Star Wars: Cataclysm (The High Republic)

By: Lydia Kang

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

After the thrilling events of The High Republic: Convergence, the Jedi race to confront the Path of the Open Hand and end the Forever War.

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.

Critic reviews

“While part of a larger story, Cataclysm has all the traits of the best Star Wars books—courageous Jedi, fearsome villains, and love powerful enough to change the fate of the galaxy.”—Dork Side of the Force

“Lydia Kang delivers a High Republic masterpiece. . . . Happy and sad tears will drip from your face onto the pages, but the heart of Cataclysm is as pure as Star Wars can be. The fight for survival, love, and a future fuels a book that will leave your heart racing.”—Star Wars News Net

“Cataclysm is definitely the must-read climactic finale of this arc.”—Laughing Place

Easily the best High Republic story

Lydia Kang wrote and excellent book that is brought to life by the just as excellent Marc Thompson. I am very excited to see how this phase of the high republic will tie into the first.

Excellent

Overall - this is a SOLID outing in THR, & rivals Convergence as best written book of THR Phase 2.

Two criticisms:
- Unlike other outings in THR, I was painfully aware of the absence of information other story-venues were filling in (various comics). This has not been so apparent in other works, and yet was painfully so in this one.
- Axel Greylark. The writer of this work did not capture the fullness of his backstory that was evident in Convergence. It’s like they didn’t know whole details of his backstory. He was a genuine fighter& apt at survival in a fight. This book missed that entirely. Axel was a much paler version of the much more richly developed character he was in the previous book.

Still - overall, excellent.

A slog at first, but WOW what an ending!

I had become very bored of the Forever War. I started this book, got about one third into it and then left it alone for five months. I randomly decided to go back, and I’m so glad I did. That final battle was incredible! It felt kind of like a blend of the climaxes of The Fallen Star and Midnight Horizon. I’m excited again for High Republic and don’t want to miss anything else again.

master roy

Died by a poison glove.
Then contradicted to die by The spiked creature There's a couple contradictions.
In the story. Over all good

Star Wars! :)

Honestly love Mark Tompson who does these audio book version. he is so passionate about it and it pulled me in even deeper every time. I specifically look for ones he reads. I'm a hugh Star Wars fan so the story itself did not disappoint at all. I love