In 1991, Lucasbooks entrusted Timothy Zahn, an author little known to the general public, with the writing of a new trilogy taking place after episode VI of starwars. The choice is brilliant because Timothy Zahn delivers with The Black Crusade of the Mad Jedi an epic and intelligent postlogy. Indeed, while respecting the basic universe (the understanding of the mystique of the force), he enriches it by weaving links with the future prelogy (the place of clones). It also develops the past and the destiny of the characters (Luke, Han …). He finally expands the universe by digging into the history of the empire, that of the smugglers and especially introduces new characters destined to be permanently part of the starwars universe: Captain Pellaeon, Mara Jade and especially Thrawn. The latter, great admiral and outstanding tactician at the service of the remains of the empire seduces the reader. So much so that 20 years later, Disney in need of charismatic characters commissions its creator a new trilogy centered on his past (before episode IV). The third volume skillfully closes a difficult style exercise.
Thrawn: from the legends universe to the Canon universe
The editorial career of Grand Admiral Thrawn perfectly illustrates Lucas' mastery of the expanded universe and Disney's artistic wanderings. It is indeed necessary to appreciate this third volume to have in mind the artistic life of this character. Since the publication of Timothy Zahn's first trilogy, the reception is unanimous, especially concerning the main antagonist of the republic. The author managed to innovate without betraying by inventing this alien in the service of the empire, passionate about art and who uses the analysis of the aesthetic tastes of his enemies to defeat them. While the empire in the films relied only on humans, this trilogy shatters this myth and insists on Palpatine's pragmatism, Machiavellianism. The enthusiasm for this character is such that he returns in 1999 in the two novels of the saga The Hand of Thrawn. Again very controlled, they skilfully cross the plot of Kurosawa's film Kagemusha with the more political style of the prelogy. But from 2012, date of the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the executives in charge of the starwars universe make an astonishing decision. Split the universe in two: the canon (the films + the series) and the legends (B.D, Comics). A strange policy that relegates Thrawn to oblivion. But this was without counting thecreative setbacks of the postlogy, the few interesting new characters and the anger of the fans. In 2016, change of strategy. Thrawn appears in season 3 of Starwars Rebels. Then, in 2020 in season 2 of The Mandalorian, his name is mentioned by Ahsoka Tano. Thrawn is back in the canon universe. And in 2018, three stories are commissioned from its creator: Timothy Zahn. 
Thrawn: a well-conducted plot
One thing is certain, Timothy Zahn has lost none of his talent. Its third installment is painstakingly built around separate plots that come together for a surprising conclusion. The reading is pleasant, rhythmic. Despite the luxury of technical details, a neophyte easily follows the adventures, the stakes. Many characters interact, conflict. Some from the films, others from the imagination of the author. And everything works very well without any impression of fan service imposed. The character of Thrawn is obviously the heart of the novel. We feel all the love that the author has for his creation. Far from a simple exposition of the genius of man, Timothy Zahn deepens the motivations of this atypical officer, his thoughts, his convictions. He also undertakes to question the relationship between the emperor and this great admiral who does not tick any boxes. Man is neither upstart nor corrupt. He thinks above all of the general interest. The author finally shows its flaws: his ignorance of politics and clan struggles at the heart of the empire. Too bad the author never dares to put him in a situation of failure.
The art of respecting the specifications
For this new series of books, Timothy Zahn is much less free. It must indeed fit into a universe very standardized by series and films. This constraint is therefore a quality and one of the limits of his book. The third volume will appeal to those who have seen Rogue One A stars Wars Story, The Mandalorian or Starwars Rebels. You will meet Director Krennic or Grand Moff Tarkin. You will find all the baseness of the officers, imperial officials spending their time tripping their colleagues. The threat of the emperor is also very well transcribed. It is a shadow of which one never knows when its favor will become banished or even dead. However, this canvas limits the author's creativity. It is obvious that it must remain in the rails laid by the Starwars Rebels series. The book does not reach the heights of change of scenery and audacity of the original novels. The new characters are less developed than those imposed by the canon universe. Similarly, the chronology of the novel (before episode IV) requires to mention the known planets: Scariff for example. Nevertheless, the novel is extracted at times from these marked trails to deepen the culture of the Chiss people (the race of thrawn) and their astonishing relationship to power. And there is also a threatening, intriguing alien race: the Grysks. Foundations for future expansions of the expanded universe? Thrawn Betrayal is a very good novel revealing a new side of Timothy Zahn. Despite a rather heavy specifications, he manages to deliver a work beyond simple fan service, it's already a lot.
