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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
So I think Rogue One is my number two favorite Star Wars movie of all time. I left the theater in a weird daze... "Did I just enjoy a Star Wars movie, that wasn't one of the originals?" (Okay episode III to me is...watchable...) But silliness aside, I really enjoyed the story and idea of Rogue One. One of the things in Rogue One is that is blurs the line between the good and bad guys. For most Star Wars movies and media, it's always night and day between the bad guys and good. The movie slightly (very slightly...but still) allowed us to see that it's not exactly clear. This is leading to my point... The story of Catalyst is the beginnings of the Rebellion. And we learn that it's equally mired in shades of grey.
One of the reasons why I was excited for Rogue One was the portrayal of our villain for the movie. The main "bad guy" is a man. Not a souped up Sith... No some ultra, brooding bad ass... it's just an officer, a human who's looking to make a name for himself and trying to fall in the good graces of the Emperor. (who isn't?) Seeing the interaction of Director Krennic, and Governor Tarkin on screen was just fascinating to watch. So I was excited about the book that would presumably show how both men met, and why there was this awkward, strained relationship between the two.
So the book is not flashy. I mean that in every sense of the word. And neither is James Luceno's writing style. I've read two of his other books, Darth Plageius and Tarkin. Both are not heavy on action. Which is fine! I love a good political, humanist book. The problem that falls in with Catalyst...is that Luceno's writing and story here seem to work against itself. I mean that in so far as it spins a tale that gets a bit too complex for itself and unless you're following closely and really wanting to make sure you keep every twist and turn accounted for, you end up getting a bit lost in the muk. Again I love political intrigue and some double crossing, but the usage of double agents, and Tarkin and Krennic conspiring against one another is a bit heavy handed. I mean it sure as hell creates the needed and very valued tension between the two men, but it's not a story that's very accessible.
That doesn't mean it's impossible to follow or that you'll be lost reading it, but I think taking a more subtle approach to the two mean playing people and agents against one another would have been wiser. I can't fault this on James Luceno though, I feel the whole story of the early Empire/Republic/Separtist/Jedi relationship was so convuluted with the whole two faced Chancellor/Emperor, that if you peel it apart... it actually doesn't quite flow logically. But that's another story. Luceno had to create tension and rivalry between the two characters and a reason why both would be so combative.
The book reads as a sort of chess match between both parties, with their pieces being all of the other supporting characters, including Jyn's father and mother (often playing the two against each other). And there's some characters from the Rogue One move that are introduced. ( a major complaint of mine about Rogue One was the lack of character development)
This isn't exactly solved in this book though. Luceno introduces the early members of the rebellion with no real fan fare, and they don't really come into their own. We're basically given a story of Tarkin vs Krennic, by the manipulated Galen (Jyn's pops). Again while in theory I would enjoy this, it's sort of disappointing as it doesn't actually portray still the spark and idea of why these people are beginning to resist.
It certainly shows the building and science and research that goes into the Death Star. But once again due to the shifting nature of the story and the plot, the Death Star itself literally shifts hands mid way through the book. I often find myself scratching my head where the Republic ends and the Empire begins..and who is aligned with who. This is something that is very very realistic, I don't doubt or complain about that, but it makes for a jarring read. And no offense... Star Wars is not Game of Thrones.
What I did enjoy though was the explanation and the scale of the Death Star project.
I love the idea that this is sort of show casing all of the R&D around the Republic's military. It's sort of like the Manhatten Project. Different teams..all kept separate and interdepartment talking between teams is discouraged and even restricted. Pretty neat!
Also I'm glad that James went the route of keeping Krennic (at least in the beginning) a genuinely good guy. You can tell, and it shows in the book, that he's obviously selfish, and self absorbed without doubt, but he likes Galen and respects his mind. But as he obtains more power and respect it goes to his head and makes him more eager to use Galen rather than work with him..
This brings up another complaint that, to me, seems more and more apparent as the book goes on. James doesn't do a very good job at keeping the timing of events known to the reader. We don't know how much time passes between chapters and events. It seems like an event happened a day prior but it could have been weeks. By the end of the book it felt more like each chapter or major event was self contained, and strung together in a montage. I reference the growth of Jyn. Jyn seems to be growing up extraordinarily quick...while everyone else and the events in the book seem to be normal pace. She's learning to read and talk, while the events seem to be taking place day to day...James should have done a better job in making sure we see long periods of time pass. While Jyn grew, we never got the sense that anyone else was growing. No description of change in appearance, aging, time spent etc.
Most disappointing of all.. and something I was sort of looking forward was the final moment that Galen would have had to make the decision to include the Battle Station flaw in the designs. It's revealed in the movie that he's the reason, but it would have been really phenomial to see his mad men's notes, and writing, and designing the flaw, and debating rather he should implement it etc. Instead we're given a very anti climatic... "Here are the plans, do what you want with them, I'm out. Peace."
All in all....Catalyst as a must read? No..and I was hoping that it would be. I was hoping it'd be solid and emotional enough to say you need both Catalyst AND Rogue One under your belt to really appreciate A New Hope, but I can't. Catalyst is interesting in it's concept, and fun in what it proposes...but it's execution, left me meh. The minor supporting characters didn't do much for me, like Has Obitt, I just had no connection to, since he just switches sides so frequently. There was no real since of loyalty or morals (I know their smugglers/mecenaries!) but I just couldn't establish anything with them.
One of the reasons why I was excited for Rogue One was the portrayal of our villain for the movie. The main "bad guy" is a man. Not a souped up Sith... No some ultra, brooding bad ass... it's just an officer, a human who's looking to make a name for himself and trying to fall in the good graces of the Emperor. (who isn't?) Seeing the interaction of Director Krennic, and Governor Tarkin on screen was just fascinating to watch. So I was excited about the book that would presumably show how both men met, and why there was this awkward, strained relationship between the two.
So the book is not flashy. I mean that in every sense of the word. And neither is James Luceno's writing style. I've read two of his other books, Darth Plageius and Tarkin. Both are not heavy on action. Which is fine! I love a good political, humanist book. The problem that falls in with Catalyst...is that Luceno's writing and story here seem to work against itself. I mean that in so far as it spins a tale that gets a bit too complex for itself and unless you're following closely and really wanting to make sure you keep every twist and turn accounted for, you end up getting a bit lost in the muk. Again I love political intrigue and some double crossing, but the usage of double agents, and Tarkin and Krennic conspiring against one another is a bit heavy handed. I mean it sure as hell creates the needed and very valued tension between the two men, but it's not a story that's very accessible.
That doesn't mean it's impossible to follow or that you'll be lost reading it, but I think taking a more subtle approach to the two mean playing people and agents against one another would have been wiser. I can't fault this on James Luceno though, I feel the whole story of the early Empire/Republic/Separtist/Jedi relationship was so convuluted with the whole two faced Chancellor/Emperor, that if you peel it apart... it actually doesn't quite flow logically. But that's another story. Luceno had to create tension and rivalry between the two characters and a reason why both would be so combative.
The book reads as a sort of chess match between both parties, with their pieces being all of the other supporting characters, including Jyn's father and mother (often playing the two against each other). And there's some characters from the Rogue One move that are introduced. ( a major complaint of mine about Rogue One was the lack of character development)
This isn't exactly solved in this book though. Luceno introduces the early members of the rebellion with no real fan fare, and they don't really come into their own. We're basically given a story of Tarkin vs Krennic, by the manipulated Galen (Jyn's pops). Again while in theory I would enjoy this, it's sort of disappointing as it doesn't actually portray still the spark and idea of why these people are beginning to resist.
It certainly shows the building and science and research that goes into the Death Star. But once again due to the shifting nature of the story and the plot, the Death Star itself literally shifts hands mid way through the book. I often find myself scratching my head where the Republic ends and the Empire begins..and who is aligned with who. This is something that is very very realistic, I don't doubt or complain about that, but it makes for a jarring read. And no offense... Star Wars is not Game of Thrones.
What I did enjoy though was the explanation and the scale of the Death Star project.
I love the idea that this is sort of show casing all of the R&D around the Republic's military. It's sort of like the Manhatten Project. Different teams..all kept separate and interdepartment talking between teams is discouraged and even restricted. Pretty neat!
Also I'm glad that James went the route of keeping Krennic (at least in the beginning) a genuinely good guy. You can tell, and it shows in the book, that he's obviously selfish, and self absorbed without doubt, but he likes Galen and respects his mind. But as he obtains more power and respect it goes to his head and makes him more eager to use Galen rather than work with him..
This brings up another complaint that, to me, seems more and more apparent as the book goes on. James doesn't do a very good job at keeping the timing of events known to the reader. We don't know how much time passes between chapters and events. It seems like an event happened a day prior but it could have been weeks. By the end of the book it felt more like each chapter or major event was self contained, and strung together in a montage. I reference the growth of Jyn. Jyn seems to be growing up extraordinarily quick...while everyone else and the events in the book seem to be normal pace. She's learning to read and talk, while the events seem to be taking place day to day...James should have done a better job in making sure we see long periods of time pass. While Jyn grew, we never got the sense that anyone else was growing. No description of change in appearance, aging, time spent etc.
Most disappointing of all.. and something I was sort of looking forward was the final moment that Galen would have had to make the decision to include the Battle Station flaw in the designs. It's revealed in the movie that he's the reason, but it would have been really phenomial to see his mad men's notes, and writing, and designing the flaw, and debating rather he should implement it etc. Instead we're given a very anti climatic... "Here are the plans, do what you want with them, I'm out. Peace."
All in all....Catalyst as a must read? No..and I was hoping that it would be. I was hoping it'd be solid and emotional enough to say you need both Catalyst AND Rogue One under your belt to really appreciate A New Hope, but I can't. Catalyst is interesting in it's concept, and fun in what it proposes...but it's execution, left me meh. The minor supporting characters didn't do much for me, like Has Obitt, I just had no connection to, since he just switches sides so frequently. There was no real since of loyalty or morals (I know their smugglers/mecenaries!) but I just couldn't establish anything with them.
In preparation for the movie, I decided to check this book out. This book is primarily about the construction of the Death Star and the engineering behind a key system in this battle station. There is a lot of information in this book on kyber crystals, which the Jedi used to power their lightsabers. Galen Erso is researching these crystals in an effort to develop an energy source for the galaxy. Galen is a brilliant guy, whose math and engineering ideas are way above the heads of even his peers. His pregnant wife, Lyra, is on this team and transcribes his ideas and thoughts into coherent form for others on his research team. (More on her soon.)
When the story opens, the two are on a planet testing some of Galen's ideas on a massive kyber crystal. The Clone war is still in progress, and Galen and Lyra are captured by Separatist-friendly planetary authorities, and the two are are imprisoned. An old engineering colleague of Galen's, Orson Krennic, eventually extricates them from prison and brings them back to Coruscant.
Krennic has been tasked with managing the engineering of the major weapon on Palpatine's new massive battlestation. Krennic has got the whole evil plotting thing down pat; he's willing to lie, to cheat, to murder, anything, to make his way up Palpatine's military food chain. Krennic recognizes that Galen's research can be applied for use in the battlestation, and proceeds to woo Galen.
Meanwhile, Lyra has given birth and is spending all her time taking care of their daughter, Jyn. (Yup her.) Lyra is an interesting woman, and is smart and caring. Lyra had her own career previously, and travelled to many planets, exploring, and, incidentally, has a soft spot for the Jedi and their use of kyber crystals.
While the focus of the story is on the efforts behind a specific aspect of the Death Star, I found much of the time I spent with Galen to be kind of tedious. He wasn't terribly interesting, and I just never felt sufficiently sympathetic towards him. I cared about Lyra and Jyn, and felt increasingly worried about them as the story progressed. Krennic is a bad guy, and nothing he did really surprised me.
I've never read anything else by James Luceno, but I didn't find this to be a particularly quick read, where you are devouring words and desperate to find out what happens next. Not sure if that's because we already know that the Empire figured how to destroy planets with the Death Star, or because the guy with the big brain we're supposed to be caring about is kind of dull. I wanted to hang out with Lyra, who has a much more practical bent, and puts pieces of information together to protect her family.
When the story opens, the two are on a planet testing some of Galen's ideas on a massive kyber crystal. The Clone war is still in progress, and Galen and Lyra are captured by Separatist-friendly planetary authorities, and the two are are imprisoned. An old engineering colleague of Galen's, Orson Krennic, eventually extricates them from prison and brings them back to Coruscant.
Krennic has been tasked with managing the engineering of the major weapon on Palpatine's new massive battlestation. Krennic has got the whole evil plotting thing down pat; he's willing to lie, to cheat, to murder, anything, to make his way up Palpatine's military food chain. Krennic recognizes that Galen's research can be applied for use in the battlestation, and proceeds to woo Galen.
Meanwhile, Lyra has given birth and is spending all her time taking care of their daughter, Jyn. (Yup her.) Lyra is an interesting woman, and is smart and caring. Lyra had her own career previously, and travelled to many planets, exploring, and, incidentally, has a soft spot for the Jedi and their use of kyber crystals.
While the focus of the story is on the efforts behind a specific aspect of the Death Star, I found much of the time I spent with Galen to be kind of tedious. He wasn't terribly interesting, and I just never felt sufficiently sympathetic towards him. I cared about Lyra and Jyn, and felt increasingly worried about them as the story progressed. Krennic is a bad guy, and nothing he did really surprised me.
I've never read anything else by James Luceno, but I didn't find this to be a particularly quick read, where you are devouring words and desperate to find out what happens next. Not sure if that's because we already know that the Empire figured how to destroy planets with the Death Star, or because the guy with the big brain we're supposed to be caring about is kind of dull. I wanted to hang out with Lyra, who has a much more practical bent, and puts pieces of information together to protect her family.
2.5 Stars
Well that was an absolute struggle. I figured I'd have a hard time finishing some of the Star Wars canon books, but I had high hopes for a prequel to Rogue One. I expected more information about what Jyn was doing prior to the movie, but that hope was smothered before I even bought this. This was to be about Galen, and come to find out Galen is a mess. Scientist through and through, with savant type of characters and no people skills. That would have been fine if other characters shined, but they didn't. This was a textbook. An overlong summary of a little bit of research that Galen did. I guess we learn about why he was working for the Empire and why he stopped but it was told in such a cold unfeeling manner that I feel the entire thing was completely pointless. I didn't learn a thing about any of the characters and I care about them even less than I did after the movies. Krennic has no depth, like most empire characters, yet his maneuvering and little standoffs with Tarkin were the only things I somewhat enjoyed about this. I'm glad it's over and I'm ready to read the novel I care about, which is Jyn's story, even if that comes in the form of a young adult book. It has to be more exciting than this.
Well that was an absolute struggle. I figured I'd have a hard time finishing some of the Star Wars canon books, but I had high hopes for a prequel to Rogue One. I expected more information about what Jyn was doing prior to the movie, but that hope was smothered before I even bought this. This was to be about Galen, and come to find out Galen is a mess. Scientist through and through, with savant type of characters and no people skills. That would have been fine if other characters shined, but they didn't. This was a textbook. An overlong summary of a little bit of research that Galen did. I guess we learn about why he was working for the Empire and why he stopped but it was told in such a cold unfeeling manner that I feel the entire thing was completely pointless. I didn't learn a thing about any of the characters and I care about them even less than I did after the movies. Krennic has no depth, like most empire characters, yet his maneuvering and little standoffs with Tarkin were the only things I somewhat enjoyed about this. I'm glad it's over and I'm ready to read the novel I care about, which is Jyn's story, even if that comes in the form of a young adult book. It has to be more exciting than this.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Lauded Star Wars author James Luceno returns to pen an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine's top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before the Republic's enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic's, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Galen's energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic's debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor's tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic's web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.
War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine's top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before the Republic's enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic's, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Galen's energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic's debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor's tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic's web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a big fan of Rogue One, I was excited to have the characters I enjoyed in the film expanded upon, and in this regard I was not disappointed. I felt most rewarded by the extra depth to Orson Krennic and his competition with Tarkin, and the ability to make the creation of the Death Star an appropriately big event makes the events of Rogue One and A New Hope more weighty.
However, I'm not under the illusion that this book is for anything other than already big Star Wars fans. While the prose is serviceable and the characters are engaging enough, the novel gains most of its intrigue from the knowledge it will lead directly into the film.
So in the end, if you are a big fan of the new characters in Rogue One and hoped that they would have more development, this is a good opportunity to flesh out their personalities and backstory. If you aren't already interested, no reason to read this one.
However, I'm not under the illusion that this book is for anything other than already big Star Wars fans. While the prose is serviceable and the characters are engaging enough, the novel gains most of its intrigue from the knowledge it will lead directly into the film.
So in the end, if you are a big fan of the new characters in Rogue One and hoped that they would have more development, this is a good opportunity to flesh out their personalities and backstory. If you aren't already interested, no reason to read this one.
By far one of my favorite Star Wars Books. The background of Galen Erso and to see the world that Jyn grew up in helps you thoroughly understand the character development in Rogue One both book and movie. This book has tons of science, relationship and force details you will not find in other books. I recommend this for any Star Wars, Star Trek and Science Fiction Fan. I am so glad I received this book as a gift and it will have a place of honor on my book shelf.
Overall a good read. A bit slow in parts but it was interesting to learn the history behind Galen Erso and Orson Krennic's relationship and exactly how Galen got involved with the Empire.
A little slow in parts and detail-heavy in others, but honestly, that is how I've always found Star Wars books to be written. Perhaps it is a style? Regardless, the information between the covers will keep me clear on who is who and why they are that way when I go to the theater to see Rogue One! I would not be averse to seeing this kind of "companion reading" with other big franchises
I'm going through the new official Star Wars chronology from the very beginning. This was the first Star Wars novel I read. I liked the Clone Wars references, the appearance of Tarkin, the origins and mindset of Orson Krennic, the rise of the Empire and the setting up of Rogue One and the creation of the Death Star. But I was disappointed by the good guys. The Ersos were goofy. Saw Gerrera barely had a cameo. And the Rebels get a rather anti-climactic showdown that could have been depicted way better.