May 2017 - Reader Pick - Thrawn

[Betsy]

Our Reader Pick selection for May 2017 is Thrawn by Timothy Zahn.

"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, 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. "

Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews.

[Brandon]

I loved this book. One of my favorite things in a story is when a character is confronted with an interesting challenge and responds to it with extreme competence. These characters have weaknesses and flaws, but none of them are idiots.

Thrawn is consistent with his characterization in the Legends novels he appeared in, even if some of the details had to fall by the wayside with the new canon system. For example, Mara Jade was not present when Thrawn got promotion to grand admiral.

I wasn't sure if I would care about Arihnda when she first appeared, but she hooked me pretty soon after that.

[Conal]

I agree that this was a really good story. I found myself a little amazed to be rooting for an Empire stalwart but I found both Thrawn and Eli Vanto to be two characters that I found extremely entertaining. I really can't say the same for Arihnda though as her character was in the same vein as other Empire bad guys (it was all about her and nobody else mattered) from past stories and movies. I am now going to go back and re-read the original trilogy and see if my current opinion changes at all about Admiral Thrawn.

[C.T.]

I really enjoyed this book even if I didn't much care for the opening because it's just a rewrite of the Adventure Journal story "Mist Encounter."

My favorite part of it is the Governor Pryce sections. Tim Zahn really developed a character who was stereotypical in the cartoon.

Here's my review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...