Thrawn represents the complete, spoken-word rendition of the canon novel bearing the same title. It stands as the initial installment within Star Wars: The Imperial Trilogy, penned by the author Timothy Zahn. Marc Thompson lent his voice to the audiobook, which Random House Audio released on April 11, 2017.
"I study the art of war. Work to perfect it." —Grand Admiral Thrawn
Within the annals of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn stands out as not only one of the most strategically brilliant and merciless combatants, but also as one of the most compelling figures in the Star Wars universe. Since his initial appearance in Timothy Zahn's acclaimed Heir to the Empire, and throughout his subsequent escapades in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond, Grand Admiral Thrawn has cemented his place as an iconic and formidable villain within the Star Wars saga. However, the specifics of Thrawn's background and ascent through the Imperial hierarchy have largely remained shrouded in mystery. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn meticulously details the pivotal occurrences that propelled the blue-skinned, red-eyed mastermind of military strategy and deadly warfare to the zenith of power—and notoriety.
Following his rescue from banishment by Imperial forces, Thrawn's exceptional intellect and remarkable tactical prowess swiftly garner the attention of Emperor Palpatine. With equal speed, Thrawn establishes himself as both an indispensable asset to the Empire and a figure of considerable ambition; as devoted as the Empire's most steadfast servant, Darth Vader; and an unparalleled warrior whose capabilities must never be underestimated. He consistently achieves victory in missions ranging from dismantling smuggling operations to capturing spies and quelling pirate activity—even as his unorthodox methods provoke the ire of his superiors while simultaneously inspiring increasing admiration from within the Empire. As he rapidly ascends to positions of greater authority, each promotion building upon the last, he imparts his knowledge of combat, leadership, and the strategies for securing triumph to his trusted aide, Ensign Eli Vanto. Yet, despite his dominance on the battlefield, Thrawn still has much to learn in the realm of politics, where the ruthless administrator Arihnda Pryce wields the capacity to be either a powerful ally or a formidable adversary.
The culmination of these lessons will be tested when Thrawn is promoted to the rank of admiral—at which point he must leverage all of his accumulated knowledge, instincts, and military resources against a burgeoning insurgency that poses a threat not only to innocent lives but also to the Empire's dominance over the galaxy—and to his own meticulously crafted ambitions for future advancement.
This audiobook, featuring the vocal talents of veteran Star Wars narrator Marc Thompson, saw its release through Random House Audio on April 11, 2017. Kevin Thomsen served as the director, while Aaron Blank took on the role of producer.
In March of 2024, a French language iteration of the audiobook, narrated by Thierry Janssen, was made available by Lizzie Audio.
- ISBN 9780451486240 ; April 11 , 2017 ; Random House Audio ; Compact disc [4]
- ISBN 9780451486257 ; April 11, 2017; Random House Audio; Digital download [1]
- ISBN 9791036632600 ; March 20 , 2024 ; Lizzie Audio ; French language download (979 minutes) [7]