'AHSOKA' - THE SEASON TWO TEASER TRAILER

Fresh from the latest Disney D23 event, here is the eagerly awaited trailer for the new season, featuring action, mystery and galactic conflict galore, as well as lots more Anakin Skywalker!

Arriving on Disney+ January 20th, 2027, launching the Fiftieth Anniversary of the saga.

‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 Officially Sets Disney+ Release Date

THE ART OF WAR: CELEBRATING THE THRAWN LEGACY!

The enigmatic power and skills of that truly alien servant of the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn, is well captured in this excellent art by Chris Trevas.

Being the Star Wars franchise equivalent of the ultimate calculating and resourceful villain (within the fragmented Galactic Empire in the saga era post Return of the Jedi), in a similar and effective way that the alien warrior Thanos was to The Avengers film series for Marvel, Grand Admiral Thrawn's live action debut in the upcoming Ahsoka mini-series, played by Lars Mikkelsen, is hugely awaited by fans. And, as well now know, this is just the beginning for Thrawn's ambitions, what with his eventual cinematic debut in Dave Filoni's all-action, multi-series character assemblage that will be Heir to the Empire. I wonder where he got that great title from...? 

Star Wars: Dave Filoni Says Thrawn Is "Definitely" the Big Threat in The New Republic Era

Thrawn reaction at Star Wars Celebration made Lars Mikkelsen cry | EW.com

Ahsoka Star Reveals If Thrawn Has Changed Since Star Wars Rebels' Finale

AHSOKA Star Lars Mikkelsen Talks "Ruthless" Take On Thrawn, Books Vs. TV, And His Unexpected Return

The live-action Thrawn makes his debut albeit briefly in the recent Ahsoka teaser trailer.

As played in live-action by Lars Mikkelsen.

In honour of Thrawn's well deserved and enduring success, and continued kudos to his creator in the acclaimed writer Timothy Zahn, enjoy this visual celebration of his key multi-media/Expanded Universe appearances as we head towards Ahsoka this August, 2023, airing exclusively on Disney+

The Star Wars saga returns to huge success with the first all-new books from Timothy Zahn in 1991: the Heir to the Empire series, of which Grand Admiral Thrawn is such an important part of the galactic drama. Art by Tom Jung.

Gorgeous first issue cover for the Dark Horse cover adaptations of Heir to the Empire, by Mathieu Lauffay.

More great art by Mathieu Lauffay for the Dark Horse Comics adaptation.

One of the recent all-new covers for Heir to the Empire's 2021 paperback Legends series re-printing. Art by Tracie Ching.

Atmospheric full face version used for promotion of the Thrawn origins book series.

The well-executed Thrawn saga trilogy covers.

Thrawn, seemingly 'discovered' by Imperial forces on a remote jungle world. Soon enough, his tactical skills are of great service to the Empire and becomes a critical asset. Art by Joe Corroney (?).

Promo art for Thrawn: Alliances, which saw the return of Anakin and Padme in an accomplished tale from Timothy Zahn. Cover art: Two Dots.

Potent combinations in different eras, during the Thrawn saga.

The popular books that revealed Thrawn's origins as a warrior of the Chiss Ascendancy and the threats that will lead to his encounters with the Empire.

In loyal service to the Chiss, but soon feared and hated by many of his rivals and superiors. Art by Magali Villeneuve.

Thrawn and his key Chiss naval comrades-in-arms within the Ascendancy series.

A figure of power with destinies linked to both his native Chiss and the Galactic Empire. Art by Two Dots for the Thrawn: Treason San Diego Comic Con variant book cover.

In consultation with Darth Vader and the Emperor. Art by Joe Corroney.

-

Thrawn mini-series comics compilation - Spanish edition cover, 2018. Art by Paul Renaud.

Making the welcome transfer to animation and in holographic contact with the cruel Governor Pryce, during the later seasons of Star Wars Rebels.

Searching out the potential base/s of the building Rebel Alliance.

Not seen yet in the live action saga, a clever representation of the Force defying Ysalamiri, created by Timothy Zahn for the Heir to the Empire saga. 

Character image used for a TOPPS card.

A memorable and chilling encounter involving Rebel pilot Hera Syndulla in the Star Wars Rebels episode, Hera's Heroes.

With his loyal alien bodyguard Rukh (voiced by Warwick Davis) during Season Four.

Thrawn and his long serving Fleet Admiral, Gilad Palleon, recently played on screen by actor Xander Berkley during Season Three of The Mandalorian.

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN - ASCENDANCY: LESSER EVIL'

Will the chains of duty weigh heavily on Senior Captain Thrawn? Art by Magali Villeneuve.

As the building enemy forces of the powerful and manipulative alien allies the Grysk and Kilji Illumine prepare to attack/invade the prior weakened Chiss Ascendancy from both within and without, battle and tactical genius Senior Captain Thrawn of the Expansionary Defence Fleet, a dutiful and patriotic hero respected and feared by his friends and enemies alike, must play the ultimate gambit of his life and career in defending his species. The Battle of Sunrise awaits, needing all of Thrawn's knowledge and skills like never before in his biggest, boldest battle yet, and whose aftermath will irrevocably change and challenge his destiny in unexpected (?) ways...

Clocking in at a mammoth  500 plus page content, the 'Grand Master' of Star Wars' Expanded Universe fiction, Timothy Zahn, returns with another fan-pleaser. The final book in the Thrawn: Ascendancy saga, Lesser Evil, has lots, a lot of lots, to wrap-up with regards to plot strands and character arcs-wise. And, as usual, with the utmost expert efficiency, he does a splendid and absorbing job of dotting all the I's and crossing all the T's whilst also delivering a separate satisfying story full of building plot, space battle action and dramatic conflict/resolutions. This time out, Thrawn's backstory (and even family revelations) are opened up for exploration, whilst his battle comrades amongst the Chiss Expansionary Defensive Fleet also get a lot more to do in the story/action stakes before all are ultimately sent their separate ways by the books' highly satisfying and bittersweet ending, with an intriguing coda leading into what will be the resourceful alien tactician's new life in the service of the Galactic Empire. Or is he? They say things are not always what they seem...

The complete Ascendancy saga, available in the UK from Century.

A fine and fitting conclusion to this experimental trilogy of Star Wars yet not Star Wars science fiction adventure storytelling that only Zahn could have pulled off with his considerable flair. There is still much potential to be mined beyond Thrawn within the Chiss Ascendancy universe of heroes, villains and unusual species (like the Magys and their mysterious abilities within 'the Beyond') that the respected author will surely return to with positive zeal.

AFICIONADO RATING: 4 out of 5

Get the book here:

Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: (Book 3: Lesser Evil): Lesser Evil (Thrawn Ascendancy, 3): Amazon.co.uk: Zahn, Timothy: 9781529150087: Books

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'THRAWN ASCENDANCY - LESSER EVIL'

The ultimate Star Wars Christmas present of 2021 must surely be the epic finale to Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy: Lesser Evil. Weighing in at a lofty 550 pages packed full of too-good-to-spoil story-wrapping political intrigue, absorbing-to-read space battles, cosmic drama and newly-revealed long-time secrets linked to the final destiny of the galaxy's most intriguing tactical genius commander. Determined to save his race from hidden enemies at work within the Chiss Ascendancy, no matter what the personal and professional cost, Thrawn is, undoubtedly, one of the finest (now officially recognised) non-George Lucas created franchise characters ever conceived, whose must-have climactic (?) 'event' title is out now in hardback from Century.

Here's the official release info:

The fate of the Chiss Ascendancy hangs in the balance in the epic finale of the Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

For thousands of years The Chiss Ascendancy has been an island of calm, a center of power, and a beacon of integrity. Led by the Nine Ruling Families, their leadership stands as a bulwark of stability against the Chaos of the Unknown Regions.

But that stability has been eroded by a cunning foe that winnows away trust and loyalty in equal measure. Bonds of fidelity have given way to lines of division among the families. Despite the efforts of the Expansionary Defense Fleet, the Ascendancy slips closer and closer toward civil war.

The Chiss are no strangers to war. Their mythic status in the Chaos was earned through conflict and terrible deeds, some long buried. Until now. To ensure the Ascendancy's future, Thrawn will delve deep into its past, uncovering the dark secrets surrounding the ascension of the First Ruling Family. But the truth of a family's legacy is only as strong as the legend that supports it. Even if that legend turns out to be a lie.

To secure the salvation of the Ascendancy, is Thrawn willing to sacrifice everything? Including the only home he has ever known?

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Lesser/dp/1529150086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UYL4Y84J1FX6&keywords=thrawn+ascendency+book+3&qid=1637320785&sprefix=thrawn%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN: ASCENDANCY - GREATER GOOD'

Fresh from his unique victory against the cunning Nakardum race, led by the evil Yin the Benevolent, Senior Captain Thrawn of the Chiss Ascendancy now faces a new set of problems that will test his mettle like never before: two powerful members of the Chiss council once more working together determinedly to usurp the the talented officer's building status of power and ability; further building treachery from several command rank officers in the Expansionary Defense Fleet (motivated by the need to re-establish their family lineage within the Ascendancy), and the urgent need to unravel the mystery objectives being perpetrated against his people by a subtly dangerous new enemy, soon proving themselves as master puppeteers building their forces and plans linked to another mysterious race blessed with powerful abilities similar to those described in 'the Force'. Now more than ever, with darkness and chaos escalating, it looks like the deck of life and war cards have been heavily stacked against our distinctive but resilient tactician...

Building on the previous acclaimed book launching his new trilogy, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn: Ascendancy: Greater Good has deceits, trials and tribulations, power games and heavy duty space conflicts galore. However, unlike book one, its middle section, mostly featuring the unusual alien threat subtly manipulating the Chiss Ascendancy's power-thirsting families from the inside out, sadly felt a bit of a chore to read for this particular reviewer, despite its clear importance in setting up events coming with the series conclusion later in the year. Additionally, Thrawn is more on the sidelines this time out than I would have liked him to be - again, a necessary storytelling move by the author as he guides his dramatic personae into their needed positions on the dramatic chess board). Thankfully, a strong conclusion makes Greater Good ultimately worthwhile as a reading enterprise. From its explosive revelations, I've no doubt that Zahn will go on to deliver another accomplished and unexpectedly surprising finale for the Expanded Universe's most popular character...

AFICIONADO RATING: 'Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts'.... as the old saying goes.7.5 out of 10

Previous AFICIONADO coverage of Greater Good:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2021/04/out-now-thrawn-ascendancy-greater-good.html

Get the Century published UK hardback here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Greater/dp/1529101921/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=thrawn+greater+good&qid=1621872367&sr=8-1

OUT NOW: 'THRAWN: ASCENDANCY: GREATER GOOD'

Bold warrior, cold warrior. Senior Captain Thrawn returns. Art by Magali Villeneuve.

It may be a little while before we see him in the flesh, so to speak, within a live-action Disney+ TV series (his name having been intriguingly referenced by Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano in last season's The Mandalorian), but until then Star Wars fans worldwide can relish the next literary appearance of that alien master tactician Thrawn, back in the days when he was a firm part of his native Chiss Ascendancy supreme power, within the latest surefire New York Times bestselling adventure of space warfare and galactic families intrigue from his acclaimed creator, Timothy Zahn: Thrawn: Ascendancy: Greater Good, the second of an all-new trilogy, making its UK hardback debut from Century.

Official release info: 

Thrawn and his allies race to save the Chiss Ascendancy from an unseen enemy in the second book in the epic Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

Thrawn's latest triumph still rests newly on his shoulders. He has led the Chiss to victory and brought glory to the House of Mitth, but the true threat to the Ascendancy has not yet been extinguished. Their foes do not send threats or ultimatums, do not mass ships on the edge of the Chaos. Their weapons come cloaked in smiles and generosity: Gifts offered freely. Services granted unconditionally.

Across the Ascendancy, seemingly inconsequential events could herald the doom of the Chiss. As Thrawn and the Expansionary Defense Fleet rally to uncover the plot, they discover a chilling truth: Rather than invade Chiss capitals or pillage resources, their enemy strikes at the very foundation of the Ascendancy, seeking to widen the rifts between the Nine Ruling Families and the Forty Great Houses below. As rivalry and suspicion sow discord among allies, each warrior must decide what matters most to them: the security of their family or the survival of the Ascendancy itself.

Officially released excerpts: 

https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-ascendancy-greater-good-exclusive-excerpt

https://nerdist.com/article/star-wars-thrawn-ascendancy-greater-good-excerpt-chiss-enemies/?fbclid=IwAR3ARHYTH7RpGLPlyh17g3xu8ziUKsj0K5S-0SwNqsEYlzE9uDTk_aJxEJ8

https://ew.com/books/star-wars-thrawn-ascendancy-book-2-greater-good-excerpt/

Get the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Greater/dp/1529101921/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=thrawn+ascendancy+the+greater+good&qid=1619282630&sr=8-1

And don't forget, the opening book of this new trilogy, Chaos Rising, is now available in UK Arrow paperback.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Rising/dp/1529101476/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1619623241&sr=8-3

NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW GLORIES! RE-VISITING 'THE THRAWN TRILOGY'...

As worldwide Star Wars Expanded Universe fans celebrate the all-new prequel origin adventures of the Chiss Ascendancy's greatest tactician in Thrawn: Ascension: Chaos Rising, Arrow Books UK have wisely given us the chance to re-capture our original enthusiasm and nostalgia for the fascinating character as debuted back in 1991, and as the unique first, post Return of the Jedi-era Imperial villain to spectacularly face off against our iconic heroes of Luke, Leia and Han, within a special Legends reprint of Timothy Zahn's groundbreaking, franchise relaunching first book saga - The Thrawn Trilogy, out now in paperback, strikingly adorned with updated artwork from Rich Kelly.

If you haven't already read these books, whose exciting and epic stories and characters would be such an inspiration for many of the future Star Wars TV series filmmakers following George Lucas post Prequels onwards (notably Star Wars Rebels guru Dave Filoni), then you're in for a richly rewarding treat...

SECRET HISTORY, SECRET WARS! 'THRAWN - ASCENDANCY: CHAOS RISING' COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

The making of the villain we both admire and hate in equal measure, his origins finally revealed. The all-new Thrawn - Ascendancy trilogy, out this September, from Century.

We've now followed his progress as the ultimate Star Wars Expanded Universe humanoid villain for an incredible near thirty years, and across numerous best selling novels: from his seeming 'discovery' on an unknown world in the Outer Regions, to his swift and efficient rise up the ranks of the Imperial Navy hierarchy (an outsider resentfully accepted by his rivals), and to his ultimate leading of enemy forces that would complicate the New Republic and its iconic heroes during the critical years after the destruction of the second Death Star. A former spy of the most ingenious and resourceful kind for his own race, and later an officer seemingly loyal to Emperor Palpatine, he would be further recognised as the ultimate tactician, an intellectual warrior blessed with an all-round talent for evil. Thrawn has been all of these things and more to his beloved fanbase, within a rich history conceived by the equally popular and still unbeaten leader of the pack when it comes to the series long time novel adventures, Timothy Zahn. Now, the eagerly awaited Thrawn - Ascendancy: Chaos Rising takes us back to a different time and a different realm beyond everything we've ever known about Thrawn, kicking-off an all-new trilogy of uniquely different and uniquely alien adventures set in a time frame long before the Expanded Universe's introduction of the character, as the truth behind his origins and his true loyalties to his people, the mysterious but territory-loyal Chiss Ascendancy, is unlocked from its surely very complicated puzzle box.

Fresh yet full of all the elements that have made the previous entries in Thrawn's sphere of influence such a success with readers, Thrawn - Ascendancy: Chaos Rising is a welcome start to Star Wars fans Autumn reading, in UK hardback from Century, that will surely prove a well-plotted, momentum-building, surprises-packed epic for fans to devour yet also introduce them to new science fiction avenues, a new universe of sorts, for the franchise in novel form.

https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-ascendancy-chaos-rising-exclusive-excerpt

Release blurb:

Discover Thrawn’s origins within the Chiss Ascendancy in the first book in an epic new Star Wars trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

Beyond the edge of the galaxy lies the Unknown Regions: chaotic, uncharted, and near impassable, with hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the Nine Ruling Families that lead them.

The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that leaves no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendancy dispatches one of its brightest young military officers to root out the unseen assailants. A recruit born of no title, but adopted into the powerful family of the Mitth and given the name Thrawn.

With the might of the Expansionary Fleet at his back, and the aid of his comrade Admiral Ar’alani, answers begin to fall into place. But as Thrawn’s first command probes deeper into the vast stretch of space his people call the Chaos, he realizes that the mission he has been given is not what it seems.
And the threat to the Ascendancy is only just beginning.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Ascendancy-Ascendency/dp/1529124581 

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN - TREASON'

Loyalties tested and warfare emergent for Grand Admiral Thrawn in Thrawn - Treason, out now from Century.

The eagerly awaited finale to the presumed second trilogy of the world famous SW Expanded Universe Uber villain Grand Admiral Thrawn is here, and once again his creator Timothy Zahn delivers a page-turning adventure with Thrawn - Treason, UK published by Century, that fans will be delighted by.

We last encountered Thrawn aligned with the formidable powers of his true rival Darth Vader, the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith and right hand man to the Emperor himself, the results of which, whilst keeping at bay a determinedly growing alien force emergent from the Outlying Regions of the galaxy, the alien leader would ultimately piece together Vader's true past identity as the once greatest Jedi, Anakin Skywalker. Now, in the aftermath of that stand firm conflict against the Grysk Hegemony, armed with the knowledge that the militaristic manipulators will undoubtedly cross into the Empire's territory sooner rather than later, the Grand Admiral returns back to Imperial Centre only to find himself mired in all-new conflicts with rivals old and new, at a critical time in the development of the Emperor's vision and stranglehold of the galaxy via the birth of a unique and powerful construction project nearing completion: code-named 'Stardust'. A development that, if successfully realized, may threaten Thrawn's own unique plans to aid the Empire, to whom he has allied his past and future ambitions so intrinsically in ways beyond anything from his past history and dedication as an esteemed warrior for his own species- the warriors of the Chiss Ascendancy.

The Grand Moff Tarkin will stop at nothing to achieve his own goals for power.

And Thrawn couldn't be more caught in a nest of viper's like the one established in Treason, primarily the pawn of a much larger game orchestrated by the infamous Grand Moff Tarkin, carving his own powerplay strategy against the ambitious, lower down the Imperial elite chain (but nonetheless rising up) determination of Director Orson Krennic, whose caretaker/orchestration of Stardust and its powerful and prestigious potential, though dogged by years of delays and production problems, has nonetheless gained him considerable grace and favour with the Emperor- a project he personally wishes complete whatever it takes. Tarkin, wanting Stardust and its power all to himself, is determined to unseat Krennic, even if means sacrificing Thrawn as part of that scheme. Krennic is already aware of Tarkin's underhand scheming, but Thrawn himself has no choice but to follow the undercurrents of battle between the two rivals- a mysterious scenario now affecting Stardust potentially threatening the go-ahead by the Emperor to the successful creation/production pipeline of his unique TIE Defender fighter program, rendering it forfeit and extinct through lack of funding.

Eli Vanto returns, alongside the efficient Chiss officer Admiral Ar'alani. Art by Darren Tan.

Entering into the Stardust problem, a certainly unique mystery is revealed- a seemingly natural and unusual situation nicely linked to The Empire Strikes Back, though its ultimate solving leads to even greater danger with the return of the Grysk threat, acting in ways more cunning, bigger in ambition than we discovered in book two, and whose powers in control of other races remain cruelly effective. As Treason carefully unspools the threat, plot strands and characters from book one return to provide an effective closing symmetry to this trilogy finale. We discover just what happened to Thrawn's friend Eli Vanto, the Imperial officer with whom he developed a strong early rapport with, and who disappeared under a cloud a year earlier, seemingly never to return to the Star Destroyer Chimera. Under mysterious orders and a shroud of secrecy, Vanto now acts as the ultimate race relations liaison of sorts with the Chiss, of which his reemergence during a critical point sees him uncomfortably caught between worlds just like Thrawn has been over the decade since his 'discovery'. Cleverly, Vanto is our window into the world of Thrawn and his unique gifts, though he too now understands what it's like to be a stranger in a strange but fascinating land.

Zahn adds further intriguing facets to the alien Chiss, notably introducing a female warrior the equivalent to Thrawn, Admiral Ar'alani, unhappy with his seeming defection to the enemy side with the Empire and always probing where his true loyalties lie. The Chiss have a sense of honour and clan power basing not unlike the Klingons of the modern Star Trek series, it seems- a unique race with more secrets about their personal nature and technology to be revealed in future media-related tales, for sure.

With Death Troopers at his side, Director Orson Krennic remains steadfast to the 'Stardust' project.

Despite lots of advance publicity, the only real disappointment to the book is the true lack of Director Orson Krennic within the story. He was such an interesting baddie, not an elitist but an angry man with a grudge who had had to work hard to join the ranks, within the core of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. I'd hoped he would properly lock horns with the Grand Admiral throughout the entire story. Sadly, despite one Imperial meeting chapter early on, they share little time together, the potential character clashing of the story instead relayed via one of Krennic's less interesting yet key lackeys. A genuine wasted opportunity - perhaps the author was restricted in using the character for some reason on the Lucasfilm creative side?

But Zahn, whose writing style is never less than subtly depthful and efficient, instinctively knows how to give the Expanded Universe lovers more of what they want, and what that 'more' is is Thrawn. With his strategic and tactical genius, he continues to shine under his creator's storytelling, always able to out-think, out-anticipate and jump three steps ahead of all his rivals, leading his taskforce to an ending that pulls out all the stops via a forty-page finale space battle split in two, as opponents lock horns and laser cannons in conflicts that will surely blow the minds of Imperial Navy fans and those SW readers who appreciate battle tactics in both history and the franchise's history. The battles not just showcasing Thrawn but the book's other core characters most effectively too, including his efficient and capable female second-in-command, Faro.

Will Thrawn's post Star Wars Rebels fate be revealed in a later trilogy?

So, a satisfying end to this already acclaimed new trilogy featuring the complex and enigmatic alien warrior who serves the Empire with thoughtful distinction. But will there will be more of Thrawn? I'm more than certain there will be- some interesting little plot strands are resolved, but most can be reopened and expanded. Just as Harrison Ford is Han Solo, I'm sure there's a lot of Thrawn (in a good way, of course) is buried within Timothy Zahn's DNA. And where there's intrigue and warfare to come, from whichever side of the galaxy he may end up, the Grand Admiral will be centred at the bridge of the Chimera, ready and waiting to serve in the Emperor's name and legacy...

AFICIONADO RATING: It's Thrawn. It's Zahn. It's a must-have! 4 out of 5

A trilogy now complete, available from Century UK.

Get Thrawn - Treason here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrawn-Treason-Star-Timothy-Zahn/dp/1529124018/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thrawn+treason&qid=1568807241&sr=8-1

MOVE AND COUNTER MOVE! 'THRAWN - ALLIANCES' COMES TO UK PAPERBACK

Eighteen years on from his original and strikingly memorable debut within the acclaimed Heir to the Empire trilogy, Timothy Zahn's compelling bad guy we love to hate and admire, Admiral Thrawn, a unique alien being of infinite artistic taste fused with remarkable foresight in his military tactical skills, has proved more popular than ever in the saga, bolstered by his proper official inclusion into the Star Wars animated universe with Star Wars Rebels during its final seasons, as well as the all-new Thrawn book tie-in trilogy, once more helmed by his creator, whose opening tales have been best sellers worldwide. Book Two's showcase of the character - Alliances - was noted for its strong plotting and characterisation, and its successful Prequel links incorporating iconic Republic heroes Anakin Skywalker (followed by the ominous Darth Vader in clever flash-forwards) and spirited senator Padme Amidala, the secret couple working, albeit uneasily, alongside the then very mysterious and secretive former Chiss spy on a hostile frontier world.

Thrawn: Alliances debuts in UK paperback, from Arrow, tomorrow (February 28th, 2019).

Check out our original review here:
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2018/09/aficionado-review-thrawn-alliances.html

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrawn-Alliances-Star-Wars/dp/0525481281/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551273850&sr=8-1&keywords=thrawn+alliances+paperback

And look out for the explosive trilogy finale: Thrawn: Treason, later this summer, published in hardback by Century.

OUT NOW IN UK HARDBACK: 'THRAWN - ALLIANCES'

The summer holidays may be here, but, instead of sunshine, STAR WARS fans will instead be soaking up frays from all things 'dark side' related, with the history-making first novel pairing of legendary evil-doers Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn, both in their own ways vying for further power within the Galactic Empire in order to fuel their unique destinies, but soon joining forces on order from the fearsome and calculating Emperor himself, as the next chapter in Timothy Zahn's acclaimed Thrawn saga, Alliances, hits UK stores and online with the power of a turbo laser cannon, courtesy of a clearly proud CENTURY.

Earlier AFICIONADO book taster:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2018/07/uk-exclusive-pre-order-thrawn-alliances.html

More on the book and its sophisticated mixing of Prequel and Classic Trilogy era storytelling:

Book excerpts:

https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-alliances-excerpt

https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-alliances-exclusive-excerpt

Author Timothy Zahn speaks:

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/25/17597478/star-wars-timothy-zahn-thrawn-alliances-book-comic-con-sdcc-2018

https://www.starwars.com/news/thrawn-alliances-author-timothy-zahn-interview

Get Alliances here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrawn-Alliances-Star-Timothy-Zahn/dp/1780898665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532694860&sr=8-1&keywords=thrawn+alliances

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'THRAWN' - OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK

He's back to terrorise the galaxy and its freedom fighting heroes anew with the latest and final season of the DISNEY XD Star Wars Rebels series. But let's find out more about this mysterious, unique alien strategist Grand Admiral who's in loyal service of the Empire, as his acclaimed creator in author Timothy Zahn brings us a masterly and efficient backstory like no other- Thrawn, now arriving in UK paperback from Arrow Books.

From his suspicious but inventive origins - seemingly 'discovered' by an Imperial squad in the mysterious Outland Regions - to his swift ascendancy, if rubbing his superiors and xenophobic elitist human colleagues up the wrong way at the Imperial Academy, during his early days 'discovering' both how the Galactic Empire works and the ways it can be used to his subtle benefit, soon sweeping his intimidating presence over officers primarily in their positions of powers via means of existing political/family dynasties, rather than showing any of the superior talents indeed possessed by Thrawn. Swiftly promoted for those 'talents' and his abilities as a tactician for combat and war strategies, the blue-skinned alien is recognised by the feared Emperor himself for his knowledge and his usefulness in a sector of space not yet explored and potentially dangerous to the stability of his realms of influence and control.

Yet such a being like Thrawn can' t survive, nor thrive, these early days without a friend, a guide and and ultimately, often, a decoy to be used in a friendly way as he rises the ranks. And that human/alien is Eli Vanto, at first an unwilling and wary translator to Thrawn, essentially one of the key people involved in his 'discovery', seemingly becoming a friend and confidante and recognizing faster than others the Chizz's true abilities. Or was it all a case of Thrawn letting him know his talents as and when needed? Is Vanto simply yet another tool, a pawn in Thraen's unique life goals- his masterplan?

At first feeling wasted in his new role alongside Thrawn, after years of limited career advancement seemingly stalled by the upper echelons, Vanto travels alongside Thrawn's personal journey to Star Destroyer officer and commander, as the book's second half deals with the Imperial hunt for elusive and smart smuggler insurgent known as Nightswan, soon proving himself a resourceful and equally matched opponent. Thrawn knows that if Nightswan can be found and his pirates eliminated, the final path to power in the Imperial Navy will be assured...

With the original twenty year Expanded Universe of comic/book fiction gone and reshaped from The Force Awakens onwards, author and Thrawn creator Timothy Zahn has to stay away from the tales and history previously concocted linking into what was is now an alternate sequel history post -ROTJ, as well as prior connections from the Prequels. Thankfully, though, the new Lucas books empire does at least respectfully allow him to recognise certain elements of Thrawn's once future background and especially a one-off past encounter with Anakin Skywalker, as seen in the memorable Outbound Flight - a scenario that will surely be crucial for his eventual meeting with Darth Vader in this book's upcoming 2018 sequel.

Governor Tarkin, the Emperor and now ISB Security Chief Admiral Yularen (the latter from The Clone Wars animated series originally and transplanted into Rebels) make effective appearances in Thrwan at strategically placed moments linked to the Thrawn's personal journey. The build-up to the Rebels timeline of which Zahn's plot and lead character now travels in ultimately proves well handled. Plus, there's mention of that mysterious top secret Imperial construction project underway, out in the deepest reaches of space, soon catching Thrawn's quiet attention...

Above them all, though, and obviously the star of the title, Thrawn, by hyperspace miles, remains one of the best non-Lucas created characters ever conceived for the STAR WARS universe, and this book effectively reminds us why this is so, and how blessed the fiction universe of Lucas Books is to have such a talented writer in Zahn still with them, always delivering solid books and page-turning adventures. The genesis of the character is fascinating and intriguing, especially in the aforementioned second half of the book, what with his command of the Expanded Universe Imperial cruiser Chimera, as well as showing us the original officers under his command, of which the inclusion of more female officers in the Empire and its vast Imperial navy is most noticeable here than ever, in sync with Kathleen Kennedy's plan to put more female roles into the saga in all its facets.

A key female player alongside Thrawn in the Rebels TV series, the soon-to-be Governor Pryce's origins are also revealed concurrently to Thrawn's and eventually converging, revealing her steady turn to the dark side over the years by revealing her mining world home of Lothal and the mining company her family once owned soon taken control of by a greedy and duplicitous Imperial officer and a corrupt senator, all of whom sow the seeds for her own entrance into the Empire and setting about her plans of revenge on them, and in taking control of Lothal, and its desperately needed minerals, for herself. I have to say that I personally would have preferred to have read the entire book just abut Thrawn, as Pryce's character, though fleshed out in a workman-like way beyond the boo-hiss cypher she is on television, ultimately proves less interesting and distracting.

AFICIONADO RATING: Thrawn fans and Rebels fans in particular will find this well worth the wait if they don't already have it in hardback. A book that carefully peels back the layers of the Chiss warrior, yet teasing us that there is still so much more to come with him... 4 out of 5

Get hold of the best-selling Thrawn, out now in paperback, here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Star-Wars-Thrawn-Timothy-Zahn/1780894848/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1493216160&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+thrawn

OUT NOW IN UK HARDBACK: 'THRAWN'

Move over Ben Stiller/Derek Zoolander, there's only one guy out there who has that true 'Blue Steel' visage down to an art form, and that's the resourceful, adaptive,coldly calculating and strategically brilliant alien from the planet Chiss, the villain whom we all love to hate: Grand Admiral Thrawn, created by Timothy Zahn as the first and best Expanded Universe villain to worthily take on our Classic Trilogy era heroes back in the 90's, and now deservedly an official player in the modern DISNEY controlled STAR WARS universe, mentally terrorising our new heroes of the STAR WARS REBELS animated series in their final two seasons.

Leading into the events of REBELS, Thrawn's distinctive and memorable rising up the ranks quickly history within the machinations of the Galactic Empire, and the solidifying of his reputation as the uniquely first alien soldier/warrior to capture the approval of the dreaded Emperor himself, is revealed in the officially recognised new novel from his creator, THRAWN, published in UK hardback via Century Books, and has quickly received race reviews and acclaim as the must-have original SW novel of the year so far.

Get it here: Star Wars: Thrawn: Amazon.co.uk: Timothy Zahn: 9781780894843: Books

Timothy Zahn on His Novel Thrawn, How to Pronounce the Grand Admiral's Full Name, and More | StarWars.com

Image: DISNEY XD.

UK fans of Grand Admiral Thrawn will finally get to see his epic fight against the Ghost crew in the spectacular hour finale to STAR WARS REBELS Season Three, Zero Hour, on Saturday 22nd April, 2017, on DISNEY XD.

AFICIONADO REVIEW: "CHOICES OF ONE"

Timothy Zahn's newest novel for the STAR WARS Expanded Universe range, CHOICES OF ONE (published in the UK by CENTURY), sees the return of Mara Jade and the shrewd alien Imperial tactician Thrawn in a story of action and intrigue set between EPISODE's IV and V.

How does it measure up to previous Zahn created tales? Check out our review here: CHOICES OF ONE: BOOK REVIEW

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: CHOICES OF ONE