Star Wars Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel By James Luceno Release Day

Catalyst, a Rogue One: A Star Wars Story prequel novel by James Luceno, is available in hardback and e-book formats today!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story doesn’t hit theaters until December. But Star Wars fans can get to know the main character and her family right now by picking up the book detailed below.

Image Credit: Lucasfilm (via Amazon.com)

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, in stores today, follows the story of a young Jyn Erso and her parents – Galen and Lyra – as they navigate a dangerous partnership with the Empire. Galen is a scientist whose work includes in-depth energy research. After saving his and his family’s lives, the Empire offers Galen the opportunity to continue his studies. What they don’t tell him, however, is they are using his work to forward the production of a space station capable of destroying a planet.

Read the full synopsis of Catalyst below (via Amazon).

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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.

Catalyst promises to tell fans how the Ersos fell in with the Empire in the first place. We will also, presumably, learn where the Ersos’ true loyalties lie.

Catalyst is written by James Luceno, who is best known for past Star Wars works like Tarkin and the Legends novel Darth Plagueis. Luceno’s writing style is detailed and wordy, sometimes to the point of monotony. But give him truly interesting subject matter – like new characters from a new Star Wars movie – and the resulting book is sure to be a solid read.

Even if you have read Luceno and don’t like his writing style, Catalyst is still well worth picking up. It’s basically a prequel to Rogue One. Who knows what spoilery hints may be discovered.

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Keep checking Dork Side in the coming weeks for our review of Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel. In the meantime, pick up the book for yourself today wherever books are sold near you.