Title: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel
Author: James Luceno
First published November 15, 2016
330 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345511492 (ISBN10: 0345511492)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
The war between the Crusaders and demons has escalated to a full-scale battle and Meda can’t help but think that it’s not going well. She’s ready to abandon the sinking ship but her friends have other plans.
As the Crusaders resort to drastic measures, Meda tries to keep everyone alive and becomes the voice of sanity. But when old enemies become new allies and old friends become new enemies, Meda has to decide whose side she’s really on.
And just when things couldn’t get any worse, the Crusaders send Meda to Hell. Literally.
Will Meda ever catch a break as a monster?
About the Author
James Luceno is an acclaimed author whose works are primarily associated with the Star Wars franchise and its Extended Universe. He is also known for his novelizations of the popular animated television series, Robotech.
Currently residing in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife and youngest child, Luceno has achieved widespread recognition for his contributions to the literary world.
Additionally, Luceno has collaborated with various authors on several books, displaying his versatility and skill as a writer.
Editoral Review
James Luceno’s Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel is a must-read for any Star Wars fan. The book, published on November 15, 2016, explores the events leading to the creation of the Death Star, which was a pivotal plot point in the original Star Wars movie.
Luceno, who has written several Star Wars novels, including Darth Plagueis and Tarkin, impresses once again with his excellent writing style, attention to detail, and skillful storytelling. The book starts with the protagonists, Galen Erso and his wife, Lyra, at peace on the remote planet of Vallt.
However, their peaceful life is soon interrupted by the return of Orson Krennic, an ambitious Imperial officer who wants Galen’s expertise to complete a top-secret project for the Empire – the Death Star. Galen is reluctant to be associated with the project, but Krennic eventually convinces him, leading to a chain of events that will change the fate of the galaxy forever.
The book is set against the backdrop of the Clone Wars, providing a compelling insight into the political machinations and tensions that existed in the galaxy at that time. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is gripping, with plenty of twists and turns.
Luceno does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters, and readers will feel invested in their struggles and motivations. The book also provides exciting insights into the architects of the Empire, including characters like Tarkin and Vader, and how their actions set the stage for the events in the original trilogy.
One of the strengths of the book is its attention to detail. The author provides a fascinating glimpse into the science behind the Death Star, as well as the political maneuvers that led to its creation.
The book also covers the significant ethical implications of creating a weapon capable of destroying entire planets, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Luceno’s writing is excellent, and he manages to keep the reader engaged throughout the book.
However, the book’s plot can be slow-paced at times, and some readers may find themselves losing interest halfway through the book. Additionally, the book requires some prior knowledge of the Star Wars universe, and new readers may find themselves struggling to keep up with the various references to other novels and movies.
Overall, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel is an excellent addition to the Star Wars canon, and fans of the franchise will enjoy its in-depth exploration of the creation of the Death Star. It provides exciting insights into the political and ethical struggles that led to the weapon’s creation and is a testament to Luceno’s skill as a writer.
We would give the book a rating of 4 out of 5, and we would recommend it to any Star Wars fan who is interested in exploring the darker side of the universe.
