Thrawn: Treason

By: Timothy Zahn

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times Best Seller

Grand Admiral Thrawn faces the ultimate test of his loyalty to the Empire in this epic Star Wars novel from best-selling author Timothy Zahn.

“If I were to serve the Empire, you would command my allegiance.” 

Such was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting. Since then, Thrawn has been one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, pursuing its enemies to the very edges of the known galaxy. But as keen a weapon as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive.

Now, as Thrawn’s TIE defender program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes the balance of power in the Empire is measured by more than just 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 the Chiss Ascendancy or fealty to the Empire he has sworn to serve. Even if the right choice means committing treason.

“Another excellent addition to the new canon . . . Thrawn: Treason will reward you thoroughly for your time.” (GeekMom)

“If you’ve ever enjoyed a Thrawn story - whether that was Heir to the Empire and its sequels or Zahn’s new novels - you’ll find more of what you enjoy in Treason.” (Dork Side of the Force)

©2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. (P)2019 Random House Audio

Big improvement over book 2

This final book of the "new" Thrawn trilogy (or maybe it should be "new Thrawn") is a big improvement over the second book with it's ill suited team-up between Thrawn and Vader/Anakin. This book sees Thrawn back in form and gives us a good look into the Chiss Ascendancy from which he originally came. This time, there's no involvement with the Rebellion, but instead an external threat to the Empire that Thrawn has to deal with.
Still, while I enjoyed it and found it an overall satisfying conclusion...it still lacks somewhat compared to the original Thrawn trilogy of the now Legends time line. I think the biggest reason is, back then, Timothy Zahn was essentially blazing the new trail for the post-ROTJ Star Wars universe. At that time, there was nothing and Zahn was free to take us into an uncharted future with Thrawn as a great successor nemesis to the New Republic after Vader and the Emperor were to the Rebellion.
Now, bringing him back into that pre-Death Star timeline, Thrawn is reduced somewhat to being just another major player like Vader, Tarkin, Krennic, etc. subservient to Emperor Palpatine.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm glad we get to have Thrawn back in the new canon, especially in the Rebels TV series. But, I think this iteration doesn't quite live up to the menacing mastermind that challenged the New Republic back in the 90's.

fantastic

It's hard not to binge all 13 hours. definitely better than the second, rivals the first.

Great book. Except for one thing.

I was really hoping (after listening to all the other Thrawn related books) that the openly insubordinate and obnoxious doubting and second guessing of Thrawn would finally be over. Unfortunately it’s still there. I get that he’s an alien so he’s treated differently by other Imperial officers. And discrimination and entitlement have always been themes in SW books. But Assistant Director Ronan takes it to a whole level in Treason. To the point that within the first two hours of listening to the book I wanted to shut it off. His voice is supposed to be combative and annoying. But it’s too much. Thankfully I didn’t let one character ruin a solid book. But the first few hours of Ronan were Jar Jar level obnoxious and frustrating. Almost was a dealbreaker.

Good amount of Treason, just not from Thrawn

An entertaining book, similar in quality to the previous one in the series but not as good as the first. If you came expecting to see Thrawn's loyalties strained and tested, you will be sorely disappointed.

The heap of wasted potential grows larger

The canon Thrawn trilogy draws to a close in a massive bonfire of wasted potential all too similar to Solo and the recent sequel trilogy entries.
Eli Vanto returns after his unforgivable omission from the second book only to spend his opening moments describing busywork given to him by the Chiss navy. The winning combination made in the first book of Eli playing Watson to Thrawn’s Sherlock is never recreated as the two characters spend the book separated. Inexplicably Eli’s time with the Chiss and the treasure trove of exploring their world and Thrawn’s origins is completely disregarded. Instead we spend a painfully long time with the thoughts of Ronin, the sniveling side kick to Director Krenic who himself is included merely as an Easter egg to Rogue One.
This book further disregards any significance of the second book (Thrawn: alliances) aside from the introduction of the Griss who receive no development and expend themselves like wet farts against the infallible intellect of the main characters. A passing reference to Night Swan reminds the reader of more interesting adventures had earlier in the series against a worthy opponent, but then it’s back to watching the gears turn in imperial politics.
As the epilogue invests itself concluding character arcs for the characters the reader is not invested in there is solace in another month on audible and another credit that can be used on one of the earlier Thrawn novels.
Marc Thompson once again does the work of an entire radio drama cast but can only elevate the material so much.
If you are already significantly invested in the characters I’m sure you will still find the book enjoyable. If you are undecided on getting the book I advise you to spend your money and time elsewhere and highly recommend the original Thrawn trilogy that delivers on the same incredibly high production value and features a much more satisfying story.
May warrior’s fortune someday favor us with a canon Thrawn entry that holds up to its Legends origins.

Thank You

Loved the book and this series! This is my favorite character in star wars. Thanks!

An Extraordinary Addition!

Timothy Zahn's latest trilogy continues to single handedly promote Thrawn to one of my favorite Star Wars characters of all time! I greatly enjoyed the return of Eli and Faro, as well as the introduction of new and fun additions to characters I hope to keep under my watch in future novels.
I know that if and when there will be a forth book (or a new story entirely), and that when the permissions to the timeline are finally granted, then Zahn and Thompson are going to be there to continue the Star Wars story to the highest caliber, and I will be waiting with great anticipation to experience it for myself when that happens.

another amazing story from Timothy Zahn

loved the book, just as good as the previous two in this trilogy. I hope there's more to come

Zahn and Thompson at their best

I found Treason to be much more enjoyable than Alliances (although I liked that story, too). My only complaint is somewhat petty, but the sound effects on the Chiss vessel sounds too much like "Boyz in tha Hood"(the song). But this isn't the first SW audiobook to make use of this particular sound effect. The characters seem written for Marc Thompson, and his performance is excellent - and without over the top alien dialects (think the New Republic Senate leader or the winged bird things in Hand of Thrawn duology. Very enjoyable.

Zahn is a Star Wars story telling master

I’ve loved Thrawn as a character from the EU days and this trilogy was a welcome addition to the folds of the Disney-verse. I really enjoyed the characters and storylines here. The Grisk creation was too convenient but helped move everything along and reminds the reader that the Empire was doing things to “protect” the galaxy and not just spending 20 years of existence to build the Death Star and be the bad guy the whole time.