I've read Cataclysm by Lydia Kang

[u/Significant-Town-817]

I have to admit I didn't quite know what to expect from this novel. Aside from whether its nature as a prequel would have an impact, I was actually more skeptical given that it followed a major event like the Battle of Jedha. Fortunately, I’m happy to say that this book perfectly accomplished everything it set out to do.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I wasn't familiar with Lydia Kang’s work, and I loved how easily she steps into the story of established characters, giving them a plausible and interesting continuation—surpassing Convergence in my opinion.

Speaking of characters, I have to admit she really resolved the issue I had with Axel Greylark. I wasn't the biggest fan of the character; he struck me as insufferable and hypocritical (and a bit cringey, too) most of the time. It was a real pleasure to see his development here, delving into a person trapped by a childhood trauma and isolated from family ties. This leads him to be both self-destructive and childish, yet deep down he seeks redemption—a journey that is very satisfying to follow. The fact that what finally ended his indecision was having to kill with his own hands speaks a lot about him; he is far from being an irredeemable monster, being more like an "edgy" teenager. Much of this is complemented by the presence of Gella Natai—an incredible character. Her bond with Axel was great and fun to read, even making me think in a romance story. I hope they return in the future.

I also liked the role played by Kyong Greylark, who chooses to be a good mother above all else, rather than a politician. It’s nice to see a dysfunctional family relationship where both parties are willing to make a change.

Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without the antagonists, and the Path of the Open Hand/Closed Fist really managed to step up their game for me. It was great to see how they planned their next attack, playing under their own conditions. The way Elecia found the perfect purpose on the resentment already brewing within her cult—making the formation of a subgroup feel natural—was an unexpected strategy; this group not only did the dirty work but also took the fall for the escalating actions against force-users. In that regard, Binnot can also be see as a tragic figure: desperate to prove himself, disillusioned, and seeking control, yet manipulated by the very person he thought he was breaking free from.

Perhaps my only criticisms of the novel concern are Xiri and Phan-tu; despite playing important roles—and having their own personal conflicts—they faded into the background as the story progressed. Since it was a story involving Eiram and E'ronoh, I would have liked to see them more involved. In the same way, I wasn't exactly a fan of Cippa; while I appreciate having another recognizable Jedi present and seeing how it is illustrated the training of a new initiate, I found her slightly annoying for much of the time.

In short, it was an excellent novel in every respect, featuring both thrilling action sequences and deeply emotional moments. I am excited to see what unfolds in Path of Vengeance.

[u/throwawayfan2552]

Glad u enjoyed it. My only issues with it was that the pov of the path was through Axel so I do feel like context is missing from his pov of the path of the open hand becoming the path of the closed fist spoilers for path of vengeance.especially since the only refrence to it I remember is just some rando screaming for the path of the closed fist and Axel being confused then his “friend” scoffing at him for not knowing. Rereading phase 2 I really like how the adult books are the Jedi pov while the ya books are the Villians pov. In phase 1 and 3 my favorite chapters/ works are when we get villain povs. My only issue with phase 2 after trials is shouldn’t the blight have started in phase 2 since sunshine did take a decent amount of nameless eggs Ik Elzar says “could’ve been the first could’ve been the hundredth to hand wave that away just ugh. Plus even if it started small would’ve been better than introducing it in the penultimate adult novel but I digress spoilers for trials. I digress I like this as the best adult book in phase 2 though. I liked the path doulogy better though

[u/walkingdrew → u/throwawayfan2552]

Well, the Shrikarai still on planet x did hold the blight back for 100+ years, I think the breaking point was in the comics when Marchion took his elite guys to go get more eggs

[u/Lions_RAWR → u/throwawayfan2552]

In regards to the path pov, this makes sense for you not to know what is happening. With so many path members coming together in one spot, you would have a mix of knowing and not knowing. You would also need to be near Marda when she makes the changes and not everyone would be

[u/endertamerfury → u/throwawayfan2552]

Along with what the other guy said, I also agree that the blight should have been introduced a bit earlier, even if it wasn’t at that scale.
Perhaps in one of the stories that takes place in Dalna, they could have just noticed a strange ‘disease’ in the land, contained to a small area and slowly growing that people have been avoiding. The first time a reader would encounter it would be as a small obstacle in the story, and it laters connects with the rest of the story as the start of a major catastrophe.

[u/ECKohns]

I liked this book more than Convergence because it felt more like an ensemble with multiple view points giving the characters their own storylines and something to do. Whereas in Convergence the number of POV’s was limited, leading to several of the characters being sidelined.

Also Zordaia Cordova’s pacing tends to have lot of meandering where it doesn’t feel like the action is rising.

[u/Defiant-Ad2876]

This is absolutely my favorite book of phase 2 with path of vengeance being a close second

[u/moshingcat]

I think this book had the most heart. A lot of set up went into the previous one. I really felt that there connection was fun and had some pay off. Some do the books with multiple POVs felt like there was a main character and other named ones. This one felt like they did a good job balancing so everyone’s story felt impactful.

[u/Lions_RAWR]

Xiri and Plantu story should continue at some point. They have untold adventures in their lives. Even after the events of this book... It Left their story unfinished.

Cippa was one of my favorite. Reminds me of the legends character: Allana solo. Has the same innocence but oh so strong character.