SPOILER THRAWN DISCUSSION THREAD.

Finally got around to finishing this book (in a week: the longest it's taken me to finish any SW new canon book to date!) last night, reading in between revision was an absolute pain, but alas.

I think this might well be my favourite book to spin out of the new canon, in all honesty. It had everything that I thought Bloodline had to make it such a great book, such as pure character focus and political intrigue, and the world-building and tie-ins that always gave a smile in Lost Stars. Add onto that what I think might well be Zahn's best work with the character and perhaps the most in-depth look in at Coruscant post-ROTS and the military tactics of the Empire and you have one heck of a book. Pryce's cold demeanor being developed by the political games she gets caught up in was especially intriguing to read, and was perhaps some of the greatest character development we've had in a SW novel this side of 2013. Likewise for Thrawn's relationship with Eli Vanto, which demonstrates Thrawn's not-so-obvious growth through the growth of his subordinate.

I too feel that the danger in the Unknown Regions is referencing Snoke, or perhaps even his people, and I don't expect to see all of this played out by the end of IX. I'm interested in seeing if Vanto ever turns up again after leaving for the Unknown Regions and the Chiss Ascendency, as this is something I'd certainly be interested in seeing play out too. After this book, more than ever, I think it would be unwise for Disney to have Thrawn killed off in Rebels - especially once again at the hands of Rukh - simply because this closes the door on potential future tie-ins and stories written about the character. I truly do believe he would be best served as one who leads the Empire's unofficial charge into the Unknown Regions along with The Eclipse.

 

It has to be Thrawn on the Eclipse. That is when he accomplishes his goal of being able to steer the direction of the Empire after Palpatine's death.... kind of anyway... since he just has the broken remnants of the Empire left to control. I'd like to see him reunite with Eli in the Unknown Regions sometime during the ROTJ-TFA era taking on whatever danger is out there threatening the Chiss. It could be Snoke, or perhaps Snoke becomes an ally to Thrawn and the Chiss in fighting against this unknown threat? I wonder how long we'll have to wait for that. It sounds like we're going to get the Thrawn & Anakin novel first.

 

Here is the story: https://thecantina.starwarsnewsnet....-to-make-more-thrawn-books.11716/#post-357914

It mentions the Anakin novel to be one of a few he wants to do. Which one comes out first is pure speculation. But with the way Thrawn ended with him finally meeting Darth Vader, I got the sense that was the direction they were going next. But maybe not. I would definitely prefer to see where the story goes moving forward rather than back. Perhaps Zahn does a story about Thrawn & Vader set during the OT in which he also incorporates flashbacks to tell the story of Thrawn and Anakin. And by the end Thrawn figures out that Vader is Anakin.

 

For quick reference, here are Thrawn's appearances in Rebels Season 3. Makes for some good binge watching after finishing this book!

1. Steps into Shadows Pt. 1
2. Steps into Shadows Pt. 2
5. Hera's Heroes
8. Iron Squadron
10. An Inside Man
14. Warhead
17. Through Imperial Eyes
18. Secret Cargo
21. Zero Hour Pt. 1
22. Zero Hour Pt. 2

 

Man, can't believe I somehow missed the news on Zahn writing more Thrawn books. I'm all up for an additional three, even if he was joking, that's for sure!

As for seeing his and Anakin's story incorporated via flashbacks in a Thrawn/Vader book (but, of course, from Thrawn's perspective), I think this is a brilliant idea, though I do think there is some risk attached to having Thrawn around during too much of the OT, which leads me to my next point; the Thrawn/Vader novel would be a perfect combination of brain and brawn, and if Thrawn is to be included in the OT to some extent, even if it's just in the background, I think, after the events of Zahn's first canon novel and assuming that he survives Rebels, Thrawn has to come out victorious.

Meaning, in my opinion, that he shouldn't have anything to do with the climactic battles of ANH or ROTJ where the Empire loses, and is exactly why he would fit in perfectly as something of a tactical advisor to Vader during TESB. The Emperor requires results, and wants them at all costs, hence pairing up his apprentice and his favoured Grand Admiral: it stands to reason that the use of probe droids at the start of the film could be his own idea (which corresponds with actions we previously saw him take in Rebels to pinpoint their hidden base); the Battle of Hoth was a decisive victory that used brute force and smart tactics (perhaps a combination of Vader's and Thrawn's tactical ability); and likewise, the patience exhibited in how the Empire played their cards at Bespin seems awfully reminiscent of something Thrawn himself might do. And, on top of all of this, having flashbacks to his initial meeting/s with Anakin suddenly naturally flow into the story: Vader is desperate and emotional in his attempts to track down and turn his son, which could give Thrawn further insight into the character.

By the end of TESB, also, we would have a mighty fine reason to have The Emperor send Thrawn back to either the Chiss Ascendency (perhaps to meet Vanto) or off into the Unknown Regions, given that an Imperial victory looks almost certain by the end of TESB and Thrawn - like Gallius Rax, I'm sure - would likely disagree with the construction and use of a second Death Star, and The Emperor's arrogance could also bleed into the pages here, too.

 

Great Post! I really like the idea of Thrawn having a role in the search for Skywalker. Check out Aftermath 3 if you haven't already. I don't want to spoil anything but it gives some hints as to Thrawn's whereabouts towards the end of the Galactic Civil War. Nothing that has been confirmed as of yet, just hints.

 

Amazon took their sweet time delivering it to me, and by the time it got here I was in the middle of another book and busy with work, so I'm only about halfway through now. I probably wasn't this excited about a Star Wars book (or any book) since the Thrawn trilogy were being released. It's not really what I was expecting but I'm enjoying it. It seems like the new characters (I'm assuming, I've never encountered them in any other media that I'm aware of) aren't too well defined. I don't even know what they look like as I don't recall anybody except Thrawn and Palpatine (both of whose appearances we're familiar with) even getting a cursory physical description. Other than that I'm liking it. It's not the most epic Star Wars story I've read, or even the best Thrawn story, but so far so good.

 

Great book! I'd sure like to see more and see where they take Thrawn in the new canon.

My speculation is Thrawn hangs around until the events of ANH. I'm thinking Thrawn would be VERY upset with the murder of billions on innocent lives on Alderaan. Maybe he leaves and links back up with Vanto and the Chiss. When they would return to the Galaxy far far away is anyones guess. I don't think we'll see them in TFA era though. Maybe Zahn will just rewrite the Black Fleet series as canon.

 

Really liked the book. The ending seemed a little rushed. I agree with the sentiments that IF Thrawn knew about the Alderaan destruction he would certainly leave the Empire because he values life.

Dang, now I have to rewatch rebels to relive what happened with Governor Price. Was unexpected to see her in the novel but fit nicely in the book and overall story.

 

Big time!

 

I just don't get why they can't get the ACTUAL breathing sound for Vader. I too did the audio book, and in other audiobooks (Lords of the Sith) they use the same fake breathing sound. Drives me batty. Lol especially with headphones.

I mean, they can use the ACTUAL John Williams score, why not the Vader sound?

 

courts martial

 

Just finished it. Best new Canon book I've read. Zahn managed to include bits from all over canon (rebels, clone wars, movies etc.) and it not come across as forced. Very smooth. Thrawn a protagonist is even better than Thrawn as the big bad! They better not kill Thrawn in Rebels! It belongs in a book! ....or some inbetweenquel movies....or a sequel sequel trilogy. More thrawn please!

Did anyone else get the vague impression that Thrawn was dead during the epilogue? Eli seemed to be talking about him as if he was gone. Thoughts?