Thrawn (Star Wars) -- Timothy Zahn

<b><i>NEW YORK TIMES</i> BESTSELLER - "The origin story of one of the greatest <i>Star Wars</i> villains . . . a book that fans have wanted for decades."<i>--The Verge</i></b><br><b> </b><br>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 villains in the <i>Star Wars</i> universe. Since his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn's classic <i>Heir to the Empire, </i> Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned an iconic status equal only to the most notorious of Sith lords, Darth Vader. But Thrawn's origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in <i>Star Wars: Thrawn, </i> 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. <p/>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 grea