Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
After my human death, I found a new and purrfect life as the feline familiar to a witch. But my safe haven is about to crumble.

Winnie, my witch, is performing more spells, draining both our magic reserves and acting suspiciously as she works on a secret project.

Since curiosity kills cats, I escape into the arms of Charlie: the handsome and grumpy hacker next-door that I want, but can never have.

When supernatural visitors show up asking him for help we are introduced to realms beyond our world. A faei, his demon lover, and the irresistible titan, Zaide, who I’m instantly drawn to, are looking for something…and it might be closer than they think.

As the mysteries of Winnie’s project unfold, I’m horrified by what I discover. I go against my witch, and lose my fur to help Charlie and his new friends.

But with my human body comes the haunting memories of my human past. I only hope the men I’ve come to care for will help me remember how good being human can be.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2023

432 people are currently reading
505 people want to read

About the author

Alba Lockwood

6 books78 followers
Alba Lockwood is a debut author who writes reverse harem, paranormal romance and fantasy.

When she isn’t writing about cats, witches, Gods and other realms, you can find her losing sleep reading books from other amazing authors such as Katie May, Raven Kennedy, Tate James and Jaymin Eve.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
374 (42%)
4 stars
259 (29%)
3 stars
158 (17%)
2 stars
75 (8%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon }.
872 reviews49 followers
December 10, 2023
DNF 47% 2.5 ⭐️’s

Edit: forgot to mention, A LOT of story threads introduced too early, too quickly, without the world building to make you care or want to follow.

For starters, this isn’t bad exactly, just very much not my taste.

It’s a very weird combination, of a lighter, more shallow writing style, and very dark, harsh subject matters. [Domestic abuse, slavery, PTSD, war, torture.]

The combination did not blend well for me, with very limited world building, negligent backstories, and not enough emotions considering the choice of subjects.

I just wasn’t enjoying myself, particularly as I was expecting it to be more humorous.
The FMC went from being a cat to human way too quickly, missing so many opportunities.
I was disappointed by the ‘jokes’ that were included. Other than one [involving toilet paper, but in a non-logical setup], none were appropriate or even closely funny.
There was the leg tangle, but it was…meh, and didn’t include the walking oh-so-slowly in front first. 🤨

This did not read like someone who knows or learnt about cats.

Better inclusions: head bumping coffee while taking mouthful, kneeding claws while being petted, tempting with belly-then sinking in claws and teeth, paw swiping fork or spoon as lifting towards mouth, zoomies at nighttime, cat hair EVERYWHERE [she was long haired 🤨], coughing up hairballs, sharpening claws on furniture [or legs 😬].

Many golden opportunities even non-cat people would recognise and understand!

I’m bored and uncomfortable.
Profile Image for Alba Lockwood.
Author 6 books78 followers
Currently reading
January 5, 2023
My heart and souls went into this book. It's my first book baby, so it's not perfect, it's an experiment but it's a labour of love. The Catalyst of my writing career.

When I started writing this book, I wanted to make something that I loved to read and something that I hadn't seen before.
(If you follow me on here you'll see how severe my reading addiction is)
I also knew I wanted something to do with cats.

I surprised myself when, after many many rewrites, I read my book only to find a cast of characters who all had their own personalities, their own motivations and obstacles but that gelled perfectly with the others. I had funny banter but also really serious issues. I had fantasy but that intertwined with myth and legend of the real world. I had an adventure and a start of a journey that I knew I couldn't wait to continue writing.

I'm so proud of how it turned out and if you've picked up this book, I'm eternally grateful for giving me the chance to share this story with you.

I hope you enjoyed it!

Catatonic will be here soon!
Profile Image for Cee.
3,232 reviews166 followers
June 16, 2025
Really sweet, but also has quite a few dark moments and flashbacks to major abuse. Definitely a slow burn which I always like -- I feel like it gives time for romance and emotions to build naturally. There is a LOT going on though and lots of magical beings are involved from demons, witches, and gods. This feels like the beginning of an epic quest and I'm really interested in seeing where it goes next.
Profile Image for Allison.
28 reviews
April 12, 2023
Gotta be honest, I wanted to love this book but Daithi is not a redeemable character imo
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,100 reviews85 followers
March 9, 2023
3.2 Stars

This story gave me a bit of whiplash. I picked it up because I wanted something light, and sweet, and cute…

Except the author neglected to give us any trigger warnings. Which didn’t mean there weren’t triggers.

This book took a swift turn from sweet and cute and nice… to dark and murderous and rapey. Explicit torture, domestic violence, abuse, rape (and worse) from the FMC’s perspective. Some scenes were memories from her life in the 20’s. Some TW’s happened in the present. It was all very explicit, not mentioned in passing or glossed over either.

I really wasn’t mentally prepared for that. Still, good story. Incomplete series.

- 👀 Multiple first person POV
- 👽 PNR RH (no harem yet)
- ♥️ fated mates
- 🐈‍⬛ Witch and cat familiar, demon, fae, titan
- 🔥 slow/no burn
- 🌶 No spice (this girl is too traumatized for sex, I doubt she’ll ever have sex)
- ‼️ MM relationship, see above for triggers
- 🚫 No OW/OM drama
- 🍒 Virgin FMC, virgin MMC
Profile Image for Vee.
368 reviews164 followers
October 14, 2023
Very much a slow burn, but I like the FMC, despite all the crying. I’m a little less keen on the otherworldly characters, I wish they were all like Charlie and Clawdia was the only magical being amongst them.
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,300 reviews59 followers
January 6, 2023
This was an interesting paranormal romance story mainly told from the POV of a cat familiar. Clawdia is a witch's cat familiar who is noticing her witch being secretive; draining more and more of her magic than before. Her witch is up to something and being the nosey cat that she is; she won't rest until she gets to the bottom of it.

When things get to stressful Clawdia would find herself sneaking away to her next door neighbor Charlie. The handsome hacker she loves to drive crazy. Charlie has always adored the little trouble making furball and always let Clawdia have free reign of his home and personal space.

Clawdia and Charlie's life take a sharp turn into weirdville when Charlie is visited by some otherworldly visitors. Add a Fae, Incubus and Titan to the mix and that's a recipe for a Paranormal Party of Mass Chaos.

This book is definitely a slow burn romance with a lot of character build up. More plot than steam. In fact; there was no steam whatsoever. The author does a good job bouncing between the thoughts of Clawdia the cat familiar Claudia the human she once was. This story has it all Suspense, Soul bonds, Familiars, Witches, Fae, Incubus and a Titan.

Clawdia and Charlie are thrust into a supernatural adventure of epic proportions, a journey neither of them are prepared for. The more they learn about the past and how it is unfolding into the modern human world the more Charlie and Clawdia/Claudia are convinced that the things happening in their world isn't a coincidence and that Fate is greatly at fault to Clawdia/Claudia being not only the key to the mysteries at hand but the Catalyst to which it centers around.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pinky Berg.
126 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2023
A CATchy book. This book is told in a fresh and unique way. I found myself cheering for the FMC and those that she has become a part of her life. I'm already looking forward to reading the book(s) that continue to tell her story and theirs also.
Profile Image for Lisa Hardy.
35 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2022
Catalyst is Alba Lockwood's first novel and I was blown away by this story. The storyline was creative and unique, the characters were nuanced...all the main characters have their strong points but are also dealing with their own trauma. I loved how sassy Clawdicat was and how Clawdia herself is struggling with her past life and the betrayal she's experienced in the current one. There is a liberal sprinkle of humor throughout the story, even in the midst of trials and I appreciate that, because that's often the way life is.
This is very much a slow burn, the FMC is only starting to explore/admit to feelings for two of the men. The first of the two is very sweet as it unfolds. Zaide is quite possibly my new favorite book boyfriend. There are multiple POVs, including her past self which gutted me. Triggers include abuse and bullying (but this one is complicated, she knows it is a grieving/stress response).
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next installment!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cas ✨.
793 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2022
This is also the third time I’m writing this review because Booksprout keeps refreshing before I’m done — so I apologize if I miss something, its incredibly frustrating when you write an essay length review only to have it cleared.

Before I dive into the aspects that I really enjoyed about this book I need to first put a disclaimer here for anyone that is sensitive to certain content. This book is a lot heavier than the synopsis leads you to believe. There really needs to be trigger warnings added to the front matter — especially for suicide, the extensive physical abuse (& essentially torture) done by the father, spousal abuse, and untreated PTSD (esp in this context where it’s villainized), as well as trauma in a medical setting (death of an abuse victim patient). There’s also discussion about one of the mmcs being buried alive and one of the other mmcs being sold into slavery as a child, nevermind their whole cultures being hunted or enslaved. The book is good, please don't get that wrong, but these are potentially triggering subjects and readers should know what they're getting into ahead of time to protect their mental well-being.

The needed note about trigger warnings aside this book was a great read. It was enthralling and entertaining and I was very invested in the characters. I think they were the author’s strongest point; you become quickly attached to everyone involved because they are well-written, well-fleshed out and very relatable despite being various fictional creatures. Sometimes with reverse harem we fall into the same set of guy archetypes but I felt like this author did a really good job making her characters their own people, without it seeming like they were chosen formulaically. The plot is really good too but the characters are what made it hard for me to put this book down, and what will have me picking up the next one despite the heavy content. I really want to know what happens to these characters and see what their eventual HEA will look like.

While this is classed as slow-burn, I would say its closer to glacial pace. If you’re looking for something hot and heavy, this isn’t it. The build up is really well written and I’m sure the steam will be worth it when we do finally get it, but this ended with barely any kissing lol. I will say I normally don’t like slowburn but I did enjoy this story even without the steam. It’s a really great concept and such a unique take on some lesser known myths. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this story next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,322 reviews47 followers
December 27, 2022
I cursed the little voice in my head that was thriving on the chaos and eating popcorn like it was a spectator sport.

If I hadn't read that Catalyst was a debut before I started this book, I swear I would have immediately gone to check out this author's previous work. Catalyst is a wonderful start to a new series, with a very original storyline that mixes up urban fantasy with a touch of sci fi, while incorporating a lot of different tropes. I loved the different characters in this series and especially the connection between Claudia and Charlie is so original and heartbrakingly beautiful, it touched something deep inside me. This is one of the most original ways I ever read about two souls connecting to each other, and I loved it from the very start.

Catalyst is a slow burn why choose novel (and maybe also slow build?), and the burn level makes complete sense with how the story develops. I never missed the spice, because the story kept me captivated from start to finish, and I can't wait to see where this author will take the story next! I swear it really pays off to give this new author a chance and dive into this book.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
204 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2023
Honestly, you would have told me this book was written by a new author and I wouldn't have believed you. Catalyst is an excellent book! I loved it and absolutely 100% recommend it. It's a paranormal story with witches, familiars, fae, demons, titans, etc. The story revolves around Clawdia, a human turned witch's cat familiar upon her death, who lives her best cat life until the day where her witch joins the dark side. The cat POV chapters are amazing. If a cat could talk, I'm convinced it would sound exactly like that. Big props to the author! The story is very well written and interesting with attaching, complex characters. It's fun, funny, definitely has its more dramatic moment - I almost cried at the end - but they bring so much to the overall story. There are many incredible twists and turns you won't see coming. All of that to say, I really loved it and you should totally give it a try!
Profile Image for Cristina.
162 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2023
This is a very different take on a paranormal romance for me. This story is about a witch's familiar who is a cat and we follow her through most of the story. This is a slow burn romance that has some Great characters and amazing world building. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Bretnie Shep.
405 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2023
new favorite

Ummmmmmm yesssssssssss i absolutely looove this !! The humor was amazing, the story line amazing. Had me in my feelz a few times . I can not wait to see what happens next
Profile Image for Rachael.
1,168 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2023
Innovative plot and engrossing characters. Can't wait for the next one :)

TW: Major domestic violence (not bw RH members, but ), suicide .
Profile Image for Kelly Wheeler.
219 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2023
Loved this brand new to me author , and first book in a series ! Well written , characters were great , looking forward to the next book!.

307 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2023
This was an interesting book. The characters were very well thought of. The details were really good. You were able to visualize the story in your mind.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Antonella Sinner.
Author 13 books23 followers
December 19, 2022
This book really drew me in! I was not expecting to fall in love so quickly but I was quickly enraptured by the premise. Sending a round of applause to the author for writing such a great story. The banter between characters was brilliant and really added a light element to the darker themes in the book. Great character development was present and a thrilling storyline. Although this ends on a cliffhanger I didn’t mind it at all.

Can’t wait for the next installment to see what the lovely Alba Lockwood has in store for us!.

🐈 ARC Review 🔮
Profile Image for Natasha Wynn.
151 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2023
Alba Lockwood blew me away with this debut work! Catalyst was so different from any other witch stories I have ever read. I loved the intricate background and character of the familiar; as well as the mix of fantasy characters. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to find out how the rest of this story plays out.
2 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, a well-paced and great storyline involving supernatural and mythological creatures on a quest that suddenly turns very dark. That being said the dark side of the story is interspersed with humour and interpersonal banter from great characters. I particularly enjoyed the characters development and interactions as the story unfolded. I want the next instalment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
52 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2022
I loved this book so much I'm not even mad about the cliffhanger 😂
The characters are so different to each other but they all fit perfectly together. I love the banter between them and all the one liners. There is suspense, action and plenty of surprises and I cannot wait for more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ..
445 reviews39 followers
January 7, 2023
life was too tiring and so she chose to be a cat shes just like me fr
Profile Image for Kassey J.
542 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2023
I really loved the first book and most of the second until right at the end its like the fmc all of a sudden got tstl... and now here we I am just started reading the third and she's still acting tstl I hope it changes soon cuz I was really enjoying these books at first and I'd be so disappointed if it gets ruined.....
I'm on page 132 of the third book and now I believe all the characters a tstl. Like you get a feeling you trust that shït and act on it but no imma just let it slide. No just no. I'm so disappointed In this book so far like I really thought I'd finally found a series to get me out of my book slump but it appears I was shooting to high in my hopes. Maybe I'll keep that hope and try to believe this book will turn around soon.
Now I'm on page 200 and I'm just getting more and more pissed at the book. It's clear the author had a plot in the first book but now it's like 15 different plots in one book which really brings me out of the story and it doesn't help that all our fmc does is cry I thought there'd be some character development with her but no all she does is panic and act as though all her personality is just her being emotional and a gentle soul like come on now I wanted a strong heroine whos survived and strived for better but we only have a weak one who crys constantly. Urgh so much potential and boom now the author loses the plot by having to many side plots and making the fmc who had sass become Mary Sue who's so powerful that she won't use it but to cry.
OK so I finished the 3rd book I thought this was a completed series but apparently not. The next book isn't out until July 2024 so I probably won't be continuing with this series cuz like I said it's pissed me off to much to be interested in finishing it or rereading it when the next book comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
635 reviews
January 5, 2023
This is a really good debut. The concept is incredibly unique - I've never read a book from the perspective of a cat before, so that was a definite first!

I also loved how original and creative the storyline was. It definitely goes against the rinse and repeat style of a lot of popular RH these days.

I would recommend this for people who love paranormal mystery stories, witchy stories, slow burn romance, and anyone who likes the romantic relationships to progress alongside a heavy dose of plot.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lilimomlovesbooks.
253 reviews4 followers
November 7, 2022
I really liked this book! It was funny, yet devastating, adventurous and full of hate and friendship. Just a great mix with some great characters mixed in. I also loved the view of a familiar, as that is something that I hadn't read yet. Wish part two was out already, because hello cliffhanger :'( :D but definitely looking forward to next adventure! 10/10 recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chris.
653 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2023
Not only is this the first story in a new series, but it is also the first novel by this author. I must say that this was a really fun read. I enjoyed the perspective of the story being told from the Familiar. And I love how the story progresses. The twists and turns of her life, and how she became a familiar are so interesting.

I can't wait to see more from this talented Author.
201 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2023
This was a great start to a new series... and for a brand new author. The concept was unique and after reading 511 books last year, it was a much needed departure from the same old same old. I loved Clawdia's POV. It was so cool and different. The plot was well developed. Definitely S L O W burn.

Give Catalyst a chance, especially if you're looking for something out of the ordinary!
Profile Image for Brittany Richardson.
14 reviews14 followers
October 27, 2022
This book was just so great! It had just the right amount of funny and seriousness. It balanced well. I hope the MC can finally find some happiness and I can’t wait to see what happens next! A must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren Louise.
24 reviews
January 9, 2023
A different storyline take on RH, I really liked the foundation to this story and I'm excited for the next installment! I would recommend this if you like slow burn!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Morgan.
86 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2023
4 Stars

I really, really enjoyed this book! Got me out of my book slump. There were terribly sad scenes, and very light hearted and funny scenes, which I think really shows the range of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.