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The Catalyst: The Waiting
Hope and determination rise in an era of great hardship, awakening divine intervention for a battle between good and evil.
Set in the heartland of early 20th-century Iowa, The Catalyst: The Waiting, follows Benjamin Paulie, a young boy with an active imagination. Dismissed from traditional schooling in his early years because of perceived learning difficulties, Benjamin spends his days on a modest horse farm in Greenfield, while his father tends to the stables. After a life-altering accident, an enchanting bond with a horse sets him on a course that reveals a remarkable talent, propelling him from the familiar fields of the farm to the grandeur of the 1927 National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Along the way, his courage, resilience, and the loyalty of those around him shape his destiny in ways he could never have imagined.
Yet, as Benjamin's story unfolds, a celestial battle brews in unseen realms. Watching over humankind are Heaven's warriors - an elite group of angels, each given specific powers to intervene in the lives of the earthly characters. While struggling to understand their true purpose, they begin to observe an encroaching darkness as the Great Depression looms on the horizon. Through visions and strange encounters, evil and corruption are revealed, inducing speculation of a long-awaited arrival. For centuries, they have slowly grown in number, awaiting the last of their kind – the one rumored to complete their tribe: The Catalyst; destined to unite them for the great battle of good versus evil.
With unlikely alliances, diving interventions, and an epic struggle against darkness, The Catalyst is a tale of hope, destiny, and the extraordinary power of belief. The first book in series, The Waiting, takes readers on a journey through the Great Depression era, leading to: The Gathering, which bleeds into WWII, featuring the angels more prominently as they embark on a transformative journey in preparation for the spiritual war they are destined to fight. The third book: The Reckoning, will arrive at current events - a 21st century battlefield where the great battle of good versus evil rages, both on earth and otherworldly, to restore balance and peace to a lost and fallen world.
Set in the heartland of early 20th-century Iowa, The Catalyst: The Waiting, follows Benjamin Paulie, a young boy with an active imagination. Dismissed from traditional schooling in his early years because of perceived learning difficulties, Benjamin spends his days on a modest horse farm in Greenfield, while his father tends to the stables. After a life-altering accident, an enchanting bond with a horse sets him on a course that reveals a remarkable talent, propelling him from the familiar fields of the farm to the grandeur of the 1927 National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. Along the way, his courage, resilience, and the loyalty of those around him shape his destiny in ways he could never have imagined.
Yet, as Benjamin's story unfolds, a celestial battle brews in unseen realms. Watching over humankind are Heaven's warriors - an elite group of angels, each given specific powers to intervene in the lives of the earthly characters. While struggling to understand their true purpose, they begin to observe an encroaching darkness as the Great Depression looms on the horizon. Through visions and strange encounters, evil and corruption are revealed, inducing speculation of a long-awaited arrival. For centuries, they have slowly grown in number, awaiting the last of their kind – the one rumored to complete their tribe: The Catalyst; destined to unite them for the great battle of good versus evil.
With unlikely alliances, diving interventions, and an epic struggle against darkness, The Catalyst is a tale of hope, destiny, and the extraordinary power of belief. The first book in series, The Waiting, takes readers on a journey through the Great Depression era, leading to: The Gathering, which bleeds into WWII, featuring the angels more prominently as they embark on a transformative journey in preparation for the spiritual war they are destined to fight. The third book: The Reckoning, will arrive at current events - a 21st century battlefield where the great battle of good versus evil rages, both on earth and otherworldly, to restore balance and peace to a lost and fallen world.
- GenresFantasy
442 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2025
9 people are currently reading
5050 people want to read
About the author
Kim Koontz
1 book15 followersThe Catalyst: The Waiting was awarded the GOLD MEDAL for Teen and Young Adult Historic in the Global Book Awards 2025!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 29, 2025
I’ve had the pleasure of reading The Catalyst: The Waiting twice! Each time, I have been completely immersed with the characters and Kim’s ability to draw me in! I could feel myself there watching and holding my breath as the next event unfolded. I was completely enthralled by the entire adventure! This series is captivating and has something for every reader. If you are looking for a great series that is engaging, enjoyable and satisfying; this is it! I cannot wait for the second series!!
December 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to win this book through a GoodReads giveaway; having never read this genre and wanting to try it out. I found myself caring for and worrying more and more about the characters as time went on in the story, knowing what the future held for them. Now I have to read the other books when they come out to know how they make it through the depression! The one thing I wish the book had more of were the chapters of the angels; the angels were my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
I was drawn into reading this book quickly. The characters were built through their conversations and thoughts. Descriptions of the horse farm were very detailed. Most intriguing was the depiction of angels. I highly recommend this book.
December 14, 2025
Sweet story.
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It is a sweet story set in a small town. I liked the people and the interactions between them. The heavenly setting with all the bickering among the angels was confusing. I didn't like that part
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It is a sweet story set in a small town. I liked the people and the interactions between them. The heavenly setting with all the bickering among the angels was confusing. I didn't like that part
August 7, 2025
I've read it 2 times!!! Great characters!
October 2, 2025
Refreshing read on a very likable community of characters that really care and support each other. A breath of fresh air! Can't wait for the next one to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews