Star Wars: Thrawn Origin Novel Synopsis Released

Arguably the most popular character in the Star Wars Legends universe, Grand Admiral Thrawn made his return – and his canon debut – on Star Wars Rebels this year. But when fans are standing in line in April at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, they’ll also have something brand-new to read: Thrawn, a new novel from his creator Timothy Zahn.

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The new novel releases April 11, 2017 (and is available for pre-order now), and rewinds the clock for the never-before-told origin of the ruthless Imperial leader. Penguin Random House revealed the full synopsis for the novel, which teases some new characters and what brings Thrawn into the position of Grand Admiral and a leader against the nascent Rebel Alliance.

The full synopsis reads:

“One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe. From his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire, through his continuing adventures in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond, Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned an iconic status among Star Wars‘ greatest villains. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.

“After Thrawn is rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, his deadly ingenuity and keen tactical abilities swiftly capture the attention of Emperor Palpatine. And just as quickly, Thrawn proves to be as indispensable to the Empire as he is ambitious; as devoted as its most loyal servant, Darth Vader; and a brilliant warrior never to be underestimated. On missions to rout smugglers, snare spies, and defeat pirates, he triumphs time and again—even as his renegade methods infuriate superiors while inspiring ever greater admiration from the Empire. As one promotion follows another in his rapid ascension to greater power, he schools his trusted aide, Ensign Eli Vanto, in the arts of combat and leadership, and the secrets of claiming victory. But even though Thrawn dominates the battlefield, he has much to learn in the arena of politics where ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce holds the power to be a potent ally or a brutal enemy.

“All these lessons will be put to the ultimate test when Thrawn rises to admiral—and must pit all the knowledge, instincts, and battle forces at his command against an insurgent uprising that threatens not only innocent lives but also the Empire’s grip on the galaxy—and his own carefully laid plans for future ascendancy.”

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While fans have to wait until April to read Thrawn, they can catch the character on Star Wars Rebels Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD, or catch up anytime on demand and the WatchDisneyXD website and app.