Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil

(Book 3)

By: Timothy Zahn

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Brought to you by Penguin.

The fate of the Chiss Ascendancy hangs in the balance in the epic finale of the Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy from best-selling author Timothy Zahn.

For thousands of years The Chiss Ascendancy has been an island of calm, a centre of power and a beacon of integrity. Led by the Nine Ruling Families, their leadership stands as a bulwark of stability against the Chaos of the Unknown Regions.

But that stability has been eroded by a cunning foe that winnows away trust and loyalty in equal measure. Bonds of fidelity have given way to lines of division among the families. Despite the efforts of the Expansionary Defense Fleet, the Ascendancy slips closer and closer towards civil war.

The Chiss are no strangers to war. Their mythic status in the Chaos was earned through conflict and terrible deeds, some long buried. Until now. To ensure the Ascendancy's future, Thrawn will delve deep into its past, uncovering the dark secrets surrounding the ascension of the First Ruling Family. But the truth of a family's legacy is only as strong as the legend that supports it. Even if that legend turns out to be a lie.

To secure the salvation of the Ascendancy, is Thrawn willing to sacrifice everything? Including the only home he has ever known?

©2021 Timothy Zahn (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Satisfying end to actually a Star Wars story

The writing as always is ok rather than brilliant. If I have to read that someone's lip twitched or someone snorted, I'll roll my eyes but he really knows how to weave a good story. I found it hard at times to remember which alien race was which, but all ok as things got resolved at the end. Only James Luceno and Zahn have continued what little faith I maintain in the SW franchise.

Marc Thompson just keeps going... I never liked his voice for Ar Alani's first officer, but otherwise this repertoire is astounding. He tends to get excited in action packed places which makes me laugh, but he's performing, not narrative so it's all good.

I will miss Thrawn... that is until Disney ruins him somehow. Don't worry, they will find a way.