Catalyst

by Matti McLean, Davyd Oram (Illustrator)

Micah lives a perfectly adequate life in an orderly, predictable world, filled with government rules designed to control the people and prevent uprising. Until one Tuesday evening. After a surprise encounter in a dark alley, Micah's life begins to quickly change, and he starts to question the seemingly perfect world around him. He soon finds out no one is what they seem to be... and that includes himself. Catalyst is a fast-paced sci-fi about a dystopian society which controls their inhabitants out of fear of what they may be able to accomplish. Micah's world is full of clones, cyborgs, special abilities, mutants and advanced technology. Catalyst, and its sequels, will delight young readers everywhere and bring up the Are you reaching your potential?

252 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2011

About the author

Born in Toronto, but with roots in Northern Ontario, Matti McLean is a quirky queer writer aspiring to create works that are whimsical, satirical, silly and light in a world that is increasingly dark.

Reviews

[Draciana Alonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's really thought provoking, some what reminded me of The Matrix. It has a bit of steampunk feel to it too. I loved the cover.

[Angela Jurgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well... as the main editor for this book, of course I am a bit biased. That being said... Matti did a superb job of creating a world in which we feel for the main character, and that keeps us guessing until the very end. As you read Matti's well-crafted descriptions and fast-paced dialogue and action scenes, you can't help it but to feel dragged down a sci-fi rabbit hole... as if you yourself were following along with Micah, feeling what he feels, living where he lives. You quickly come to empathize and bond with the main character. It's hard not to!

It is no surprise that the most heard comment we have had after people read the book was, "After a couple of pages, I couldn't put it down." That can be said about many books... but in Catalyst's case, it just so happens to be true. The "glue" that sucks your eyes into the page is so strong, some have suggested for the book to be marketed to young adults who are reluctant readers. We agree, but Catalyst is so, so much more. It is a trip, a portal into an alternate reality, and a great debut for this creative new author.

[R.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If suddenly you found yourself in a world where impossible things seem regular and everyone might want you dead, what would you do?

This story creates a compelling world flavored by the Matrix, Star Wars, and other SF goodness. This is a strong first novel, a YA adventure for young guys, and I definitely want to hang out with Micah and the Radicals again!

As a writer myself, sometimes I found the sentence structure or word choices awkward; sometimes it would be enough to throw me out of the story for a moment. Pacing is great--almost cinematic--and short chapters, ending at just the right moments, kept me turning the pages.

[Stephanie]

I went into Matti Mclean’s novel with high hopes. I love dystopians, I love rebellions, I thought the artwork was intriguing…. Unfortunately the book fell short for me. I didn’t care about the characters, I didn’t understand the special abilities people had, and the world building didn’t paint a clear picture in my mind.

The action was choppy, and not always logical. The technology described was counter intuitive and not explained to my satisfaction.

I had difficulty dragging myself to read this.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story for those who futuristic science fiction with lots of action.