nightcourtcozy's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
Audiobook: The beginning was a bit boring but it really picked up about halfway through. I loved getting to see what led up to the events of Rogue One and hearing more about the Erso's story. It does get very political (it is Star Wars lol) but the politics are actually pretty interesting. Overall, I enjoyed listening to this one on Audible!
gingerreader99's review against another edition
4.0
James Luceno has done it again! Every time I pick up a Star Wars novel written by Luceno I finish it and want more. Each time he crafts a magnificent story that allows the reader to foster a deeper appreciation for the characters within the novel. In this case I came to know Galen and Lyra Erso as well as Director Orson Krennic in a brand new way. Catalyst fleshes out the story we see finished in 'Rogue One' this is where that story has its roots. After reading Catalyst I have a better understanding of the relationship between Krennic and the Erso's and the struggles they have faced. This novel is essential to fans of 'Rogue One' looking to make a deeper connection. Which Luceno readily provides.
jdalton's review against another edition
5.0
Great book as a companion to the Rogue One film and the events leading up to Galen Erso leaving the Death Star project.
librosydragones's review against another edition
4.0
Esta novela está cronológicamente ambientada entre el final del episodio III La Venganza de los Sith, y el principio de Rogue One. Tenemos en principio al Conde Dooku y los separatistas como principales antagonistas de la República. Orson Krennic, miembro del proyecto de alto secreto de la Estrella de la Muerte del canciller Palpatine, está decidido a desarrollar una superarma antes que sus enemigos. Y un viejo amigo suyo, el brillante científico Galen Erso, podría ser la clave.
Después de que Krennic rescate a Galen, su esposa Lyra y su hija Jyn de manos de los secuestradores separatistas, la familia Erso se siente en deuda con él. En ese momento, Krennic le ofrece a Galen una oportunidad extraordinaria: continuar sus estudios científicos gozando de todos los recursos disponibles. Aunque Galen y Lyra creen que sus investigaciones energéticas se emplearán únicamente con fines altruistas, Krennic tiene otros planes que finalmente harán realidad la Estrella de la Muerte.
Los Erso deben desenredar su entramado de engaños para salvarse a sí mismos y a toda la galaxia.
Les recomendaría leer Catalyst antes de ver Rogue One, aunque a esta altura, probablemente todos los interesados en el universo de Star Wars ya la han visto. Rogue One es una de mis películas favoritas del universo cinematográfico de Star Wars, nada mal por tratarse de un spin-off. Estoy seguro de que, de haber leído esta novela antes de ver la película, me habría provocado un impacto aún mayor. Tanta esperanza, tanto valor, y el enorme sacrificio de la tripulación del Rogue One, fue tremendamente emotivo de por sí. Ahora me parece doblemente triste.
El ritmo de la novela es bastante lento, a pesar de que hay algo de acción, se centra principalmente en la vida y obra de Galen Erso y Orson Krennik, en su amistad, la desconfianza de Lyra (y de Wilhuff Tarkin, por razones completamente opuestas), la transformación política de la República en Imperio, y el nacimiento de la Rebelión. Se trata, después de todo, de una novela adulta. Aún así, está magistralmente escrita, y sé que cualquier fan de la saga la va a disfrutar.
Después de que Krennic rescate a Galen, su esposa Lyra y su hija Jyn de manos de los secuestradores separatistas, la familia Erso se siente en deuda con él. En ese momento, Krennic le ofrece a Galen una oportunidad extraordinaria: continuar sus estudios científicos gozando de todos los recursos disponibles. Aunque Galen y Lyra creen que sus investigaciones energéticas se emplearán únicamente con fines altruistas, Krennic tiene otros planes que finalmente harán realidad la Estrella de la Muerte.
Los Erso deben desenredar su entramado de engaños para salvarse a sí mismos y a toda la galaxia.
Les recomendaría leer Catalyst antes de ver Rogue One, aunque a esta altura, probablemente todos los interesados en el universo de Star Wars ya la han visto. Rogue One es una de mis películas favoritas del universo cinematográfico de Star Wars, nada mal por tratarse de un spin-off. Estoy seguro de que, de haber leído esta novela antes de ver la película, me habría provocado un impacto aún mayor. Tanta esperanza, tanto valor, y el enorme sacrificio de la tripulación del Rogue One, fue tremendamente emotivo de por sí. Ahora me parece doblemente triste.
El ritmo de la novela es bastante lento, a pesar de que hay algo de acción, se centra principalmente en la vida y obra de Galen Erso y Orson Krennik, en su amistad, la desconfianza de Lyra (y de Wilhuff Tarkin, por razones completamente opuestas), la transformación política de la República en Imperio, y el nacimiento de la Rebelión. Se trata, después de todo, de una novela adulta. Aún así, está magistralmente escrita, y sé que cualquier fan de la saga la va a disfrutar.
javier9's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kclem's review against another edition
3.0
Catalyst certainly keeps to its title as a "Rogue One Novel" and not a general "Star Wars" novel. If you are hoping for significant background and insights into the greater Star Wars universe you will be disappointed. That said, this book provides an excellent build up to the events surrounding Rogue One and will finish with you planning to watch the movie once again.
Overall, the plot was enjoyable and relied on personal tension and intrigue instead of non-stop action sequences (thinking Aftermath) to tell the story.
Overall, the plot was enjoyable and relied on personal tension and intrigue instead of non-stop action sequences (thinking Aftermath) to tell the story.
bulwerka's review against another edition
4.0
It setups Rogue One in a good way, but as a stand alone it might be a tad boring. Also, I would recommend reading Luceno's other book Tarkin, as it fleshes out this world.
glendonrfrank's review against another edition
2.0
When I was in high school and reading Star Wars regularly, I remember James Luceno being propped up as one of the best authors in the franchise. In retrospect, that's probably mostly an indictment of the other authors.
Krennic and Erso were the best elements of Rogue One, so I picked this up for cheap mostly to hear more about them. But then one realizes that what made those characters work was the profound talent of Ben Mendelsohn and Mads Mikkelson, where this book just has their approximations. Occasionally it touches on some compelling ideas - especially in regard to the Empire's devastating ecological carelessness. But making this a generation-spanning story was a mistake, everything simply moves too fast and feels weightless instead of monumental. We jump months between chapters if not scenes, and so the central character drama never has enough time to actually play out. Slim it down to a specific time period - probably immediately post-RotS, because that's where this book actually starts to pick up - and focus it more on Krennic and Erso's evolving relationship, and you have a real winner. I get what Luceno was going for with Has' character, but he feels like a huge distraction from what actually matters here.
Krennic and Erso were the best elements of Rogue One, so I picked this up for cheap mostly to hear more about them. But then one realizes that what made those characters work was the profound talent of Ben Mendelsohn and Mads Mikkelson, where this book just has their approximations. Occasionally it touches on some compelling ideas - especially in regard to the Empire's devastating ecological carelessness. But making this a generation-spanning story was a mistake, everything simply moves too fast and feels weightless instead of monumental. We jump months between chapters if not scenes, and so the central character drama never has enough time to actually play out. Slim it down to a specific time period - probably immediately post-RotS, because that's where this book actually starts to pick up - and focus it more on Krennic and Erso's evolving relationship, and you have a real winner. I get what Luceno was going for with Has' character, but he feels like a huge distraction from what actually matters here.
mel_chan91's review against another edition
3.0
It was good. I actually wish I read this book before watching the Rogue One movie though. Mainly because I knew what was in stores for the future after this novel, being a prequel and all. But, I liked learning how it all built up to the movie. Reading from Krennic´s povs were boring though, and had way too much plotting. I liked reading from Galen and Lyra´s povs.