James Luceno’s upcoming novel Catalyst, which serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has just received a synopsis by Del Rey revealing lots of interesting new details about the relationship between the main characters from the highly anticipated first Star Wars spin-off movie. Check it out…

Catalyst by James Luceno Official 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.

Many might have assumed that this novel would take place shortly before the events in the film, so it’s interesting to see that the bulk of the story is actually set during the Clone Wars. We knew from the initial Death Star reveal in Episode II on Geonosis that construction on the station began during the Clone Wars with most of the framework being completed by the end of Episode III, so it makes sense that this be the setting for the book.

What appears to be potentially the most interesting aspect of this story is the relationship between Galen Erso and Orson Krennic, whom we know to be the main villain of the upcoming film. The fact that they were once friends adds a whole new dynamic to the eventual interaction between Krennic and the Ersos in Rogue One.

Also of note is that Jyn’s mother’s name is also revealed in the synopsis, leading one to wonder what exactly happened to Lyra Erso (played by Valene Kane according to IMDb) between Catalyst and Rogue One. The fact that she has not appeared in any of the promotional material for the movie and that Jyn has been on her own for some time seem to indicate that she is no longer in the picture when the movie rolls around. Perhaps Orson Krennic is somewhat responsible for her absence? We’ll have to wait a couple more months to find out.

The novel will be released on November 15, 2016, just one month before the movie. You can pre-order the book HERE.

Source: StitchKingdom