Lit Books Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising

Pretty much at the wrong time yes, but DR have a damn good track record that gives cause for confidence.

 

The thread title should be changed.

 

"News came at the wrong time"

When would be the right time?

 

Closer to the whole Project Luminious announcement, would have been my humble suggestion. At least then it provides some distance from insanity going on in the non-publishing side of Lucasfilm and would have been closer to some sort of positive announcement to offset some of the cynicism.

I mean, I’ll take your word that it is in fact simply a scheduling thing, but when there’s a series of large scale problems behind the scenes with other big Lucasfilm/Star Wars projects and then another one gets delayed by a not inconsiderable amount of time...it’s not unreasonable for some fans to assume that something larger is afoot. It’s bad news that’ll get compounded with other bad news and not really a great look.

 

Done.

 

What other large-scale problems are you referring to? Not suggesting there aren't any, I just want to tease this out a bit so I can follow you.

 

Here's the challenge with that. The book was slated for release May 5th. As most people know, there's a PL announcement slated for late February. If we had waited that long - nearly another month - we're telling readers about a 5 month delay of a book, <60 days before it was supposed to be on sale. That's incredibly disingenuous to give readers such little notice. Frankly, as a reader, I'd find that insulting. The best we can do by readers is informing them of changes like this as soon as possible. And there are some business considerations when we move the on-sale date of the book - things involving retailers, etc. that are mitigated by making the moves and announcements as early as possible.

As to your second point, it's really not our job to worry too much about how the normal course of our business plays into outside narratives. Whether there are actual problems in other projects or those are theory or conspiracy-driven narratives doesn't change the fact that we have to make the best decisions for our books, our authors, our partners and friends at Lucasfilm and our readers. Were we 100% aware that some people would take this announcement and graft it into those larger discussions in SW discourse? Absolutely. That's why part of the message included some clear points about it not being a problem with the book and that we are already working on the sequel. But if we dictated our schedules, announcements and overall work by fan discourse or narratives in the media (real or perceived) geez I don't think we'd ever publish anything.

Also, just a small aside about "I'll take your word for it" - which I've seen in many places. I totally understand a bit of skepticism when a corporate brand tells you something in language that sounds, at best, vague. 100% get that, I fault no one for feeling that way. Here's why in this instance I'd suggest people really believe it. We have zero incentive to lie to our readers. If we lie and are caught in a lie (however big or small it might be), all that does is give power and credence to the bad actors and conspiracy theorists whose stock and trade it is to sow discord, think the worst of every possible event and just generally damage fandoms. We're not interested in giving power to those folks. And actually lying is what gives them power. Because if you lied once, you must always be lying or at least there's always the possibility you'll be lying in the future (they'll say).

If the "real reason" was because of trouble with the book, we'd have no problem saying so. Something like: "we're moving the book because we realized we needed more time to really make it the best story possible, and you deserve that." There's no shame in something like that, so we'd never hide it.

(Btw, I just want to clarify that the above is not meant to be finger-wagging or "let me tell you why you're wrong" commentary. We're both coming at this issue from different perspectives with different information, so really this is just about an exchange of how we arrive at our various perspectives. I asked "when would be the right time" out of genuine curiosity from the POV of a reader, not because I'm trying to correct anyone.)

 

@DarthInternous

Tom, I just wanna say you remain one of the best, kindest, and most all around awesome ambassadors of both the fandom and your industry. You go above and beyond to reply with honest and thoughtful replies and I continue to be impressed by you with each interaction.

--Adm. Nick

 

I'm bummed about the delay. At the moment, we're only getting three adult novels this year. Normally we get 4-5. It's only February, so there's a good chance one more will be announced.

 

Probably more than one maybe.

 

I love those blue page edges

The delay gives me time to read the first three canon Thrawn books, which to my unending shame I have still not read

 

I don't get why they just don't tell us the truth.

They decided to paint all those blue pages by hand.

 

Technically they ARE painted by hand. Under certain techniques for staining the book block, each one has to be dipped, by hand.

 

Zahn's. Hand of Zahn.

 

A belated reply but I don't think you could have done anything on the timing, it was when all the Kenobi stuff was blowing up - Sith happens.

Without that? Maybe the impact wouldn't have hit some as hard, I'm relaxed about this as I'm buying the book and then slinging it on a shelf until I have the other two.

I also have to echo @AdmiralNick22 , it's amazing to me that, somehow, you are still willing to engage with a bunch of madly interested and motivated SW fans, despite the slings and arrows that may get thrown in your general direction. I know we've butted heads a couple of times but even there you were exemplary in defending your view. I always feel that reading your posts is beneficial, I'll learn something I didn't know and you've that sharp humour too.

 

Thanks Ben (and Nick). I'm sure one day I'll say enough is enough and slink away from forums and social media. But until then, I may as well make myself useful to folk and help fill in their understanding of some of the mechanics behind how/why the stories they enjoy get made. At least to the extent that such things are allowed.

 

double post

 

It's only appropriate that there will be a trilogy of Thrawn trilogies.

 

If we all keep buying, could well happen.

 

How long Do chiss live, and how old was he in Rebels. he didn't sound different in the audiobook of alliance with the clone wars flashbacks. This is probaly around before the wars around the TPM and AOTC timeline. I wonder if he could still be around during and after TROS and if he would have changed mutch in the 30+ years since rebels.

 

Chiss seem to live a long time. Aristocra Formbi was in Outbound Flight (27 BBY) in Legends, and he was still a prominent Chiss official by the time of the Dark Nest Trilogy (35 ABY).

 

Synopsis.

Spoiler

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/...cendancy-book-i-chaos-rising-by-timothy-zahn/

Discover Thrawn’s origins within the Chiss Ascendancy in the first book in an epic new Star Wars trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn.

Beyond the edge of the galaxy lies the Unknown Regions: chaotic, uncharted, and near impassable, with hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the Nine Ruling Families that lead them.

The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that leaves no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendancy dispatches one of its brightest young military officers to root out the unseen assailants. A recruit born of no title, but adopted into the powerful family of the Mitth and given the name Thrawn.

With the might of the Expansionary Fleet at his back, and the aid of his comrade Admiral Ar’alani, answers begin to fall into place. But as Thrawn’s first command probes deeper into the vast stretch of space his people call the Chaos, he realizes that the mission he has been given is not what it seems.
And the threat to the Ascendancy is only just beginning.

 

I wasn't sure how I felt about a prequel trilogy to Thrawn's prequel trilogy, but I can't pretend that doesn't have me hooked.