Star Wars: Thrawn

· Random House
4.6
381 reviews
eBook
496
Pages
Eligible
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About this eBook

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

In this definitive novel, readers will follow Thrawn’s rise to power—uncovering the events that created one of the most iconic villains in Star Wars history.


One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe, from his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire, through his continuing adventures in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.

After Thrawn is rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, his deadly ingenuity and keen tactical abilities swiftly capture the attention of Emperor Palpatine. And just as quickly, Thrawn proves to be as indispensable to the Empire as he is ambitious; as devoted as its most loyal servant, Anakin Skywalker; and a brilliant warrior never to be underestimated. On missions to rout smugglers, snare spies, and defeat pirates, he triumphs time and again—even as his renegade methods infuriate superiors while inspiring ever greater admiration from the Empire. As one promotion follows another in his rapid ascension to greater power, he schools his trusted aide, ensign Eli Vanto, in the arts of combat, leadership, and the secrets of claiming victory. But even though Thrawn dominates the battlefield, he has much to learn in the arena of politics where ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce holds the power to be a potent ally or a brutal enemy.

All these lessons will be put to the ultimate test when Thrawn rises to admiral—and must pit all the knowledge, instincts, and battle forces at his command against an insurgent uprising that threatens not only innocent lives but also the Empire’s grip on the galaxy—and his own carefully laid plans for future ascendency.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
381 reviews
Ant B
9 May 2017
An excellent reaffirmation of a much respected character fron the expanded universe, finally Thrawn is again canon. It gives much needed background to Thrawns character in SW: Rebels and even expands greatly on the ethos of post Clone Wars Empire. I feel this book could have been far longer in story and larger in scope but it wouldn't have felt its length and still been a welcome read! Well worth a read and several rereads.
57 people found this review helpful
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bakersmileyface
5 August 2019
I'm not really a huge book guy. If I'm bored I'll read a chapter and move on. But this book kept me hooked all the way through to the point that I ended up sneaking glances at it while I was at work. I was a little let down by the time skips. They were done excellently, however I was so hooked on the story that I just found myself wanting to know the details and conclusions of certain events that it skipped over. But all is good. This book is a great read
9 people found this review helpful
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Matt Unwin
14 April 2018
Might be one of my favourite of the star wars novels. Those expecting some deep meaning or moral message will be disappointed. As will those that want a book similar to the star wars films. For those wanting something unique but still feeling like a star wars book, it's a great story with some excellent characters and is one of the few in the star wars universe where you can empathise with an Imperial.
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About the author

Timothy Zahn is the author of more than forty novels, nearly ninety short stories and novellas, and four short-fiction collections. In 1984, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novella. Zahn is best known for his Star Wars novels (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, Specter of the Past, Vision for the Future, Survivor's Quest, Outbound Flight, Allegiance, Choices of One, and Scoundrels), with more than four million copies of his books in print. Other books inlcude the Cobra series, the Quadrail series, and the young adult Dragonback series. Zahn has a B.S. in physics from Michigan State University and an M.S. from the University of Illinois. He lives with his family on the Oregon coast.

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