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Star Wars: Thrawn

"Thrawn (novel)" redirects here. For the 1991–1993 trilogy also written by Timothy Zahn, see Thrawn trilogy. For the 1997–1998 duology, see The Hand of Thrawn.

Star Wars: Thrawn (also known simply as Thrawn) is a Star Wars novel by Timothy Zahn, published on April 11, 2017, by Del Rey Books. It chronicles the origins of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a popular character originating from the Star Wars Legends line of works, which were declared non-canon to the franchise after Disney redefined Star Wars continuity in April 2014. The novel was announced in July 2016 alongside news that the character Thrawn would be reintroduced into the Star Wars franchise on the 3D CGI animated television series Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars: Thrawn
AuthorTimothy Zahn
LanguageEnglish
SeriesStar Wars
GenreScience fiction
PublisherDel Rey Books
Publication date
April 11, 2017
Publication placeUnited States
Media type
  • Print
  • E-book
  • Audiobook
Pages448
ISBN978-0-345-51127-0 (First edition)
Followed byThrawn: Alliances 

A sequel, titled Thrawn: Alliances, was released in July 2018. A third novel, Thrawn: Treason, was released in July 2019.

Plot

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Found on an unnamed Outer Rim planet, the exiled Chiss warrior Thrawn pledges himself to Emperor Palpatine and joins the Imperial navy. Thrawn's cunning and expertise as a tactician help him to rise through the ranks with unprecedented speed, though his renegade tactics ignite the ire of his superiors. At Thrawn's side is his translator-turned-aide-de-camp, Ensign Eli Vanto, whom he trains in the ways of war. Meanwhile, ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce plots her own rise to power.

Development

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The character of Thrawn was originally introduced in Zahn's 1991 novel Heir to the Empire, and became a fan favorite.[1][2] He went on to appear in several other novels, short stories, comics, and video games.[3] Following the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disney Company, most of the licensed Star Wars fiction produced since the originating 1977 film Star Wars were rebranded as Star Wars Legends and declared non-canon to the franchise in April 2014.[4][5][6]

In a prerecorded video, Zahn announced at the London Star Wars Celebration in July 2016 that he was writing a new novel for Del Rey Books titled Thrawn.[1][7][8] The same day, Del Rey confirmed on Twitter the novel's spring 2017 release.[1][9] In a subsequent interview with StarWars.com, Zahn noted that the novel would cover several years between Thrawn's "first encounter" with the Empire and the events of the third season of Star Wars Rebels, an animated television series in which the character will appear prior to the book's release.[10] He said:

It's very exciting [to write Thrawn again]. A writer never knows which characters are going to click with the readers, and it was highly gratifying to me that Thrawn captured the imaginations of so many people over the past quarter century. Over the years I've written a lot of books and stories that featured him, but with this book I'll be visiting a part of his life that I never before had a chance to explore.[10]

Asked if he would be incorporating any material from previous Thrawn novels, Zahn said, "I've thrown in a few bits and pieces. Nothing too blatant, just little Easter eggs for those who are familiar with my other books."[10] Though in Legends works Thrawn was mostly used in post-Return of the Jedi storylines, both Rebels and Thrawn take place prior to the events of the original 1977 film and show his rise to power.[1][11] Zahn said, "I get to show how he's treated by his fellow officers and shipmates on his way up the military ladder, particularly when he's not in a command position over them."[11]

A full synopsis of the novel was released in January 2017,[12][13] followed by an excerpt in March 2017.[11]

Publication

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Thrawn was published on April 11, 2017.[12][13] Del Rey Books produced three variant covers: the standard edition is white, featuring Thrawn's face split by the spine; the Barnes & Noble-exclusive edition has the same cover design in black, with a double-sided pull out poster that has a Thrawn portrait on one side and the Del Rey novel timeline on the other; and the Star Wars Celebration limited edition has a textless cover with Thrawn's full face, the portrait on the back cover, and special end papers.[14]

Reception

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The Verge said that the book "a welcome resurrection of one of the extended universe’s brightest points."[15] Nerdist wrote: "Overall, Thrawn takes some familiarities, expands them, and paints an intimate portrait that gives new life to a beloved character."[16] Gizmodo compared the novel to other recent Star Wars books: "Zahn is simply a better storyteller with a better handle on his characters and his plots than we’ve seen in a while."[17] Den of Geek gave a mixed review and said that "the novel gets dragged down by its own pacing".[18]

Comic adaptation

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In July 2017, Marvel Comics announced that a comic book miniseries adaptation of Thrawn is scheduled for release in early 2018.[19][20] The first issue was released on February 14, 2018, with five more to follow on a monthly basis.

Sequels

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Thrawn: Alliances

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Main article: Thrawn: Alliances

A sequel to Thrawn, titled Thrawn: Alliances, was announced during New York Comic Con in October 2017.[21][22] The novel was scheduled to be released on June 26, 2018,[23] but was later delayed to July 24, 2018.[24] The cover artwork was revealed in November 2017,[25] and an excerpt was released on the official Star Wars website on March 23, 2018.[26] The excerpt was the first canon appearance of the planet Batuu, which was featured in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the new theme park expansion at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, in 2019.[27][28] Thrawn: Alliances was released by Del Rey Books on July 24, 2018, and debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[29]

Thrawn: Alliances focuses on Thrawn's partnership with Darth Vader,[21][22] whom he meets at the conclusion of Thrawn. In the novel, Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader are sent on a mission to the unknown regions to explore a disturbance in the Force felt by Emperor Palpatine. The mission is more than that, however, as Thrawn's split loyalties between the Empire and his native people the Chiss and Vader's past as a Jedi require a test of loyalty for both. The book also features flashbacks to a Clone Wars conflict featuring Thrawn and Anakin Skywalker.

Thrawn: Treason

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Main article: Thrawn: Treason

In December 2018, it was announced that Timothy Zahn would write and publish another Thrawn sequel, titled Thrawn: Treason.[30] The novel was released by Del Rey Books on July 23, 2019, and debuted at #5 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[31]

The novel explores the crisis Thrawn encounters when he discovers that his people are in peril, forcing him to choose between loyalty to the Empire or loyalty to the Chiss Ascendancy.[30]

Prequels

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Main article: Thrawn Ascendancy

At the 2019 New York Comic Con, a new prequel trilogy from Zahn was announced to launch with Book I: Chaos Rising in May 2020.[32] After being delayed twice, the first novel was ultimately released on September 1, 2020.[33] In October 2020 a sequel to Chaos Rising was announced, titled Greater Good, which was released on 27 April 2021. On April 1, 2020, the final novel in the Thrawn Ascendency trilogy was announced, titled Lesser Evil, which was released on November 16, 2021.[34][35]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Breznican, Anthony (July 16, 2016). "Star Wars Rebels resurrects Grand Admiral Thrawn". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 17, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  2. ^ Hoffmeyer, Corey (January 21, 2017). "Star Wars: Thrawn Novel Synopsis – Grand Admiral's Rise to Power". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on February 25, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  3. ^ Hansen-Raj, Linda (August 2, 2016). "Who Is Thrawn?". StarWars.com. Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  4. ^ McMilian, Graeme (April 25, 2014). "Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for Star Wars Expanded Universe". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 30, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  5. ^ "The Legendary Star Wars Expanded Universe Turns a New Page". StarWars.com. April 25, 2014. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  6. ^ "Disney and Random House announce relaunch of Star Wars Adult Fiction line". StarWars.com. April 25, 2014. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  7. ^ Truitt, Brian (July 16, 2016). "Thrawn to make grand appearance in Star Wars Rebels". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 16, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  8. ^ Bricken, Rob (July 16, 2016). "Grand Admiral Thrawn Joins Rebels and the New Star Wars Canon". io9. Archived from the original on July 16, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  9. ^ @DelReyStarWars (July 16, 2016). "That announcement was so artfully done. Star Wars #Thrawn by Timothy Zahn coming spring 2017" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  10. ^ a b c "Enter Thrawn: A Q&A with Timothy Zahn". StarWars.com. July 18, 2016. Archived from the original on July 20, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c Truitt, Brian (March 2, 2017). "Read an excerpt as Thrawn returns to Star Wars book universe". USA Today. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  12. ^ a b Siegel, Lucas (January 21, 2017). "Star Wars: Thrawn Origin Novel Synopsis Released". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  13. ^ a b Marnell, Blair (January 22, 2017). "The Synopsis for Star Wars: Thrawn Teases the Grand Admiral's Origin". Nerdist. Archived from the original on June 17, 2018. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  14. ^ Hoeler, Tom (March 3, 2017). "Learn About All the Editions For Star Wars: Thrawn". Unbound Worlds. Archived from the original on March 9, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2017.
  15. ^ Liptak, Andrew (12 April 2017). "Timothy Zahn finally unveils the origin story of one of the greatest Star Wars villains in Thrawn". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  16. ^ Ratcliffe, Amy (11 April 2017). "New STAR WARS Novel Shows Us New Sides to THRAWN (Review)". Nerdist. Legendary Digital Networks. Archived from the original on 26 April 2019.
  17. ^ Trendacosta, Katharine (11 April 2017). "I Loved Thrawn So Much I Am Looking For Some Blue Face Paint and a White Uniform". Gizmodo. Keleops Media. Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  18. ^ Crouse, Megan (11 April 2017). "Star Wars: Thrawn Review". Den of Geek. DoG Tech LLC. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  19. ^ Whitbrook, James (July 21, 2017). "Timothy Zahn's Excellent Thrawn Novel Is Being Turned Into a Marvel Comic". io9 Gizmodo. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  20. ^ "New Star Wars: The Last Jedi Books and More Revealed at SDCC 2017". StarWars.com. July 21, 2017. Archived from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
  21. ^ a b Keane, Sean (October 6, 2017). "Star Wars: Thrawn sequel announced at NYCC 2017". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  22. ^ a b Liptak, Andrew (October 6, 2017). "Timothy Zahn is writing a sequel to Thrawn". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 7, 2017. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  23. ^ Morales, Jonathan (28 November 2017). "Thrawn: Alliances – A sneak peak[sic] at the cover". Dork Side of the Force. Archived from the original on 24 March 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2018.
  24. ^ "Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars)". Penguin Random House. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  25. ^ Church, Ricky (22 November 2017). "Thrawn: Alliances cover artwork". Flickering Myth. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  26. ^ Morales, Jonathan (28 March 2018). "Thrawn: Alliances excerpt". Dork Side of the Force. Archived from the original on 2 August 2019. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  27. ^ Gallagher, Brian (24 March 2018). "Batuu in Thrawn: Alliances". Movie Web. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  28. ^ "Thrawn Alliances Novel Tied to Star Wars Land's Batuu". Laughing Place. March 23, 2018. Archived from the original on July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  29. ^ "Hardcover Fiction Books – Best Sellers – August 11, 2018". The New York Times. August 11, 2018. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  30. ^ a b Wilhelm, Erin (December 5, 2018). "Star Wars – Grand Admiral Thrawn is Back in Thrawn: Treason". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on December 6, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  31. ^ "Hardcover Fiction Books – Best Sellers – August 10, 2019". The New York Times. August 10, 2019. Archived from the original on August 2, 2019. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  32. ^ Cameron, Brian (October 4, 2019). "New Timothy Zahn Thrawn Trilogy Arriving May 2020". Fantha Tracks. Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  33. ^ Roberts, Phil (May 29, 2020). "STAR WARS: THRAWN ASCENDANCY TO RELEASE A MONTH EARLY". Future of the Force. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  34. ^ "The Star Wars:: Thrawn Ascendency Trilogy Will End With Lesser Evil – Exclusive Reveal". StarWars.com. April 1, 2021. Archived from the original on April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  35. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (April 1, 2021). "Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil Will Dig Even Deeper Into the Chiss' Past". io9. Archived from the original on April 3, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
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