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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
The story is strong and the writing is solid but it is extremely dry. It’s missing the livelier characters from Rogue One. However, the competitive relationship between Krennic and Tarkin takes shape and the broader context of Galen’s research becomes known.
I should preface my review of Catalyst - A Rogue One Novel by saying that the only Star Wars movie I've ever watched all the way through is Episode 7. And although I considered that a great movie I haven't been bothered enough to go back and watch the other six movies. And yet for my book club, GamersRead this months book pick was Catalyst - A Rogue One Novel so I went ahead and dived in, full well knowing that a lot of this book would probably be lost on me.
I picked up Catalayst - A Rogue One Novel on Audible. And what's striking about the audiobook is the enriching touches that the recording brought. Not only is Jonathan Davis a great narrator but the full sound array that the producers brought in around Davis's narration is spectacular. At first I found all of the beeps and boops to be a little distracting but after a while it became more of a radio drama. Sadly that's where my praise for Catalyst comes to a complete and utter stop.
This is a tie-in book, or in other words a way to get you more excited for Rogue One. Not knowing much about the movie or the book I started to at least get behind the books main protagonist of Galen Erso. Erso from what I gathered from this novel is a leading scientist in charge of researching crystals as an energy source. From what I was able to gleam from the novel these crystals are also Jedi crystals that are used in their light-sabers and are combined to give them their jedi powers.
Outside of the moment-to-moment tedium of this novel, it also is weighed down for me by explaining next to nothing. The novel almost assumed you know who all of these characters are, and are at least familiar with their backstory. Its as though they thought you were coming into the novel already sympathetic to their plight and fully against the bad guys. Instead for me Erso came off as whiny and a bit pathetic. Towards the end of the third act the final push ends with an absolute whimper. Almost nothing happens in this book. People go from one planet to the next, and the consequences seem negligible.
Although I loved the production of Catalyst, the novel it self was a complete bore. Nothing happens, and I genuinely am not sure why this book would make me more excited to see the movie?
I picked up Catalayst - A Rogue One Novel on Audible. And what's striking about the audiobook is the enriching touches that the recording brought. Not only is Jonathan Davis a great narrator but the full sound array that the producers brought in around Davis's narration is spectacular. At first I found all of the beeps and boops to be a little distracting but after a while it became more of a radio drama. Sadly that's where my praise for Catalyst comes to a complete and utter stop.
This is a tie-in book, or in other words a way to get you more excited for Rogue One. Not knowing much about the movie or the book I started to at least get behind the books main protagonist of Galen Erso. Erso from what I gathered from this novel is a leading scientist in charge of researching crystals as an energy source. From what I was able to gleam from the novel these crystals are also Jedi crystals that are used in their light-sabers and are combined to give them their jedi powers.
Outside of the moment-to-moment tedium of this novel, it also is weighed down for me by explaining next to nothing. The novel almost assumed you know who all of these characters are, and are at least familiar with their backstory. Its as though they thought you were coming into the novel already sympathetic to their plight and fully against the bad guys. Instead for me Erso came off as whiny and a bit pathetic. Towards the end of the third act the final push ends with an absolute whimper. Almost nothing happens in this book. People go from one planet to the next, and the consequences seem negligible.
Although I loved the production of Catalyst, the novel it self was a complete bore. Nothing happens, and I genuinely am not sure why this book would make me more excited to see the movie?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!! It was excellent to get the insight into Galen and Lyra and their relationship and motivations. It helped clear up why the reactions at the beginning of Rogue One were so fierce. I also really loved getting to witness the buildup of competition between Tarkin and Krennic.
I found it rather 'meh' for a Star Wars novel. I LOVED getting more insight about Lyra and kyber crystals... other than that, I really don't have much to say about the story. It was a very slow-burn with minimal plot action or build-up. This is possibly because the films already tell us how it started and how it all ends, but that almost makes this book feel, dare I say, unnecessary. It was ok, it wasn't great.
This is a wonderful prequel to Rogue One. It is an insight of the lead up to the events in the movie. A word of caution though, it is not by any means an action packed story and if you have seen the movie then you know how it ends. I would recommend this for those are the die-hard's of the Star Wars fandom and not for the casual peruser. It definitely satisfied my need to see the seeds planted that lead to the events depicted on the big screen!
adventurous
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Whew! Finished this just in time! I really enjoyed this book, since it's mostly following a new cast of characters that hopefully the movie will expand on. The pacing is done pretty well and I like how everyone has secret agendas that are both helpful and harmful to the galaxy. However since this is after Revenge of the Sith, it does make a rocky connection trying to tie film continuity together. Also I would've liked to read more about Galen Erso, but I suppose he can be fleshed out in the film. I also would've liked to have scenes with Palpatine taking to his new position and weapon, but I can see why they didn't do it. If you're a Star Wars fan, check it out for some great interactions.
Rate: 3.5/5
I noticed a lot of people wrote in their reviews that they found this book pointless, well I am a sucker for more content so I thoroughly enjoyed this.
One thing I loved about this book was the expansion on Lyra. In Rogue One we don't learn much about her but in this novel you get to learn her character more.
I enjoyed reading about Krennic and Tarkins dislike for one another, and their power struggles within the Empire.
It was also interesting to watch the change in Galens mind towards the Empire throughout the novel.
Definitely recommend to any Star Wars fan who just wants more content.
I noticed a lot of people wrote in their reviews that they found this book pointless, well I am a sucker for more content so I thoroughly enjoyed this.
One thing I loved about this book was the expansion on Lyra. In Rogue One we don't learn much about her but in this novel you get to learn her character more.
I enjoyed reading about Krennic and Tarkins dislike for one another, and their power struggles within the Empire.
It was also interesting to watch the change in Galens mind towards the Empire throughout the novel.
Definitely recommend to any Star Wars fan who just wants more content.
Fantastic prequel, both to Rogue One and also Tarkin. Luceno has a wonderful insight into the political climate of the early days of the Empire.