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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this for what it was, a really wonderful prequel to Rogue One. This sets up so much of the dynamics between characters and gives so much background information on how these people got intertwined together. The relationship between Galen and Lyra is developed so well and shows how they will do anything to protect their daughter. We get to see the ups and downs they experienced trying to remain neutral in the war, but eventually ended up working for the Empire. We get to see how they start to become suspicious of everyone's intentions, especially what the Empire is doing with Galen's research on kyber crystals and imitation forms of crystals.
The battle between Krennic and Tarkin is both hilarious and annoying. I just imagine the two of them in a room like continuously slapping each other saying the other person started it. They're just horribly misguided idiot old white men vying for the top positions among the Empire, and this doesn't shy away from that dynamic at all. Both men are ruthless, but in very different ways. Tarkin is blunt and straight forward with his deception. He uses people around him by intimidating them and coercing them. Krennic is much sneakier. He makes people believe that they want to work with him, by presenting his option as the best course of action or by trying to frame it as the other person's idea in the first place. He manipulates Galen for a lot of this book and it causes a strain in his relationship with Lyra. They get to the point where they're keeping secrets from each other, Krennic starts openly threatening Lyra, and Lyra is scared she's going to lose Galen to his research.
Lyra helps his see that this is all wrong and they're working for the wrong person. They uncover a lot about what the research is being used for (with is the development of the Death Star), and they realize they have to leave. With the help of Saw Gerrera, they manage to get off world and into hiding. And that takes us right up to the events of Rogue One. This is such a great prequel, I hope everyone has a chance to read this before watching the movie. I hope the other books that are related to Rogue One are just as wonderful.
The battle between Krennic and Tarkin is both hilarious and annoying. I just imagine the two of them in a room like continuously slapping each other saying the other person started it. They're just horribly misguided idiot old white men vying for the top positions among the Empire, and this doesn't shy away from that dynamic at all. Both men are ruthless, but in very different ways. Tarkin is blunt and straight forward with his deception. He uses people around him by intimidating them and coercing them. Krennic is much sneakier. He makes people believe that they want to work with him, by presenting his option as the best course of action or by trying to frame it as the other person's idea in the first place. He manipulates Galen for a lot of this book and it causes a strain in his relationship with Lyra. They get to the point where they're keeping secrets from each other, Krennic starts openly threatening Lyra, and Lyra is scared she's going to lose Galen to his research.
Lyra helps his see that this is all wrong and they're working for the wrong person. They uncover a lot about what the research is being used for (with is the development of the Death Star), and they realize they have to leave. With the help of Saw Gerrera, they manage to get off world and into hiding. And that takes us right up to the events of Rogue One. This is such a great prequel, I hope everyone has a chance to read this before watching the movie. I hope the other books that are related to Rogue One are just as wonderful.
This was a very enjoyable read, and certainly gives more insight into the Ersos and their relationship with Krennic. There is a certain feeling, of course, that we're not given much of an actual ending because that happens in Rogue One. But it was extremely enjoyable, none the less, especially the cat and mouse game Tarkin and Krennic played in the background. I could almost have done with more of that.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this prequel to Rogue One. It was well written and provided a foundation for the reader to understand Rogue One better. The only reason why I couldn't give this book 5 stars was because of spelling errors; otherwise a fantastic, quick read.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Listen don't read this book. Every Star Wars book has fantastic sound effects. Do the audiobook with headphones to get the most out of them. Catalyst is a great prelude to the movie, opening Dec 16, 2016. I can't wait.
It's okay. Not much action, but adds a little to the Rogue One story.
Pick it up at the library when you can't find anything else to read. Not something I will read again.
Pick it up at the library when you can't find anything else to read. Not something I will read again.
A fairly enjoyable prequel to Rogue One, establishing character backgrounds and giving a lot of interesting information about the development of the first Death Star. I found Luceno's writing adequate, with more focus on plot than characters.
A very procedural Star Wars novel. If you’re hoping for some deeper understanding of the Rogue One characters, this won’t give it to you. Check out Rebel Rising for that.