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Catalyst #1
Catalyst
Until the earthquake, Arden was a normal teenager. In the resulting aftermath, the world as she knew it ceased to exist and every moment becomes consumed with the struggle just to stay alive. Earth is drifting away from the sun which has caused temperatures to plummet, food to become non-existent and the population to rapidly die off.
When her brother, Adam, goes missing, Arden will stop at nothing until she finds him. Her path crosses with that of Killian, a fellow survivor with a mysterious past, who agrees to join the search for her brother. Their journey leads them to a futuristic city known as Future Lab, which is hidden deep under the desert of Southern California. On the surface their society appears to be built on a foundation of peace and scientific advancement, but it soon becomes clear that nothing is what it seems, including the city’s inhabitants.
Future Lab could be the salvation the survivors have been searching for, or it could be the end of everything.
When her brother, Adam, goes missing, Arden will stop at nothing until she finds him. Her path crosses with that of Killian, a fellow survivor with a mysterious past, who agrees to join the search for her brother. Their journey leads them to a futuristic city known as Future Lab, which is hidden deep under the desert of Southern California. On the surface their society appears to be built on a foundation of peace and scientific advancement, but it soon becomes clear that nothing is what it seems, including the city’s inhabitants.
Future Lab could be the salvation the survivors have been searching for, or it could be the end of everything.
303 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2014
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 9, 2016
Dude….. so impressed. Catalyst was way more than I was expecting it to be. I didn’t expect it to be bad, but seeing as how I know the author (HI ASHLEIGH) I kind of figured that I would enjoy it at least a little, if nothing else.
That thought was an understatement.
Arden’s story has got to be one of the most tumultuous ones I’ve ever read, in terms of the plot going into extremes. We go from a post-apocalyptic world where everything is freezing over, to an underground city with an entire population of people (how may or may not actually be people). I was pleasantly surprised to find that I legitimately liked this book in its entirety, and that the characters were so likeable.
Firstly, the plot is insane in the best way. It’s like going from The Day After Tomorrow with its snow and ice tundra to The Fifth Element or Mercury Rising or Blade Runner… you get the idea. Everything is futuristic with hover cars and weird goop instead of food and clean, plain clothes and body scanners. I didn’t fully understand the motives behind Ethan’s actions, and especially Vivienne. I’m waiting to see how that plays out in the second one, because I really have no clue what she has in mind for Arden.
Arden and Killian are amazing, because I can honestly say it’s one of the few times that I’ve read a book where it felt like someone I’d know personally. Killian’s narrative in particular was great for me because his goofy inner monologue was hilarious and often made him look like a dolt. I really relished his fumbles because they really didn’t seem farfetched. Arden’s relationship with her brother was well done too, I think. I’ve never had a twin, but I can imagine that even with the brother and sisters that I have, I would have the same single-mindedness that she had in finding him. Especially at the end of the world, when all you have left are the ones you love.
Honestly though, this is a really, really great start to a series. I’m invested in finding out what happens next. And I’m thoroughly impressed with my friend’s first published work.
That thought was an understatement.
Arden’s story has got to be one of the most tumultuous ones I’ve ever read, in terms of the plot going into extremes. We go from a post-apocalyptic world where everything is freezing over, to an underground city with an entire population of people (how may or may not actually be people). I was pleasantly surprised to find that I legitimately liked this book in its entirety, and that the characters were so likeable.
Firstly, the plot is insane in the best way. It’s like going from The Day After Tomorrow with its snow and ice tundra to The Fifth Element or Mercury Rising or Blade Runner… you get the idea. Everything is futuristic with hover cars and weird goop instead of food and clean, plain clothes and body scanners. I didn’t fully understand the motives behind Ethan’s actions, and especially Vivienne. I’m waiting to see how that plays out in the second one, because I really have no clue what she has in mind for Arden.
Arden and Killian are amazing, because I can honestly say it’s one of the few times that I’ve read a book where it felt like someone I’d know personally. Killian’s narrative in particular was great for me because his goofy inner monologue was hilarious and often made him look like a dolt. I really relished his fumbles because they really didn’t seem farfetched. Arden’s relationship with her brother was well done too, I think. I’ve never had a twin, but I can imagine that even with the brother and sisters that I have, I would have the same single-mindedness that she had in finding him. Especially at the end of the world, when all you have left are the ones you love.
Honestly though, this is a really, really great start to a series. I’m invested in finding out what happens next. And I’m thoroughly impressed with my friend’s first published work.
July 21, 2014
Let me just say I couldn't put this book down until I COMPLETED IT. I was completely drawn in and from all the detail I actually felt like I was in Southern California with Arden. When Arden sets out on this journey to find her brother it feels like you're right there with her. She arrives at Future Lab and lets just say I want to go there myself and experience it. Future Lab is so much more than I could imagine what the real future would really look like. Ashleigh has a great imagination and took me to the future with her. When I finished the book I was dying for more! I need to know what happens next! I will be preordering the next book if possible. Ashleigh this book was AMAZING, KEEP GOING SISTER!
September 17, 2014
Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Catalyst left big shoes to fill for any book that follows. The author’s world was masterfully pieced together. She has an astounding imagination. Future World is an amazing look at what an advanced city could be. The way the author introduced the characters and kept building on whom they were and the story behind everything kept me from putting the book down.
I look forward to seeing what Miss Reese gives us next. Without a doubt, one of the brightest new authors I have seen in years.
I look forward to seeing what Miss Reese gives us next. Without a doubt, one of the brightest new authors I have seen in years.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews