Chaos Rising

4.5.

I really enjoyed this book! It's more familiar of the first book in which we see more of Thrawn's character and personality. For instance, knowing now that Thrawn sees people as assets is a really good bit in how he interprets the world. Thrawn's failure of understanding politics is also well noted here which makes for good stakes politically. The military battles also felt great because there was stakes - we don't know whether Yiv would succeed or not, it's good storytelling!

The use of flashbacks is really good and develops Thrawn and Ar'lani well and adds that their relationship is really close and by the time of Treason we can assume they had a falling out. I also love how this book crossovers with Alliances, that's a really good scene.

Thalias and Che'ri are secondary characters but are rather good. It shows how being around Thrawn can change you in an interesting way.

I don't really have any criticisms of this book, it's really well made.