Thrawn: Treason announced

YES.

That cover art looks great — all of the new Thrawn covers have, actually — and the synopsis definitely attracts my interest...then again, it could say that it was a cookbook on how to cook porgs and I’d be in, so...

Here’s the synopsis:

Grand Admiral Thrawn faces the ultimate test of his loyalty to the Empire in this epic Star Wars novel from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

“If I were to serve the Empire, you would command my allegiance.”


Such was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting. Since then, Thrawn has been one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, pursuing its enemies to the very edges of the known galaxy. But as keen a weapon as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive.

Now, as Thrawn’s TIE defender program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes that the balance of power in the Empire is measured by more than just military acumen or tactical efficiency. Even the greatest intellect can hardly compete with the power to annihilate entire planets.

As Thrawn works to secure his place in the Imperial hierarchy, his former protégé Eli Vanto returns with a dire warning about Thrawn’s homeworld. Thrawn’s mastery of strategy must guide him through an impossible choice: duty to the Chiss Ascendancy, or fealty to the Empire he has sworn to serve. Even if the right choice means committing treason.

 

I'll pass. As I have on 95% of the other Star Wars books on the market. Put something out like Bloodline again and you will have another reader.

 

I for one, cannot wait for this novel. Thrawn's background tales have been intriguing and add that little bit to the story that makes his Rebels appearances just that much better. I cannot wait to see how this novel sets up for the events leading to his disappearance with Ezra. This could make or break the future of Mitth'raw'nuruodo as we know him. Based on the synopsis alone, I am giving this novel a preemptive 4.5 / 5 Chimaeras.

 

It’s treason then.



I’m pleasantly surprised to see that they’re doing another Thrawn book before Episode 9 comes out. I have yet to read Thrawn Alliances, but I’m still intrigued to see how this will connect to Rebels and Rogue One. I’m also excited to see what happened to him and Ezra after they disappeared to who knows where and I hope that this novel provides some clues to that mystery.

 

It is interesting that you mention that. I was just trying to place this story in the timeline for Rebels and I think I found where it could begin. The synopsis gives us a big clue. The death of the Tie Defender Program through Tarkin's shift to the Death Star puts the beginning of this story directly in line with the episode after Thrawn captures Hera, but then leaves Lothal for Coruscant. This novel will probably cover what all happens on this trip. Based on the central characters from this series, I'm guessing that Thrawn's strained relationship/rivalry with Price will be one of the storylines we follow here. We will also see Tarkin and Krennic, and potentially more Palpatine, and maybe even Vader. It will be a full on convention of manipulative malicious megalomania in the capital. While he is on Coruscant, Governor Price is unwittingly undoing all of Thrawn's work on the planet as the Ghost Crew work to liberate the planet. Vanto coming back with an urgent warning/call for aid will only add to Thrawn's problems as he battles for influence and supremacy. The big question I have is whether this novel contains only what happens on Coruscant or if it continues through the end of the final episode of Rebels with Thrawn and Ezra jumping into the unknown.

I think it is established that Thrawn's goal through this series is to build influence and gain knowledge, technology, and alliances capable of defending his homeworld when the time comes. The big choice of this book seems to be forcing his timeline/preparedness whether his plan has reached maturity or not.

Spoiler: Potential story twist

It would make sense if the big reversal is something like Thrawn chooses or is forced to choose his fealty to the Empire over his loyalty to his species only to have that choice taken from him as his battle with Ezra transports them into the Unknown Regions, potentially into Chiss space. If Thrawn is forced to turn down the Chiss, he would be labeled as a traitor to them, so if he and Ezra pop up in Chiss space, they would be in for some trouble with both the Chiss and whomever the threat is.