How to Start Reading Thrawn Books: Canon, Legends & Where to Begin
Grand Admiral Thrawn is one of the greatest characters in Star Wars history, but his journey can be difficult to navigate. Check out the best Canon and & Legends starting points for the Empire's greatest tactician.
May 14, 2025
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Have you seen Thrawn in Ahsoka or Star Wars Rebels and wondered where to start reading his story? You're not alone. This reading guide will help you explore the essential Grand Admiral Thrawn books — both Canon and Legends — and choose the perfect one to begin your journey.
And if you need a bit more background on Grand Admiral Thrawn and his history with the Empire, the Unknown Regions, and more thanks to his creator Timothy Zahn, be sure to check out our full Grand Admiral Thrawn Guide before you jump in.
Why Read Thrawn Books?
Grand Admiral Thrawn isn’t your classic Darth Vader style villain. He doesn’t wield the Force or swing a lightsaber or even win battles through bouts of pure physical strength.
Instead, he's a master of tactical efficiency and arguably the greatest military mind in the Star Wars universe.
Originally introduced in 1991, Thrawn appeared in his first novel, the groundbreaking Heir to the Empire, which eventually became three volumes now known as the Original Thrawn Trilogy. These three books also introduced the iconic Mara Jade and are credited with revitalizing the world of Star Wars books.
Since then, Grand Admiral Thrawn has become a fan-favorite character whose influence stretches across Star Wars novels, comics, animated TV shows, and now even live-action projects.
Whether you're already a book lover or a curious viewer, reading Thrawn is one of the most epic experiences you can have with Star Wars...you just have to know how to start.
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Start Here: Canon Thrawn Reading Order
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If you know Thrawn from Rebels or Ahsoka, Canon is the best place to start. Although the characterization of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Star Wars Legends is very similar to his current portrayal thanks to Timothy Zahn writing in both timelines, these books are officially part of the Disney-era timeline and connect directly to the TV shows.
The first Canon Thrawn series takes place before Star Wars Rebels as Thrawn rises through the ranks of the Empire and encounters an unknown galactic threat. This series was Timothy Zahn's first novels back with Thrawn since his days in Legends and set a tone most similar to the Canon tv shows.
The Thrawn Ascendancy series that takes place around Thrawn's homeworld and is a Prequel series more akin to Game of Thrones when it comes to internal Chiss politics and warfare. Years before Thrawn's arrival in the known galaxy, these books tell the story of a younger military genius who aims only to defend his people before later attempting to gain the Emperor's favor.
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Thrawn Canon Trilogy (Imperial Era)
Thrawn (2017)
*Follow the rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn from his first encounter with the Empire to becoming one of its most brilliant and feared military minds.*Thrawn: Alliances (2018)
Thrawn: Alliances (2018)
Thrawn is forced to team up with Darth Vader on a mission that reveals secrets from both their pasts—and tests their uneasy alliance to the breaking point.
Thrawn: Treason (2019)
As political agendas collide within the Empire, Thrawn must choose between loyalty to the Emperor and allegiance to his secretive Chiss origins.
Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy (Prequel Era)
Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising (2020)
Discover Thrawn’s origins as he rises through the ranks of the Chiss military and faces a hidden enemy threatening the stability of the Unknown Regions.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good (2021)
Thrawn uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy as he grapples with loyalty, leadership, and the growing tension between his duty to the Ascendancy and his own unorthodox methods.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil (2021)
As enemies close in and political alliances fracture, Thrawn must make his most difficult decisions yet to protect his people—no matter the cost
The Original Thrawn: Legends Reading Order
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Before Disney reorganized the Star Wars timeline, Thrawn led the charge in the Star Wars Legends continuity. Star Wars books were still relatively niche before the arrival of Timothy Zahn and the ruthless warrior turned strategist, but after the success of the Heir to the Empire Trilogy and Thrawn Duology, there was no doubt that Star Wars books were here to stay.
While these stories may no longer be part of the current Star Wars Canon, they’re legendary for a reason and are absolutely worth your time.
Thrawn Legends Trilogy (The Original)
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Five years after Return of the Jedi, Grand Admiral Thrawn emerges from the Unknown Regions to lead the remnants of the Empire in a brilliant campaign against the fledgling New Republic.
Dark Force Rising (1992)
As Thrawn seeks to gain control of a powerful lost fleet, the New Republic races to uncover the truth behind an ancient mystery that could tip the balance of galactic power.
The Last Command (1993)
With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, Thrawn’s final campaign challenges the New Republic's survival—and forces old heroes into one last desperate battle.
Additional Reads
Outbound Flight (2006)
Set years before the Clone Wars, Outbound Flight reveals Thrawn’s first contact with the Republic—and the dangerous clash between Jedi ambition and Chiss pragmatism that would shape his future.
Hand of Thrawn Duology
Specter of the Past (1997)
Rumors of Thrawn’s return ignite chaos across the galaxy, as the New Republic faces internal strife and the threat of a powerful, secret enemy.
Vision of the Future (1998)
As Luke, Mara Jade, and others confront deepening conspiracies, the truth behind Thrawn’s legacy could either save the New Republic—or destroy it from within.
Canon vs. Legends: What’s the Difference in Thrawn’s Story?
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The main difference? Canon Thrawn lives during the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire, while Legends Thrawn re-emerges after Return of the Jedi.
Both are smart, strategic, and blue-skinned, but their timelines and stories are very different.
Which Thrawn Book Should You Read First?
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Here’s your fast track to choosing the right book:
You love origin stories and politics → Start with Chaos Rising
You want to experience the OG Thrawn → Start with Heir to the Empire
Conclusion
Thrawn is one of Star Wars' most compelling villains, and while his appearances in Rebels and Ahsoka have been fantastic, his journey is best experienced on the page. So choose your first book, dive in, and see why he’s earned the loyalty of readers for over 30 years.
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Eric Eilersen is a Senior Writer at Youtini and co-host of The Youtini Show. He loves collecting Star Wars Funkos, lightsabers, and LEGO as well as playing video games, reading Brandon Sanderson novels, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his partner and pets. You can follow him at @EricEilersen.
