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MARIEL: THE CATALYST
MARIEL
BOOK 2
A man is dead.
Chicago is grieving.
And prophecy is waking.
It’s January, 2020.
Esther Caravan struggles to rebuild her life after the man who claims to love her refuses to let her go.
Tira Arcelin—Esther’s assigned protector—finds her dutiful instincts betraying her when attachment…and something darker…threatens her place as Russia’s most lethal assassin.
Fr. Jerome, silenced and grieving, begins to suspect his private visions are not private at all.
And when Mariel Nadier, the Horseman of Death, takes his first life—the consequences do not wait.
The catalyst has been lit.
And the first tremors of an apocalyptic prophecy have begun.
BOOK 2
A man is dead.
Chicago is grieving.
And prophecy is waking.
It’s January, 2020.
Esther Caravan struggles to rebuild her life after the man who claims to love her refuses to let her go.
Tira Arcelin—Esther’s assigned protector—finds her dutiful instincts betraying her when attachment…and something darker…threatens her place as Russia’s most lethal assassin.
Fr. Jerome, silenced and grieving, begins to suspect his private visions are not private at all.
And when Mariel Nadier, the Horseman of Death, takes his first life—the consequences do not wait.
The catalyst has been lit.
And the first tremors of an apocalyptic prophecy have begun.
1043 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 13, 2026
After reading Mariel: The Beginning, I thought I knew where this story would take me. However, not surprising that A.J. Frazier took me somewhere else just as amazing.
Continuing the series with another book, so in-depth with storyline and character growth, it's worth a second read - at least.
The novel starts with jaw-dropping events that will captivate readers and hold them until the very end.
This series is already raising the bar for great literary writing and making me question the standard of everything I've read before.
Continuing the series with another book, so in-depth with storyline and character growth, it's worth a second read - at least.
The novel starts with jaw-dropping events that will captivate readers and hold them until the very end.
This series is already raising the bar for great literary writing and making me question the standard of everything I've read before.
April 9, 2026
When I first read book one I was so absolutely obsessed with the characters and their stories that when I started book 2 I had not a clue what I was in for. It could have gone so many ways..
What I was in for turned out like this..
My anxiety cranked up to overdrive as my mind exploded with the absolutely impossible masterpiece of a mind-f book that came to life before my eyes.
Half of this review might now even make sense. I am reeling. Screaming, crying, maybe throwing up a little. I don’t know. I’m not okay.
Once again A.J. Has found a way to make every single word, thought and insignificant feeling piece of information matter. Every single addition to this monster of a book has substance and reason and once you learn what it is? I need to refill my prescription. I can’t take it. 😂
The character arcs? Phenomenal. The real, relatable human suffering, relationships, reactions, absolutely hilarious takes? Genius.
Book two has more spice. More devastation. More absolutely disgustingly masterful descriptions of things that I wont go into because I’m not a fun spoiler but totally wish I could.
Just when you think you have it figured out? WRONG. You think you know how things are going to go? Nope.
(Or as Tira would say, NYAT!) I had to stop and walk away several times to think about life.
I cannot stress enough how absolutely honored I am to have read both of these books as ARCs and love these characters first 😭
Until next time I get to see my good father and his sassy cat 🥰 can’t wait for book 3 of Mariel!
What I was in for turned out like this..
My anxiety cranked up to overdrive as my mind exploded with the absolutely impossible masterpiece of a mind-f book that came to life before my eyes.
Half of this review might now even make sense. I am reeling. Screaming, crying, maybe throwing up a little. I don’t know. I’m not okay.
Once again A.J. Has found a way to make every single word, thought and insignificant feeling piece of information matter. Every single addition to this monster of a book has substance and reason and once you learn what it is? I need to refill my prescription. I can’t take it. 😂
The character arcs? Phenomenal. The real, relatable human suffering, relationships, reactions, absolutely hilarious takes? Genius.
Book two has more spice. More devastation. More absolutely disgustingly masterful descriptions of things that I wont go into because I’m not a fun spoiler but totally wish I could.
Just when you think you have it figured out? WRONG. You think you know how things are going to go? Nope.
(Or as Tira would say, NYAT!) I had to stop and walk away several times to think about life.
I cannot stress enough how absolutely honored I am to have read both of these books as ARCs and love these characters first 😭
Until next time I get to see my good father and his sassy cat 🥰 can’t wait for book 3 of Mariel!
May 24, 2026
AJ has done it again!! Another masterpiece so beautifully woven you’re immediately submerged back into the world of Tira, Esther, Fr. Jerome, Mariel, and all the others.
This story grips you from the very beginning and refuses to let go. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist came out of nowhere and completely blindsided me in the best possible way. I love the way AJ writes because the twists aren’t predictable. You may think you know where the story is going and then a twist will hit you when you least expect them, leaving you staring at the page trying to process everything you just read.
The balance of action, emotion, romance, sacrifice, faith, and heartbreak is incredible. There are moments that made my heart race, moments that made me ache for the characters, and moments that genuinely made me stop and think about life, humanity, and the choices we make. AJ has a way of writing characters so deeply and authentically that they feel real long after you close the book.
What I love most is that this isn’t just a story you read…it’s a story you experience. It pulls you into its world completely and leaves you emotionally invested in every character and every decision. I don’t want to give away the plot because discovering it all for yourself is part of what makes this book so unforgettable. This is one of those rare stories that stays with you long after the final page and leaves you wanting more!!
This story grips you from the very beginning and refuses to let go. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, another twist came out of nowhere and completely blindsided me in the best possible way. I love the way AJ writes because the twists aren’t predictable. You may think you know where the story is going and then a twist will hit you when you least expect them, leaving you staring at the page trying to process everything you just read.
The balance of action, emotion, romance, sacrifice, faith, and heartbreak is incredible. There are moments that made my heart race, moments that made me ache for the characters, and moments that genuinely made me stop and think about life, humanity, and the choices we make. AJ has a way of writing characters so deeply and authentically that they feel real long after you close the book.
What I love most is that this isn’t just a story you read…it’s a story you experience. It pulls you into its world completely and leaves you emotionally invested in every character and every decision. I don’t want to give away the plot because discovering it all for yourself is part of what makes this book so unforgettable. This is one of those rare stories that stays with you long after the final page and leaves you wanting more!!
May 17, 2026
I read the first book and was hooked on the characters and story line. This book delved deeper into the story line and character development in ways that I wasn't expecting and made it very exciting and scary at times. Every time I picked up to read I found it difficult to put down because I wanted to see what happens next. A.J is an amazing author and I look forward to seeing more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is no peace.
“Because her love was not meant for you,” Gabriel raised his voice, “she would have left you when she realized it. And you, Mariel Nadire, would have killed her for that!”
Not once was there a moment I could relax.
“God never intended for the world to become what it is. Perhaps the Kingdom is already here, and we simply create a continuous state of Hell.”
Mariel did it. He broke my heart, and I knew he would. He was slipping in The Beginning and he snapped in The Catalyst. It tears me in two different directions because he HAD a chance to follow the right path, but he chose to let the Humanoid slip into the cracks of his diminishing state of mind and sugar coat and tear into the things he previously thought wrong. He let the guilt consume him and when it became too much he threw it away and followed a darker path.
Father Jerome’s faith is tested throughout and even at the hardest moments of his life he still clings to his faith in God—that God will continue to lead him down the path of righteousness. He writes and writes. He prays for his son even after all Mariel has done to him and everyone else. Jerome struggles with his identity a bit after being removed from his perish but as God intended he finds his flock again in a strange, yet biblically perfect way.
Esther wanted to love Mariel, but after he hurt her in ways she never imagined, she can’t. He broke every boundary and bit of trust.
Hawke becomes more and more reclusive, snapping at everyone and hiding in his room. No one pays attention to him and think it’s just the hormonal waves of a teenager, but someone would stop and pay attention to him, the would see he’s doing amazing things.
Tira. She has been my number one since book one. Not only because she is a COMPLETE badass but her internal struggle of finding these pesky things called emotions is a constant turmoil for her and it rages in book 2. It’s funny, endearing and depressing. Tira finds herself doubting her father more than ever before, that strange thin thread of spider silk that tied them together in some fucked up version of fatherly love is tearing. Tira also finds herself questioning if the things she’s always wanted…are what she wants anymore.
“Do you feel strong?”
Adahm is scared. Frightened. And in the hands of the US government and he has no idea what for other than they wish to use his abilities for their means. In his grief of losing everything he knows, his abilities lash out, killing those left in its wake.
AJ has an unbelievable imagination and has woven a tale about the beginnings of the biblical apocalypse. Each character is written as if he knows them personally, and he’s just the narrator. His characters are so real and the depth and arcs (villainous or not) have left me hooked and impatiently waiting for the next installment. There was not a moment I grew bored. Each page had a new emotion yanked from me from laughter to tears to anxiety. Fear lingered the last half.
The plethora of quotes I have saved ranging from funny to serious are astounding. AJ’s words pack a punch
The books size may be intimidating, but, oh, so worth it.
“Because her love was not meant for you,” Gabriel raised his voice, “she would have left you when she realized it. And you, Mariel Nadire, would have killed her for that!”
Not once was there a moment I could relax.
“God never intended for the world to become what it is. Perhaps the Kingdom is already here, and we simply create a continuous state of Hell.”
Mariel did it. He broke my heart, and I knew he would. He was slipping in The Beginning and he snapped in The Catalyst. It tears me in two different directions because he HAD a chance to follow the right path, but he chose to let the Humanoid slip into the cracks of his diminishing state of mind and sugar coat and tear into the things he previously thought wrong. He let the guilt consume him and when it became too much he threw it away and followed a darker path.
Father Jerome’s faith is tested throughout and even at the hardest moments of his life he still clings to his faith in God—that God will continue to lead him down the path of righteousness. He writes and writes. He prays for his son even after all Mariel has done to him and everyone else. Jerome struggles with his identity a bit after being removed from his perish but as God intended he finds his flock again in a strange, yet biblically perfect way.
Esther wanted to love Mariel, but after he hurt her in ways she never imagined, she can’t. He broke every boundary and bit of trust.
Hawke becomes more and more reclusive, snapping at everyone and hiding in his room. No one pays attention to him and think it’s just the hormonal waves of a teenager, but someone would stop and pay attention to him, the would see he’s doing amazing things.
Tira. She has been my number one since book one. Not only because she is a COMPLETE badass but her internal struggle of finding these pesky things called emotions is a constant turmoil for her and it rages in book 2. It’s funny, endearing and depressing. Tira finds herself doubting her father more than ever before, that strange thin thread of spider silk that tied them together in some fucked up version of fatherly love is tearing. Tira also finds herself questioning if the things she’s always wanted…are what she wants anymore.
“Do you feel strong?”
Adahm is scared. Frightened. And in the hands of the US government and he has no idea what for other than they wish to use his abilities for their means. In his grief of losing everything he knows, his abilities lash out, killing those left in its wake.
AJ has an unbelievable imagination and has woven a tale about the beginnings of the biblical apocalypse. Each character is written as if he knows them personally, and he’s just the narrator. His characters are so real and the depth and arcs (villainous or not) have left me hooked and impatiently waiting for the next installment. There was not a moment I grew bored. Each page had a new emotion yanked from me from laughter to tears to anxiety. Fear lingered the last half.
The plethora of quotes I have saved ranging from funny to serious are astounding. AJ’s words pack a punch
The books size may be intimidating, but, oh, so worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
I don’t even know where to start with this one. If Book 1 pulled you in, Mariel: The Catalyst doesn’t just raise the stakes it completely redefines them.
What struck me most is how layered and immersive the storytelling feels. The characters aren’t just evolving, they’re unraveling, rebuilding, and colliding in ways that feel painfully real. Esther’s struggle hits hard, especially in how it explores control, identity, and the fight to reclaim your life. Tira’s internal conflict is just as gripping; watching someone so lethal grapple with emotion and vulnerability adds a tension that never lets up. And Fr. Jerome’s arc brings this quiet, creeping dread that lingers long after you put the book down.
The way these seemingly separate lives begin to intertwine is handled with incredible precision. Nothing feels случай or forced, every connection lands with purpose, and often with emotional weight that sneaks up on you. One moment you’re trying to piece things together, the next you’re hit with a revelation that shifts everything.
Emotionally, this book does not hold back. It’s intense. There are moments of genuine fear, frustration, heartbreak and yes, even brief relief but they all feed into this growing sense that something much bigger and darker is unfolding. The apocalyptic elements aren’t just background noise either; they feel alive, pressing in on every character and decision.
And then there’s Mariel. The presence alone changes the tone of the story in a way that’s hard to describe without spoilers but let’s just say the sense of inevitability and consequence is chilling.
It’s a long book, but it never feels wasted. Every chapter adds fuel to the fire, building toward something that feels both inevitable and terrifyingly unpredictable.
I’m already bracing myself for what comes next because if this is just the beginning of the prophecy unfolding, we’re in for something unforgettable.
What struck me most is how layered and immersive the storytelling feels. The characters aren’t just evolving, they’re unraveling, rebuilding, and colliding in ways that feel painfully real. Esther’s struggle hits hard, especially in how it explores control, identity, and the fight to reclaim your life. Tira’s internal conflict is just as gripping; watching someone so lethal grapple with emotion and vulnerability adds a tension that never lets up. And Fr. Jerome’s arc brings this quiet, creeping dread that lingers long after you put the book down.
The way these seemingly separate lives begin to intertwine is handled with incredible precision. Nothing feels случай or forced, every connection lands with purpose, and often with emotional weight that sneaks up on you. One moment you’re trying to piece things together, the next you’re hit with a revelation that shifts everything.
Emotionally, this book does not hold back. It’s intense. There are moments of genuine fear, frustration, heartbreak and yes, even brief relief but they all feed into this growing sense that something much bigger and darker is unfolding. The apocalyptic elements aren’t just background noise either; they feel alive, pressing in on every character and decision.
And then there’s Mariel. The presence alone changes the tone of the story in a way that’s hard to describe without spoilers but let’s just say the sense of inevitability and consequence is chilling.
It’s a long book, but it never feels wasted. Every chapter adds fuel to the fire, building toward something that feels both inevitable and terrifyingly unpredictable.
I’m already bracing myself for what comes next because if this is just the beginning of the prophecy unfolding, we’re in for something unforgettable.
Review of advance copy
I thought the first book was amazing but this was even better. This series is a masterpiece. The entire time, I found myself wondering about things in life, beliefs, moments, relationships, decisions, actions that I don't usually think about. Contemplating fate, how your actions literally affect the world around you, how one choice could mean the beginning or end of something for someone else.
The character growth is relatable and tremendously intense. The twists and turns will have your head spinning. Every piece of the world, connected in one simple choice, one relationship, a chance meeting, one spin of fate—each leading to another push to the storyline like an intricately woven web. You'll be rooting for characters, hating others, consistently turning the pages to see what the story brings for them next.
I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. I can't begin to explain the amount of emotion that was kicked up reading this. I can't wait for the next book and I can't wait to see where this series takes the characters and their world next.
If you want a book that isn't sunshine and daisies. One that keeps you guessing, strings up your emotions like a noose, has you laughing and crying and mad, all while making you beg for just one more page, this series is for you. This book is not for sensitive Sally's or Cry baby Karen's so if that's you and you're easily offended, I'd say try something a little more cookie cutter than this.
The character growth is relatable and tremendously intense. The twists and turns will have your head spinning. Every piece of the world, connected in one simple choice, one relationship, a chance meeting, one spin of fate—each leading to another push to the storyline like an intricately woven web. You'll be rooting for characters, hating others, consistently turning the pages to see what the story brings for them next.
I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. I can't begin to explain the amount of emotion that was kicked up reading this. I can't wait for the next book and I can't wait to see where this series takes the characters and their world next.
If you want a book that isn't sunshine and daisies. One that keeps you guessing, strings up your emotions like a noose, has you laughing and crying and mad, all while making you beg for just one more page, this series is for you. This book is not for sensitive Sally's or Cry baby Karen's so if that's you and you're easily offended, I'd say try something a little more cookie cutter than this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow OMG! This book picks up right where the first one left off and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride, and she’s a chunker!! There’s a lot to read and an amazing story being told in each and every one of these pages! Buckle up buttercup and enjoy the ride!
This is the type of series that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew and make you question yourself. Just when you think you know what’s gonna happen, BOOM, plot twist and your left with your jaw on the floor.
A.J. Does such an amazing job writing these books and I’m obsessed! It’s def not for sensitive readers, please check your triggers, but I’m telling you, it’s def a series that you need to read! It goes way beyond psychological thriller, it’s has themes and scenes in this book that will make you laugh and the turn around and have your head spinning!
An absolutely brilliant masterpiece that will stand the test of time. Netflix needs to pick this series up and make it a TV series! I cannot wait for book 3, I’m so excited to see where it goes next!
This is the type of series that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew and make you question yourself. Just when you think you know what’s gonna happen, BOOM, plot twist and your left with your jaw on the floor.
A.J. Does such an amazing job writing these books and I’m obsessed! It’s def not for sensitive readers, please check your triggers, but I’m telling you, it’s def a series that you need to read! It goes way beyond psychological thriller, it’s has themes and scenes in this book that will make you laugh and the turn around and have your head spinning!
An absolutely brilliant masterpiece that will stand the test of time. Netflix needs to pick this series up and make it a TV series! I cannot wait for book 3, I’m so excited to see where it goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have an ARC of this book.
Buckle up for a wild ride, as AJ Frazier brings us the next installment of the Mariel saga. In the first book, Frazier set the scene and the background, and introduced the characters. This second book really brings the action. The rhythm and the pace of this book are excellent. Frazier continues to juggle multiple timelines and plots. The characters are skillfully developed and their personalities leap off the page. I love some and detest others.
Frazier poses some really deep and thought-provoking questions, especially on the nature of good and evil.
But my favorite part is that, despite the dark and sometimes violent story, there are some really humorous moments. Certain scenes or observations made me laugh out loud. I think it takes incredible skill to pull that off. I see you, AJ.
Buckle up for a wild ride, as AJ Frazier brings us the next installment of the Mariel saga. In the first book, Frazier set the scene and the background, and introduced the characters. This second book really brings the action. The rhythm and the pace of this book are excellent. Frazier continues to juggle multiple timelines and plots. The characters are skillfully developed and their personalities leap off the page. I love some and detest others.
Frazier poses some really deep and thought-provoking questions, especially on the nature of good and evil.
But my favorite part is that, despite the dark and sometimes violent story, there are some really humorous moments. Certain scenes or observations made me laugh out loud. I think it takes incredible skill to pull that off. I see you, AJ.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First thing I have to say is do not try and guess what will happen, you will be wrong. Once you start reading you will not want to put this book down. After I had finished the first book I eagerly awaited this second book, I had to know what was going to happen to all of the characters I had grown to care about.
I will always love Fr Jerome and the way he may stumble but never is lost. His faith is tested and he continues follow his faith and trust and learning he is not the only one having visions. And resumes his Journaling of the story unfolding.
Mariel the Horsman of Death! Apocalypse has began with his first kill.
Esther and Tiras bond grows. The emotional growth of Tira!
I am literally blown away at how this story is emotional, and a little too realistic. I eagerly await the third book!!
I will always love Fr Jerome and the way he may stumble but never is lost. His faith is tested and he continues follow his faith and trust and learning he is not the only one having visions. And resumes his Journaling of the story unfolding.
Mariel the Horsman of Death! Apocalypse has began with his first kill.
Esther and Tiras bond grows. The emotional growth of Tira!
I am literally blown away at how this story is emotional, and a little too realistic. I eagerly await the third book!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book did not disappoint! A.J. has poetically woven the lives of each character into one another in this biblical apocalyptic universe full of awe, fantasy , betrayal, love and friendship sprinkled with a little spice. At no point was I bored.
Mariel, The Catalyst, The Horseman of Death, took a surprising turn from book 1. Now more comfortable with his villain crown , a character now so dark that if you don't watch out you'll miss how beautifully written his character is.
Ester...my how she matures mentally as the story progresses.
Fr. Jerome. His faith never waivers despite the unfavorable events which test him throughout the book.
Tira. Gaaaaaaaah....my heart. A woman raised to be a weapon of destruction more so than human. What a badass 🤌🤌
It's just so much going on...
Mariel, The Catalyst, The Horseman of Death, took a surprising turn from book 1. Now more comfortable with his villain crown , a character now so dark that if you don't watch out you'll miss how beautifully written his character is.
Ester...my how she matures mentally as the story progresses.
Fr. Jerome. His faith never waivers despite the unfavorable events which test him throughout the book.
Tira. Gaaaaaaaah....my heart. A woman raised to be a weapon of destruction more so than human. What a badass 🤌🤌
It's just so much going on...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know where to begin. All I can say is that this book is just as amazing as the first one. There were things that I had questions about from book one that were answered in this book and also new ones were raised as well. I could see some changes in all the characters from book one to book two. Some were good changes and others were not, but I will not go into too much detail. From Book one to book two my favorite characters, like in book one they were Fr. Jerome Nadier and Tira (Arcelin) Petrov and now in this book I have kept Tira as a favorite character but took Fr. Jerome off as a favorite. There were plenty of things that I was nowhere close to expecting to happen, but can I tell you this book really made me laugh and also get very close to wanting to cry. This makes me even more excited to see what happens in the next book. This book I highly recommend along with the first if you have yet to read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't even know where to begin with this review. If you thought The Beginning was good, prepared to have it blown out of the water. What stood out to me is how REAL and WELL DONE the character growth in this book is. It's not forced; it's relatable. I found pieces of myself in every character. The way seemingly unconnected lives start to connect in this book is nothing short of genius. I was crying, laughing, getting mad... all the emotions! And the way you feel anxiety with the characters in high tension moments is nothing short of perfect writing. I'm already dying for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhh, A.J. Frazier has done it again, he has caused me to throw another book on the floor and left me with more questions than answers. Now I already need the next book just to find out what's gonna happen to my favorite feisty Agent 4 and the absolute baddie that is Esther Caravan.
If you are ready for a read that will make you question everything including yourself add this one to your tbr! Thank you so much AJ for trusting me to arc read your babies, I can't wait for book 3!
If you are ready for a read that will make you question everything including yourself add this one to your tbr! Thank you so much AJ for trusting me to arc read your babies, I can't wait for book 3!
Review of advance copy received from Author
10000000% recommend! I know I’m a bit dramatic but WOW. Make sure you read book 1 first. This series makes your question your life and everything around you. The character development from book 1 to book 2 is so intense, you’ll wonder wtf happened! I had literal tears in one part of the book, I had an angry tirade in another part of the book, and of course you have a little lust which brings about inappropriate thoughts. It’s the best of all genres.
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