Catalyst

Collide #3

by Shelly Crane

In the third installment of the Collide series, we start off with Sherry, taken prisoner in the enforcement facility. The little bunker family must now decide whether it's worth the risk to try to save her or if it would bring doom to them all. Lily has started showing signs of her gift progressing, which may not be a desirable thing. And as Marissa starts to act strangely, Jeff must come to terms that there may be more to her illness that meets the eye.
Daniel, the Lighter who shocked Lillian with his human emotions will reappear, but for what purpose? Will Sherry be rescued before it's too late? Will Daniel prove to be a genuine miracle? Will Cain be able to fully get over his love for Sherry and move on with Lillian? And how much more trouble can the new Taker cause for the rebels?
Some will make it and some won't as the story continues...

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Aliens, Young Adult, Dystopia

174 pages, ebook

First published December 19, 2011

About the author

Shelly is a NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author from a small town and loves everything about the south. She hoards paperbacks, devours sweet tea, searches year-round for candy corn, loves to site-see in the new areas they travel to with her husband's job, and adores reading but doesn’t have much time to these days with all the characters filling her head begging to come out.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, where her best ideas are born.

Reviews

[Shelly Crane]

This book isn't called Catalyst for nothing. This is the one that's going to change everything in the way the Collide series is going. I am so excited about this and can't wait for you to see what's coming for the bunker family. I will tell you that Sherry and Merrick will always be present, I've got this question alot. They were my inspiration for the story and though I will definately add other POV's, theirs will always be forefront. There are many people who have a story to tell in this book and I'm going to let them have a voice,(Maybe even have some short stories for the ones who didn't get a place in the books). I hope you enjoy it as much as the first two, or even better, and as the story continues I want you to be as enthralled in their lives as I have been. so far...... :)
Thank you readers! You rock!

Best Wishes and Happy Endings,
Shelly Crane

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Shelly Shelly....... You have done it again! There are no words that can describe what I felt when I was reading Catalyst. Man oh Man did I have so many emotions and scream fests at the book that I wanted to throw it because some people just don't get it.

Sherry has been taken by the Lighters and she is locked up in the Lighter facility awaiting her fate.Merrick is going crazy because he has never been separated from her before.The thing is that Merrick and the gang have a plan to get Sherry out of the lighter facility but it will have to be all or nothing. At this point most people are on board but others are wondering if risking their life for Sherry's is worth it. What is Merrick going to do?

While all of this is going on someone else is sick and what she knows will rock on person's universe. See she is pregnant and she does not know how the father is going to react because who wants to raise a child locked in a bunker with no real end to the lighters in sight.

Another couple will finally open up to one another and show their love for each other only to have it tested in a big way. One will sacrifice for the other but in the end will it be worth it? Will they finally be together? Will love conquer all?

Shelly has created a world where good VS evil is all around and everyone must make a decision as to whether or not they will chose to be part of the good or part of the evil. In this book the evil will appear as being good and will deceive people. There are new characters introduced and they will blow your mind. If you have been reading about Sherry and Merrick from the beginning you will know who these characters are and you will be surprised what side they chose.

This book had me on the edge of my seat because the end was well...... left with a HUGE cliff hanger! Lord I could have ripped my eye balls out when I got to the end. Shelly I LOVED it because it is going to keep me on my toes till the next one comes out. Plus I am dying to know if a certain character will ever get pregnant....

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherry has been taken captive by the Lighters and now the group must go in search of her to bring her back to their ‘family’. But will they be able to get to her in time or will the torture prove to be too much for Sherry? Can Merrick manage to keep it together long enough to save the woman he loves? And how does Daniel, the Lighter that helped them in the past, play a role in all of it?


When Collide started out it was a Sherry and Merrick story. But now, new and old characters are getting more time in the spotlight and new relationships are beginning to form. Cain and Lillian are starting to realize that what they have is bigger than the both of them, Marissa and Jeff are about to go through something that neither thought possible, and even new characters will bring something wonderful to the series.


Shelly Crane is a wonderful story teller and she did an amazing job with Catalyst. The people she writes about; their love for one another is by far what makes this series so awesome. It’s like they all know that no matter what, in the end, love is the only thing that matters. They took care of each other and became a true family in every sense of the word. And even with all the evil in the world, happiness and goodness can still exist in a underground bunker.


Shelly wrote a heart wrenching, incredible story that was by far the hardest of hers for me to put down. I look forward to more books from her and hopefully a happily ever after for the characters of this series. And yes Shelly will answer to me if anything happens to my Merrick. *Gives Evil Eye*

[Gloria Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

"True love should not have to lie, cheat or steal. The best kind of love finds you when you need it most. This is what my books are about...."-Shelly Crane

If the above statement doesn't tempt your heart then you really need a heavy dose of Shelly's stories. Of all the books I've read, some of my favorite couples were created by the Author Shelly Crane. In the Collide series that couple is Sherry and Merrick, oh sweet Merrick.(I just love his name).

Catalyst is the third book in this series. It starts after Sherry has been captured by the evil Lighters and taken to a holding camp to be tortured for information. Now the hodgepodge group of people who have become her family, in more ways than her own parents, have set out to rescue her. I loved the return of all of the old characters and the addtion of a few new ones. Sherry can't seem to stay out of trouble for long. But love does last and new loves grow. I again loved hating the Keeper named Piper (she's a rotten bitty).

I thought the end of this book would be the end of this series. And I'm happy to say that I was wrong. At the same time I'm just as frustrated that I have to wait for the conclusion of this story. I think that means Shelly is doing something very right.

[Jennifer Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catalyst is really the only title possible for this book. It contains so many happenings which are going to set off a myriad of events in the book(s) to come. It truly is a bridge for the series and an excellent one at that.

Oh poor sweet Sherry, what has she gotten herself into now? That girl can't win for losing, but who cares when you have Merrick? This installment is one of the best so far and filled with action, joy, heartache and that "Shelly Crane kinda love" that we all adore. It has all of our favorite Specials, Keepers and humans and we get to meet some more really kick butt additions to the dynamic group of people. It's also sprinkled with surprises along the way some big and some little......you'll see how little.

It's not even out yet and I'm ready for the next one. Words do not do this book or the series justice. Bravo Shelly!!

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

ORIGINAL REVIEW: 5 stars -- Well, if you're on the 3rd book, you gotta know you're sucked right in, so are the reviews even relevant anymore? I mean, could you really not read the rest? Might go down to 4.5 stars, but can't decide once I get this far in a series unless there is something really bad. At least the cliffhanger wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Love the characters, love the world....looking forward to more.

ON REREAD: 4.5 stars -- OK, now this is what I'm talking about!! Holy cow was there lots of happenings in this one!!! I can't believe I waited 4 years before getting to finally read the conclusion, I must have been crazy!! Lots of great characters to love, a crazy amount of suspense and action at times (at least to me), and some delicious romance in the middle. I have no idea how this series is going to end, it's going to be epic!!

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay before I say anything else; the ending? Wonderful, horrible, heart wrenching, and I'm totally going to die waiting for book 4!
Was it good? Oh heck yeah. But that cliffhanger is evil I tell you.
The series just gets better and better! Catalyst was super intense but so so good! I always love spending time with the characters Mrs. Crane creates and this book was no exception.
If you haven't read this author you really need to. book 4? Please hurry!!
!Five stars all the way!!! :)

[Clarisse Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just amazing! It gave so much and took a little away too. Without having to post a spoil I will say only that this book definitely is a cliffhanger! A glorious cliffhanger. My recommendation is start from book one do not skip because you'll miss all the good parts. And once your done with this book you will join all of us who are anxiously awaiting the next one :) I keep saying it and I will never get tired of saying "Shelly Crane is an amazing writer! "

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional! I love this series. There was quite a bit more action in this one than in the first two. I liked that the story was told from several different character's perspectives. Shelly definately hit a home run! Highly recommend this series for any YA Fan!

[Rita Torkelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH!!!! I love this series so much that it's going to be torture to wait for the next one!!!! Still love Cain to no end, and if Piper and Polly don't get what's coming to them soon, I'm going to freak out - they suck!!!! Please, please, please get #4 out quickly!!! :)

[Lucelu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series Shelly you are the best. I cant wait to read the 4th book.

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

it did not just end like that?!?!!?!?!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can view more of my reviews at The Alternative Kryptonite.

I wasn't expecting anything that happened in this book...

Once again I have read a great and awesome book by the lovely Shelly Crane. Catalyst was a very emotional book for me than the other books in the Collide series. This book deals a lot with getting into relationships, and also keeping them. I really loved all the new relationships, realizations, and growth in this book. The story overall has gotten to the beginning of the overall climax of the story, and you can see that in the interactions and altercations which were taken to the next level. The tetra-POVs (well, penta-POVs) were a great joy to read and had me even more emotionally invested and hooked on the story and characters.

The book starts off with Sherry in a holding camp run by the Lighters. I knew right away that the Lighter issue would be worse in this book immediately because of all the upfront action. The book from beginning to end has a lot more action and suspense than the previous two books, which is a pleasurable change. The reader can tell that the bunker family is getting more and more in danger, even if they don't realize it themselves. The normal people are still brainwashed, cautious, and angry from the lies that Malachi is spreading. Along with that, people are staring to hunt the "rebels", which makes it basically impossible to get food. I really like how they handled the struggles. They were all on edge, but were all there for each other Shelly Crane writes really well with big groups that have a strong connection with each other, and it makes you feel like you're one of the group.

I really loved Cain in this book. He changed a great deal as he comes to some realizations that really alter his life. He is more determined to get away from the love he has for Sherry and he is working harder than ever to improve and grow his relationship with Lillian. As this is happening Lillian has to deal with the fact that Daniel is claiming to be in love with her. One of the things I like about her is that she is so committed to Cain and the whole bunker family that she refuses to let anything get in the way of their health and well-being.

As Lillian and Cain's relationship grow and Sherry and Merrick have to deal with their relationship, new characters are introduced. Daniel takes a more prominent role in the book as his "transformation" of sorts takes effect and he changes. Oh, and there's that thing about him claiming to love Lillian. Yeah, as you could expect I wasn't a too big fan of that. But I digress. Along with Daniel, Ellie is introduced and I'm very curious to learn more about her gifts and Ellie's relationship with Ryan. We also have the reappearance of the pastor and another character named Rylee of whom I loved right away. He spunk is very appealing, but there is obviously more to the picture than that and I'm excited to read about it.

This is definitely my favorite out of the three books so far because of all the awesome characters and the action is taken up ten notches. Really loved where this book series has gone and practically hyperventilating to get the next one! Another great book by Shelly Crane; but come on, it's not like I'm surprised.
5 out of 5 stars

-M

P.S. I think the perfect song for this book is a cover of Skyfall by Roomie & Jonas Frisk.

[Genea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about action packed, the action was non-stop in this book. The bunker bandits could not catch a break, as soon as a battle ends another begins. The books starts off where Uprising left off, straight into a rescue to get Sherry back. Yes, Sherry is still a magnet for trouble which I've come to believe there is no avoiding. She wants to do whatever she can to protect her family but Merrick won't let her out of fear for her safety. Even though she's not bad ass chick I think she doesn't do too bad at taking care of herself.

As the bunker family grows they seem to lose someone too. People are still being added to the family and they keep losing family too. Don't remember who Josh is but I really loved this character and the stuff that comes out of his mouth, he is so funny and he keeps irking Sam and Jeff's nerves, it seems he will be around in some sort of way for a while.

I'm might be the only one who gets annoyed at how these love birds, especially Sherry and Merrick be all over each other in the middle of fighting, death, and out of the ordinary excitement. I've also noticed that the pivotal characters have short attention spans, they lose focus on what's happening at the moment to focus on something or someone else instead of the possible danger lurking in front of them. Like the Josh thing, he's supposed to be dead but he gets up and then everyone's focus went to someone else and no one is asking why are you alive, yeah, yeah, a really important of them was hurt but still, focus people. I have a sneaking suspicion Josh might be a new or "old" Keeper. It's probably gonna be weird if he is.

Do these Keepers have a boss, a head honcho or something to the effect, because I want whoever he or she his to just come down and smite Piper now.

I would say that the book is exactly as the title says, it's clear to see that there is a change in the air for the battle between good and evil. The bunker bandits seems to have tipped the balance with some new allies and new power emerging from their littlest bunker resident Lily, she's gained new power(s) and knowledge. I wonder what does that mean for their ultimate conclusion?

This was a pretty quick read that was mostly filled with action and surprises.

[My Book Friend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sherry has been taken to an enforcement facility, and it is a huge risk to go rescue her. They really are in the dark as to what is happening to Sherry. Marissa is starting to act weird, and it is only getting stranger. Lily suddenly has an amazing gift that really is borderline dangerous- and Merrick is going insane with worry for Sherry.

When Daniel, a lighter, shows up no one really knows what to do with him. He can feel, and think- but how can they trust a lighter after all that has happened? In reality, no one is safe... Especially Sherry.

My Thoughts: Honestly, I think this book is the best one yet. The rating is really a 4.5, because of how quickly I got into the book- and how easy it was to stick with it. If there was one thing I had trouble with, there were so many important characters! While this factor made the book more realistic, there were times I had to sit and think about who the character was. Overall, Catalyst is a very fast-paced, gripping novel that gave the previous two more to look forward to! This book is recommended to those who liked Amber Frost or Reckless Magic and it's sequels.

[Melissa Mosloski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catalyst is the third installment in the Collide series by Shelly Crane. Going into this book I thought this was the last in the series but I was utterly proved wrong by the bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Oh Shelly Crane, what are you doing to me?!?!

At the end of the second book, Sherry has been taken captive by the Lighters for interrogation. Now her “family” must try to save her (yet again.) By doing so they will be introducing new characters into their lives, some good, some not so good.

The one thing that I love about this series is that you get to see different points of view from the characters. It started out as a story between Sherry and Merrick. I was happy to see that Catalyst had an equal amount of Cain and Lillian also. I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience more of Cain? You are also able to get a glimpse into the mind of the tamed Lighter, Daniel, and the Taker.

I will be eagerly awaiting the 4th book in this series!

[Jackie -Sated Faery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - that was intense! I love this little band of rebels, including all the newcomers they continue to add. They go through so much pain and so much loss but remain strong through it all. Sherry & Merrick do such a wonderful job of holding their little family together. Sometimes their love is the only thing that gets them through it all; it is such a strong, powerful, consuming love that it makes my heart ache for them when they are apart. Others are beginning to find love in the middle of all their troubles, too, and you might be surprised to find out who! It's also getting harder & harder to know who they can trust. They are learning that keepers may have the ability to be downright evil, while one lighter seems to have grown a conscience & has the desire to do good. My heart is aching for the next book in this series - it can't come quick enough!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There really are not words to describe how wonderful this series is. So refreshing in the other things that are currently out there. I forgot how much I love this series until I began my re-read to prepare for Catalyst.

Catalyst is amazing in the fact that there is never a dull moment for this bunker family. You truly can come to love each of the characters and what they are going through. Also it makes you wonder how much they will have to go through to hopefully one day have a happy ending. Highly recommend and the next installment cannot come out soon enough especially with the cliffhanger of an ending. The markings of a true book are always when you are left pondering the what ifs even after you finish which is what Shelly Crane has achieved with the Collide series.

[Stefan Eveline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love between Merrick and Sherry it's stronger and sweet.Merrick is a little insecure but Sherry is there to remind him that she loves him with all her heart he is her man her soul mate and her husband.
In this book Lily started showing signs of her gift but Merrick and Sherry is there to help her and to protect her. Merrick Lily and Sherry are a beautiful family
Another beautiful couple is Danny and Celeste because they love each other and they always are together, they are a good team when they need to fight agains the lighters.
Danny always is there to protect her and love her or make fun of her or make her happy Celeste is always there for him when he needs her.They are a happy couple.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO! It seriously didn't just end like that! AHHHHH!!!!!

This book was the best out of the three so far in this series. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time with everything that happened with these people. Seriously, Shelly, where you do come up with this stuff? I couldn't even take a breath so much was going on and happening. Your characters had it right when they kept asking how much more could they take, I wasn't sure I could take anymore either, lol. I'm seriously dying for the next book, what a cruel way to leave a reader hanging (hint, hint)... ;)

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this now! Can't wait!!

I finished this last night and am still in just complete shock over the ending!! I went into this book thinking that this was the last book in the series but judging by the way this book ended there has got to be more...and that thrills me!! Shelly Crane is one of my favorite authors and I have read all of her books but I have to say that the Collide series is my favorite!

[Ellen Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I told her myself, Shelly Crane has become an evil literary temptress! With this third (and hands down best installment of the series) Crane slowly reveals much more is going on than anyone realizes. Telling the story through chapter narratives from several characters is a stroke of genius! Get the next one finished soon, Shelly. or I may have to hex your Kindle:)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I can't help but think this would be an amazing movie if it were done right. I can't really explain the excitement of these books and what an incredible story and plot Shelly Crane has created. Again lots of new twists and turns which make for an explosive 3rd book and I am swiftly moving on to the final instalment to see how it all concludes. Great read.

[Darcy Fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one by Shelly Crane! The third book in the series has a lot more action which I truly loved. It was hard to put down, and I CANNOT believe the ending. I am so mad at Shelly for leaving me hanging like that. Fabulous!

[Chansiri Sirimongkhoune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow...this book did not disappoint. It is not called Catalyst for nothing. I loved that this time around there were other points of view. I especially enjoyed the new characters in this book!!! Gosh can not wait for the next book!!!

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliff hanger!!! I cried and laughed a lot throughout the book. Shelly does her characters justice again. I like the slight deviation away from Sherry and Merrick to focus on the other characters and their developing relationships. All in all Loved It.. Crushed by the cliffhanger ending tho

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

XHOLY CRAP!!!! What an ending!! Shelly, you're killin me! LOVED this and can't wait til the next one!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally thought it was supposed to end the series in this book, but now it looks like I'll be waiting for #4!

[Joanna Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I loved it, of course I already knew I would! It was AWESOME Shelly! Keep up the good work, I'd be lost without your books :)

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and the characters that Shelly Crane has created and keeps introducing with each book. Richly written and very entertaining.