Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 2)

Brilliant read, so easy to imagine the characters, places and technology from the films. Good attention to detail, and balancing of a difficult war from both sides.

As sad as this whole situation with the latest Star Wars films has been, in a way I’m kind of glad it happened Because otherwise I don’t think I would’ve discovered the amazing stories that already exist within what’s now known as Star Wars legends. Darker in tone than the traditional Star Wars the stories depicted on film and TV, This book, along with “heir to the empire” and “the last command” offers a fantastic take on the years following return of the Jedi and the establishment of the New Republic. Grand Admiral Thrawn is a character that was portrayed at some point on the Star Wars rebels TV show a few years back, And while I found him compelling and well depicted given the overall tone of the show, Now that I have read the original material that inspired that version, I can really see how much they toned him down for Rebels. The original Thrawn depicted in this book is one of the most terrifying villains I have seen in a while, ruthless, cold, calculating, cunning and always one step ahead, it Reminded me a little bit of Professor Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes novels. Without getting into the unpleasant argument between old time Star Wars vs Disney Star Wars, if you have the slightest appreciation for this franchise, by all means, treat yourself to the Thrawn trilogy, in a word, this is Star Wars in its purest form. Enjoy!

Dark Force Rising is the second book of three in the "Thrawn Trilogy". Thrawn is this blue guy with glowing red eyes who takes primary leadership of the empire after the fall of Vader and the emperor. This book picks up well from the first of this trilogy, Heir to the Empire. It preserves the fast and epic feel of the star wars films. This trilogy is as close to what occurs directly after "Return of the Jedi" as a casual fan such as myself would require. As for this book in particular, a great deal of setting up for the third book, "The Last Command" is occurring. Several new characters such as Niles Ferrier are introduced, and a few other conflicts get resolved as others are being initiated. Luke finally encounters C'Baoth, who is the only Jedi master left in the galaxy. Luke also makes more run-ins with Mara Jade, ex hand of the emperor. She's supposed to be hot, and totally into trying to kill Luke, due to a "Jedi spell" Darth Sidious put on her just before dying. Plus she just doesn't like Luke very much for killing her boss, so more plot development occurs between those two. All the classic characters from the movies are very busy with galactic bureaucracy, trading and negotiations as the war between the New Republic and the Empire continues to rage in the background. Thrawn seems perfectly content avoiding most of the main warring going on, and enjoys his time wasting precious empire resources wandering the galaxy on random hunches and flashes of self-ordained brilliance. He's a bit of a jerk in other words, but also extremely cunning. The novels are worth reading if you're a star wars fan, though the writer definitely rushed his way through this book. He writes so poorly. I swear he used the word "sardonic" to describe every single person's facial expression at least 3 times each. No joke! Check it out yourself! He Zahn just seems to lack artistic variability in characterization in this book. You can really tell he was just trying to pump this one out to the shelves to milk a thirty year old cash cow. Aside from Zahn's sacrilegious negligence to the saga, the story itself is fun, impacting and significant to the star wars legacy. This book very much excited me for the third one, which I am beginning presently. I just hope Zahn put more effort into giving characters a bit more variety in expression other in the third book, other than always being sardonic, getting chills or sweat dripping between shoulder blades (eww... Mara, stop sweating so much). I think the events really drive the novel, despite the poor writing. That's why I'd still recommend it to those who want to know what happens after the movies!

As described. Makes a perfect addition to my hardback collection.

This book is a thrilling continuation of Heir to the Empire as we follow old and new characters in the galaxy far far away. This sequel develops these characters in many exciting twists and turns leaving much food for thought going into the next book. A must read for Star Wars fans!

This is the second book in the original Thrawn trilogy. Heir to the Empire was the introduction, this is the midsection, moving chess pieces around for the final battle in the next book. While a bit slow at times, this continues the Grand Admiral's campaign against the New Republic, gives smuggler Talon Karrde and crew a new view, challenges Mara Jade's world view and gives Leia a new purpose in addition to the political infighting regarding Admiral Ackbar's arrest. This book covers a great deal and does it well. It is thrilling during the battles and filled with close calls and narrow escapes. This series would've been fantastic on the big screen. Marc Thompson is simply superb on narration and character voices. I listened to this mostly and loved every minute. Can't wait for the thrilling conclusion.

Another fantastic installment. The second book in the Heir trilogy sets Luke and company against Thrawn’s endeavors to not only restore the might of the Empire, but to rule it. Luke is sidetracked by C’baoth, a Jedi master that insists on finishing his training. Luke discovers that he’s either a dark Jedi, or as he believes, insane. Mara Jade, who once only wanted to kill Luke is now turning to him for help, and Luke too begins to struggle with conflicted feeling about and for her. After a quick but epic battle, the New Republic gives Thrawn a black eye and bloody nose, and we’re now on to book three. This is what we should have gotten after TROTJ, not the lackluster sequels that we got. I highly recommend this read.

Excelentes libros y a un muy buen precio....

Excelente livro para quem quer algo mais de star wars, dá um complemento que falta nos filmes. Recomendo a todos.

Great Book. Must read for Star Wars fans

If you just want the book, this is fine. But I'm very picky with the condition of the book. There're scratches on the cover and the corners of the book are slightly losing colour or damaged. The papers and ink quality are just ok. But you can still read the book despite the quality and the condition of the book.

"Dark Force Rising," the second installment of the Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn, propels readers deeper into a galaxy far, far away, where the legacy of the Empire continues to cast its shadow. This book is a thrilling continuation of the Star Wars saga that skillfully weaves together action, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Here's why "Dark Force Rising" is a must-read for fans of the series: Thrawn's Calculated Brilliance: Grand Admiral Thrawn remains a formidable and enigmatic antagonist. His ability to decipher art, culture, and psychology to anticipate his enemies' moves is nothing short of mesmerizing. In "Dark Force Rising," Thrawn's brilliance takes center stage, making him a worthy adversary. Character Evolution: The book provides significant character development for familiar faces like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia. Their personal journeys and challenges contribute to the narrative's depth, adding emotional weight to their actions. New Faces and Factions: "Dark Force Rising" introduces a host of new characters, including the enigmatic Mara Jade, who adds an intriguing layer to the story. The emergence of the enigmatic Noghri and their loyalty to Thrawn presents a unique and captivating element to the narrative. Galactic Mystery: The book's plot is rich with mystery and intrigue. The search for the fabled Katana fleet and the hidden threats lurking in the Unknown Regions create a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps readers engaged. Strategic Battles: The novel features several gripping space battles and ground skirmishes, showcasing Timothy Zahn's skill in crafting thrilling action sequences. Each confrontation is strategically nuanced, with high stakes and unexpected twists. Intricate Plot Weaving: Zahn masterfully weaves multiple plot threads together, creating a tapestry of interconnected storylines that build tension and anticipation. The converging narratives propel the story forward and maintain a high level of engagement. Star Wars Lore Expansion: "Dark Force Rising" expands the Star Wars universe by introducing new planets, species, and technologies. These additions feel seamlessly integrated into the established lore, enriching the galaxy's tapestry. Themes of Honor and Loyalty: Themes of honor, loyalty, and sacrifice are prevalent throughout the book. Characters grapple with ethical dilemmas and the weight of their loyalties, adding depth to their arcs. In conclusion, "Dark Force Rising" is a thrilling and captivating addition to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Timothy Zahn's expert storytelling, combined with intricate character development and strategic battles, makes this book a standout in the series. Whether you're a longtime fan of the original trilogy or a newcomer to the Star Wars universe, "Dark Force Rising" offers a rich and immersive experience that continues to honor the legacy of the galaxy far, far away. It's a must-read for those seeking a galactic adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.