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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I will remember Catalyst as a Star Wars novel that is short on action and long on character development. The story focuses on Galen Erso, a scientist who is an expert on kayser crystals (used by the Jedi to power lightsabers). We are also introduced to Orson Krennic, an ambitious Imperial commander who wants Erso's research for the development of the Death Star's superweapon. It is to Luceno's credit that this seemingly dull story is still intriguing...I read the book in only 3 days.
This book was hard to get through. Not sure if it was anything about the book itself, or if the excruciating "frog being boiled in a pot" downward slide of the galaxy into systematic abuse and exploitation is just too unpleasant. It gives a good background to Rogue One, but, as is to be expected, that background is not enjoyable.
This is a much better book if you read it before watching Rogue One, however, as it was pointed out to me, the payoff for this story is the interplay of Krennic and Tarkin as they vie for superiority.
I absolutely loved this book. I love when we get some insight on timelines before the movies. It’s no secret that Jyn is my favorite so it was really cool to see her childhood
This was almost like reading fanfiction, and not in a good way. All the original characters were simply paper thin and you didn't really get to know any of them well enough to care about what happened. Galen's character is all over the place and makes no sense at all, especially in the begin of the book.
And what's with all the biceps holding? That was sorta awkward.
The ending was fine. Sadly there was about 200 pages of boring before that. Oh, and Lyra's character was okay too.
And what's with all the biceps holding? That was sorta awkward.
The ending was fine. Sadly there was about 200 pages of boring before that. Oh, and Lyra's character was okay too.
3.5... i liked how you got more context on the Empire’s early days and how it became what we saw on ANH. A tad slow but an interesting read that had its moments
"Catalyst" offers interesting views of the political play between Imperial officers Krennic and Tarkin. Bring in the likes of a smuggler, a dresellian named Has Obitt in this case, and you have the makings of a solid Star Wars book. I think that Luceno does a great job with his technical descriptions of the technology at work in the book. I would like to have seen more discussion and contemplation of the former role of the Jedi relative to the kyber crystals. But, I understand that "Catalyst" was not the place for lengthy ponderings about the Force-Jedi-khyber crystal dynamic. And, maybe we don't really want those ponderings answered, especially by science, as Galen attempts. I really like the ending - a bit of tension and surprise I the last chapter. No spoilers here, but I really liked hoe "Catalyst" wrapped things up in the last twelve pages.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated