Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars) - Timothy Zahn

Thrawn: Alliances (Star Wars)

By Timothy Zahn

  • Release Date: 2018-07-24
  • Genre: Science Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 943 Ratings
$7.99 On itunes Get On Amazon

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

Reviews

  • A Slow and Uncharacteristic “Filler”

    2
    By JimboSimboMcLimbo
    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.

  • Huge Letdown

    2
    By AngerBee
    The first new-canon Thrawn book was absolutely incredible. It is probably the fastest that I have ever plowed through a book, and I was absolutely satisfied, so I blindly ran right into this book. By the end, I just couldn’t do it. It took me about two weeks to read the last 2-3 chapters, because it was just so boring. The only character that worked, oddly enough, was Padme, and she was just “ok”. Here Thrawn is relegated to the supporting character, behind Vader and Padme, and none of the magic from the first book was here. This book also contains an awful incarnation of Vader, who is weak, speaks entirely too much, and and shows too much of Anakin’s emotions and whininess. Oh yeah, this is a book about Thrawn. There are entire chapters where he does not make an appearance, and he basically just hides his logic from Vader, to elicit a response ad nauseam. Vanto is also inexplicably written out of this story. Him, and his perspective of the first book, were a huge part of what made it so well done.

  • Nerfed Vader Completely

    1
    By MichaelMad95
    Vader is completely out of character in this book. He has petty arguments and actually gets briefly handicapped by 3 random thugs. The Vader I know doesn’t do that. Compare this Vader to ESB Vader or even RO Vader and it’s 2 different characters. To make Thrawn retain his “super intelligence” from the first book it seems the author decided to make Vader much less intelligent and much less patient by comparison. I’ve read 20+ Star Wars novels(both canon and non) and this is definitely one of the worse ones. PS: Vader/Anakin is my favorite character from the films so you mess w him and you mess w me.

  • Thrawn: Alliances

    5
    By ssymkens
    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.

  • Yuuzhan Vong 2.0

    1
    By ben jam tra
    Very disappointed to see a new Yuuzhan Vong, the Vong were a low point in Star Wars Legends and they are making the same mistake twice.

  • Thrawn

    3
    By Sim City Tex
    ...has too many Sherlock Holmes characteristics

  • Fun read- wish it was longer!

    5
    By PassiveAggressiveReviewer7
    Good plot with a nice pace. It almost moves too quickly though I’ll admit that I’d enjoy reading descriptions of Thrawn’s observations while grocery shopping. Enjoyed the interactions between Thrawn, Vader, Anakin and Padme. Though not the main intent, probably one of the best deep dives into Vader’s personality. Also enjoyed the handful of EU references.

  • Not nearly as good as the first

    3
    By Danny Saiz
    Thrawn teams up with Vader. What a great formula. It’s almost guaranteed to be great. Unfortunately not the case. If you buy this novel expecting the same great experience you got from the last one, you will be disappointed. Go into this with your expectations low and it should work out just fine.

  • On form

    5
    By ovenmitt545
    Another great book by Zahn.

  • More Thrawn please!

    5
    By gwhizkids
    Excellent read. Although nominally about Thrawn, the story is really an examination of the greatest character in the Star Wars universe. Thrawn is rapidly reaching #2 status though.

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