REVIEW: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Lucerno

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Lucerno
Publishing information: Hardback; 352 pages
Publisher: Del Rey; 15 Nov 2016
ISBN: 978-0345511492
Series
Copy: Out of pocket
Reviewer: Tyson

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Synopsis: "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 their 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."

With the latest Star Wars movie out, I wanted to read a little bit of the background to better understand the characters as they are all new to the Star Wars Universe.

Catalyst tells the story of Galen and Lyra Erso. Galen is a universal renown scientist specializing in crystals. Lyra is a guide and cartographer, they have a great marriage and because of their blissful union have a young daughter named Jyn. One of Galen's oldest friends is Orson Krennic, a power-hungry imperial architect who is in charge of building the Empire a weapons platform that will allow them to control the rebellious planets through fear.

The book deals a lot with Krennic's desire of advancement, while he hides his true intent from Galen. Galen continues to believe that his research will be used to provide limitless power to planets that have been ravaged from the Clone War. As Galen moves closer to seeing his research bear fruit, he learns of the treachery of his old friend and what his research will ultimately be used for.

While Lucerno is an author I enjoy reading, Catalyst seemed forced as a means to bridge a gap that wasn't there. If you want to explore the relationship between Erso and Krennic that never really surfaced in the movie, then this is the book for you. However, you won't glean any insights from its pages. When I finished the last page, I knew that I had wasted 5 days that I could have been reading something else. While the book isn't bad by any means, it isn't good either. It serves no real purpose and only completists will be happy they read it. Catalyst is completely lackluster and I recommend skipping it if you can.

Overall 6/10