Catalyst: Bonded Earth Book Two

by Samantha Jo

Don't miss out on the follow-up to the award-winning, Alt-Appalachian fantasy series starter!

Revered Calen of the Third Order has finally broken free from the tumult of her past, or so she believes.

Joined by a group of fellow Vessels, Calen journeys to Black Rock, home to the scholar warriors of the First Order. There, she hopes to understand how to harness her mana, which has become danger to those around her. Yet not everyone at Black Rock wishes to see her succeed. Worse, a dark figure beyond the walls of this sanctuary seeks to topple the New Colonies, and they are growing in strength with each passing day. To protect herself and those counting on her, Calen must overcome the suffocating weight of her trauma in order to control her unstable power.

If she cannot become the Vessel she was meant to be, not only will she leave the New Colonies vulnerable to this looming danger, but she will also fail to save those she holds dear.

Fans of found family, sapphic romance, action and adventure, strong female characters and revenge will love the Bonded Earth Trilogy!

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Mappy BookGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as much as Vessel (Book 1), I really enjoyed seeing the characters develop and figure things out. Calen is trying to find answers about her unstable magic, so it's definitely a book full of adventure and keeps you turning the pages to find answers with her. Highly recommend this series!!

[Farrahlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with the characters in this book! It's seriously unputdownable..... once I started, I couldn't stop! Knox is one of my fave characters ever, and I LOVE that it has multiple POVs. I totally devoured this one and had a blast reading it!

[Dionte Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me longer to finish this book than I would have preferred; however, it was so worth it! Nox is definitely my favorite character in this book and I am so glad we get to see more of him and watch him grow to be more than just a vessel here. I think the only book villain I hate more than Stokely is Dolores Umbridge; however, he’s a very close second. As much as I hated reading through his thoughts, it was important to understand some of the craziness that happens later down the road. So much word building happens here and I loved it! Also, so many little gems dropped along the way that will be important later for sure. I definitely think it stirred more questions than answers for me, but that’s okay! I’m really hoping for a third book.

[Marnie Falconer · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book

Wow. The second installment of this series was an absolute thrill ride to the end.

Calen is seeking answers after the events of the first book in Black Rock, but as welcoming as they seem, the First Order guards its secrets.

In fact, everyone has secrets they are keeping. And the fall out from the exposure of just a couple of those secrets? Well, it took half a tissue box before I could calm myself enough to make it to the end of the book.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very talented author. I lose myself in the narrative as if I can almost hear her voice. The fact that you can tell she spends time thinking about the story and not using full or slop keeps me engaged and wanting more. This story arch is compelling with her use of realism and fantasy. There’s a depth to her characters that makes them feel relatable and familiar. Her uses of nature and organic themes sets her apart from others and is the spark she uses to fuel her writing. Can’t wait to read more she writes.

[bookthingswithsam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the ARC for Catalyst! I was left with a few questions after finishing book 1, Vessel.
We follow Calen on her journey to Black Rock with fellow Vessels. She is seeking information and answers there. Her mana has become wild and unstable. This is not a "romantasy" exactly, but there are small bits of romance included. I am personally a HUGE Rosalind fan!
More adventure in book 2!

-LGBTQ+
-Mountain vibes
-Magic
-Lore

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is on a journey to try to understand how to use her powers which are very unstable. She will join a group on the journey but there are some who do not want her to use her powers and become the vessel that is needed. A brilliant read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful read

[Samantha Romine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calen's story continues in Catalyst, with multiple POVs. This book contains so much plot and world building, the reader is constantly learning new information about it all!
It feels like I'm living the story through the characters. I'm experiencing their fear, anxiety, sadness, and joy.
Excellent pacing throughout kept my attention, while we met new characters and learned more about the mana system in this world. The cliffhanger at the end is rough and I can't wait to see how it all unravels!

[Readwithzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catalyst the second book in the “Bonded Earth” series, was a treat to read.

It was as good as “Vessel” (the first book in the series), if not better.
The story was fully of adventure as we follow Calen’s journey to discover herself, her magic and the answers she seeks.
There was a continuous character development, and more secrets to unravel in this book. You’ll definitely need to prepare urself emotionally for this one.

This story will keep you wanting more, and i’ll for sure be waiting to find out what happens next!

Received this book as an ARC reader, and I’m thankful to have had the appropriate to enjoy it early and especially after “Vessel”.

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second book I love magic and great story answers the questions that book one gave me

Got this book as arc reader

[Christina Schall]

book 2, met author at a book fair