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Catalyst
Just as Jayden Amare Fox's quiet life on an East London estate looks to be steadily improving, things take a sudden dark and violent turn. Consumed by pain and obsessed with vengeance, his path crosses with that of an infamous hacker, wanted internationally for the crimes he is accused of. What begins as a manhunt uncovers conspiracies of corruption and greed, and the consequences of playing god. When a formidable common enemy emerges, secrets of a mysterious past that Jay has unknowingly been carrying his whole life are both a gift and a curse. The body count rises as the pair are forced to make sacrifices in a desperate attempt to save the little of what remains.
254 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2023
6 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Phoenix
1 book16 followersAuthor of 'Catalyst' - A 'high octane action/thriller' set in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 22, 2025
Jayden Amare Fox's quiet life on an East London estate is about to be turned upside down in the most violent manner!
I’ll let the synopsis speak for itself, but this was a real action packed thriller, dealing as it does with corruption, gangs, violence, vengeance and hackers, plus there’s a dash of Sci fi thrown in for good measure.
Although I had to suspend disbelief at times, it was still very enjoyable and would make a great action movie!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Pegasus Elliott Mackenzie for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
I’ll let the synopsis speak for itself, but this was a real action packed thriller, dealing as it does with corruption, gangs, violence, vengeance and hackers, plus there’s a dash of Sci fi thrown in for good measure.
Although I had to suspend disbelief at times, it was still very enjoyable and would make a great action movie!
*Thanks to Netgalley and Pegasus Elliott Mackenzie for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
August 30, 2024
When I heard this book was nonstop action I knew I had to read it. I can say the book delivered, but it also delivered on aspects I hadn’t even thought of. Great writing, characters, plot, and depth!
This one has it all and will have you on the edge of your seat. A manhunt is underway and this book will have your heart pounding and your palms sweating. The story is the perfect blend of action, heart, and intrigue. Oh and did I mention violence!
But this isn’t just an action story, surprisingly I found that Phoenix went deep with his characters. The mix of emotions the characters have will also blend with the action and make you love this book even more. There’s just a realness there.
This one has it all and will have you on the edge of your seat. A manhunt is underway and this book will have your heart pounding and your palms sweating. The story is the perfect blend of action, heart, and intrigue. Oh and did I mention violence!
But this isn’t just an action story, surprisingly I found that Phoenix went deep with his characters. The mix of emotions the characters have will also blend with the action and make you love this book even more. There’s just a realness there.
February 22, 2025
This book does not hold back. It is full of action, tension, violence and emotion. The author is great at character development and you really get a feel for what makes them tick. I loved Jayden and was really rooting for him throughout the story... that ending!
I loved the sci-fi elements but I don't want to give too much away as I don't want to spoil the story. There are various storylines and characters that interweave and come together in a satisfying way. The book explores themes of gangs, corruption, violence, vengeance and morality. I was hooked from page one. We also get to see different characters pov which I really enjoyed.
I really liked the authors writing style and he made me care about what was happening to the characters which added unbearable tension at some points. It also has some great villains!
I highly recommend if you like tense action sci-fi, thrillers!
With thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
I loved the sci-fi elements but I don't want to give too much away as I don't want to spoil the story. There are various storylines and characters that interweave and come together in a satisfying way. The book explores themes of gangs, corruption, violence, vengeance and morality. I was hooked from page one. We also get to see different characters pov which I really enjoyed.
I really liked the authors writing style and he made me care about what was happening to the characters which added unbearable tension at some points. It also has some great villains!
I highly recommend if you like tense action sci-fi, thrillers!
With thanks to the author and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
July 10, 2024
This was a truly high stakes action packed story. The build up at the start sets in motion the events of an intricate plot of vengeance, conspiracy, and corruption, with lots of mystery and suspense. I liked how it weaved together the characters, and how their lives were intertwined.
The plot rapidly escalates from gang violence to an unexpected conspiracy with sci-fi threads, and it kept me gripped with its many twists and revelations!
It's like a creative mix of Jack Reacher, Bourne Identity and Winter soldier, and i liked the ending hinting at more to come. Definitely one to read.
The plot rapidly escalates from gang violence to an unexpected conspiracy with sci-fi threads, and it kept me gripped with its many twists and revelations!
It's like a creative mix of Jack Reacher, Bourne Identity and Winter soldier, and i liked the ending hinting at more to come. Definitely one to read.
March 31, 2024
From the blurb, I thought this book was going to be gangs, drugs, violence, and corruption. It was all of that but so much more. I don't even know how to describe it without spoilers. The book was fast-paced with different characters' experiences of events. I really enjoyed this thriller and can't wait to read more from Cameron phoenix.
June 13, 2023
This was so good! At first I thought it was going to be a standard London Gang book, but it was so much more. After the murder of his girlfriend, Jay wants revenge. The thing is, Jay should have died the same night his girlfriend did. So how is he alive? And how is he murdering these people with such super human strength?! This reminded me alot of Marvel and The Punisher. We have intense fight scenes, and even a hallway fight scene which was awesome! Like season 1 of that show, we also have Jay getting help from a hacker. It's all very interesting, especially when this hacker helps Jay understand who he is and how he is managing to do what he's doing.
What I liked about Jay, in the fashion of The Punisher too, is that he wants revenge and he will fight the law to get that revenge, but he is good. He doesn't want innocent people to die. He still has a heart through this and now understanding his identity more, he has a purpose to keep going. Once he sees through his rage, he is as human as anyone else within his emotions.
We see another character who also has some superhuman strength too. I won't name him or the process of this ability as it may be a spoiler. However, he reminded me a bit of Jigsaw who goes up against The Punisher. He has a reason to be angry of course, but he allows his anger to take out innocent people too. You can sympathise with his loss, but not with his actions afterwards. Doing the same to people which has been done to him.
This book is seriously intense. Interesting, gripping and full of deep rooted emotion which keeps you turning the page, wondering how this is happening and what will happen next!
I very much recommend to anyone who loves thrillers, but a thriller with an awesome movie like superhero / villain twist!
What I liked about Jay, in the fashion of The Punisher too, is that he wants revenge and he will fight the law to get that revenge, but he is good. He doesn't want innocent people to die. He still has a heart through this and now understanding his identity more, he has a purpose to keep going. Once he sees through his rage, he is as human as anyone else within his emotions.
We see another character who also has some superhuman strength too. I won't name him or the process of this ability as it may be a spoiler. However, he reminded me a bit of Jigsaw who goes up against The Punisher. He has a reason to be angry of course, but he allows his anger to take out innocent people too. You can sympathise with his loss, but not with his actions afterwards. Doing the same to people which has been done to him.
This book is seriously intense. Interesting, gripping and full of deep rooted emotion which keeps you turning the page, wondering how this is happening and what will happen next!
I very much recommend to anyone who loves thrillers, but a thriller with an awesome movie like superhero / villain twist!
July 25, 2024
I can't say that I particularly gravitate towards these gangland thrillers as such, but as soon as I saw the cover for this book, I knew that I was going to love this!
This is maybe the third or fourth book in this genre that I've read recently and I honestly can't get enough! (Am I actually ok!?)
I think this is a debut novel and honestly, it's so well written and such a great storyline that you'd never know!
We follow the two storylines quite separately for some time through this, each as intriguing as the other and the characters, interesting to explore.
But as each progresses, we see them slowly come together brilliantly!
I loved both Jay and Hayden and actually felt quite sad for them both.
I know that their actions really didn't deserve much sympathy, but knowing their background and motivations, it really shows how easy it is to get dragged down the wrong path.
This was packed with action right from the start and I was totally hooked.
It's pretty violent, dark and gritty and perfectly fitted with our London criminal underground setting.i could really visualise this playing out as a series or film on tv!
A great book and certainly an author that I'll read again!
This is maybe the third or fourth book in this genre that I've read recently and I honestly can't get enough! (Am I actually ok!?)
I think this is a debut novel and honestly, it's so well written and such a great storyline that you'd never know!
We follow the two storylines quite separately for some time through this, each as intriguing as the other and the characters, interesting to explore.
But as each progresses, we see them slowly come together brilliantly!
I loved both Jay and Hayden and actually felt quite sad for them both.
I know that their actions really didn't deserve much sympathy, but knowing their background and motivations, it really shows how easy it is to get dragged down the wrong path.
This was packed with action right from the start and I was totally hooked.
It's pretty violent, dark and gritty and perfectly fitted with our London criminal underground setting.i could really visualise this playing out as a series or film on tv!
A great book and certainly an author that I'll read again!
March 10, 2024
3.5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
You can expect the unexpected with this thriller! 🔥
I enjoyed this action packed thriller and loved how different it is to other books I have read. This book is a hybrid between your standard thriller and sci-fi vibes and surprisingly, it worked really well.
The book focuses on Jay who gets caught up in an East London gang which causes detrimental consequences. Obsessed with vengeance, Jay’s path crosses with a hacker who is wanted internationally. With a common enemy and lots of secrets revealed, the body count rises as the pair attempt to salvage what they can.
Phoenix has written a fairly heavy read with lots of mini events trailing separately, until they all connect together to form pages that really entice you to read on. The start was fairly slow and there were lots of characters to familiarise myself with, but once I had, the speed increased and I flew through the pages.
The amount of action and violence in this read was unreal, but I was so here for it. It had me tensing and flinching and I loved that it had this effect on me. I loved how this book was more than a gang rivalry thriller and twisted into an almost marvel-esque novel. I feel these are the vibes that the upcoming Lisa Jewell book will be bringing. As one of the characters correctly states “I mean how... how the fuck did all of what happened earlier today... actually happen? That was like something out of a fucking film!”.
I struggled at times with the POV abruptly changing mid chapter and having to go back a little to re-read a few sentences, but this may have just been a personal problem. I would have also liked shorter chapters.
However, this read contained unforeseen twists and turns, a brilliant use of themes of corruption and violence, and a hardcore protagonist who you would not want to come face to face with in broad daylight, let alone down a dark alley!
I quite enjoyed the ending and I’m hoping that Phoenix writes a sequel. I would definitely pick that one up!
A huge thank you to @camphoenixwrites for sending me this copy of Catalyst. 💙
I recommend you check out this book and step out of your comfort zone. ☺️
⚠️Check out the trigger warnings⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
You can expect the unexpected with this thriller! 🔥
I enjoyed this action packed thriller and loved how different it is to other books I have read. This book is a hybrid between your standard thriller and sci-fi vibes and surprisingly, it worked really well.
The book focuses on Jay who gets caught up in an East London gang which causes detrimental consequences. Obsessed with vengeance, Jay’s path crosses with a hacker who is wanted internationally. With a common enemy and lots of secrets revealed, the body count rises as the pair attempt to salvage what they can.
Phoenix has written a fairly heavy read with lots of mini events trailing separately, until they all connect together to form pages that really entice you to read on. The start was fairly slow and there were lots of characters to familiarise myself with, but once I had, the speed increased and I flew through the pages.
The amount of action and violence in this read was unreal, but I was so here for it. It had me tensing and flinching and I loved that it had this effect on me. I loved how this book was more than a gang rivalry thriller and twisted into an almost marvel-esque novel. I feel these are the vibes that the upcoming Lisa Jewell book will be bringing. As one of the characters correctly states “I mean how... how the fuck did all of what happened earlier today... actually happen? That was like something out of a fucking film!”.
I struggled at times with the POV abruptly changing mid chapter and having to go back a little to re-read a few sentences, but this may have just been a personal problem. I would have also liked shorter chapters.
However, this read contained unforeseen twists and turns, a brilliant use of themes of corruption and violence, and a hardcore protagonist who you would not want to come face to face with in broad daylight, let alone down a dark alley!
I quite enjoyed the ending and I’m hoping that Phoenix writes a sequel. I would definitely pick that one up!
A huge thank you to @camphoenixwrites for sending me this copy of Catalyst. 💙
I recommend you check out this book and step out of your comfort zone. ☺️
⚠️Check out the trigger warnings⚠️
July 11, 2024
If you enjoy high-octane, scifi, action thrillers this is absolutely the book for you. It is filled to the brim with violence, crime, action, and things that a lot of people can’t stomach though - so check those warnings!
This one went from zero to full-throttle violence in two seconds, so definitely buck in before you start. There's some misnomer that Americans are all violence and blowing things up and - let's be honest - I just posted a love fireworks video the other day. And who doesn't love a fireworks display. But graphic violence doesn't do it for me. I'm also puritanical about bedroom scenes. Death by cozy and chocolate for me I guess. Gentle vices all around.
So, while this book was absolutely thrilling, action-packed, and keeps the pages turning, it wasn't really my cup of tea. In some places it felt a little violence for violence sake. Which is totally what some people are in to, and I'm not shaming at all. But there were a few typical content warnings that rubbed me the wrong way in this book - child harm, human experimentation, governmental overstep (of course - welcome to a typical Tuesday in 2024). I also had a bit of a hard time really connecting to any characters. I can't really put my finger on why, but that's a big thing for me in books. I need a character to latch onto, and I got a little overwhelmed by the number of characters and keeping up with who was who and why I should care about them. So my connections never quite got formed in the ways I would have liked.
QOTD: Do you prefer action or character drive stories?
Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Death, Military Acts, Human Experimentation (Nonconsentual), Human Mutations, Child Harm/Death, Derogatory Language, Bigotry, Xenophobia, Rude Language, Sexism, and Much More
This one went from zero to full-throttle violence in two seconds, so definitely buck in before you start. There's some misnomer that Americans are all violence and blowing things up and - let's be honest - I just posted a love fireworks video the other day. And who doesn't love a fireworks display. But graphic violence doesn't do it for me. I'm also puritanical about bedroom scenes. Death by cozy and chocolate for me I guess. Gentle vices all around.
So, while this book was absolutely thrilling, action-packed, and keeps the pages turning, it wasn't really my cup of tea. In some places it felt a little violence for violence sake. Which is totally what some people are in to, and I'm not shaming at all. But there were a few typical content warnings that rubbed me the wrong way in this book - child harm, human experimentation, governmental overstep (of course - welcome to a typical Tuesday in 2024). I also had a bit of a hard time really connecting to any characters. I can't really put my finger on why, but that's a big thing for me in books. I need a character to latch onto, and I got a little overwhelmed by the number of characters and keeping up with who was who and why I should care about them. So my connections never quite got formed in the ways I would have liked.
QOTD: Do you prefer action or character drive stories?
Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Graphic Violence, Death, Military Acts, Human Experimentation (Nonconsentual), Human Mutations, Child Harm/Death, Derogatory Language, Bigotry, Xenophobia, Rude Language, Sexism, and Much More
August 4, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, although I knew from reading the synopsis that it was right up my street. That said at one point near the beginning I was a bit confused and said to my husband, "this has happened but I don't get it as it's not that kind of book." Well, I was wrong, it was that kind of book and I was all there for it! 😆 Once I had gotten a few chapters in, I couldn't put the book down!
📚 There are two different storylines running parallel to each other at the start. That of the mastermind 'criminal' hackers, and the 'cripple' Jay Fox who has fallen on hard times and got mixed up with a bad lot. You know at some point the two stories are going to merge, you're just not sure how until it happens. There are lots of action/fighting scenes which are incredibly detailed and written in a way which enabled me to visualise it as if I was watching it on screen, in an almost Matrix style.
It also kind of reminded me of a series of books I read a lifetime ago but still remain firm favourites in my memory - The Ex- series by Peter Clines - so it gave me warm fuzzy feelings, especially when reading all the fighting parts of the book.
This was a debut novel by Cameron Phoenix, and I will certainly be on the lookout 👀 for his next novels, and I hope we haven't seen the last of Mr 🦊🤞🏻
Thanks to Cameron for sending me a copy for an honest review.
📚 There are two different storylines running parallel to each other at the start. That of the mastermind 'criminal' hackers, and the 'cripple' Jay Fox who has fallen on hard times and got mixed up with a bad lot. You know at some point the two stories are going to merge, you're just not sure how until it happens. There are lots of action/fighting scenes which are incredibly detailed and written in a way which enabled me to visualise it as if I was watching it on screen, in an almost Matrix style.
It also kind of reminded me of a series of books I read a lifetime ago but still remain firm favourites in my memory - The Ex- series by Peter Clines - so it gave me warm fuzzy feelings, especially when reading all the fighting parts of the book.
This was a debut novel by Cameron Phoenix, and I will certainly be on the lookout 👀 for his next novels, and I hope we haven't seen the last of Mr 🦊🤞🏻
Thanks to Cameron for sending me a copy for an honest review.
July 17, 2024
Catalyst by Cameron Phoenix is an action packed, page turning, unputdownable book from page one. If you like thrillers, corruption, gangs, action, sci-fi books then you will love this book. Just a word of warning check your trigger warnings before going into this book.
Jaydon Fox’s quiet life unexpectedly changes overnight. This dark and vengeful change leads him down a road of not just revenge, but of redemption as well. Told in 3rd person POV this action packed, suspenseful, sci-fi story takes you on thrilling ride with lots of mystery, corruption, and conspiracies. Cameron has created this world where the characters will go to any length’s to uncover the truth and to get justice. I’m hoping with there is a part 2, I want more!! Thank you to Cameron Phoenix and Love Book Tours for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions. Go read this book you will be at the edge of your seat!!
Jaydon Fox’s quiet life unexpectedly changes overnight. This dark and vengeful change leads him down a road of not just revenge, but of redemption as well. Told in 3rd person POV this action packed, suspenseful, sci-fi story takes you on thrilling ride with lots of mystery, corruption, and conspiracies. Cameron has created this world where the characters will go to any length’s to uncover the truth and to get justice. I’m hoping with there is a part 2, I want more!! Thank you to Cameron Phoenix and Love Book Tours for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions. Go read this book you will be at the edge of your seat!!
March 1, 2025
Wow what a ride this book gives!
Full of action and lots of violence but so much more too, a great plot and lots of complex characters.
With Vengeance encountering corruption and conspiracy, the story is full of suspense it will really have you on the edge of your seat.
I don’t want to say too much about what happens in the book as i could give things away but i can really see this making a great film or series.
Jay oh my gosh what can i say, what a roller coaster of emotions i had throughout this book
A really great page turning read that left me wanting more and I’m hoping there will be!
Full of action and lots of violence but so much more too, a great plot and lots of complex characters.
With Vengeance encountering corruption and conspiracy, the story is full of suspense it will really have you on the edge of your seat.
I don’t want to say too much about what happens in the book as i could give things away but i can really see this making a great film or series.
Jay oh my gosh what can i say, what a roller coaster of emotions i had throughout this book
A really great page turning read that left me wanting more and I’m hoping there will be!
July 16, 2024
At what point should I start to worry about how much I enjoy a blood thirsty book with some gruesome fight and murder scenes? Because I do enjoy them!
I felt incredibly sorry for Hayden, he had such an awful start to life and it showed how easily people can end up trapped in the criminal underworld. I'm not sure that even his tragic past excuses the monster he became though.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. At the start it felt like 2 disconnected stories, that of Jayden and the rival gangs of East London; and a separate one of the BlackNet hackers. But they came together spectacularly!
This was a fast-paced, action packed thriller that I read in one sitting! I'll be looking out for more from this author.
I felt incredibly sorry for Hayden, he had such an awful start to life and it showed how easily people can end up trapped in the criminal underworld. I'm not sure that even his tragic past excuses the monster he became though.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. At the start it felt like 2 disconnected stories, that of Jayden and the rival gangs of East London; and a separate one of the BlackNet hackers. But they came together spectacularly!
This was a fast-paced, action packed thriller that I read in one sitting! I'll be looking out for more from this author.
July 19, 2024
I was drawn to this book by the blurb which promised action and crime. This book had both the action and the crime but it was more than that. There was so much going on and I ended up whizzing through this as I had to know what happened next.
The book was fast paced and the plot was very well constructed. I loved the mix of corruption, gangs, hacking and a superhero like character!
I recommend reading this if you love action and crime…with a touch of something inexplicable.
The book was fast paced and the plot was very well constructed. I loved the mix of corruption, gangs, hacking and a superhero like character!
I recommend reading this if you love action and crime…with a touch of something inexplicable.
July 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Catalyst is a really well written thriller come Marvel type read and being a great Marvel,and everything in that genre fan this kept me engrossed throughout it was a gripping read filled with lots of suspense making it a perfect page turner. Recommended
August 4, 2023
Title - Catalyst
Author - @camphoenixwrites
Release Date - April 2023
Page Count - 253
Read/Listen Time - 7hrs
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /4 stars
Well this was a bit of a surprise. I thought it was going to be a London based story of gangs and police, drugs with a dash of violence but whoa it was so much more.
We follow the main protagonist, Jayden, an orphan with no knowledge of his parents or heritage, raised by his loving adoptive mother. When Jayden is attacked and his girlfriend brutally murdered. What ensues is a relentless stream of action from entire gangs being murdered to high octane breakouts from a London police station. Add in a dash of computer hacking and a smidge of human experiment and you have an amazing action packed book.
Well done Cameron on a great debut, I really hope you have more in store for us.
I highly recommend you pick this up immediately, it reads like episodic BBC drama akin to #lineofduty; in fact @bbc @itv #jedmercurio if you want ideas for your next dramatic tv hit then take a look at this book, it’s crying out for an adaptation.
Author - @camphoenixwrites
Release Date - April 2023
Page Count - 253
Read/Listen Time - 7hrs
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /4 stars
Well this was a bit of a surprise. I thought it was going to be a London based story of gangs and police, drugs with a dash of violence but whoa it was so much more.
We follow the main protagonist, Jayden, an orphan with no knowledge of his parents or heritage, raised by his loving adoptive mother. When Jayden is attacked and his girlfriend brutally murdered. What ensues is a relentless stream of action from entire gangs being murdered to high octane breakouts from a London police station. Add in a dash of computer hacking and a smidge of human experiment and you have an amazing action packed book.
Well done Cameron on a great debut, I really hope you have more in store for us.
I highly recommend you pick this up immediately, it reads like episodic BBC drama akin to #lineofduty; in fact @bbc @itv #jedmercurio if you want ideas for your next dramatic tv hit then take a look at this book, it’s crying out for an adaptation.
July 17, 2024
Thanks to the author for the copy 💕
It took me a little to get into this book but once I did I loved it! There was suspense on every page and I just wanted to keep on reading to know what would happen next in the plot. The story took a turn where I was in no way expecting it to with the last few chapters but I loved it!! I loved the way it played out and progressed to a close as well as the science aspects that the book had with the characters and how it worked within the plot
It took me a little to get into this book but once I did I loved it! There was suspense on every page and I just wanted to keep on reading to know what would happen next in the plot. The story took a turn where I was in no way expecting it to with the last few chapters but I loved it!! I loved the way it played out and progressed to a close as well as the science aspects that the book had with the characters and how it worked within the plot
July 18, 2024
This action-packed thriller had an unexpected sprinkle of Sci fi thrown in. Sci-fi is not my thing, but it fits nicely with the story. The plot is chef kiss. The pacing of the book was perfect for this novel. I loved the mini story lines of the beginning characters because it all came together in the end. It made me jump a few places because it was so intense. This book has it all. There is violence, corruption, hackers, and revenge. Now, go pick it up.
October 27, 2023
Catalyst by Cameron Phoenix
Do you ever read a book that suddenly goes absolutely crazy and it comes completely out of nowhere? Yeah, that’s this book.
I initially started this thinking it was going to be a Gangs of London meets Peaky Blinders meets Shameless vibe, but then it went a little misfits and I was like oooooh okay, this is how we’re gonna roll.
The book has two main paths that we follow individually that of the hackers and that of Jay Fox, they go their own route but it all leads to a point where their paths are going to merge but you can’t work out how or when this will happen.
Jay wants revenge for the murder of his girlfriend and he goes about it in a brutal fashion, if you love a bit of fictional violence you will love this book as once it starts to bleed it doesn’t stop once.
Both our protagonist and antagonist have very different views on how to get revenge, one still has their humanity, the other less so.
It’s a really intense read that won’t let you go and for a debut it really hits the nail on the head. This is the kind of thriller I’d want a whole world built around as there are so many stories left to be told.
If you love thrillers with a bit of a superhuman thrown in this is for you!
Thanks to Cameron for sending me a copy sorry it’s taken forever for me to finish, it was phenomenal!
Do you ever read a book that suddenly goes absolutely crazy and it comes completely out of nowhere? Yeah, that’s this book.
I initially started this thinking it was going to be a Gangs of London meets Peaky Blinders meets Shameless vibe, but then it went a little misfits and I was like oooooh okay, this is how we’re gonna roll.
The book has two main paths that we follow individually that of the hackers and that of Jay Fox, they go their own route but it all leads to a point where their paths are going to merge but you can’t work out how or when this will happen.
Jay wants revenge for the murder of his girlfriend and he goes about it in a brutal fashion, if you love a bit of fictional violence you will love this book as once it starts to bleed it doesn’t stop once.
Both our protagonist and antagonist have very different views on how to get revenge, one still has their humanity, the other less so.
It’s a really intense read that won’t let you go and for a debut it really hits the nail on the head. This is the kind of thriller I’d want a whole world built around as there are so many stories left to be told.
If you love thrillers with a bit of a superhuman thrown in this is for you!
Thanks to Cameron for sending me a copy sorry it’s taken forever for me to finish, it was phenomenal!
March 16, 2024
Catalyst is the impressive debut novel by Cameron Phoenix.
There's action, there's Sci-Fi, there's thrills, there's violence and lots more in between.
We follow Jayden on an East London estate who suffers the brutal murder of his girlfriend and the chaos that then ensues.
It's an absolute rollercoaster of a novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's slick, it's smooth, it's cool.
It's jam packex full of action, intrigue and suspense. Throw in some gangland murders and Catalyst makes for a real rip roaring read.
The story flowed just brilliantly and the author's writing style was perfect for this type of novel.
Character development was top notch, some you'll love, others you'll hate, and I read this in just two sittings.
Well done Cameron on a quality debut novel.
A big five 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
There's action, there's Sci-Fi, there's thrills, there's violence and lots more in between.
We follow Jayden on an East London estate who suffers the brutal murder of his girlfriend and the chaos that then ensues.
It's an absolute rollercoaster of a novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's slick, it's smooth, it's cool.
It's jam packex full of action, intrigue and suspense. Throw in some gangland murders and Catalyst makes for a real rip roaring read.
The story flowed just brilliantly and the author's writing style was perfect for this type of novel.
Character development was top notch, some you'll love, others you'll hate, and I read this in just two sittings.
Well done Cameron on a quality debut novel.
A big five 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
May 25, 2024
What did I just read? I truly believe the terms fast paced and action packed have been coined specifically for this book!
This is a thriller that grabs you from the first page and holds you right until the end! And what a cliffhanger to end the book with! I mean there better be a sequel soon as I want to know everything!
This is no usual thriller, but with sci-fi elements, it has a mix of East London gangs, corrupted police, hacker activity and conspiracy theories. You'd think that all of these together wouldn't work but how wrong you'd be! The author wove them together superbly, entertaining the reader throughout. I liked how the tidbits of information we were fed chapter by chapter became clear as the story developed, making me smirk as I realised how the author got me.
I don't want to say anymore as the plot is really important in this book. I highly recommend it though, and I can't wait to read more about Fox and Tim as I love their characters!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
This is a thriller that grabs you from the first page and holds you right until the end! And what a cliffhanger to end the book with! I mean there better be a sequel soon as I want to know everything!
This is no usual thriller, but with sci-fi elements, it has a mix of East London gangs, corrupted police, hacker activity and conspiracy theories. You'd think that all of these together wouldn't work but how wrong you'd be! The author wove them together superbly, entertaining the reader throughout. I liked how the tidbits of information we were fed chapter by chapter became clear as the story developed, making me smirk as I realised how the author got me.
I don't want to say anymore as the plot is really important in this book. I highly recommend it though, and I can't wait to read more about Fox and Tim as I love their characters!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
January 19, 2024
An incredible debut novel from Cameron Phoenix. The storyline is entirely different to anything I’ve read. The grimy backdrop of East London streets, corrupt cops and violent gangs is laced with some serious twists and turns that even a seasoned reader won’t see coming. It’s an immersive,fast paced and tense read, not for the faint hearted! The Author has done an incredible job at merging genres in seamless and captivating way.
I will be keeping an eye out for a sequel..
I will be keeping an eye out for a sequel..
July 15, 2023
Catalyst was so much more than I initially expected! It’s not merely a thriller, but also has a surprising dash of sci-fi as well as a superhuman twist. If you’re into the Marvel universe (especially shows like The Punisher), I think you could enjoy this one! It’s a well written, exciting, and action-packed suspenseful read that I’d highly recommend if you’re looking for a great thriller!
4.5 ⭐️
4.5 ⭐️
July 9, 2024
Thrillers are definitely the mood I’m in at the moment, this one was really enjoyable! So well written I was pleasantly surprised this was a debut author. Full of twists and turns, just when you think you’re going in one direction that narrative changes. All the smaller plot lines are woven together to make a satisfying story.
The characters are well written and developed, it took me a little while to get to grips with everyone but once I did I was hooked. The pacing of the plot once it gets going is done very well and makes for a great read.
May 21, 2024
Gang wars, revenge, super-human abilities. This book reads like a darker, grittier, comic book.
There is the tragic introduction to the character, the revenge arc, the unfolding of super-human talents. Jay is very much a kind of anti-hero or morally grey hero to me. The hacker is also of great use of our vengeful Londoner.
Jay is very much aware that he's doing bad things for a good reason. He's forgoing getting the police involved for a little personal retribution. He finds a new goal in life, a purpose, through his trauma and when he finally lets his emotions loose, he is as human as the rest of us.
A great read from a new to me author!
There is the tragic introduction to the character, the revenge arc, the unfolding of super-human talents. Jay is very much a kind of anti-hero or morally grey hero to me. The hacker is also of great use of our vengeful Londoner.
Jay is very much aware that he's doing bad things for a good reason. He's forgoing getting the police involved for a little personal retribution. He finds a new goal in life, a purpose, through his trauma and when he finally lets his emotions loose, he is as human as the rest of us.
A great read from a new to me author!
September 9, 2023
This was an action packed thriller with a Sci-Fi twist I wasn’t expecting but absolutely loved. Jayden goes form living a normal and quiet life to a path of redemption and revenge when his life takes a dark and violent turn. He forms an alliance with a world renown hacker and together they uncover conspiracy and corruption fueled by greed. I was thoroughly entertained by this read which had a few twists that I did not see coming and with an ending like that I am super hopeful a sequel will be coming soon. This was a very well written fun thrill ride with just a touch of sci-fi that even if you aren’t normally a sci-fi reader, you are sure to love this one!
March 15, 2024
Cameron Phoenix's debut novel is an action-packed thrill ride from start-to-finish. From the very beginning it grabs hold of you and does not let go. A roller-coaster of suspense, intrigue, espionage, and action. This gripping novel is part conspiracy thriller, part action-adventure, part sci-fi horror, and everything in-between.
The story is rich in detail and the characters plenty. In addition to following the protagonist Fox's quest for vengeance, there are multiple other plots to sink your teeth into and attempt to unravel as the twists and turns keep coming. Each individual plot thread eventually untangles into one as all the characters race to the finish line. But who will come out victorious in the exhilarating pursuit of the truth.
The smooth and easy-to-follow writing by Cameron Phoenix allows the reader to fully immersive themselves in the world of Catalyst.
I hope that this is the first in a series of similar books by Phoenix, who is firmly establishing himself as one of the best action authors of our time amongst the likes of Lee Child, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly.
Five stars.
The story is rich in detail and the characters plenty. In addition to following the protagonist Fox's quest for vengeance, there are multiple other plots to sink your teeth into and attempt to unravel as the twists and turns keep coming. Each individual plot thread eventually untangles into one as all the characters race to the finish line. But who will come out victorious in the exhilarating pursuit of the truth.
The smooth and easy-to-follow writing by Cameron Phoenix allows the reader to fully immersive themselves in the world of Catalyst.
I hope that this is the first in a series of similar books by Phoenix, who is firmly establishing himself as one of the best action authors of our time amongst the likes of Lee Child, David Baldacci, and Michael Connelly.
Five stars.
May 27, 2023
The story is mysterious and thrilling. This is a thriller novel with some sci-fi elements and a lot of action that will intrigue its readers. It is medium paced and narrated in third person POV. There are many things happening at the same time that will make the readers curious to see how it will pan out. The surprising Sci-Fi element gives the story a unique edge. The readers will feel like being in a movie by the end when everything falls into place. It is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.
Personal Take:
This book was exciting. The second half, especially had my hair rising. It actually felt like I was a part of a Wolverine movie at a point. I am excited to read more works by this author.
May 28, 2023
The story is mysterious and thrilling. This is a thriller novel with some sci-fi elements and a lot of action that will intrigue its readers. It is medium paced and narrated in third person POV. There are many things happening at the same time that will make the readers curious to see how it will pan out. The surprising Sci-Fi element gives the story a unique edge. The readers will feel like being in a movie by the end when everything falls into place. It is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.
Personal Take:
This book was exciting. The second half, especially had my hair rising. It actually felt like I was a part of a Wolverine movie at a point. I am excited to read more works by this author.
Personal Take:
This book was exciting. The second half, especially had my hair rising. It actually felt like I was a part of a Wolverine movie at a point. I am excited to read more works by this author.
July 21, 2024
" [...] The freedom of being a ghost with a ‘clean slate’ was actually welcome. Especially if it meant he was free to exact his revenge. [...]"
Wow! The novel "Catalyst" by Cameron Phoenix made a huge impression on me. I was deeply shocked after reading the prologue. I didn't understand Officer Max Carter's behaviour at all. What he did to Michael Harding devastated me. The prologue is really very powerful. It's even stronger and more terrifying in the future chapters. I followed the action of this book with bated breath. There's a lot of evil going on here. Blood is flowing. There are murders, etc. For me, "Catalyst" is an interesting and gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns. You won't be able to predict all the situations that will occur here. While reading this novel, I told myself that the ending was weak, but after reading the last scene, I changed my mind. I hope the author plans to continue this thriller. I recommend this novel to lovers of really strong and brutal fights. Here, you will meet characters such as:
- Max Carter - He is thirty-two years old and, as you know, he is a police officer. Unfortunately, he is a "bad boy". He loves to use violence against detainees. He was involved in "suspicious dealings". Is he a corrupt cop? It's worth being careful when getting to know this character. It's best to stay away from him. The author created a very scary role for him. I wish there were as few people as possible like Max.
- Tim Rolfe - He's a very useful hacker. Together with his friend Harding, he was active in the blackNet group. They were unbeatable. But something went wrong, and now he has to go into hiding. I liked this person.
- Jayden Amare Fox - He is literally an extraordinary thirty-year-old. We will experience ups and downs with this character. We will laugh and cry. He is truly a very resilient person. If he has a goal, he will do everything to achieve it. With this character, we will be avengers. You will witness the mixing of justice. Jayden will totally surprise you. I was delighted with his attitude. Despite everything, this hero is likeable. He has a lot of darkness in him, but who wouldn't in his situation?
It is worth knowing his history. Thanks to the author, you will have to deal with gangsters, corruption and bad cops, among others. Are you ready for the eternal fight between good and evil?
Well done Cameron Phoenix, your novel evoked a lot of extreme emotions in me. Of course, there were tears. A totally powerful thriller that you shouldn't miss.
Wow! The novel "Catalyst" by Cameron Phoenix made a huge impression on me. I was deeply shocked after reading the prologue. I didn't understand Officer Max Carter's behaviour at all. What he did to Michael Harding devastated me. The prologue is really very powerful. It's even stronger and more terrifying in the future chapters. I followed the action of this book with bated breath. There's a lot of evil going on here. Blood is flowing. There are murders, etc. For me, "Catalyst" is an interesting and gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns. You won't be able to predict all the situations that will occur here. While reading this novel, I told myself that the ending was weak, but after reading the last scene, I changed my mind. I hope the author plans to continue this thriller. I recommend this novel to lovers of really strong and brutal fights. Here, you will meet characters such as:
- Max Carter - He is thirty-two years old and, as you know, he is a police officer. Unfortunately, he is a "bad boy". He loves to use violence against detainees. He was involved in "suspicious dealings". Is he a corrupt cop? It's worth being careful when getting to know this character. It's best to stay away from him. The author created a very scary role for him. I wish there were as few people as possible like Max.
- Tim Rolfe - He's a very useful hacker. Together with his friend Harding, he was active in the blackNet group. They were unbeatable. But something went wrong, and now he has to go into hiding. I liked this person.
- Jayden Amare Fox - He is literally an extraordinary thirty-year-old. We will experience ups and downs with this character. We will laugh and cry. He is truly a very resilient person. If he has a goal, he will do everything to achieve it. With this character, we will be avengers. You will witness the mixing of justice. Jayden will totally surprise you. I was delighted with his attitude. Despite everything, this hero is likeable. He has a lot of darkness in him, but who wouldn't in his situation?
It is worth knowing his history. Thanks to the author, you will have to deal with gangsters, corruption and bad cops, among others. Are you ready for the eternal fight between good and evil?
Well done Cameron Phoenix, your novel evoked a lot of extreme emotions in me. Of course, there were tears. A totally powerful thriller that you shouldn't miss.
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