Eight years after the Battle of Endor, Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant and cunning Chiss commander, has emerged from his exile to unify the remaining Imperial forces and declare war on the fragile New Republic, which is still struggling to solidify its control over the galaxy. The story also introduces new characters like Mara Jade, a former Imperial assassin, and Talon Karrde, a rising smuggling kingpin. The narrative centers around Thrawn's strategic genius and the efforts of Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo to thwart his plans and save the galaxy.
