Author Timothy Zahn has revealed the title, cover, and summary of the next installment in the wildly popular Thrawn series. Backed by Lucasfilm and Del Rey, these novels have cemented Thrawn as one of the most compelling characters to recently arrive in the Star Wars universe. The official description of the novel is:
Such was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting. Since then, Thrawn has been one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, pursuing its enemies to the very edges of the known galaxy. But as keen a weapon as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive.
Now, as Thrawn’s TIE defender program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes that the balance of power in the Empire is measured by more than just military acumen or tactical efficiency. Even the greatest intellect can hardly compete with the power to annihilate entire planets.
As Thrawn works to secure his place in the Imperial hierarchy, his former protégé Eli Vanto returns with a dire warning about Thrawn’s homeworld. Thrawn’s mastery of strategy must guide him through an impossible choice: duty to the Chiss Ascendancy, or fealty to the Empire he has sworn to serve. Even if the right choice means committing treason.”
The character of Thrawn had made appearances in Star Wars: Rebels and comic books. His indirect approach to combat makes him an interesting and unpredictable villain. And his manipulative tactics often put him at odds with the rest of the Empire. These qualities draw fans to him, despite him being a villain in the stories. It could also be that Thrawn has dealt with racism in the Empire, making a small space for empathy with readers.
Star Wars Thrawn: Treason will be available for pre-order in mid-December 2018 and will be on the shelves in Summer 2019.
