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Catalyst #2
Fulcrum of Light
Freedom has come at a price.
Stranded on the coast of an uncharted land, Ryl will be tested as the world outside the Palisades proves darker than within.
With little to no direction save the cryptic information from a mysterious stranger, Ryl must rely on his new-found skills and place his trust in his new companion. Together they forge onward into the barren wastes of the Outlands. As the sickness approaches, their time and hope fades.
Surrounded by uncertainty, will they discover there is more to fear than just the unknown?
Ryl survived The Stocks. Will he survive the Outlands? His search for the secrets of the power that flows through his veins continues.
Will he find the answers before his time runs out?
Don't miss the epic second installment in a series filled with unexpected heroes, dark magic, and non-stop adventure. Suitable for all ages, it's perfect for fans of D.K. Holmberg, Will Wight, and K.F. Breene.
Stranded on the coast of an uncharted land, Ryl will be tested as the world outside the Palisades proves darker than within.
With little to no direction save the cryptic information from a mysterious stranger, Ryl must rely on his new-found skills and place his trust in his new companion. Together they forge onward into the barren wastes of the Outlands. As the sickness approaches, their time and hope fades.
Surrounded by uncertainty, will they discover there is more to fear than just the unknown?
Ryl survived The Stocks. Will he survive the Outlands? His search for the secrets of the power that flows through his veins continues.
Will he find the answers before his time runs out?
Don't miss the epic second installment in a series filled with unexpected heroes, dark magic, and non-stop adventure. Suitable for all ages, it's perfect for fans of D.K. Holmberg, Will Wight, and K.F. Breene.
- GenresFantasy
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
457 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Aaron
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Now on to the Bio:
CJ Aaron is a Fantasy Author who relocated from the four seasons of the Northeast to the nearly perpetual sauna of the third coast.
Holding a Communications degree from Susquehanna University, when he isn't writing fantasy, you can find him working on the road in an outside sales position. At home he shares his time with his wife, two children, dog, cats and an ever changing menagerie of rescue animals.
Raised on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction, he is still an avid reader, lover of video games, movies and pretending to be a musician.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Now on to the Bio:
CJ Aaron is a Fantasy Author who relocated from the four seasons of the Northeast to the nearly perpetual sauna of the third coast.
Holding a Communications degree from Susquehanna University, when he isn't writing fantasy, you can find him working on the road in an outside sales position. At home he shares his time with his wife, two children, dog, cats and an ever changing menagerie of rescue animals.
Raised on a steady diet of fantasy and science fiction, he is still an avid reader, lover of video games, movies and pretending to be a musician.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 27, 2020
The blood brings them there power to fight!!!
I must say the writer has done a excellent job bring this story to life . The main characters Ryl an Andr have a friendship is one of a kind. They have a long journey ahead of them an come out the other side saved by others long thought lost an gone from there world. The Phrinc come to Ryls add an show him what he must become to fight the Horde. But they need a arm to do so. An he knows where to get one an save his friends an family in The Stocks. They find horrors that make them sick to see an understanding hits them hard. Aaron brings this great story to life with a fast pace read battles at the ready in great detail. You won't want to put it down. Bang up read for book # 2.
I must say the writer has done a excellent job bring this story to life . The main characters Ryl an Andr have a friendship is one of a kind. They have a long journey ahead of them an come out the other side saved by others long thought lost an gone from there world. The Phrinc come to Ryls add an show him what he must become to fight the Horde. But they need a arm to do so. An he knows where to get one an save his friends an family in The Stocks. They find horrors that make them sick to see an understanding hits them hard. Aaron brings this great story to life with a fast pace read battles at the ready in great detail. You won't want to put it down. Bang up read for book # 2.
October 2, 2020
Excellent follow-up to a very unique book. Adds lots of elements to the story, making it larger and more epic in scope. Can't wait to see where this goes.
March 14, 2021
Fulcrum of bad (catalyst book 2)
This book is pretty bad. I know show don't tell is an idiom reserved for movie criticism, but this book is all tell no show. Everything is given to this protag, he basically earns nothing through his hard work, deeds, or adventures. His skills are imprinted on him, he's given his own private army/city, and even his friends are not earned. Everyone is awed by his presence and specialness, and he is the best fighter/phrenic ever. Everything is cringe.
Spoilers:
The dude shows up to this special hidden village, that has survived for hundreds of years (yeah right) in the out lands, surrounded by hostile entities, and they literally just give him basically control of their phrenic army. All this because a guy called the prophet gave them a prophecy that he's their savior. Now here me out, I know this is fantasy and a magic world, but it makes no sense in the world as he has built it. This city has an university, but it's hidden in their secret valley that has been hitherto hidden from the world! How can a university persist in secret? Your limited to the knowledge in your hidden valley where 99% of the people are farmers... it's incredibly stupid and this whole book is a jumble of half baked ideas. This author needs to brush up on classic literature to get his writing skills up to bat. Don't waste your time, read some Robert Jordan if you wanna see a real messiah tale in a complex world.
This book is pretty bad. I know show don't tell is an idiom reserved for movie criticism, but this book is all tell no show. Everything is given to this protag, he basically earns nothing through his hard work, deeds, or adventures. His skills are imprinted on him, he's given his own private army/city, and even his friends are not earned. Everyone is awed by his presence and specialness, and he is the best fighter/phrenic ever. Everything is cringe.
Spoilers:
The dude shows up to this special hidden village, that has survived for hundreds of years (yeah right) in the out lands, surrounded by hostile entities, and they literally just give him basically control of their phrenic army. All this because a guy called the prophet gave them a prophecy that he's their savior. Now here me out, I know this is fantasy and a magic world, but it makes no sense in the world as he has built it. This city has an university, but it's hidden in their secret valley that has been hitherto hidden from the world! How can a university persist in secret? Your limited to the knowledge in your hidden valley where 99% of the people are farmers... it's incredibly stupid and this whole book is a jumble of half baked ideas. This author needs to brush up on classic literature to get his writing skills up to bat. Don't waste your time, read some Robert Jordan if you wanna see a real messiah tale in a complex world.
November 4, 2020
I don't know how to go about writing this review. I don't want to give people the wrong impression - this book was certainly better than the first. However, I feel that the author really lacks an understanding of good pacing.
The pacing was a *huge* problem in the first book, and in the second it becomes less of a problem, but nothing to write home about. Furthermore, although there does seem to be a developing love interest in the book, it is not explored well enough or developed.
This makes the book a frustrating read at times, and it makes the overall story less comprehensive. The story continues with Ryl, and a large portion of the book takes part in a hidden city. What is annoying is that the city is not properly explored, and the progression in terms of magic is not well defined or well handled. I was hoping for some more hard magic, but it seems that the magic system is pretty soft and without any real structure; this makes it less enjoyable.
Furthermore, Ryl as a character has way too much plot armour. He does not use his skills or hits wits to get himself out of trouble. This is an issue that keeps propping up, as the main character does not seem flawed in any way.
Lastly, although the prose is beautiful, and descriptive, I often lose track of *what* is happening. The progression from scene to scene is not fluid.
Despite all of this, I do plan on reading the third book in the instalment, because Travis Baldree narrates it, and he is amazing. But even he cannot save something that is fundamentally flawed.
The pacing was a *huge* problem in the first book, and in the second it becomes less of a problem, but nothing to write home about. Furthermore, although there does seem to be a developing love interest in the book, it is not explored well enough or developed.
This makes the book a frustrating read at times, and it makes the overall story less comprehensive. The story continues with Ryl, and a large portion of the book takes part in a hidden city. What is annoying is that the city is not properly explored, and the progression in terms of magic is not well defined or well handled. I was hoping for some more hard magic, but it seems that the magic system is pretty soft and without any real structure; this makes it less enjoyable.
Furthermore, Ryl as a character has way too much plot armour. He does not use his skills or hits wits to get himself out of trouble. This is an issue that keeps propping up, as the main character does not seem flawed in any way.
Lastly, although the prose is beautiful, and descriptive, I often lose track of *what* is happening. The progression from scene to scene is not fluid.
Despite all of this, I do plan on reading the third book in the instalment, because Travis Baldree narrates it, and he is amazing. But even he cannot save something that is fundamentally flawed.
August 23, 2020
Need next book. Now preferably 😬
Wow. This is one of those books that grab you by the throat and won’t let go. Let’s just say that I am hooked. Line and sinker.
On to my actual review. The characters are amazing, three dimensional, relatable, and lovable. Can I just hug Ryl now? Please? He’s a character I’ll be loathe to forget, and some of the lessons he’s learning— well, let’s just say the world could use more of people like Ryl and his companions. They face sorrow, dejection, pain, joy, acceptance, and, perhaps most of all, the power of hope and friendship. And I felt it all right there with them.
As for world building, can I just say wow again? The system, the fight against the terrors of human greed, the natives, the rich history, it’s all amazingly and unbelievably slightly believable. For once, the second book was just as good as the first, a high praise since I stayed up until 2 AM to finish book 1.
It’s clean, I can’t recall a single curse word. There are some elements of torture and real life situations, so I would read before introducing to a young child.
Overall, it is a book series that I will reread. Probably a few more times, as it is one I know that will awaken more with each read. So yes, I’m a fan, and need to return to this world ASAP! Thank you for a beautiful book, and will be looking for the next one (already preordered)! :)
Wow. This is one of those books that grab you by the throat and won’t let go. Let’s just say that I am hooked. Line and sinker.
On to my actual review. The characters are amazing, three dimensional, relatable, and lovable. Can I just hug Ryl now? Please? He’s a character I’ll be loathe to forget, and some of the lessons he’s learning— well, let’s just say the world could use more of people like Ryl and his companions. They face sorrow, dejection, pain, joy, acceptance, and, perhaps most of all, the power of hope and friendship. And I felt it all right there with them.
As for world building, can I just say wow again? The system, the fight against the terrors of human greed, the natives, the rich history, it’s all amazingly and unbelievably slightly believable. For once, the second book was just as good as the first, a high praise since I stayed up until 2 AM to finish book 1.
It’s clean, I can’t recall a single curse word. There are some elements of torture and real life situations, so I would read before introducing to a young child.
Overall, it is a book series that I will reread. Probably a few more times, as it is one I know that will awaken more with each read. So yes, I’m a fan, and need to return to this world ASAP! Thank you for a beautiful book, and will be looking for the next one (already preordered)! :)
April 12, 2021
Definitely better compared to the first installment but many problems still remain.
First, relationships between characters are nonexistent apart from the MC and his "guard", this makes the rest of the cast simple paws that the author uses when necessary to progress the story but they never feel alive, hence I never cared about them.
Second, the magic system is really lacking, there is literally no explanation on its limits and the MC becomes overpowered with little to no effort in a matter of days.
Third, many things are left, both intentionally and not, unexplained and/or unexplored. When done intentionally it is because the author wants to introduce them at a later moment, but this makes the characters look dumb. For example, many times the concept of "awakening" was casually brought out and the MC never inquires about it, then suddenly, after like the 4th time this situation happened, he is like "awakening, I wonder what it is" but still doesn't ask about it.
Nonetheless, the series has a "solid" fantasy story, the themes explored are decent and here and there there are minor details that show the author has potential. With more experience, this story could have been a solid 4+ stars
First, relationships between characters are nonexistent apart from the MC and his "guard", this makes the rest of the cast simple paws that the author uses when necessary to progress the story but they never feel alive, hence I never cared about them.
Second, the magic system is really lacking, there is literally no explanation on its limits and the MC becomes overpowered with little to no effort in a matter of days.
Third, many things are left, both intentionally and not, unexplained and/or unexplored. When done intentionally it is because the author wants to introduce them at a later moment, but this makes the characters look dumb. For example, many times the concept of "awakening" was casually brought out and the MC never inquires about it, then suddenly, after like the 4th time this situation happened, he is like "awakening, I wonder what it is" but still doesn't ask about it.
Nonetheless, the series has a "solid" fantasy story, the themes explored are decent and here and there there are minor details that show the author has potential. With more experience, this story could have been a solid 4+ stars
August 17, 2020
I'd rate this a 4-4.25. I'll read book 3.
I found the first 18-20% a bit too slow. I enjoyed the first big fight and from there it ramps up. That first fight was well done, nice seeing both perspectives.
Id argue the intro could have been condensed and gotten to the real meat of the story. The author can tell a good tale. They also do "big" moments really well.
Around 33% he wakes up and meets the others. Good big intro moment. Again getting to this faster would have been more ideal.
The training section was nice but I'd have liked that expanded greatly and intro reduced. The ending was very well done. I felt some of the injuries he got didn't make a ton of sense, maybe i misunderstood how many enemies there really were in the final fight.
The MC is very powerful, the problem will be if the author contains him to barely being more powerful than his current enemy.
Final thought: Humans are awful... good lord there are some messed up people in this series. Good tale I look forward to book 3.
I found the first 18-20% a bit too slow. I enjoyed the first big fight and from there it ramps up. That first fight was well done, nice seeing both perspectives.
Id argue the intro could have been condensed and gotten to the real meat of the story. The author can tell a good tale. They also do "big" moments really well.
Around 33% he wakes up and meets the others. Good big intro moment. Again getting to this faster would have been more ideal.
The training section was nice but I'd have liked that expanded greatly and intro reduced. The ending was very well done. I felt some of the injuries he got didn't make a ton of sense, maybe i misunderstood how many enemies there really were in the final fight.
The MC is very powerful, the problem will be if the author contains him to barely being more powerful than his current enemy.
Final thought: Humans are awful... good lord there are some messed up people in this series. Good tale I look forward to book 3.
September 14, 2020
Shipwrecked, Lost and Hunted
After the shipwreck, it is Ryl and the former soldier who has promised to help him reach his destination and find the Phrenics. The wilds have savages that seem to hunt and kill all life. They gather their positions, but Ryl realizes the medicine that was supposed to help him on the trip is all water logged. He has only so much time to reach the others before he feels the withdrawal effects of the drugs.
The walk by day and during the night the creatures get braver. They try to spend their nights in caves and switch watches. The problem is Ryl is getting sicker and what was one, then two is now four of the hunters after them. During the nights, they are getting braver and coming closer and closer to the caves. As Ryl gets sicker and sicker, the hunters have amassed a large number and are poised to attack. Ryl is too sick to help and one former soldier against many of these hunters, they won’t stand a chance.
After the shipwreck, it is Ryl and the former soldier who has promised to help him reach his destination and find the Phrenics. The wilds have savages that seem to hunt and kill all life. They gather their positions, but Ryl realizes the medicine that was supposed to help him on the trip is all water logged. He has only so much time to reach the others before he feels the withdrawal effects of the drugs.
The walk by day and during the night the creatures get braver. They try to spend their nights in caves and switch watches. The problem is Ryl is getting sicker and what was one, then two is now four of the hunters after them. During the nights, they are getting braver and coming closer and closer to the caves. As Ryl gets sicker and sicker, the hunters have amassed a large number and are poised to attack. Ryl is too sick to help and one former soldier against many of these hunters, they won’t stand a chance.
September 10, 2020
My love affair with Ryl may have started when I met him in the first book in this series, A Tribute at the Gate: Catalyst... but it just grows stronger, page by page, as Fulcrum of Light unspools it's secrets. The first thing that happens is that Ryl and his... what, Mercenary? Bodyguard? Friend? have to find their way out of the outlands, and time is not on their side! This is a grueling trek of endurance and fighting, and it was just the thing my action loving heart thrives on! It's only after they find succor that the pacing slows down, and we learn so much more about Ryl and his blood magic, as he begins his training for real!
Soon after that, CJ Aaron pushes the "pedal to the metal" and zooms to an awesome finale!
I know that I've said this before, but Travis Baldree is absodamnlutely the perfect choice to tell us Ryl's story!!!
Soon after that, CJ Aaron pushes the "pedal to the metal" and zooms to an awesome finale!
I know that I've said this before, but Travis Baldree is absodamnlutely the perfect choice to tell us Ryl's story!!!
January 16, 2023
I do not understand this author. He spends CHAPTERS hashing over the exact same cycle. Protagonist feels ill/dizzy/helpless -> run away -> monsters make noise ->repeat. Like, literally it’s just copy and paste describing the protagonist feeling dizzy, blurry eyed, in pain, and disoriented OVER AND OVER AGAIN in painfully annoying descriptive detail. This habit is found in other arbitrary places in the book. He spends PAGES describing the splint the character makes for a broken arm and reexplains EACH TIME he makes a change to it. But he will describe weeks of “getting ready for harvest” with a few ambiguous sentences and no elaboration. Half these books feel like an attempt at meeting a word count and the other half feels like a summary. His flailing attempts at descriptive imagery are constantly hyperbolic and over-descriptive. Every loud sound is deafening, every bright light is blinding. If I had a nickel for every time the protagonist is either blinded/blurry eyed or deafened I’d be rich. I think part of the reason for my frustration is the premise is actually interesting and I want it to be better. But it is just so poorly executed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
A hearty and well defined book two, worth a close read.
Questions answered and secrets defined. Book two is always a difficult composition, further direct the story, balance the characters, but save the spice for the third. Bravo! You have woven an intricate tapestry and I'm hooked. Thank you for inviting me along. Still some small distracting editing issues, but what a good read. Waiting patiently for book three.6
Questions answered and secrets defined. Book two is always a difficult composition, further direct the story, balance the characters, but save the spice for the third. Bravo! You have woven an intricate tapestry and I'm hooked. Thank you for inviting me along. Still some small distracting editing issues, but what a good read. Waiting patiently for book three.6
February 3, 2021
Gaining Steam
This second book still has a slower pace to it than normal action stories might, but it’s definitely got more pinch than book one, and it’s only getting crazier from here. Finally we get answers to many questions, and we see a great staging for book three. Cant wait. Definitely recommended (15+)
This second book still has a slower pace to it than normal action stories might, but it’s definitely got more pinch than book one, and it’s only getting crazier from here. Finally we get answers to many questions, and we see a great staging for book three. Cant wait. Definitely recommended (15+)
September 2, 2020
Masterful tale
This whole series is the type to keep you turning the pages. The characters grow throughout this series and the twists in the story keep you engaged. Can't wait for the next book/
This whole series is the type to keep you turning the pages. The characters grow throughout this series and the twists in the story keep you engaged. Can't wait for the next book/
October 21, 2020
Compelling characters, meandering storyline.
The basic story is every good, there are some timing and focus issues. Copy editing is above average. Clean language detailed violence, not suitable for all readers.
The basic story is every good, there are some timing and focus issues. Copy editing is above average. Clean language detailed violence, not suitable for all readers.
January 29, 2021
Good stuff
Pace is excellent. Characters engage the reader. A lot of description of places and meals. Great fight scenes, though, of course, the main character is overpowered. That’s okay. We like him a lot.
Pace is excellent. Characters engage the reader. A lot of description of places and meals. Great fight scenes, though, of course, the main character is overpowered. That’s okay. We like him a lot.
August 4, 2021
The engaging series continues.
The series continues to be very interesting. This book had a great deal of description. It was well done. The main character continues to learn more about himself and his powers. I like the ending.
The series continues to be very interesting. This book had a great deal of description. It was well done. The main character continues to learn more about himself and his powers. I like the ending.
August 18, 2021
Second book is not getting better. Main hero is a dumb peasant who became overpowered by transference of power and suddenly commands everyone around and makes a salad of his enemies.
Might be a sort of parody like Tarantino's films, except it isn't funny at all.
Everything and everyone is flat.
Might be a sort of parody like Tarantino's films, except it isn't funny at all.
Everything and everyone is flat.
September 3, 2020
A cracking read well done
What a very good story very enjoyable couldn't put it down. Keep them coming I will certainly read the whole series
What a very good story very enjoyable couldn't put it down. Keep them coming I will certainly read the whole series
September 29, 2020
This one also kept me reading every chance I got. On to the third book in the series.
November 7, 2020
Wow
I did not see that ending coming. Great book and now looking forward to the next book. Great use of words. Keep me wanting more.
I did not see that ending coming. Great book and now looking forward to the next book. Great use of words. Keep me wanting more.
December 4, 2020
Inviting
A road lit by markers of hope. A plan is afoot, and hope light moves it like wind beneath its wings.
A road lit by markers of hope. A plan is afoot, and hope light moves it like wind beneath its wings.
December 20, 2020
Good storyline and buildup.
Good storyline and build up!
Interesting characters.
Some misspelling, erroneous use of words, i.e, he instead of his, then and than, etc.
Good storyline and build up!
Interesting characters.
Some misspelling, erroneous use of words, i.e, he instead of his, then and than, etc.
January 6, 2021
The saga continues
Ryl and the phrenics are going to free the Tributes. The have put the fires of change. He is increasing in power. It's only a !matter of time.
Ryl and the phrenics are going to free the Tributes. The have put the fires of change. He is increasing in power. It's only a !matter of time.
February 18, 2021
Good read
I do like the world and the powers of the phrenic. The story feels like it takes a while to get started but after a while the pacing picks up.
I do like the world and the powers of the phrenic. The story feels like it takes a while to get started but after a while the pacing picks up.
February 27, 2021
Awesome read!!!
Great characters and impossible to put down. Can't wait to read the next book. Best series that I've read in years.
Great characters and impossible to put down. Can't wait to read the next book. Best series that I've read in years.
March 22, 2021
A continuation of a grand story
Much like the first book, I loved it, Ryl is a true hero. Suffering true loss and battling his fears and enemies, he stands true to Hope.
Much like the first book, I loved it, Ryl is a true hero. Suffering true loss and battling his fears and enemies, he stands true to Hope.
April 11, 2021
Great read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2021
Captivating
Very good story line. The twist and the unexpected turn of event have you yearning for more. Good read. .
Very good story line. The twist and the unexpected turn of event have you yearning for more. Good read. .
November 21, 2021
Another amazing book in a stellar series. Enough said!
November 23, 2021
a great ride
Well done with the characters coming to life as you immerse yourself into this very fun story that grabs you instantly
Well done with the characters coming to life as you immerse yourself into this very fun story that grabs you instantly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews