Star Wars’ new set of canon books will soon include one centering around Grand Admiral Thrawn, and a new synopsis makes the book sound fascinating.
Prior to Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the world of Star Wars had a massive and far-flung Extended Universe, brought to life primarily through novels. In fact, one trilogy of these novels served as the original sequel trilogy for many a fan. We’re talking, of course, about Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy, starting with Heir to the Empire. Alas, with the announcement of the sequel films came the other announcement that the EU would no longer actually be canon.
However, that hasn’t stopped shows like Star Wars Rebels from bringing Grand Admiral Thrawn back into the canon fold. Unsurprisingly, Disney and Lucasfilm then tapped his creator, Zahn, to write a new novel about him.
Now we know just a little more about what we’ll see in the creatively titled Star Wars: Thrawn. We tip our hats to Comicbook.com.
Here’s the synopsis:
"“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, Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned an iconic status among Star Wars’ greatest villains. 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.”"
Can we just say that we’ll be slightly sad and disappointed if Zahn doesn’t manage to also sneak in at least one reference to Pellaeon? He served as Thrawn’s somewhat sidekick during the original trilogy? Not to knock Ensign Vanto, of course.
We also wonder if the novel may include the return of Mara Jade to the canon universe. She’s Zahn’s other great Star Wars creation, and eventually ended up marrying Luke Skywalker in the old EU. However, she started as an Imperial servant, the Emperor’s Hand. With The Last Jedi dropping this year, could she return to serve as a candidate for Rey’s mother? (That assumes that Luke’s Rey’s father, of course.)
Okay, that much may be wishful thinking, but at least Thrawn’s coming back!
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Star Wars: Thrawn hits shelves on Apr. 11.