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A review by latad_books
Lesser Evil by Timothy Zahn
4.0
I am not even going to try to explain the many schemes, fomenting and betrayals happening in this massive finish to the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy. The plot threads started in book one and book two are paid off, with the Grysk Jixtus skillfully playing various aliens off each other, and manipulating the Clarr Chiss family into a dangerous position, that, without quick thinking on the part of a smart captain who has a bit more information than the Clarr have, and who manages to prevent the start of a Chiss civil war. The Grysk had hoped to stir up enough trouble for the Ascendancy to rip itself apart so they could then sweep in after to slaughter as many as possible and likely nab Skywalkers. Instead, we see the destruction of Jixtus' plans over the course of this long book.
We also see all the little pieces Thrawn has put together, and placed into position so that when it becomes necessary to fight, he, Ar’alani and select others save the Chiss from themselves and Jixtus.
That most of the patriarchs are xenophobic, conservative, rabidly against imaginative and innovative thinking goes without saying. That they decide to punish Thrawn for their own stupidity and shortsightedness comes as no surprise, considering when we first meet Thrawn (in the other trilogy), he’s in the custody of Galactic Empire troopers, and soon to begin his incredible rise up the ranks.
I was frequently lost amidst all the machinations, but it didn’t matter. I understood enough to enjoy this trilogy ending, and really enjoyed the brilliant plan Thrawn put together to save his hidebound people.
Standout characters of this trilogy for me were :
Thrawn: This was a surprise to me as yeah he’s impressive in Rebels, but I was never overawed by him. His brilliance really comes through despite every attempt by the higher-ups to stifle or sideline him.
Ar’alani: She’s my fave Chiss, taking no BS from anyone, and being damned smart at her job and at recognizing and using Thrawn's strengths.
Ba’kif: He turned out to be remarkably steadfast in protecting Thrawn from Chiss leadership, until he could not anymore, but used their stupidity to the species’ advantage.
Thalias: She proved to be much tougher and smarter than I expected, and important to Thrawn’s plans, as well as figuring out the dirty little secret about how the Chiss handle young Skytalkers.
Samakro: I started out not liking him much, but he proved willing to learn from Thrawn and follow his commander's plans.
So, not as enjoyable as book two in this trilogy, but a detailed, expansive look at the Chiss, and interesting background over the series on the master strategist, Thrawn.
We also see all the little pieces Thrawn has put together, and placed into position so that when it becomes necessary to fight, he, Ar’alani and select others save the Chiss from themselves and Jixtus.
That most of the patriarchs are xenophobic, conservative, rabidly against imaginative and innovative thinking goes without saying. That they decide to punish Thrawn for their own stupidity and shortsightedness comes as no surprise, considering when we first meet Thrawn (in the other trilogy), he’s in the custody of Galactic Empire troopers, and soon to begin his incredible rise up the ranks.
I was frequently lost amidst all the machinations, but it didn’t matter. I understood enough to enjoy this trilogy ending, and really enjoyed the brilliant plan Thrawn put together to save his hidebound people.
Standout characters of this trilogy for me were :
Thrawn: This was a surprise to me as yeah he’s impressive in Rebels, but I was never overawed by him. His brilliance really comes through despite every attempt by the higher-ups to stifle or sideline him.
Ar’alani: She’s my fave Chiss, taking no BS from anyone, and being damned smart at her job and at recognizing and using Thrawn's strengths.
Ba’kif: He turned out to be remarkably steadfast in protecting Thrawn from Chiss leadership, until he could not anymore, but used their stupidity to the species’ advantage.
Thalias: She proved to be much tougher and smarter than I expected, and important to Thrawn’s plans, as well as figuring out the dirty little secret about how the Chiss handle young Skytalkers.
Samakro: I started out not liking him much, but he proved willing to learn from Thrawn and follow his commander's plans.
So, not as enjoyable as book two in this trilogy, but a detailed, expansive look at the Chiss, and interesting background over the series on the master strategist, Thrawn.