re: Star Wars: Episode VII': Release set for December 18, 2015

The Thrawn trilogy, also known as the Heir to the Empire trilogy, is a series of best-selling novels written by Timothy Zahn. The novels are set in the Expanded Universe (EU) of the Star Wars galaxy approximately five years after the events depicted in the film Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
The series introduced many notable characters of the EU, such as Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, and Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the more notable villains in the EU.
It was followed by the The Hand of Thrawn two-book series (1997 and 1998), also authored by Zahn.
Contents [hide]
1 Summary
2 Books in the series
3 Reception, sales and influence
4 Adaptations
4.1 Role-playing game adaptations
5 References
Summary[edit]

As the first book opens, the Rebellion, now known as the New Republic, is still fighting to mop up final Imperial resistance and set up a functional government. Out in the fringes of the galaxy, the most brilliant of all the hand-picked Grand Admirals is gaining strength and preparing to attack the New Republic. After convincing a Dark Jedi to join his side, Grand Admiral Thrawn is confident of his victory.