Catalyst (Star Wars): A Rogue One Novel

James Luceno

Nov 2016 · Sold by Random House Worlds

About this ebook

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 entire galaxy.

Ratings and reviews

Luceno's books on Vader and Darth Plagueis were excellent. This was a fragmented, dull and down right terrible book that was so highly regarded as a "must-read" prior to seeing Rogue One. The end was absolutely terrible and even more dull than the rest of the book. Couldn't read more than 10 pages at a time because it put me to sleep. Better than taking an Ambien.

Good book overall, I liked learning more about Galen Erso and the process of his involvement with the Death Star. My main complaint is that the book does frequent and jarring time skips, with little to no indication when they are happening aside from a passing remark about it being months or even years later. This was at times somewhat disorienting and distracting, but overall I don't think it affected the quality of the book too much.

Decent book but a struggle to get through. The content was good but overall very dry. Couldn't read more than a chapter at a time before falling asleep.

About the author

James Luceno is the New York Times bestselling author of the Star Wars novels Tarkin, Darth Plagueis, Millennium Falcon, Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, Cloak of Deception, and Labyrinth of Evil, as well as the New Jedi Order novels Agents of Chaos I: Hero’s Trial and Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse, The Unifying Force, and the ebook “Darth Maul: Saboteur.”