Outbound Flight

Outbound Flight is an interesting look at the alien Chiss encountered in the Unknown Regions. Thrawn, famed for his original appearance in Zahn's Heir to the Empire trilogy, is a character you just might love to hate. As I have not read Heir to the Empire and reading this prior to the first appearance of Thrawn makes it feel more like a prologue than a complete story.

The action runs flat and some of the characters seem quite undeveloped. My favorite parts of the story actually focused on Anakin and Obiwan, prior to them being escorted out of the story quite early on. The Jedi role in the plot somewhat parallels the conflicts that Thrawn faces himself.

I am much more curious about the future of Thrawn and the Republic. I would recommend this book if you want to learn more about Thrawn or just get introduced to him. This is not for the casual Star Wars fan.

While this is not the most enthralling Star Wars book I've read, the plot itself has been very unique for the universe. As I read through the climax I have not felt my heart pulled towards any of the characters. The personalities formed have not made much of a connection for me here, and the classic characters were quickly eschewed from the plot early on.

Apparently this book introduces the somewhat famed Thrawn character. I've not read Heir to the Empire, where Thrawn first appeared, but I guess I'll get some insight before I delve into those other Zahn novels.