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Ancient Magicks Artifact #1
Rise of the Catalyst
One ancient mask with earth-bending powers searching for a bearer.
One magical retrieval expert who is determined to seal it back in its tomb.
At the moment, both are failing at their goals, but Arwen is not about to be bested. So what if she doesn’t know what culture it’s from or where to put it back. She’s smarter than a semi-sentient mask. Hopefully.
But if the thrice-cursed mask breaks out of her seal one more time, she’s melting it with prejudice, magical backlash be damned.
One magical retrieval expert who is determined to seal it back in its tomb.
At the moment, both are failing at their goals, but Arwen is not about to be bested. So what if she doesn’t know what culture it’s from or where to put it back. She’s smarter than a semi-sentient mask. Hopefully.
But if the thrice-cursed mask breaks out of her seal one more time, she’s melting it with prejudice, magical backlash be damned.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2022
186 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 24, 2022
I liked it but the first half dragged. I think the next book will be better now that the characters and world building have been established.
August 29, 2022
I was asked to give an honest review of this book so here goes…
I started reading this book on 22nd June 2022 and I finally managed to finish it on the 28th August 2022. Granted, I am a busy bee but it took a 4 hour train journey with nothing else to do to force me to finish it.
I honestly can’t remember what time period the story is set in as it says at the beginning of the book and it has been a couple of months since then. I think it was Victorian times – the industrial revolution had begun and there were cars, carriages and steam trains. The women dressed in corsets and dresses and were seen as 2nd to men. Also, how the characters spoke to each other just seemed far to modern and didn’t fit in with the set period. The characters discuss Imposter Syndrome in passing and this wasn’t actually described by psycholigists until 1978.
Nothing much happened in the story. I was waiting for some action but very little came. It was basically woman gets magical artefact that won’t behave for her. Woman and her friends take it back to where it belongs. Inbetween all that all you seem to get is chatting, building a box to keep the artefact in, chatting to somebody interested in the mask, building another box for the artefact, all while travelling to put the mask back where it lives. I just needed and wanted more.
I also got a steampunk vibe from the cover which I’m down for… I love steampunk but there was no steampunk in the book.
I feel like I’ve slated this book after re-reading my review and I hate doing that. It did have good concepts such as the main character being blind so a lot of the description was how something sounded, or felt or smelled rather than what she saw. Apart from that I just struggled.
Sorry.
I started reading this book on 22nd June 2022 and I finally managed to finish it on the 28th August 2022. Granted, I am a busy bee but it took a 4 hour train journey with nothing else to do to force me to finish it.
I honestly can’t remember what time period the story is set in as it says at the beginning of the book and it has been a couple of months since then. I think it was Victorian times – the industrial revolution had begun and there were cars, carriages and steam trains. The women dressed in corsets and dresses and were seen as 2nd to men. Also, how the characters spoke to each other just seemed far to modern and didn’t fit in with the set period. The characters discuss Imposter Syndrome in passing and this wasn’t actually described by psycholigists until 1978.
Nothing much happened in the story. I was waiting for some action but very little came. It was basically woman gets magical artefact that won’t behave for her. Woman and her friends take it back to where it belongs. Inbetween all that all you seem to get is chatting, building a box to keep the artefact in, chatting to somebody interested in the mask, building another box for the artefact, all while travelling to put the mask back where it lives. I just needed and wanted more.
I also got a steampunk vibe from the cover which I’m down for… I love steampunk but there was no steampunk in the book.
I feel like I’ve slated this book after re-reading my review and I hate doing that. It did have good concepts such as the main character being blind so a lot of the description was how something sounded, or felt or smelled rather than what she saw. Apart from that I just struggled.
Sorry.
June 6, 2022
Loved reading this book, loved this new world and characters, and it was a really great read!
June 2, 2022
The year is 1910. Magic is known to work, and technology is more gadget-oriented than was true in our history, but aside from that the milieu is hard to distinguish from our own 1910. (The book is classified as 'steampunk', but that element is minor enough that I wouldn't have identified the book as steampunk on my own.) As we have magic, we also have magic gone bad. Arwen makes a good living fixing magic gone bad.
"Rise of the Catalyst" is very first-in-a-series. We are introduced to Arwen and her support team through a case: A museum bought a mask on the black market, and would dearly like it neutralized before the museum finishes collapsing. In this case, neutralizing consists of shielding the artifact so it can't do any harm (the shielding attempts fail consistently), and laying the artifact to rest in a place where it will stop doing harm. (Most of the obstacles turn out to be obstreperous people.)
The characters are engaging. The story itself didn't have a strong plot. I enjoyed it well enough, and will give the next book in this series a shot.
"Rise of the Catalyst" is very first-in-a-series. We are introduced to Arwen and her support team through a case: A museum bought a mask on the black market, and would dearly like it neutralized before the museum finishes collapsing. In this case, neutralizing consists of shielding the artifact so it can't do any harm (the shielding attempts fail consistently), and laying the artifact to rest in a place where it will stop doing harm. (Most of the obstacles turn out to be obstreperous people.)
The characters are engaging. The story itself didn't have a strong plot. I enjoyed it well enough, and will give the next book in this series a shot.
June 11, 2022
Rise of the Catalyst by Honor Raconteur
Arwen is blind or blind to the world most see. She is acutely aware of the energy fields that surround both people and some things. Her career as a magical retrieval expert is laden with danger and occasionally violence. The story is set in a Victorian-era or steam-punk type setting. Magic is accepted but women appear to be facing traditional discrimination.
The plot is centered on a mask from a civilization that disappeared when Indians became native to this continent. It has innate power that may or may not have sentience. Arwen and her team, which grows through the story, are determined to get the mask back to its origins.
The author has a very relaxed and easy-to-read style. Arwen shows realistic feelings and emotions.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Arwen is blind or blind to the world most see. She is acutely aware of the energy fields that surround both people and some things. Her career as a magical retrieval expert is laden with danger and occasionally violence. The story is set in a Victorian-era or steam-punk type setting. Magic is accepted but women appear to be facing traditional discrimination.
The plot is centered on a mask from a civilization that disappeared when Indians became native to this continent. It has innate power that may or may not have sentience. Arwen and her team, which grows through the story, are determined to get the mask back to its origins.
The author has a very relaxed and easy-to-read style. Arwen shows realistic feelings and emotions.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
June 2, 2022
Different, as expected.
Raconteur introduces us to a new world of magic, with new rules to learn, and a delightfully different way of practicing magic. I am impressed by her ability to create new systems, new (old) worlds, and new plots. The only thread that weaves through all her titles is the snark, and there is plenty to be had. Please understand, in MY world, snark is a desired element, so this is a good thing.
I like the cast of characters, I was bemused by Raconteur’s choice of the culture involved in the quest, as an archaeologist (not currently practicing), I was a bit hesitant, but she understands the issues and dealt with her places and peoples very well. (Thank you.) If you are already a fan, it may take a minute to take yourself out of her other worlds and situate yourself in this one. Old fan or fan-to-be, just do it. It’s worth the trip. I’m looking forward to the next book. I will probably now go back and read this one again.
Raconteur introduces us to a new world of magic, with new rules to learn, and a delightfully different way of practicing magic. I am impressed by her ability to create new systems, new (old) worlds, and new plots. The only thread that weaves through all her titles is the snark, and there is plenty to be had. Please understand, in MY world, snark is a desired element, so this is a good thing.
I like the cast of characters, I was bemused by Raconteur’s choice of the culture involved in the quest, as an archaeologist (not currently practicing), I was a bit hesitant, but she understands the issues and dealt with her places and peoples very well. (Thank you.) If you are already a fan, it may take a minute to take yourself out of her other worlds and situate yourself in this one. Old fan or fan-to-be, just do it. It’s worth the trip. I’m looking forward to the next book. I will probably now go back and read this one again.
January 21, 2023
2023 bk 3. I love Honor Raconteur's writings and by the end of this novel I was really enjoying the characters and the storyline. However, it did take a while for me to get into the story as you can see by my read dates - I put it off until after Christmas to finish reading. There was probably more explanation than needed at the beginning for my taste. This is a different look at the time before WWI and it was hard at times to remember its time setting. I especially enjoyed the peek into Anasazi culture and the the heroine with vision issues. I will read again and will purchase number 2 when it is completed.
July 17, 2022
I thought Honor Raconteur came up with a really cool idea with lots of interesting history and mythology along with fun and unique characters.
But I had 3 big problems with the book:
- The same type of humor was ridiculously overused throughout the book. The first few times were funny, but as the characters continued to use the same joke and humor style near constantly, I found myself becoming more and more annoyed and disinterested.
- The group of characters, relationships, and basic placement in the world were structured very similarly to a previous series the author wrote. Sure, there were differences, but the parallels were very difficult to ignore at times. If I wanted that storyline and character grouping I would have reread the other series. How this new society treated women, especially those of mixed race, was exactly the same despite the two worlds being significantly different. There were a bunch of other strong similarities, but it got to the point where im now convinced book 2 will have the group rescuing some at-risk teenager with unique skills to add to the team.
- I really like how Honor describes actions, movements, expressions and similar little things that many authors don’t bother paying attention to. With the main character being effectively blind this limits how the world can be described, and while I liked some of the ways Raconteur compensated for this in her writing (character actions, voice descriptions, humor), I felt like she fell back on some less than ideal methods. One of which is previously mentioned, the very repetitive humor, the other being little quips, “clever” wordplay, and ridiculous attitudes that don’t seem to fit into the story well at all. Two phrases in particular (“limbo dancing with the devil” & “licking a tree for maple syrup”) seemed to have been ripped from popular social media feeds and haphazardly pasted into the story regardless of the context or flow just because. I like how Honor writes things, I don’t like how she reuses witty phrases others have come up with.
But I had 3 big problems with the book:
- The same type of humor was ridiculously overused throughout the book. The first few times were funny, but as the characters continued to use the same joke and humor style near constantly, I found myself becoming more and more annoyed and disinterested.
- The group of characters, relationships, and basic placement in the world were structured very similarly to a previous series the author wrote. Sure, there were differences, but the parallels were very difficult to ignore at times. If I wanted that storyline and character grouping I would have reread the other series. How this new society treated women, especially those of mixed race, was exactly the same despite the two worlds being significantly different. There were a bunch of other strong similarities, but it got to the point where im now convinced book 2 will have the group rescuing some at-risk teenager with unique skills to add to the team.
- I really like how Honor describes actions, movements, expressions and similar little things that many authors don’t bother paying attention to. With the main character being effectively blind this limits how the world can be described, and while I liked some of the ways Raconteur compensated for this in her writing (character actions, voice descriptions, humor), I felt like she fell back on some less than ideal methods. One of which is previously mentioned, the very repetitive humor, the other being little quips, “clever” wordplay, and ridiculous attitudes that don’t seem to fit into the story well at all. Two phrases in particular (“limbo dancing with the devil” & “licking a tree for maple syrup”) seemed to have been ripped from popular social media feeds and haphazardly pasted into the story regardless of the context or flow just because. I like how Honor writes things, I don’t like how she reuses witty phrases others have come up with.
June 7, 2022
Ok, but I found there to be a few too many similarities to characters from the author's Deepwoods series. There is:
1) A woman commonly mistaken for a prostitute because of her appearance
2) A man who's protective of the women in the group as a result
3) Another man that is asked to join after being equally protective
4) A leader who picks jobs that often cause the group headaches
The overlap is just so specific that it's difficult to view the characters as anything but recycled when even the overall group vibe is the same.
1) A woman commonly mistaken for a prostitute because of her appearance
2) A man who's protective of the women in the group as a result
3) Another man that is asked to join after being equally protective
4) A leader who picks jobs that often cause the group headaches
The overlap is just so specific that it's difficult to view the characters as anything but recycled when even the overall group vibe is the same.
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July 30, 2022
Thank you to Books Forward Friends for providing me with a copy to read and leave an honest review on! I will admit, I lowered my hopes for this book after seeing that it was written in first person, but wow, I was surprised when I finished this book.
This book dragged a bit for the first half, but once the second half started, I couldn’t put it down. I finished the entire book in fifteen minutes by the time I got to page 150.
It definitely picked up around the half point, and the addition of new characters along the way made it much more interesting! I enjoyed the main character, Arwen’s, problem solving methods, and the magic system was very interesting! I especially enjoyed the way the author showed Arwen’s abilities thoughout the book.
I do have to say that the repeated use of ‘witty’ remarks and the same style of humor throughout the book got very boring very quickly. I did enjoy the way that Raconteur described things, as we got to see through the main character (who is blind)’s eyes. This meant that we got to experience both the way that Arwen saw things and the way that it was being described to her. The humor got boring quickly, but Raconteur does have a way of weaving words together, especially with descriptive things.
Third person-enjoyers: please give this book a try. It is fantastic. I might find myself picking up another Honor Raconteur book in the near future, as I really enjoyed this one!
This book dragged a bit for the first half, but once the second half started, I couldn’t put it down. I finished the entire book in fifteen minutes by the time I got to page 150.
It definitely picked up around the half point, and the addition of new characters along the way made it much more interesting! I enjoyed the main character, Arwen’s, problem solving methods, and the magic system was very interesting! I especially enjoyed the way the author showed Arwen’s abilities thoughout the book.
I do have to say that the repeated use of ‘witty’ remarks and the same style of humor throughout the book got very boring very quickly. I did enjoy the way that Raconteur described things, as we got to see through the main character (who is blind)’s eyes. This meant that we got to experience both the way that Arwen saw things and the way that it was being described to her. The humor got boring quickly, but Raconteur does have a way of weaving words together, especially with descriptive things.
Third person-enjoyers: please give this book a try. It is fantastic. I might find myself picking up another Honor Raconteur book in the near future, as I really enjoyed this one!
February 1, 2023
This book felt very standard Raconteur with nothing special making it unique. Standard spunky young woman with something non-standard about her. In this case we start with most of the crew of side-characters fully assembled instead of collecting them as we go, but even they seem pretty standard for her work. The author's forward talks about steampunk, but at 47% in I haven't see anything that could be considered steampunk. Instead it seems a very standard alt history where it's our 1910 but with a small bit of magic added in.
The amount of info dumping in this book was just ridiculous. We're constantly treated to lectures on how our main character's magic works and how elements can be used to shield artifacts. In between those lectures we got our main character constantly bracing for casual sexisim and/or racism and explaining to us again why they're expecting it. It gets tiring after a while. Especially aside from one instance half-way through the book we didn't see any examples of either in her life.
Finally nothing is happening. I suspect the mask breaking out of the seals is supposed to be providing the tension, but I'm just not feeling it. And there's nothing else interesting happening either.
The amount of info dumping in this book was just ridiculous. We're constantly treated to lectures on how our main character's magic works and how elements can be used to shield artifacts. In between those lectures we got our main character constantly bracing for casual sexisim and/or racism and explaining to us again why they're expecting it. It gets tiring after a while. Especially aside from one instance half-way through the book we didn't see any examples of either in her life.
Finally nothing is happening. I suspect the mask breaking out of the seals is supposed to be providing the tension, but I'm just not feeling it. And there's nothing else interesting happening either.
June 20, 2022
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like the mix of genres for this one. There's a bit of a western feel, historical fiction, with some magical realism mixed in. Arwen is blind with magical vision that helps her see magical energy. she uses this to take problem magical artifacts back to where they go with her team. The book is set in 1910 and starts in Boston but the characters quickly set out on a journey to return a mask that predates the Native American tribes we know of.
This book had a great cast of characters and spoke on prejudices women faced and people of Asian descent. There is also some great history regarding Native American tribes and the Anasazi that predated tribes we know more about.
Arwen is a fun sarcastic strong female character surrounded her team who is more like a family. I loved the dynamic between the characters and the back and forth teasing and banter. There is adventure and comedy throughout the book.
I like the mix of genres for this one. There's a bit of a western feel, historical fiction, with some magical realism mixed in. Arwen is blind with magical vision that helps her see magical energy. she uses this to take problem magical artifacts back to where they go with her team. The book is set in 1910 and starts in Boston but the characters quickly set out on a journey to return a mask that predates the Native American tribes we know of.
This book had a great cast of characters and spoke on prejudices women faced and people of Asian descent. There is also some great history regarding Native American tribes and the Anasazi that predated tribes we know more about.
Arwen is a fun sarcastic strong female character surrounded her team who is more like a family. I loved the dynamic between the characters and the back and forth teasing and banter. There is adventure and comedy throughout the book.
July 6, 2022
To begin with I absolutely in love with all the artwork on this novel. Its absolutely stunning and fits the details in the story and environment.
This is a great first book! Great new characters, world building, magic system, and an interesting mystery to solve. Diverse characters, and the main character is great, especially as she is visually impaired! As a disabled person, it's so rare to read about MCs with any kind of physical impairment, so it was a refreshing read.
she takes care of rogue magical artifacts--usually by returning them to where they belong or destroying them, if needed. She also happens to be legally blind, which makes things challenging for her in some ways, but she's quite capable, especially with a great team/friends to support her.
Its a great book to get out of your head with. I massively enjoyed it for sure.
If you love fantasy and adventure you will love this novel. A must read.
This is a great first book! Great new characters, world building, magic system, and an interesting mystery to solve. Diverse characters, and the main character is great, especially as she is visually impaired! As a disabled person, it's so rare to read about MCs with any kind of physical impairment, so it was a refreshing read.
she takes care of rogue magical artifacts--usually by returning them to where they belong or destroying them, if needed. She also happens to be legally blind, which makes things challenging for her in some ways, but she's quite capable, especially with a great team/friends to support her.
Its a great book to get out of your head with. I massively enjoyed it for sure.
If you love fantasy and adventure you will love this novel. A must read.
November 14, 2022
First experience with this author, but pleased
I don't remember how this book caught my eye, but I got a sample to read, and was drawn in. I don't tend toward... Period (urban) fantasy, but this was good. Victorian sensibilities aren't something I've gotten in to, but they were developed without getting in the way of the story, if that makes sense. The main character was interesting, and pretty well all the characters saw a good amount of character development/fleshing out, which always pleases me.
I love history, so there was so much of the spirit of this story that really spoke to me. But I also just think this was well written. I plan to check out the next entry in this series, once it... Exists... And I enjoyed this so much, that I'm going to peruse the author's other works to see if there's anything else in there that interests me. I'll probably be starting something else of hers very soon.
I don't remember how this book caught my eye, but I got a sample to read, and was drawn in. I don't tend toward... Period (urban) fantasy, but this was good. Victorian sensibilities aren't something I've gotten in to, but they were developed without getting in the way of the story, if that makes sense. The main character was interesting, and pretty well all the characters saw a good amount of character development/fleshing out, which always pleases me.
I love history, so there was so much of the spirit of this story that really spoke to me. But I also just think this was well written. I plan to check out the next entry in this series, once it... Exists... And I enjoyed this so much, that I'm going to peruse the author's other works to see if there's anything else in there that interests me. I'll probably be starting something else of hers very soon.
June 19, 2022
Rise of the Catalyst is set in 1910 in world where magic is real, and the technology has a steampunk element. The main character, Arwen Arnoult, is blind in the traditional sense, but she can see the energy of people, nature and objects. She leads a team of experts who solve problems caused by rogue magical objects. The Boston Museum has acquired a mysterious mask that is threatening to collapse their building. Arwen and her team embark on an archeological adventure involving the return of the powerful mask to its place of origin. The story is fast-paced and fun. I liked the clever, resourceful characters and how they function like a family. There's an Indiana Jones vibe, except that the story is feminist, anti-racist and the goal is to put the relic back rather than take it. Rise of the Catalyst was an enjoyable read and I'm really looking forward to the sequel. Thank you to BooksForward for a complimentary review copy.
June 25, 2022
Feel-good and fun
I really enjoyed this book. It has a premise that is original and while Arwen (the “Catalyst” but neither she now we yet know what exactly that means) is the main focus, she is surrounded by a strong cast of characters that are close, long-time friends. If you need a feel-good read where people treat each other with warmth and respect (aside from a few bad guys who get theirs), this is the read for you. New members are added to this group and this is how we get our backstory as how things work are explained to them. There is witty and insightful commentary, mostly in Arwen’s internal monologue and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. I definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC but my opinion is my own. I put my name in for a copy because I love Raconteur’s The Case Files of Henri Davenforth series and highly recommend those books, too.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a premise that is original and while Arwen (the “Catalyst” but neither she now we yet know what exactly that means) is the main focus, she is surrounded by a strong cast of characters that are close, long-time friends. If you need a feel-good read where people treat each other with warmth and respect (aside from a few bad guys who get theirs), this is the read for you. New members are added to this group and this is how we get our backstory as how things work are explained to them. There is witty and insightful commentary, mostly in Arwen’s internal monologue and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. I definitely recommend this book.
I received an ARC but my opinion is my own. I put my name in for a copy because I love Raconteur’s The Case Files of Henri Davenforth series and highly recommend those books, too.
June 1, 2022
Good book, reminds me of her Deepwoods series
I wasn't sure at first of I like this book, however I've come to LOVE the author and was willing to try it just because she wrote it. I ended up enjoying it and am looking forward to more.
One thing that struck me as I was reading was that is seemed to have the same structure as her Deepwoods series. A small group of people who travel a lot dealing with various issues. They function much like a family, enjoy telling stories, and are open to growing their group especially as they are still fairly new, though they have managed to grow a bit of a reputation by this point. But seeing as I thoroughly enjoyed Deepwoods as was super sad it was done this seems to be a bonus
I wasn't sure at first of I like this book, however I've come to LOVE the author and was willing to try it just because she wrote it. I ended up enjoying it and am looking forward to more.
One thing that struck me as I was reading was that is seemed to have the same structure as her Deepwoods series. A small group of people who travel a lot dealing with various issues. They function much like a family, enjoy telling stories, and are open to growing their group especially as they are still fairly new, though they have managed to grow a bit of a reputation by this point. But seeing as I thoroughly enjoyed Deepwoods as was super sad it was done this seems to be a bonus
June 15, 2022
This was an interesting story. It's set in the Victorian era but magic is accepted. Arwen is a magical retrieval expert and her job comes with some troubles and some adventures but she's also blind. Honestly I thought it sounded like a fun job. The relationships between the characters is one that i really enjoyed they are like a family. It's an adventure story with a fun magic system, interesting characters and a fast pace with a steam punk feel to it. I've read Honor Raconteur Deepwoods series so I was really excited to read this one and I wasn't disappointed! It will be interesting to see how the series progresses and what new adventures will come!
June 12, 2022
Fun Indian Jones-esque story!
Another great adventure story from Honor Raconteur with her usual slew of interesting characters, fun magic system, and an intriguing plot. Arwen is sort of the opposite of Indiana Jones; she takes care of rogue magical artifacts--usually by returning them to where they belong or destroying them, if needed. She also happens to be legally blind, which makes things challenging for her in some ways, but she's quite capable, especially with a great team/friends to support her. I look forward to reading more stories about her!
Another great adventure story from Honor Raconteur with her usual slew of interesting characters, fun magic system, and an intriguing plot. Arwen is sort of the opposite of Indiana Jones; she takes care of rogue magical artifacts--usually by returning them to where they belong or destroying them, if needed. She also happens to be legally blind, which makes things challenging for her in some ways, but she's quite capable, especially with a great team/friends to support her. I look forward to reading more stories about her!
June 22, 2022
It's like a pilot episode for a series
Once again we get to know our characters thru the day to day interactions with each other & their adventures. It was a scary, apparently evil, artifact that needed to be returned to it's place.
I like the characters and the setting is early 1900's. An enjoyable escape from the mundane without the usual tropes but a troop of likeable people. Magic, friendships, a non modern-day setting and a promise of more adventures ahead - this is just what I've been wanting.
Once again we get to know our characters thru the day to day interactions with each other & their adventures. It was a scary, apparently evil, artifact that needed to be returned to it's place.
I like the characters and the setting is early 1900's. An enjoyable escape from the mundane without the usual tropes but a troop of likeable people. Magic, friendships, a non modern-day setting and a promise of more adventures ahead - this is just what I've been wanting.
July 3, 2022
New series familiar skill
Our heroine this time is a female, white medicine man. She sees mystic energy, and is the hazardous materials disposal business. Set in the 1920s southwest, this first book has Raconteur's usual narrative drive, well drawn characters, and intriguing premises. This time, a pre-Anasazi mask causes havoc in a Boston museum. Our heroine is called to the job, and soon finds herself seeking both to restrain the earth power of the mask and return it to its disturbed home. I'm in for the next one!
Our heroine this time is a female, white medicine man. She sees mystic energy, and is the hazardous materials disposal business. Set in the 1920s southwest, this first book has Raconteur's usual narrative drive, well drawn characters, and intriguing premises. This time, a pre-Anasazi mask causes havoc in a Boston museum. Our heroine is called to the job, and soon finds herself seeking both to restrain the earth power of the mask and return it to its disturbed home. I'm in for the next one!
July 21, 2022
I am a bit biased since I picked out H. R. using my arcane methods with only the data furnished by Amazon. Anyway I find her books enjoyable and fast paced and Interesting from start to end. Catalyst was no exception. These books have plenty of magic and a little bit of history and alternate history and none of the complicated explanations of why or how magic works or moral dilemmas on using such powers. The villains aren't annoying pests who keep pulling rabbits out of their hat, they are just what they are, ethically challenged.
October 21, 2023
Absorbing reading
I am excited at the prospect of another series from Honor Raconteur. The first book was very enjoyable and as usual my family need to shout or repeat themselves to gain my attention, an well.
This series in wet in the early 20th Century which adds to the story as it's set here and the history is based on fact. We have a group of people with different skills who make up the team, their job is to return dangerous magical pieces to their proper place so that they are no longer dangerous. This series could go on indefinitely... Excellent.
I am excited at the prospect of another series from Honor Raconteur. The first book was very enjoyable and as usual my family need to shout or repeat themselves to gain my attention, an well.
This series in wet in the early 20th Century which adds to the story as it's set here and the history is based on fact. We have a group of people with different skills who make up the team, their job is to return dangerous magical pieces to their proper place so that they are no longer dangerous. This series could go on indefinitely... Excellent.
June 2, 2022
Another home run
I love Honor Raconteur's books, I have devoured every series more than once, and this is another that will be on my pre-order list.
The main character is another competent, likable, snarky woman that faces adversity with the help of a great group of friends. I really enjoy the dynamic between all of the characters and I cannot wait to play in their world again. 10 stars!
I love Honor Raconteur's books, I have devoured every series more than once, and this is another that will be on my pre-order list.
The main character is another competent, likable, snarky woman that faces adversity with the help of a great group of friends. I really enjoy the dynamic between all of the characters and I cannot wait to play in their world again. 10 stars!
June 23, 2022
not steampunk, and not great
This is a book in the magical detective/horror genre, there’s nothing steampunk about this. I wish the characters were interesting and had compelling interactions that gave us a sense of their identity and growth and a reason to care about them. I wish the ending made up for the development of the story (“action” is the wrong word, since there’s little action). The cover looks amazing.
This is a book in the magical detective/horror genre, there’s nothing steampunk about this. I wish the characters were interesting and had compelling interactions that gave us a sense of their identity and growth and a reason to care about them. I wish the ending made up for the development of the story (“action” is the wrong word, since there’s little action). The cover looks amazing.
July 5, 2022
I won this book as a giveaway, and I am glad that I did. There is enough history, mixed with magic and Steampunk involved that just draws you into the story in a big way. I have not been a big fan of Steampunk writing, but with this book I have changed my mind about the genre. I am definitely looking for more adventures of "the Catalyst" and while waiting, I believe that I will try some of the rest of Honor Raconteur's previous works.
July 26, 2022
An interesting new world
Minor spoilers.
Real world America in the early 1900, but with magic.
That's it, I'm leaving it there. This book is the start of a new series for the author but, if like me, you love everything else by Honor Raconteur then you're gonna like this one too. It's too early in the series to get a good feel for where it's going but the trip there should be fun.
Minor spoilers.
Real world America in the early 1900, but with magic.
That's it, I'm leaving it there. This book is the start of a new series for the author but, if like me, you love everything else by Honor Raconteur then you're gonna like this one too. It's too early in the series to get a good feel for where it's going but the trip there should be fun.
September 25, 2022
I’ve read several of Honor Raconteur books - I particularly like the Case Files of Henri Davenforth. There are some similarities in characters, circumstances, and definitely dialogue between the series, though the worlds were quite different. The series has potential, and I’ll probably give the second one a try when it comes out. It was a fun, quick, and enjoyable book.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the book!
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the book!
November 7, 2022
Not fantasy, but real-world with magical shamanism.
A bit slow to start, a new setting (1920s New Mexico) and a whole new crew to familiarize us with. The story gathers, though, and proceeds expeditiously enough. Worth adding: this tale is unmarred by the fawning noble-savage wannabeeism that still plagues too much writing dealing with American Indians. [Anachronism: no one used the term "Ms." back then.]
A bit slow to start, a new setting (1920s New Mexico) and a whole new crew to familiarize us with. The story gathers, though, and proceeds expeditiously enough. Worth adding: this tale is unmarred by the fawning noble-savage wannabeeism that still plagues too much writing dealing with American Indians. [Anachronism: no one used the term "Ms." back then.]
May 31, 2022
Slightly disappointing
Setting interesting, well thought out. Ordinary author, satisfactory work. Below this author's standards. Found secondary characters more interesting than main character. A few extra charming sayings for quotes. About 70 percent into book, main character seemed improved somewhat. Read all her other books first.
Setting interesting, well thought out. Ordinary author, satisfactory work. Below this author's standards. Found secondary characters more interesting than main character. A few extra charming sayings for quotes. About 70 percent into book, main character seemed improved somewhat. Read all her other books first.
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