Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy - Expanded Universe Review

Josh Rowe @joshrowe
23d ago

Posted to: Star Wars

Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy - Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command - was absolutely incredible! Set five years after Return of the Jedi, it follows the New Republic struggling to establish itself while facing a dangerous new enemy. Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the last major figures of the Empire, isn't your typical villain. He doesn't rely on fear or brute force but on strategy, patience, and an eerie ability to predict his enemies' moves. His presence alone makes the story feel fresh, proving that the Empire isn't as dead as the New Republic would like to believe.

Luke, Leia, and Han all have their own battles to fight. Luke is still trying to figure out his role as the last Jedi when he crosses paths with Joruus C'baoth, a self-proclaimed Jedi Master whose power is matched only by his madness. Leia and Han are juggling politics, leadership, and the challenges of starting a family while trying to keep the fragile Republic from collapsing. And Mara Jade, a former agent of the Emperor, has her own agenda and a long-standing grudge against Luke. Their stories weave together to make the galaxy feel bigger and more complex than before.

The trilogy does a great job of expanding the Star Wars universe without losing what made it special. Honestly, it felt like watching in my mind the sequel trilogy that should have been VII, VIII, and IX. Zahn introduces new planets, alien species, and political conflicts that feel natural, like they've always been there. The action is well-paced, bouncing between space battles, lightsaber duels, and tense political maneuvering. Thrawn's tactical genius makes every encounter unpredictable, and the way he uses art to study his enemies is one of the more unique aspects of his character.

Zahn absolutely nails the personalities of the original trilogy's heroes, making them feel like a seamless continuation of their movie selves. Thrawn is easily one of the best villains in Star Wars, and Mara Jade quickly becomes a fan favorite with her sharp wit and complex backstory. Even the supporting cast, like smugglers, politicians, and rogue Imperials, all add depth to the story. It never feels like it's just filling space between big action scenes. There's always something meaningful happening.

If there's one drawback, the ending felt abrupt and fairly predictable. The buildup is great, the stakes are high, and then everything wraps up in the last couple of pages. It's not bad, just a little sudden. That said, the trilogy as a whole is a fantastic read, especially for fans who love the classic Star Wars feel. It captures the spirit of adventure, the struggle between light and dark, and the messy politics of a post-Empire galaxy, all while introducing new characters who quickly earn their place in the universe. It may not be official canon anymore, but it's still one of the best Star Wars stories out there.

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