon will delight in an Imperial commander who is actually competent and a real threat to the Rebellion. If a hero is only as good as his villain, then Star Wars fans should demand more interesting, complex, and capable villains like Thrawn.

Rating: 4.5 StarsGenre: Science Fiction/ FantasySeries: Star Wars: Thrawn Series 1"War is primarily a game of skill. It is a contest of mind matched against mind, tactics matched against tactics. But there is also an element of chance that is more suited to games of cards or dice. A wise tactician studies those games, as well, and learns from them."So…This was my very first Star Wars novel (I've read some graphic novels in the past- but this is my first actual novel) and it was spectacular. I was a little nervous going into this because even though I love Star Wars the thought of books made from movies just sounds scary. I am a neurotic OCD perfectionist who refuses to watch shows or movies until I read the book. And a book based on fan fiction… that sounded like a recipe for disaster.But in a state of desperation for something different I took the recommendation of one of my cousins and gave it a go.I read the first chapter and then…. nothing… FOR MONTHS!Seriously, I started this book in the beginning of November 2018 and didn't pick it up again till the beginning of January 2019. Only this time when picked it back up I used my long time cheat for finishing books I have trouble with… Audible. And Audible did not let me down- this ended up being hands down the BEST AUDIOBOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!! Most audiobooks have an extremely talented voice actor and if you are really lucky a cast of voice actors. This audiobook is complete with blaster fire, explosions, aliens, Star Wars music, and the best voice actor I have ever heard.It was like listening to a movie and I was completely immersed.This book takes place in between Episode 3 and 4 of the movies (for the die hard Star Wars fans- it takes place after the Clone Wars…), provides background information regarding characters brought up in the TV series and previous Zahn books, and all the main characters are supporters of the Empire (…welcome to the Dark Side). Even though going into this novel I had absolutely no idea who Thrawn, Arihnda Pryce, and Eli Vanto were I had no trouble understanding or enjoying the story.I found myself (quite horribly) wanting Arihnda and Thrawn (with the assistance of Vanto) to succeed in their various plots and loved seeing the perspective of Empire loyalists. Thrawn himself was an amazing main character as he is an evil genius with an IQ on par with Sherlock Holmes (or perhaps he is more of a Moriarty). The sections where he is analyzing character reactions and plotting devious battle strategies were extremely well written and were a very fun aspect to the novel overall. Arihnda's character was unique as she was primarily written as a damsel-in-distress/ victim type character in the beginning yet her actions and deeds mark her as a villain (which as a avid reader was a fun twist).This book convinced me to dive into more Star Wars novels and not just be a huge Star Wars fan… but to jump off the cliff and leave my mundane life behind and be a part of the dark side and join the Star Wars fandom.

This book rose above my expectations of entertainment value with a feel that reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes story. I would recommend this book to all Star Wars fans!

Uma história fascinante do maior estrategista do império!

At first I was dissapointed as there is no story of vader or palpatine, but as i kept reading , i realised there's much more than that.It gives a great idea of the political and military perspective of the empire . Thrawn's great intellect inspires.The plot is great and builds up, whilst demonstrating the rapid promotions of Thrawn to Admiral.

This is strange to be reading a newer series of Thrawn which is not considered as part of the legends series. I loved the original stories of Thrawn and this shows a different side of Thrawn.He is younger and he does seem to have the attitude and the abilities. He is arrogant but what else is new for Thrawn. He has the penchant to push things fully including annoying those at the Imperial Academy. He has no problem with bending the rules when needed.Thrawn to me was always misconstrued as a villain and while he wasn't the nicest person to seal with everything he did was to protect his people the Chiss.Eli Vanto is very interesting being more of an administrator who can speak in a language that is easier for Thrawn to understand.He is not as arrogant and doesn't have the bad attitude that most of the people from Coruscant seems to have. He is very capable and really pushes to help Thrawn despite not sure if he trusts the ChissWhat I like is the loyalty that Thrawn shows to his aide. He is generous trying to do what is best for him even if it means the loss of a valued staff memberWhile there are some unrealistic parts and I am not really talking about the Force. Eli being jumped to Lt Commander from Ensign is very unrealistic even with the hook that is Thrawn and Tarkin. I liked it but it did have me shocked as generally to get promoted and leapfrogged from a low rank to one that could technically be a command rank is not heard of. Took some enjoyment out at first but it also made the story seem more fantastic.Arihnda while part of the story for her is just set up for her eventual position it I found her to be boring at first and slowly gained in character strength. She seemed to be smart and pushing to only get revenge a perfect person to bring into the Empire. She is ruthless when needed and very sneaky.She is a politician in every sense of the word and she has the drive to push others in a way she wants without actually breaking any laws. She has a lot of sneaky qualities that make her a great friend as well as an even worse enemy.Thrawn and her friendship is not really the correct word but their working relationship is interesting. They deal well with each other in ways that work for each of them. Where Thrawn doesn't show the same underhanded tactics that you see with Arihnda you can also see where this could potentially go.It felt like this was more true to Thrawn then I would have expected. I enjoyed this so much and noted that there was a lot that he put in that could easily tie back to his previous stories that are part of Legends.I must say I was impressed and Thrawn while he was the hero of the story I found Eli Vanto even more compelling as he was a true protege of the master Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Riktigt bra bok!

Great world building, character development, writing, etc.One of the best additions to the world of Star Wars I can think of. Timothy Zahn never ceases to impress, and neither does Thrawn's competence both tactically and generally. I loved Eli Vanto, and the background to Arhinda Pryce and her relationship to Thrawn was very nice to see. Off to Thrawn: Alliances, I guess!