Star Wars: Rogue One Prequel Novel Synopsis Released

With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story slated to hit theaters later this December, fans everywhere are eager for more updates on the upcoming stand-alone. Just shy of using Jedi mind-tricks, these fans have scoured everything from books to comics in their search for spoilers. And, earlier today, they were given some brand-new information on Rogue One as the synopsis of its prequel novel was released.

Stitch Kingdom received the synopsis from Del Rey Publishing for James Luceno’s Catalyst, a novel that details the events leading up to Rogue One. The new description comes ahead of the book’s release in November, a month before Rogue One hit theaters. And, excitingly, the synopsis reveals some major background information on Rogue One‘s main characters.

If you’re interested in checking out the publisher’s description, then you can read it below. But, be warned, what some might consider spoilers lie below, though when it’s released by an official source like Lucasfilm and their partners, it’s hard to say:

“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.”

Digging through the reveal, fans can find several huge revelations. “The key information to take from this [reveal] is one confirmation, and one thing that’s brand new,” ComicBook.com’s Star Wars expert Lucas Siegel offered as analysis. “As expected and teased, Galen Erso, played by Mads Mikkelsen in the film, is confirmed here as the developer of the Death Star’s terrifyingly powerful energy weapon. It’s been hinted at and rumored for months, and this synopsis makes it official, finally.”

“Second is the fact that Jyn Erso, Felicity Jones’ lead character in the film, is also directly connected to the Empire, as she and the primary antagonist Director Orson Krennic have a deep personal history: Jyn literally owes her life to the man who becomes her worst enemy.”

That adds exciting new layers to the characters and conflicts in Rogue One that Star Wars fans will be picking apart for the months leading up to the film’s release, and likely for years after.

Catalyst is currently up for pre-order in preparation for its November 15, 2016 release. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will soar into theaters on December 16, 2016.