Thrawn and his allies race to save the Chiss Ascendancy from an unseen enemy in the second book in the epic Star Wars: The Ascendancy Trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.
Thrawn's latest triumph still rests newly on his shoulders. Despite leading the Chiss to victory and bringing glory to the House of Mitth, the true threat to the Ascendancy has not yet been extinguished. Their foes do not send threats or ultimatums, or mass ships on the edge of the Chaos. Their weapons come cloaked in smiles and generosity—gifts offered freely, services granted unconditionally.
Across the Ascendancy, seemingly inconsequential events could herald the doom of the Chiss. As Thrawn and the Expansionary Defense Fleet rally to uncover the enemy plot, they discover a chilling truth. Rather than invade Chiss capitals or pillage resources, this mysterious enemy strikes at the very foundation of the Ascendancy by widening the rifts between the Nine Ruling Families and Forty Great Houses below. As rivalry and suspicion sow discord among allies, each warrior must decide what matters most: the security of their family, or the survival of the Ascendancy itself.
A CD version of the audiobook was announced but was cancelled before release.
In chapter 3, the narrator mispronounces "Uingali".
In chapter 11, the book says "What is that?", while the audiobook reads, "What is it?".
In chapter 16, both the book and audiobook identify the Vigilant's helm officer, Droc'tri'morhs (Octrimo) as Wikivv, the Grayshrike's helm officer.
In chapter 23, the narrator fails to say the phrase, "Thrawn said mildly." The books says "'I wasn't going to offer one, Senior Captain,' Thrawn said mildly. 'Be assured in turn...'", while the audiobook reads, "I wasn't going to offer one, Senior Captain. Be assured in turn...".
In chapter 26, the narrator fails to say the phrase, "Thyklo said." The book says "'As will we all.' Thyklo said. 'And now you're expected...'", while the audiobook reads, "As will we all. And now you're expected...".
- ISBN 9780593158296; April 27, 2021; Random House Audio; Digital download
- ISBN 9780593396872; April 27, 2021; Random House Audio; Compact disc