The more focused the story got, the more he enjoyed it. The more focused the story got, the more he enjoyed it.

Really loved the book im glad to have less Force related writings and more just world building and seeing the human side of a fantasy world

2:30 "the more focused the story got, the more I enjoyed it" was repeated in different takes.

Already got the audiobook, now I just have to find some time to listen to it... Chaos Rising was amazing so I’m excited for this one!

Loved it. My favourite Thrawn book so far. Didn't have a problem with the names and loved the intricate plotlines. Can't wait for the next one.

I want to start with saying that I am a huge fan of the channel. I love your content and I really appreciate having a place to come nerd out about starwars since I don't really have anywhere else to do that in my life. That being said, I've noticed that we have had very different opinions regarding the recent Thrawn books, including this one, and I want to push back a little because I think your opinions on this book are a little bit in conflict with what you have stated you want to see in starwars. First, I loved this book and I think the implications for what they mean for starwars are huge. More on this later. For context, I think you and I would both agree that the impact of the Heir to the Empire Series went far beyond simply how good that series was. Zahn essentially built the platform for the whole expanded legends universe with three books. However, much like with the sequel movies, future writers jumped the rails with power scaling and you ended up with a universe full of clones of the emperor, hidden grand admirals, bigger super weapons, and finally force immune enemies. The inability to get aways from the main trilogy heroes was largely what I believe was the reason for this non sustainable power creep, because the stakes had to keep getting larger and larger as the main heroes keep getting more and more powerful. This is why I believe they had to do a reset of legends, and also why of all the new characters in legends, only Thrawn has really broken through as someone that can stand with the original cast in terms of fan love. I would argue that the powers that be at Lucas Film recognized these things and have tapped Zahn to do the same thing he did for legends for cannon, but this time with many more books in order to establish guard rails and a world that can support a sustainable flow of starwars stories that can live independent of the Skywalker saga. This story is no different. Your comment that it was a good sci fi story but not a good starwars story is sad to me. Here are some things that I think make this a fantastic starwars story: 1. We learn that the Chiss where involved with the Sith Jedi wars 1000 years ago. 2. We expand on how the force interacts and manifests with different species, confirming that the Sith and Jedi are really just religions with a specific take on the force. 3. There is a strong possibility that the Grysk are responsible for fermenting the war between the Sith and the Jedi 4. The Grysk have been a threat for a long time. 5. Thrawn isn't a big bad. This book gives more evidence that he will be a hero when he comes back to the current time line. On top of this we get a really cool Thrawn story that fleshed out his character more and taught us a lot more about the unknown region and the cultures there. What more could you want in a story? You always say the universe is huge and we shouldn't always go to the same places like Tatooine, but when you get a story that does take us somewhere new, and we get a chance to learn things we didn't know, you have a luke warm reaction. As a business, Lucas Film is never going to take chances if even fans don't react well when they do. I am not trying to say you have to like the things I like, that would be dumb. However, I don't think your review at least acknowledges that this series and book is trying to at least do something you have said you wanted all be it not in a way that you particularly like. But remember, we live in a world now where the visual media draws inspiration from the written. I believe what is going on here will have a significant impact on Ashoka, Rangers, The Mandalorian, and all of the future movies and TV shows that don't directly deal with the Skywalker Saga. In conclusion, I think later when we get all of the stories that result from the great work Zahn is doing, you will change your mind about these books. I still love your channel and will watch all your content ☺️

Chiss politics sounds like the political intrigue of Frank Herbert’s Dune franchise.

I think Zahn is trying to make the world "bigger not smaller" (in his words) with this book. The world building and alien cultures feel a lot like his Legends books (nogri, quon quai - sorry for my bad spelling!). I think you're right that the world is more complex and that makes it less accessible to some but I think that's a personal preference thing - some people like Eragon, some people like Malazan. Great summary of some key points of the book!

I've really enjoyed both Thrawn Ascendancy books. I find it refreshing to see minimal Force, no Jedi, no Sith, and no characters coming back from the dead - I love the first three of those aspects of Star Wars, but there's a big galaxy out there and having some stories without them is fine with me.

I love love LOVE it when Star Wars leans into and even goes full-on science fiction so this is absolutely a must buy for me. Thanks Alex!

Greater Good is a tough read. Lots of Chiss names to remember and figure out how they interact.

I miss seeing the story from Thrawns prospective from the first 3 Disney Cannon books. I really enjoyed his inner monologue when he's studing someone.

Finally finished this morning and I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed Chaos Rising a lot, but I thought this was even better. Can't wait for the 3rd!

I'm curious, have you ever designed your own Star Wars vehicle?

A good review. Although I don’t really get the complaint about the lack of spiritual force content in the thrawn books. What exactly were you expecting

It’s kinda like the Drizzt prequels about Menzobaranzan. The underdark and demons are very weird, and the stories are less swords and sorcery and more Game of Thrones, so it feels very different from other forgotten realms stories

I think this novel gives the reader a good understanding of the Chiss, from Patriarchs of one of the nine ruling families to the youth on their wandering year. The various worlds within the Ascendency are shown in great detail and the intricate familial structure is shown as the Chiss's greatest flaw. Perhaps Thrawn is so inept at politics because the politics of his people are inept. I found the plot more engaging than Chaos Rising. This novel made me revisit the first installment, as Greater Good somehow makes The Chaos less... chaotic.

SO will the last book lead to Thrawn going into exile?

For the Greater Good!

Definitely looking forward to getting this book very soon! Looks so good.

Still waiting for my preorder to arrive (I know, when it's Star Wars I don't have a lot of patience about these sorts of things...)

Thanks for the insight!

Ive been wanting to read this 📝

Out of the 5 new canon Thrawn books this was by the far the hardest for me to get through - for pretty much the exact reasons in your review. Hope the 3rd book on Ascendency is less convoluted

Can't wait for the Easter Eggs video

Having read it once (while not in the best condition, thanks big C) it is a somewhat difficult book to approach, mainly because there are a few convoluted plot points. Still I enjoyed it and I'll probably appreciate it a bit more with re reads like the others

Too many similar and confusing names? I have understood and enjoyed the Silmarillion on the first read, sign me the f- up.

I heard Treason and Alliances take place around Rebels, so I ain't buying, but what about the first book, Thrawn? Does it hold up to the Thrawn Trilogy and Duology in terms of writing style?

MY BAD: ON AUDIBLE WHEN I DL'd this book, it said 2022 release date next november

I wish I thought about taking notes before starting this series! I love Thrawn and the Chiss are very interesting but yeah, without taking notes it's a bit complicated to follow and remember things. Soooo many characters. I found this one easier to follow maybe because I was already familiar with many of the characters. Loved the last half specially. In Chaos Rising I actually prefered the first half. Super excited for Lesser Evil.

Usually I love the audible versions. But some of the voices in this one were really annoying. But Thrawns voice was great as usual!

I’ve started listening to this book, but I’m having the same problem I’ve had listening to a number of Star Wars books - keeping everyone straight! “Um, is that one guy the same guy who did the thing in the last book...?”

So this story occurs before thrawn arrives in the empire? I really want them to continue Eli Vanto's story

I just got this book not realizing it was a sequel do I need to read the first book?

YO ALEX please do a hour long video about thrawn...

Can't wait for my pre order of greater good to arrive 😀😀😀😀

I literally don't understand how can we get this star was, syfy, game of thrones type book trilogy about the Chiss Ascendancy, but nothing about the state of galaxy directly prior to the sequel trilogy. There are so many unanswered questions and Lucasfilm is avoiding that era like its infected with covid. All it would take is one or two book trilogies, and we deserve answers✊🏻

The book expanded the chiss-world alot and i think by the end of the book it was so worth it. It’s def more a science fiction book but it worked so well i hope zahn continues building the world of the chisa

Cool vid 💙

Thanks, Alex! 📖

It took me 15 days to push myself to finish...with long breaks. Agree with your review, and if I had a YT channel, I would’ve been unthrilled to have to rush through it. So...thank you? ;P. In parts, it felt like a long Star Trek story. On paper, Star Trek meets A Song of Ice & Fire seems promising, but as it’s done here, it’s pretty ucumbersome and not joyful enough to feel like the journey was worthwhile. Of course I’ll finish the trilogy though, but knowing generally how it ends as seen in Thrawn’s eventual adventures in the Empire, I’m having a hard time staying enthusiastic. I loved Thrawn when I first encountered him in the 90s, but that was in the SW Dark Ages when there was no hope of new Lucasfilm SW stories. Now I’m not yet in love with his presence in the larger cannon.

I’ve been looking forward to this. Twice the books, double the reading

Personally I think the biggest weakness in the book is that Zahn tries to make nobody in the Ascendancy just plain evil. Even the high placed politicians have clear understandable goals and do show they are competent and have the right reason for their schemes.

I can not wait to read the thrawn books

cool

Good review! I have had trouble caring about Thrawn as a protagonist precisely because he’s too without flaw, usually lacks a real arc, and is so OP. And after a while the whole “I have defeated you because I deduced you’d move right given the Hawaiian shirt you’re wearing” shtick just starts to feel a little tired. Give him an Eli Vanto-type sidekick and it works so much better. Or else, make Thrawn the villain. I’ll probably read Greater Good anyway, but I’m glad to have my expectations calibrated ahead of time.

I personally think it was the worst of the thrawn books, however it is still an easy B-B+ book imo. I still enjoyed it more than a lot of other canon books (prob only worse than stuff like lost stars, queen's shadow, and queen's peril I think is about the same as greater good, but i'm biased cause I love naboo/padme). I think it just focused too much on hapleaf (Idk how to spell it, listened to audiobook).

Hmmm... blue space people... greater good... where have I heard that before

Star Wars: Thrawn: Ascendancy: Greater Good: The Book

All I can think of is Hot Fuzz from that title.

Anyone else feel that Zahn is hit or mess. I loved the original Thrawn Trilogy and Alliances; but, everything else is either alright/forgettable. I'm not sure if this is due to Zahn being restricted from covering the more exciting parts of Thrawn's life, such as whatever happens to him after Rebels, or him just having done everything he can do with the character.

"Lesser Evil" probably ends with Thurfian succeeding in exiling Thrawn because he launched a preemptive strike against the Grysk, leading into "Thrawn"

Thrawn 2024

Thrawn: Back Story

I believe in Thrawn supremacy.

I had the same problems with Alphabet Squadron books. Nothing they did felt to me like it mattered. I’ve heard that they’ve taken over Coruscant which is cool but all of this is made irrelevant in Sequel Trilogy. Basically TROS just made every book and comic mean nothing. But I am very excited for Greater Good, I was not sure about Chaos Rising but loved it in the end.

blue skin, fight for the greater good.............. Thrawn is a Tau, warhammer x star wars confirmed XD

Me who enjoyed it casually

I appreciate the fact that, like in our world, there are both spiritual people like the Jedi, the Guardians of the Wills, the Baran Do sages and more rational people like the chiss or Darth Plagueis

I hate to say it, but I don't really feel like Timothy Zahn has developed much as a writer. The original Thrawn trilogy was amazing, and that was peak Zahn. It's been kinda... down hill from there.

Greater Good? Hmmmmm some another strawberry-red eyed alien species and also shouts that word everytime.

"The Greater Good" Hot Fuzz