Star Wars The High Republic: Cataclysm - Spoiler-Free Book Review
A spoiler-free Star Wars The High Republic: Cataclysm by Lydia Kang book review in the week leading up to the April 4 release.
This week we return once again to the High Republic for a spoiler free review of Cataclysm by Lydia Kang the next adult novel in Phase II of the series.
Lydia Kang of course is not technically new to writing Star Wars. She first wrote a short story in From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back, but this is her first full length novel set in the Str Wars universe. And one thing I’ll say right up front is that I’m so glad she’s joined the team of Luminous authors crafting these stories.
I’m convinced every High Republic book is better than the last and that’s due to the incredible work of so many people. From authors to editors artists and more, The High Republic is a living breathing work of art, and it’s books like Cataclysm that remind me just how true that really is.
So, without spoilers, here’s my review of the book. If you haven’t pre ordered it already, you’re definitely going to want to do that.
After five years of conflict, the planets Eiram and E'ronoh are on the cusp of real peace. But when news breaks of a disaster at the treaty signing on Jedha, violence reignites on the beleaguered worlds. Together, the royal heirs of both planets—Phan-tu Zenn and Xiri A'lbaran—working alongside the Jedi, have uncovered evidence that the conflict is being orchestrated by outside forces, and all signs point to the mysterious Path of the Open Hand, whom the Jedi also suspect of causing the disaster on Jedha.
With time—and answers—in short supply, the Jedi must divide their focus between helping quell the renewed violence on Eiram and E'ronoh and investigating the Path. Among them is Gella Nattai, who turns to the one person she believes can unravel the mystery but the last person she wants to trust: Axel Greylark. The chancellor's son, imprisoned for his crimes, has always sought to unburden himself of the weight of his family name. Will he reconcile with the Jedi and aid in their quest for justice and peace, or embrace the Path's promise of true freedom?
As all roads lead to Dalna, Gella and her allies prepare to take on a foe unlike any they've ever faced. And it will take all of their trust in the Force, and in one another, to survive.
As someone who loved Conveergnce by Zoraida Cordova this book was an exciting and seamless continuation of that book picking up where the last story left off. I do highly recommend you listen to or read The Battle of Jedha before reading this book but it’s fairly short and one hundred percent with it. It really just catches you up on some other important things going on in the galaxy that drive the events of Cataclysm forward.
One common criticism I hear of the books in the High Republic is that there are just too many characters to keep track of and it’s impossible to get attached to all of them. One of many things Lydia Kang does well in Cataclysm is taking the time to really get you to care about every single character. Does that make … some events later on in the book hurt a little bit more? Sure. But I’m almost inclined to say it’s worth it?
That’s a hard thing to do, is balance so many characters and get readers so emotionally invested in their stories. But Cataclsym especially shines on that front. Also, hello, this is now a Cippa stan podcast, thank you for your support.
This book offers even more insight into how the Path of the Open Hands operates and wow if you didn’t already hate them don’t worry, you’re going to hate them a lot more afer this. Star Wars is really leaning hard into its commentary on how bad cults are lately isn’t it? They’re very bad, in case you didn’t already know. It’s going to be really interesting to continue seeing the connecting lins between the path of the open hand and what will eventually become the Nihil.
Another thing I briefly mentioned in my newsletter last week that’s worth mentioning again his how well Lydia Kang’s writing fits into the larger story of the High Republic. Lydia brings her own voice and style to the characters and events as each of these individual authors does in their various entries into the series. But it’s all still one brilliant, cohesive story. As readers we don’t get to see what really goes on behind the scenes, the work that goes into making each of these stories unique yet seamlessly flow from one story to another despite different authors alternating titles. That’s the work of a stellar team of editors and writers all in constant communication to make it happen, and the results really show thorough in the final product. It can’t be easy to pass characters back and forth and maintain a consistent voice for each of them but they’re doing it. It amazes me more and more as more of these books keep coming out.
Cataclysm like so much else of the high republic is sad. It will upset you. War is always tragic but keep in mind that the Jedi are going up against a cult whose members are bred for fighting and violence. A Jedi’s worst enemy perhaps isn’t someone who taps into the dark side of the force but instead a group of people who genuinely believe the Force shouldn’t be used at all.
Interesting, isn’t it, how this book perfectly captures the horrors of one group loathing another simply for being who they are. Jedi don’t ask to be Force-sensitive, it’s how they’re born. It’s embedded into who they know themselves to be.
Star Wars is fiction. But it’s such an important reflection of reality, isn’t it?
I can’t say much more without starting to spoil things. Just know that you’re in for a truly special read, and I can’t wait for you to finally get to devour this story.
But don’t worry. I’ve already booked a very special guest to talk more in depth about this story with me very soon. Until then, please enjoy the book - but try not to spoil it for other people, okay? Everyone reads at their own pace and it’s important to recognize and respect that. Thank you!
Star Wars The High Republic Cataclsym releases on April 4, along with Quest for Planet X, wherever you get your Star Wars books.