In this definitive novel, readers will follow Thrawn's rise to
power-uncovering the events that created one of the most iconic villains in Star
Wars history. 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, Anakin Skywalker; 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, 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 ascendency.
Author Biography
Timothy Zahn is the author of more than forty novels, nearly ninety short stories and novellas, and four short-fiction collections. In 1984, he won the Hugo Award for Best Novella. Zahn is best known for his Star Wars novels (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, Specter of the Past, Vision for the Future, Survivor's Quest, Outbound Flight, Allegiance, Choices of One, and Scoundrels), with more than four million copies of his books in print. Other books inlcude the Cobra series, the Quadrail series, and the young adult Dragonback series. Zahn has a B.S. in physics from Michigan State University and an M.S. from the University of Illinois. He lives with his family on the Oregon coast.