Just finished reading it. No spoilers but on one hand I liked what I learned, but was left wanting on the actual story. It's different from Zahn's usual style in how it flows and ties together.

It does, though, tie in nicely in its spot in the timeline prior to the events of Rebels. It adds a fair bit to some of the named players on the Imperial side.

I'm 3/4 of the way through it and it's amazingly well written so far. Truly a breath of fresh air for recent Star Wars books. Best book since Lost Stars.

I also thought it turned out well; good insight into Thrawn though he still comes off as pretty infallible.

Nah, he had people bailing him out constantly. In battle he was shown as good but outside his blunt nature was not an advantage.

Oh man that big conversation towards the end......

Mind - Blown

It was.. Revealing. Explains his approach to officers who show potential and are willing to listen to his explanations.