Star Wars: Thrawn
Series: Star Wars
Hardcover | Kindle | Audiobook
Written by Timothy Zahn
Audiobook narrated by Marc Thompson
Publisher: Del Rey | Random House Audio
Release Date: April 11, 2017

With the teaser trailer for the new Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, having just been released (you can see it here), it seems only fitting that we get to introduce you to another Star Wars story to keep that excitement going. And being the lifelong fan of the franchise that I am, I am ecstatic that I get to tell you a bit about the new book Star Wars: Thrawn!

Author Timothy Zahn is once again the undisputed master of Star Wars storytelling. This book is proof on its own because it features one of the more popular characters, by far, from the expanded universe of Star Wars, as Thrawn is an incomparable villain. His ambition and drive are ever present and he manipulates those around him like a chessmaster. Readers are now given a deeper understanding of who he is and why he does what he does, all the while still retaining that air of mystery and secrecy. Seemingly a devoted servant to the Empire, Thrawn is without a doubt focused on his own agendas throughout this and his other adventures. He’s the one you love to hate, but cannot wait to see what he does next, he is just that cool.

I got to check out the book in audiobook format, not as a physical copy. But I think that was even better than I could have expected. The narrator, Marc Thompson, goes above and beyond with his work here. The cadences and pitch of each character are well defined and unique. But it’s the portrayal of Thrawn with a cold, calculating tone mixed with just the right amount of diabolical cunning that seals the deal! I seldom ever get pulled into an audiobook in this way, but this is one of those rare occasions. The passion, tension, and adventure just reach out and grab you, holding you until the end! This is a must have for every Star Wars fan. If you haven’t kept up with everything going on, you will still enjoy this book as it stands on its own merits, not as a sequel or prequel.

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 Legends novel Heir to the Empire through his continuing adventures in Star Wars: Rebels. 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, Darth Vader; 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 and 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 ascendancy.
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 of 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 include 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.

Marc Thompson’s voice can be heard in commercials, on radio, and on many cartoons including MTV’s Daria, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and G.I. Joe: Sigma 6. He narrates many titles in the Star Wars® series. –