In last year’s Thrawn Ascendancy Book 1: Chaos Rising, Zahn dived into the tactical genius’ backstory and opened up an exciting universe «beyond a galaxy far, far away» for a new trilogy of novels. Thrawn is a rising star in the military of the Chiss Ascendancy, an isolationist government in the Unknown Regions, and he’s chasing down mysterious new threats to his people. 

Thrawn Ascendancy Book 2: Greater Good, which hits shelves Tuesday, picks up that investigation as Thrawn and his crew hop around the galaxy looking for clues. Unbeknownst to them, the enemy is charming its way into their society.

This novel takes place during the Clone Wars (between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith), but the time frame is largely irrelevant since there are no major connections to the familiar Star Wars galaxy beyond Thrawn himself. Zahn is more concerned with establishing his own corner of the universe, which can make events harder to connect to.

As a result, the first half of the 410-page tale meanders to a frustrating degree. The story finds its groove in the latter section, when Thrawn is more present and in command of Zahn’s engaging, intricately written action sequences.