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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
So boring oh my god.
I went in with mid to high expectations. And I was left utterly disappointed.
This book tells me a lot of things, but it needs to show me. I could tell you 5 things that happen in this book. Half the time I’d have to go back and reread a page to make consume what I had read, only to be met with nothing. Probably the most forgettable book, I’ve read, maybe I’ll ever read. Really really disappointed.
The only good thing was Lyra and Galen’s convos.
I hate the name Has, that’s A rEAL WORD.
I respect you if you get this book, but it isn’t for me.
I went in with mid to high expectations. And I was left utterly disappointed.
This book tells me a lot of things, but it needs to show me. I could tell you 5 things that happen in this book. Half the time I’d have to go back and reread a page to make consume what I had read, only to be met with nothing. Probably the most forgettable book, I’ve read, maybe I’ll ever read. Really really disappointed.
The only good thing was Lyra and Galen’s convos.
I hate the name Has, that’s A rEAL WORD.
I respect you if you get this book, but it isn’t for me.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's not the best book I've ever read but if you want to know more about the creation of the Death Star and the Ersos, especially after watching S2 of Andor and before watching Rogue One, def recommend.
This is probably half me, half the book. Not in the mood for this right now, also it wasn’t great. There’s nothing objectionable about it. I just did not care. Not the outcome I was hoping for, especially since I’ve liked all the rest of the books so far in the new Star Wars canon. I suppose this was going to happen eventually, statistically speaking. Ah, well. No harm done. Moving on with my life.
I don’t recommend this book for anyone who isn’t more than a casual Star Wars fan. Casuals, move along.
All right, the rest of you, listen up. This book is interesting in parts and if you’ve seen the film (loved it, loved the novelization as well). Don’t read this first. You will either like it better because it provides some backstory on how the events of the film tie in to the events of the prequels and the Clone Wars, as well as backstory on Galen and Lyra Erso, as and their frenemy, Orson Krennic, or you will like it worse because Rogue One was infinitely better. Luceno’s style, which I’ve never gelled with anyway in any of his previous Star Wars books, really didn’t work here for me. The book takes place over years and spans many events in the lives of the Ersos, as well as transitioning from the Republic to the Empire, and that made it way harder to get immersed in the story. He also focuses more on the logistical details than he does on characters and emotions. The only word I can use to describe it is “dry.”
I do think there was some interesting material to be mined here, but this book didn’t manage to do it.
In short, for die-hards only.
[2.5 stars]
I don’t recommend this book for anyone who isn’t more than a casual Star Wars fan. Casuals, move along.
All right, the rest of you, listen up. This book is interesting in parts and if you’ve seen the film (loved it, loved the novelization as well). Don’t read this first. You will either like it better because it provides some backstory on how the events of the film tie in to the events of the prequels and the Clone Wars, as well as backstory on Galen and Lyra Erso, as and their frenemy, Orson Krennic, or you will like it worse because Rogue One was infinitely better. Luceno’s style, which I’ve never gelled with anyway in any of his previous Star Wars books, really didn’t work here for me. The book takes place over years and spans many events in the lives of the Ersos, as well as transitioning from the Republic to the Empire, and that made it way harder to get immersed in the story. He also focuses more on the logistical details than he does on characters and emotions. The only word I can use to describe it is “dry.”
I do think there was some interesting material to be mined here, but this book didn’t manage to do it.
In short, for die-hards only.
[2.5 stars]
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fine! More SW-tech jargony than for my own personal liking and I had a sense of just circling around for a while before the climax kicked in. Really had to force myself to finish it.
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If you enjoyed Rogue One this book will add so much to that story. It essentially follows the story of Jyn's parents and how her father came to work for the empire. The book begins near the middle of Episode III and ends just before Rogue One.
Catalyst is the prelude to the Rogue One film. Its core concept is how peaceful, ethical scientists like Galen Erso end up developing weapons of mass destruction like the Death Star. In terms of advancing the greater plot, Catalyst doesn't serve much purpose, as everything that happens in it is implied in the Rogue One film anyway. There also isn't nearly as much action as the typical Star Wars film or novel. However, James Luceno's quality writing saves the book from obscurity. Catalyst is a well-written and thought-provoking addition to the Star Wars canon.