The Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn is widely considered the series that launched the entire Star Wars expanded universe of novels, and with good reason. The events of this trilogy begin to take place about 5 years after events of Return of the Jedi, and we get to meet Grand Admiral Thrawn. I went into this series specifically for this character, and I wasn’t disappointed. Below I’ve given a small review of each book, mainly the second and the third of the trilogy. It will have a few spoilers so for a more spoiler-free review, as well as an introduction to the whole concept of Star Wars legends and canon novels, do check out my review of the first book of the series, Heir to the Empire, here.
Now, jumping onto my thoughts for the next two books.
Book 2: Dark Force Rising – This book picks up immediately from the first. It feels like the entire trilogy is one long saga that was broken down into three books. In this series we find Thrawn and the new Republic in a mad dash to acquire the mythical Dark Force, a fleet of starships that were lost in space. Acquiring the fleet would tip the balance of the war and could spell the end of the Republic if Thrawn gets his hands on them. Add to this the ever growing power and influence of Jedi master C’baoth and his plans for Luke, Leia, and Leia’s children.
This book was a rollercoaster ride. There was so much happening that it was hard to put down. On one hand we have Han, and Leis desperately trying to keep the new Republic on the right track in spite of opposition from every side, and on the other we have Luke being called to by through the force by the mysterious Jedi master C’baoth. Add to this Thrawn’s machinations, and of course, Mara Jade’s hatred towards Luke Skywalker, and its a book you’ll find hard pressed to put down.
Rating: 4/5
Book 3: The Last Command – The stakes are set with Thrawn about to launch his final assault on the new Republic. Everyone seems to be scrambling to get some form of resistance against this Grand Admiral who always seems to be 3 steps ahead of the opposition. I really don’t want to spoil this book too much so all I’ll say is this. There are battles, betrayals, deaths, re-emergence of clones, and the appearance of a Dark Jedi who could rival Palpatine.
Rating: 4/5
These books were brilliant from start to finish. Definitely recommend this series to fans of space operas, military fiction, and of course, to Star Wars fans. Please, do yourself a favour and read these books. You will not be disappointed.
Links:
- goodreads: Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy – Timothy Zahn
- Book Review: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire – Timothy Zahn
- goodreads: Dark Force Rising – Timothy Zahn
- goodreads: The Last Command – Timothy Zahn
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