Star Wars: The High Republic: Cataclysym
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.
Author: Lydia Kang
Release Date: 4th April 2023
Page Count: 400 pages
ISBN: 9780593500354
The warring worlds of Eiram and Eronoh found their fragile peace weakened by the devastating Battle of Jedha and the recently married heir of each planet, Phan-tu Zenn of Eiram and Xiri Albaran of Eronoh are trying to fruitlessly to keep that fine thread from breaking. All roads lead to Dalna as it becomes increasingly apparent to all parties that the true source of the discontent is the mysterious and troubling religious cult The Path of the Open Hand and it’s charismatic leader, The Mother.
The final adult book of Phase 2 of The High Republic is the first Star Wars novel by Lydia Kang and oh boy, what a debut. Kang has the gargantuan task of tying up all the various threads and characters laid by various authors over multiple releases and delivering a satisfying and coherent climax that gives each piece the spotlight it deserves. Kang not only smashes this out of the park but manages to give us the best adult High Republic novel since The Rising Storm and best Star Wars novel in general since Lesser Evil.
It’s a testemant to the whole High Republic writing team that these books flow so seamlessly considering each is written by a different author. While it follows the events of the audio drama The Battle of Jedha, Cataclysm is very much a direct sequel to Zoraida Cordova’s Convergence. That book was particularly notable for its strong characters and the memorable relationship between Jedi Knight Gella Natai and aristocratic scoundrel Axel Greylark (also the cover stars of the two books). I was a little worried that there would be a noticeable difference in the characters and their relationship here but Kang builds wonderfully on Cordova’s work, elevating it and giving the duo a fitting and emotional ending. Kang and Cordova are the proud literary mothers of the two characters of Phase 2 that will be remembered for years to come (along with Marda Ro, if Cavan Scott doesn’t have something dastardly up his sleeve in the upcoming Path of Vengeance). I’m going to miss Axel in particular. He’s such a well written character and the sexiest scoundrel this side of Lando Calrissian.
The first half of the book is catching back up with our heroes after the events of Convergence and The Battle of Jedha as they, unbeknownst to eachother, head towards Dalna to confront The Path with varying levels of agression. It’s clear early on that we are building to something huge and there’s a pervading sense of dread that underlines the story as the various groups of Jedi have no idea exactly what they’re up against and how much they should fear The Mother. The second half of the book is all action and it’s relentlessly brutal and affecting in a way that The Battle of Jedha never quite managed.
The theme of this book is, perfectly, partnerships, whether it’s the very real partnerships of Creighton Sun and Aida Forte, Yaddle and Padawan Cippa, Xiri and Phan-tu, Chancellor’s Mollo and Greylark, Gella and Axel, Char-Ryl-Roy and Enya Keen or the more tenuous and one-sided partnership between Binnot and The Mother. It’s a theme that runs throughout the book, providing the majority of the emotional clout of the second half and as I stated previously; this is perfect because Phase 2 itself is a trio of duologies. With Phase 1 each wave was centered around a huge event, with the adult novels being the epic centre pieces with the YA and Junior providing additional texture and character work. Phase 2 has been very different. The first wave was three seperate first acts in a two act story. Convergence, Path of Deceit and Quest for the Hidden City were the set up and Cataclysm, Path of Vengeance and Quest for Planet X are the payoff. The first wave garnered some criticism for being slower and less eventful than previous High Republic stories but when viewed as a whole I believe this Phase will stand shoulder to shoulder with the first and Cataclysm is a big reason for that.
The High Republic continues to be the most exciting thing in Star Wars and Lydia Kang is it’s bright new star. I sincerely hope she has something else up her galactic sleeve, whether it be for Phase 3 or something set during the time of the Skywalkers. Oh hey, maybe we have our author for the much needed Rae Sloane/First Order origin novel. One can dream.
