Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars)
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4.4 • 942 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 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 edge 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 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 his future 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 by an enemy that threatens even their combined might.
Praise for Thrawn: Alliances
“It’s a science fiction beach read in the best way, brisk and amusing, with some cool additions to the Star Wars galaxy.”—Den of Geek
“Like all of Zahn’s novels set in a galaxy far, far away, it’s an essential read for anyone looking for an artistically done adventure.”—CNET
Customer Reviews
Third Best in the Trilogy
I love the Thrawn Books first and foremost—if you love Thrawn, you will love this book as well.
However, I will argue that out of all of the Thrawn books, this one seems the weakest. There are some really good and strong moments here and there, but the first Thrawn and Treason seem to be more consistent in grabbing my attention.
[Minor Spoilers below]
The pacing can be a bit slow at times due to the present/flashback method of storytelling. While I do enjoy the parallels and juxtaposition it gives, it can be jarring and stalls the pacing at times. I honestly forgot the present “issue” Vader and Thrawn were trying to solve because that the “past” Thrawn/Anakin issue was more compelling to me. Speaking of the past Anakin/Thrawn, I will complain that I wish Padmé got more time in the spotlight. I love her and it seemed like she was on an important mission, but she got sidelined to Anakin and Thrawn looking for her.
I do not agree that Vader got “nerfed” in the book. He seems as intimidating as ever. If anything, he’s just annoyed.
Thrawn: Alliances
Zahn delivers yet another great Star Wars novel. Unpredictable at every turn the two stories are intertwined telling the story of the first time Anakin and Thrawn met and became unwilling allies and then bringing the relationship into the time when Thrawn had become Grand Admiral and Anakin had become Vader.
Details make fiction believable and Zahn carefully weaves them in and around his characters to make this a novel one doesn’t want to put down until it’s finished. The two protagonists are a pleasure to watch as they maneuver around one another.
Looking forward to the next installment of Zahn’s Star Wars story and hoping he writes many many more.
Great job to Timothy Zahn and all those who had a part in getting this novel together and out to readers. Thank you.
A Slow and Uncharacteristic “Filler”
It’s a Star Wars book in the sense that it takes place in the Star Wars Universe. That’s worth at least two stars for me.
However, like others that have failed with Star Wars material, the author attempts to change the rules/parameters of the SW Universe and it’s material (i.e cotorsis) to create a “fresh” plot. Unfortunately the plot is a square peg being forced into a round hole. It doesn’t work and leaves way too many “if-then” questions and scenarios for the current/modern Skywalker saga canon.
The story is told from two timelines. The historical Anakin v. “Present” Vader timelines attempt to help the reader understand how/why Vader puts up with Thrawn’s insolence while showing that Vader still has conflicting emotions - but it just doesn’t work. Vader comes off as weak and intellectually inferior instead of Emperor-loyal and wise. On top of that, it’s slow and kind of a silly/boring setting.
I love the author and have read most of his SW books, but this is my least favorite.