Continuing our series of articles on Grand Admiral Thrawn, we’re going back to the character’s roots: the same sources that introduced the famous villain to George Lucas’s Star Wars universe. Timothy Zahn is an American science fiction writer who introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn to the Legends Expanded Universe, ultimately leading to Thrawn’s inclusion in current canon. Although Zahn contributed more than just his Thrawn stories to the universe of legends, the four series of novels chronicling Thrawn’s efforts in the galaxy are arguably his best known and most important works. In today’s article, we are going to introduce you to the full and correct reading order of Grand Admiral Thrawn’s books, so enjoy!
when george lucas launched the franchise in 1977, with the movie star wars (later retitled star wars: episode iv – a new hope for continuity reasons), nobody expected that it would become one of the biggest stories in the modern area . Initially, Star Wars wasn’t that successful, but as the years went on, the franchise became a cult classic, attracting generations of fans, and now spans nine main continuity movies, video games, several TV shows, comics, and more. a variety of merchandise that made george lucas famous. The franchise is today owned by Disney, but wherever it goes after the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars will undoubtedly remain one of the foundational parts of modern culture.
You are reading: Thrawn books reading order
Now, let’s see the answer to the main question.
the thrawn book series (in order of publication)
The so-called Thrawn novel series was started by Timothy Zahn in 1991, when the first novel in the Thrawn trilogy was published. The first three novels were published from 1991 to 1993 and were succeeded by a duology that came out in 1997 and 1998. A new trilogy was published from 2017 to 2019 and there is an ongoing trilogy that started publication in 2020. So, there is a total of nine thrawn novels published so far, with two on the way. this is how it looks summarized:
- star wars: the thrawn trilogy (1991-1993)
- heir to the empire (1991); an edited and annotated edition was published in 2011.
- dark force rising (1992)
- the last command (1993)
- Ghost of the Past (1997)
- Vision of the Future (1998)
- thrawn (2017)
- thrawn: alliances (2018)
- thrawn: betrayal (2019)
- ancestry of thrawn: chaos rises (2020)
- ancestry of thrawn: greater good (2021)
- untitled part 3 of ancestry of thrawn (2022/ tbc)
the novels survivor’s quest (2004) and outbound flight (2005) also included thrawn, but since he is not the main character, we will not include them in our list. The list above is a summary of all the Thrawn novels in the order they were published. this reading order is as good as any, but if you want the narration to fit chronologically, you can check out our detailed chronological reading and order guide in the next section.
the thrawn series – chronological reading order
as already noted, the pulled books were not published in chronological order. In fact, Zahn started out with books set after the fall of the empire, only to revisit Thrawn’s story in more recent books. That’s why we’ve decided to give you the chronological reading order of these books, if you prefer to read your stories like this:
Note: Book synopses are official summaries from the publishers that are included in the novel.
prequel stories
Ancestry Thrown: Chaos Rising (2020)
Publication date: September 1, 2020series: thrawn ascendancychronology: 19 aby
Synopsis: Discover Thrawn’s origins within the Chiss ancestry in the first book of an epic new Star Wars trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. Beyond the edge of the galaxy lie the unknown regions: chaotic, uncharted, and nearly impassable, holding hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendant, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the nine ruling families that lead them.
The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that reveals no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendant sends one of his brightest young military officers to eradicate the unseen assailants: a recruit born without a title but adopted into the powerful family of myth and given the name Thrawn. With the might of the expanding fleet at his back and with the help of his comrade, Admiral Ar’alani, Thrawn begins to piece together the answers he’s seeking. But as Thrawn’s first commando moves deeper into the vast expanse of space his people call chaos, he realizes the mission he’s been given is not what it seems. and the threat to supremacy is just beginning.
thrown ancestry: greater good (2021)
publishing date: May 4, 2021 (planned)series: thrawn ascendancychronology: after 19 bby (tbc)
Synopsis: Thrawn and his allies race to save the Chiss Ascendant from an unseen enemy in the second book of the epic Star Wars: The Ascendant Trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. . Thrawn’s last triumph still rests on his shoulders. Despite leading the Chiss to victory and bringing glory to the house of myth, the true threat to ascendancy is not yet extinct. His enemies don’t send threats or ultimatums, or massive ships on the brink of chaos.
Their weapons come wrapped in smiles and generosity: gifts given freely, services given unconditionally. throughout the ancestry, seemingly inconsequential events could herald the doom of the Chiss. As Thrawn and the expansive defense fleet band together to uncover the enemy plot, they discover a chilling truth. Instead of invading Chiss capitals or plundering resources, this mysterious foe attacks the very foundations of supremacy by widening the gaps between the nine ruling families and the forty Great Houses below. As rivalry and suspicion sow discord among allies, each warrior must decide what is most important: the safety of his family or the survival of his own ancestor.
untitled third part of thrawn ascendence (2022/tbc)
publication date: 2022 (tbc)series: thrawn ascendancychronology: after 19 bby (tbc)
synopsis: Because the book was not published at the time of this writing, no plot details are known at this time. This novel will conclude the Thrawn prequel stories within the Ascendancy Saga, but how it will connect to the Greater Good and the 2017 Thrawn novel is unknown at this time.
the stories of the empire
released (2017)
publication date: April 11, 2017series: thrawnchronology: between 13 and 11 aby-2 aby
synopsis: 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 Star Wars. From his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire, through his ongoing adventures in The Rise of the Dark Force, The Last Command and beyond, Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned iconic status among the greatest villains of star wars. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise through the Imperial ranks remain a mystery.
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Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn recounts the fateful events that propelled the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare to the highest realms of power and infamy. After Thrawn is rescued from exile by Imperial soldiers, his deadly wit and keen tactical skills quickly catch 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 his most loyal servant, darth vader; and a brilliant warrior who should never be underestimated.
On missions to defeat smugglers, catch spies, and take down pirates, he triumphs time and time again, even as his renegade methods infuriate superiors while inspiring growing admiration throughout the empire. As one promotion follows another in their rapid ascent to greater power, he instructs his trusted aide, Ensign Eli Vanto, in the arts of combat and leadership, and the secrets to claiming victory. But though Thrawn dominates the battlefield, she has much to learn in the realm of politics, where ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce has the power to be a powerful ally or a brutal foe.
All of these lessons will be put to the test when Thrawn is promoted to Admiral, pitting all the knowledge, instincts, and fighting forces at his command against an insurgent uprising that threatens not only innocent lives, but control of the empire. over the galaxy, and his own carefully crafted plans for his future ascendancy.
thrawn: alliances (2018)
pub date: Jul 24, 2018series: thrawnchronology: 19 bby (past), between 2 bby and 0 bby (present)
Synopsis: Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Vader team up against a threat to the Empire in this new novel from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. ‘I have felt a disturbance in the force’: ominous words under any circumstances, but even more so when spoken by the palpatine emperor. In Batuu, on the fringes of the Unknown Regions, a threat to the empire is taking root: its existence is little more than a flash, its consequences as yet unknown. But it’s troubling enough for 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 in Imperial affairs, including the Death Star project, the formidable pair seem unlikely partners for such a crucial mission. But the Emperor knows that this is not the first time that Vader and Thrawn have joined forces with him. and there is more to his royal mandate than either suspects. In what seems like a lifetime ago, General Anakin Skywalker of the Galactic Republic and Commander Mitth’Raw’Nuruodo, an officer of Chiss descent, crossed paths for the first time.
one on a desperate personal quest, the other with unknown…and undisclosed motives. But facing a series of dangers on a world far away, they forged an uneasy alliance, neither of whom was even remotely aware of what the future held. now, pulled 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 loyalty to the empire… and an enemy that threatens even their combined might.
thrawn: betrayal (2019)
publication date: July 23, 2019series: thrawnchronology: 0 bby
Synopsis: Grand Admiral Thrawn faces the ultimate test of his loyalty to the Empire in this epic Star Wars novel from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. “If I had to serve the empire, you would have my loyalty”, such was the promise that Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting.
Since then, thrawn has been one of the empire’s most effective tools, chasing its enemies to the furthest reaches of the known galaxy. But as sharp as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive. Now, when Thrawn’s bond defense program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes that the balance of power in the empire is measured by more than military acumen or tactical efficiency.
Even the greatest intellect can hardly compete with the power to annihilate entire planets. As Thrawn works to secure his place in the Imperial hierarchy, his former protégé, Eli Vanto, returns with a dire warning about Thrawn’s homeworld. Thrawn’s mastery of strategy must guide him through an impossible choice: duty to Chiss ascendancy or loyalty to the empire he has sworn to serve. even if the right choice means committing treason.
histories after the empire
heir to the empire (1991)
Publication Date: May 1, 1992Series: The Thrawn TrilogyTimeline: 9 BBY
synopsis: here is the sci-fi editorial event of the year: the exciting continuation of the legendary star wars saga. Picking up where the film trilogy left off, Heir to the Empire reveals the tumultuous events that take place after the most popular series in movie history, masterfully narrated by Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn.
In the spring of 1977 a movie called Star Wars was released and a cultural phenomenon was born. His epic story, about a young man named Luke Skywalker, whose destiny it was to save the galaxy from conquest, captured the imagination of millions and broke all box office records. Today, Star Wars and its sequels, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi are recognized as the most popular series in film history and are among the top ten movies of all time. The three Star Wars movies form a spectacular saga of bold imagination and grand adventure. but the stories of his characters did not end there.
Now, for the first time, Lucasfilm Ltd., producer of the Star Wars movies, has licensed the continuation of this beloved story. In an astonishing three-book cycle, Timothy Zahn continues the story of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the other characters made world famous by Star Wars, while brilliantly expanding the amazing vision of George Lucas, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Heir to the Empire picks up five years after the end of Return of the Jedi: The Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and driven the remnants of the old Imperial fleet to just a quarter of the way. of the territory they once controlled.
leia and han are married and have borne heavy burdens in the government of the new republic. And Luke Skywalker is the first in a long-awaited new line of Jedi Knights. But thousands of light-years away, where skirmishes are still taking place, the last of the Emperor’s warlords has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet. he has made two vital discoveries that could destroy the fragile new republic, built at such cost for the rebel alliance. the story that emerges is a towering epic of action, invention, mystery and spectacle on a galactic scale; in short, a story that deserves the name of star wars.
dark force rising (1992)
Publication Date: May 1, 1992Series: The Thrawn TrilogyTimeline: 9 BBY
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synopsis: the publishing hit of the year was the publishing hit of the year, the first novel to continue the adventures of luke skywalker, princess leia and han solo. beyond the events of the most popular trilogy in the history of cinema. Now comes Dark Force Rising, the second volume in a three-book cycle authorized by LucasFilm Ltd. and written by Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn.
Five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the fragile republic that was born with the defeat of Darth Vader, the Emperor, and the infamous Death Star finds itself threatened from within and without. The most cunning and ruthless warlord of the dying empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn, took command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the Republic’s destruction. With the help of unimaginable weapons long hidden by the emperor on a backwater planet, he launched plans to turn the tide of battle, overwhelm the new republic and impose his iron rule across the galaxy.
Meanwhile, dissent and personal ambition threaten to tear the Republic apart. As Princess Leia, pregnant with Jedi twins, risks her life to lead a proud and deadly alien race into an alliance with the Republic, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find evidence of treason within the Republic’s highest council. , only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies. But most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a hidden past, consumed by bitterness…and completely, completely insane.
Now he plans to use his uncanny mastery of the force to summon the young skywalker, allay his doubts, cunningly charm him, and ultimately corrupt him to the dark side. A story of brilliant spectacle, startling revelations and tumultuous action, the dark force moves at the speed of light across a dazzling epic landscape of galactic proportions, from world to world, adventure to adventure, as good and evil collide across the vastness of space ‘a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…’
the last command (1993)
Publication Date: April 1, 1993Series: The Thrawn TrilogyTimeline: 9 BBY
Synopsis: Heir to the Empire was a #1 New York Times bestseller and the sci-fi editorial event of the year. The rise of the dark force continued with the exciting new adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and the other heroes of the most popular trilogy in movie history. Now the saga concludes with The Last Command, the culminating volume in a three-book cycle authorized by LucasFilm Ltd. and written by Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn.
Five years have passed after the events of Return of the Jedi. The fragile new Republic is reeling from the attacks of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has not only rallied the remaining Imperial forces, but pushed back the rebels with a heinous new technology: clone troopers. Hopes are low as Thrawn mounts a final siege against the Republic. As Han and Chewbacca struggle to form a wary alliance of smugglers in a desperate attack on the Empire, Leia holds the alliance together and prepares for the birth of her Jedi twins. but the empire has too many ships and too many clones to fight.
The Republic’s only hope lies in sending a small force, led by Luke, to the very fortress that houses Thrawn’s terrifying cloning machines. there awaits a final danger. dark jedi c’baoth schemes in his secret fortress, leads the battle against the rebels, fuels his madness, and builds his force to finish what he’s already started: the destruction of luke skywalker. an odyssey of fast-paced action, shocking revelation and final showdown, the last commando spans a galaxy in flames, a story that will conclude in this third and final installment as a battle between good and evil long ago, in a galaxy far, far away . , far …. ‘
specter of the past (1997)
Publication Date: November 3, 1997Series: Thrawn’s HandTimeline: 19 BBY
Synopsis: From the Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn, whose unprecedented bestselling trilogy continued the saga of George Lucas’s blockbuster movies and became a landmark in the history of science publishing. Fiction, comes Specter of the Past, the first in the epic two-volume series The Hand of Thrawn. Now Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han alone must fight to safeguard the fledgling new Republic from a dead Imperial warlord—and from herself.
Once the unquestioned master of countless star systems, the empire teeters on the brink of total collapse. once in command of an invincible army of star destroyers, his fleet has been reduced to a skeleton force. day by day, neutral systems rush to join the coalition of the new republic. but with the end of the war in sight, the new republic has been a victim of its own success. An unwieldy alliance of races and traditions, the confederacy now finds itself divided by ancient animosities. Princess Leia fights against all odds to hold the New Republic together. but she has powerful enemies. An ambitious Disra Moff leads a conspiracy to divide the uneasy coalition with an ingenious plot to frame the Bothans for a heinous crime that could lead to genocide and civil war.
At the same time, Luke Skywalker, along with Lando Calrissian and Talon Karrde, pursue a mysterious group of pirate ships whose crews are clones. And then comes the most shocking news of all: Grand Admiral Thrawn, thought dead for ten years, is reported to be alive. The most cunning and ruthless warlord in imperial history has apparently returned to lead the empire to triumph. As Han and Leia try to prevent the New Republic from crumbling in the face of this fearsome and inexplicable threat from the past, Luke sets out to track down rogue pirate ships.
To do so, he’ll team up with Mara Jade, with whom he’ll share his growing mastery of the force and the ever-present threat of the dark side. Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows is the enigmatic Senior Terce, a disciple of Emperor Palpatine, who shares his long-dead master’s thirst for power, schooled in the devious stratagems of the Thrawn himself, and armed with his own dark plans for destruction. new republic. and the empire.
vision of the future (1998)
Publication Date: September 1, 1998Series: Thrawn’s HandTimeline: 19 BBY
Synopsis: Future Vision is the second book in the epic two-volume The Hand of Thrawn series by Timothy Zahn, the Hugo Award-winning and best-selling author of the landmark original trilogy based on the legendary star wars films of george lucas. Now, the story that began in the specter of the past comes to an explosive conclusion as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo find themselves embroiled in the midst of an impending civil war and discover the shocking truth behind the rumored resurrection of the dead Admiral Thrawn. .
For an empire under siege, desperate times call for desperate measures. Sowing discord among the fragile coalition of the new republic, the remnants of the once mighty empire make one last play for victory. Having implicated the Bothans in the genocide of the Caamasi, they now plan an attack on Han and Leia that the Bothans are also blamed for. if they succeed, the new republic will be torn apart. To avert inevitable disaster, Luke, Leia, Han and his friends must prove the Bothans innocent and reveal the Empire’s betrayal.
but time is running out. The cunning Major Tierce has teamed up with the ambitious Moff Disra in the empire’s master plan. At the heart of it is the most elaborate swindle of all: the rumor that the legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn, long thought dead, has returned to lead the Empire to a prophesied triumph. News of Thrawn’s return is already rallying Imperial forces against the new Republic. As Leia travels on a secret rendezvous with an Imperial commander who claims to want peace, Han and Lando Calrissian journey into enemy territory to learn the truth about the destruction of Caamas.
Meanwhile, Luke and Mara Jade infiltrate a hidden fortress where Thrawn’s most ardent followers await their call to arms. and talon karrde returns to his underworld past and is a brutal crime lord whose knowledge can save the republic. but the most important thing is the truth about thrawn. in his hands, dead or alive, rests the fate of the new republic. Vision of the Future is the grand finale to one of the most suspenseful, action-packed and thought-provoking Star Wars stories to date. is a masterful recreation that captures the magic and adventure of the greatest science fiction saga of all time.
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