Star Wars Thrawn: Alliances

I'm a huge Thrawn fan - have been since Timothy Zahn created him to fill the void after Return of the Jedi ran at the last theatre near you. So yes, of course I read his new Thrawn book, simply entitled Thrawn, which tells the story of Thrawn's rise to the rank of Grand Admiral. And naturally I preordered Thrawn: Alliances. Here's the blurb:

Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader team up against a threat to the Empire in this thrilling novel from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

“I have sensed a disturbance in the Force.”

Ominous words under any circumstances, but all the more so when uttered by Emperor Palpatine. On Batuu, at the edges of the Unknown Regions, a threat to the Empire is taking root—its existence little more than a glimmer, its consequences as yet unknowable. But it is troubling enough to the Imperial leader to warrant investigation by his most powerful agents: ruthless enforcer Lord Darth Vader and brilliant strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fierce rivals for the emperor’s favor, and outspoken adversaries on Imperial affairs—including the Death Star project—the formidable pair seem unlikely partners for such a crucial mission. But the Emperor knows it’s not the first time Vader and Thrawn have joined forces. And there’s more behind his royal command than either man suspects.

In what seems like a lifetime ago, General Anakin Skywalker of the Galactic Republic, and Commander Mitth’raw’nuruodo, officer of the Chiss Ascendancy, crossed paths for the first time. One on a desperate personal quest, the other with motives unknown . . . and undisclosed. But facing a gauntlet of dangers on a far-flung world, they forged an uneasy alliance—neither remotely aware of what their futures held in store.

Now, thrust together once more, they find themselves bound again for the planet where they once fought side by side. There they will be doubly challenged—by a test of their allegiance to the Empire . . . and an enemy that threatens even their combined might.

I've just finished reading the book and feel the need to read it again. It's one of those dense plots where one tends to miss important details. And there are plenty of those. Zahn tends to write his books as if they're movie scripts and though, obviously, Thrawn/Mitth’raw’nuruodo and Lord Vader/Anakin Skywalker get the bulk of the action, Padme Amidala is a very important secondary character, and there are a few others in pivotal military positions who also get their own POV.

We move from the present to the past where Anakin and Thrawn first meet. Anakin is looking for his wife, who went off to meet a friend/agent who has uncovered a threat, and disappeared.Thrawn happens to be there for reasons undisclosed. What's interesting is Anakin's relationship with his wife and also how he copes with Thrawn, who is much more competent at strategy. Even then, Anakin tended to react without much thought.

Vader isn't written as a sympathetic character but perhaps Zahn has rounded him out a bit more. (I know that was the purpose of the 3 prequels - I'd rather ignore them.) Here we have two very different, very powerful men forced to work together despite their completely different methods of operating. Needless to say, despite Vader's mantra that "General Skywalker is dead", Thrawn knows the truth - although he never admits to it. The byplay between Padme and Anakin is also interesting, showing the impulsiveness of the man which will finally lead to his fall.


I particularly enjoyed the stand-off between Thrawn and Vader because Vader has to be persuaded to agree to Thrawn's plans. That's not easy when you're dealing with a Sith Lord with an itchy light sabre. But Thrawn also acknowledges Vader's abilities and uses them to accomplish more than one victory.

Zahn has written a number of stories where he focuses on a storm trooper unit. He incorporates some of that into this story, including the POV of a storm trooper commander in the 501st legion. He also includes the POV of Commodore Faro, who is captain of Thrawn's flagship Chimaera. These two bring in a nice comparison of their feelings towards the men they work for - once again, making it all a little more real.

It's always fun watching how Thrawn works out his moves, teaches others, and outwits the opposition. I'm sure if one wanted to, one could pick holes in the reasoning. But I never bother, I just enjoy the show.

All in all, if you're a Star Wars fan, you'll enjoy this book.