“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.
Writer: Timothy Zahn
Cover Artist: Scott Biel
Publisher: Del Rey (US)/Century (UK)
Publication Type: Novel
Page Count: 342
ISBN: 9781780898667
Retail Price: $28.99/£20.00
Release Date: 26th July 2018
Thrawn: Alliances puts two of the Empire’s biggest assets together for what is a bit of a “frosting” good ride, however, the true joy of this novel comes in the chapters detailing Anakin and Padmé’s meeting with Thrawn during the Clone Wars. Also, do not worry if you haven’t read Thrawn as there is practically no continuation.
Within this book there are two interlocking stories. The first takes place post Thrawn’s loss to Hera’s crew at Atollon in the season three finale of Rebels and the second after Ahsoka’s leaving of the Jedi Order during The Clone Wars. To his credit Zahn interweaves these stories very well, and by leaving mini cliffhangers in one story before picking up the next he makes tantalising reading.
Zahn is helped by the fact that the stories take place on the same two planets, Batuu and Mokivj, this prevents confusion but also generates stability throughout the book. (Batuu may sound familiar as its Black Spire Outpost is the location for Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge attraction). These planets carry new and exciting threats and are brought to life with ease by Zahn who is able to paint the edge of the galaxy with brush that is well accustomed to writing Star Wars fiction.
Now to the focal point of the novel – the relationship between Thrawn and Vader. The tension, especially in the “present day” story is palpable. Zahn constructs the dialogue seething with competitive edge as Vader does all he can for the best of The Empire whilst Thrawn struggles with his past without causing treason and meeting the end of a red lightsaber. Zahn also intelligently writes the knowledge of their Clone Wars meeting with intelligence and a mixture of humour as Thrawn attempts to guess who the man under the black armour may be, whereas Vader stubbornly shows no knowledge of such an occurrence…
This couldn’t be more different to Anakin’s and Thrawn’s relationship! Yes, there is some suspicion and sizing up in their initial meeting but they make quite a good team and share differing political and cultural views as they create carnage around them discovering where Padmé may have gone.
Padmé?! As disclosed on the official Star Wars website before publication Padmé is a major part of this book and she has gone to Batuu to follow up on some intelligence left by one of her trusted handmaidens. Padmé is an absolute joy in this book, I don’t want to say too much about her exploits but for me, she was the highlight of this novel.
Is it all excellent? No. There is one major character flaw in that Thrawn has…none. He is literally perfect in every way and this can remove you from the novel as you’re too busy rolling your eyes. One example of this is that during a communications blackout Thrawn just so happens to have a device that can get through, or, the fact that knowledge comes out of nowhere or reason at the most convenient time to get him out of a tight situation. It’s good for characters to fail, we saw him stumble in Rebels, and yet, he doesn’t here. I know he is Zahn’s creation, but it may be time for someone else to take the reigns as this can be quite off-putting and exacerbate the reader.
Another small criticism; Eli Vanto was Thrawn’s right hand man in the first novel and is nowhere to be seen! This is such a disappointment as he was a favourite and I would have liked to see his story continue, especially after the cliffhanger his character was left on! I just hope that his story will be picked up again soon.
Looking forward, what does this novel bring to the wider Star Wars universe? Well…there is a huge revelation in how the Force can be used (shall not go into details because…spoiler) and, again, we see a very deliberate concentration from the story group on Wild Space. Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy concentrated on this unexplored area as well and I would not be surprised to see this area explored further within future media. The main enemy, the Grysks, also have an air of future enemies too.
Overall, Zahn delivers another good Thrawn book but this does come with it’s limitations. Is it worth reading? Yes, especially for the prequel based story as this is a highlight. If they continue with Thrawn novels I’d like to see someone else write him for the reasons stated and I’d appreciate Star Wars picking up with Eli again.