Grand Admiral Thrawn, a.k.a. Mith'raw'nurodo, has captivated readers of the Star Wars books ever since he was first introduced to us in Heir to the Empire back in 1991. Despite his ultimate fate in what has become known as the Thrawn Trilogy, fans have begged for more Thrawn ever since, and we celebrate justifiably every time Timothy Zahn graces the pages of another prequel book or short story with presence of this cool, calculating Imperial villain.
Why? Why do we love this guy, this "bad guy" that the general Star Wars fan should be rooting AGAINST since we should want the Rebels to win?
Because he isn't like ANY other villain in the SW universe. He is not evil for the sake of being evil, like we have gotten used to seeing. He is not in it to simply increase the Empire's power because he is power-hungry, and he's not manipulating or scheming his way up the military ladder to Lord power and influence over others. He has earned every promotion, and sought none of them. He believes in justice, in the rule of right and in this book we see him openly criticize the policies that keep his aide, Eli Vanto, from achieving the rank he deserves. And while he does feel anger and frustration, he does not allow these negative emotions to overrule his judgment or drive him to reckless actions. He does not over-commit his resources or throw large forces at impossible targets just for the sake of being able to say he succeeded where others failed. He is not afraid to concede a battle as lost. He rarely has to do so, since he is a master tactician, and he spends a great deal of time learning about his opponents' strengths and weaknesses in order to minimize his potential losses. Not because he wants credit for succeeding with higher marks than someone else, but because--and this is important--he cannot abide the wasteful loss of life so prevalent under the command of other high ranking officials. He will take a life if he thinks it is needed, particularly as an object lesson that will prevent future deaths, but that is a rare occurrence. He prefers to teach, to inspire his crew, and is open to suggestions. He is not afraid to accept a suggestion just because he didn't think of it himself.
Thrawn was basically swept away along with the rest of expanded universe characters after the new Star Wars movies came to life and changed the last 25 years of "history", much to the grief of many a fan. However, with this book, which ties in to the “Star Wars: Rebels" animated series, Thrawn has come back to the SW universe. His origin has been slightly tweaked in order to tie him more fully into the canon, but under Mr. Zahn's deft craftsmanship, he is still the brilliant, thoughtful, resourceful Imperial officer we have come to admire. This time around, we get a glimpse into how he managed in Imperial Academy training, his early service under other officers (most of whom are not superior to him in tactical planning and execution), and how his sense of honor and justice sometimes gets in his way in a fleet which does not necessarily live by the same rules.
Even better, with the journal entries at the start of each chapter, we get a glimpse into his thoughts in a direct way for the first time.
The character of Ahrinda Pryce, from the animated series, is better understood if you watch that series since she is not a Zahn creation, but he manages to make her sympathetic enough in the beginning that by the end you can and should be revolted by the path she took as opposed to the one Thrawn takes.
I highly recommend this one for anyone who knows and lives Thrawn, and ask those who want to know what all the fuss is about.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" | $50.23 | $25.51 |
“Prepare to laugh” ― Reese Witherspoon | Learn more
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Popular Highlights in this book
One is born with a unique set of talents and abilities. One must choose which of those talents to nurture, which to set aside for a time, which to ignore completely.Highlighted by 915 Kindle readers- And when a mind is too deficient in understanding, the resulting gap is often filled with resentment.Highlighted by 875 Kindle readers
- War is primarily a game of skill. It is a contest of mind matched against mind, tactics matched against tactics.Highlighted by 672 Kindle readers
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
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.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Mr. J. R. E. Venables
Let's hope Vanto gets a book too!! ***Slight Spoliers***
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2017
A. J. Hawkins
Reasonably Interesting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2022
S.R Barnes
I'm completely Bias and dont care a jot!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2020
S.R Barnes
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2020
💥💥💥💥/5
Thrawn - Timothy Zahn
Okay so I'm going to fully admit that this review is completely Bias.
When it comes to Thrawn I am weak!
How do I start with this???
Well let's just say most of everything that's come out of the starwars new cannon is absolutely bull crap. You can hate me for that if you want, but it's TRUE!
The last three films absolutely crapped all over a beautifully crafted mythology around that universe. They removed our possibility of ever meeting characters that were just bad arse. (Seriously look up Luke's wife!)
Then there is this.
Thrawn is just an amazing character. Hes so unique, which is impressive, because he is unique in a universe where everyone needs to be distinctively different.
He's Dark Side lore but manages throughout to stay within his particular shades of grey.
He's smart. Unlike alot of characters within the universe who have to rely upon force powers to get a job done. Thrawn uses his mind.
Thrawns new cannon is beautiful. Probably because hes being handled by Timothy Zahn who was his creator in the now legends series.
Now when you pair him up with Eli Vanto who was a refreshing character within the empire and a nemesis like Nightswan...
I cant even find words.
I could actually waffle on for hours. Perhaps you can tell I'm a fan girl?
So yes I admit again this is a completely Bias review. You'll never convince me to give thrawn anything less than 4*
(The reader for the audiobook was stunning too. The accent he adopted for thrawn was beautiful)
@adventuresinmyhand
.
.
.
.
.
#reviewingbooks #thrawn #timothyzahn #starwars #starwarsnewcanon #darkside
Images in this review
