Catalyst

Aspects of Aelda Duology #1

by Brandon Crilly

Street magician Mavrin Leed doesn’t believe in what he can’t see or prove. His performances are mere tricks; the only true magic in Aelda comes from the benevolent, god-like Aspects circling it. As long as They keep the Lifesphere intact, he stays out of Their way.

Labeled a heretic, Eyasu Temergon is convinced that Aelda’s true history was hidden, even from the Aspects. He scours forgotten shadows for proof of the Raw, creatures of energy tied to the fracturing of his world. When their sudden emergence leads to destruction and chaos, Eyasu puts aside his estrangement with his old friend, and hopes Mavrin can do the same.

Ex-soldier Deyeri Renn has a mystery of her own: why are her city’s leaders so interested in the Raw? She spent too long fighting in the Winds to let a myth harm her city, and too many years alone to accept the life-worn man who bumbles back into her home, with no right to ask for her help.

As Deyeri, Mavrin, and Eyasu unpack the secrets that once drove them apart, every seal in their relationship means one more crack that could unravel Aelda’s very existence.

Catalyst is the stunning debut by Ottawa author Brandon Crilly, a fantasy tale of magic, friendship, and holding a broken world together.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Adult

364 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2022

About the author

Brandon Crilly is a Canadian novelist, games writer, and speaker specializing in weird worlds with doses of cli-fi, characters on the sidelines and outside-the-box adventures. His debut novel Catalyst won an IPPY Award for Fantasy in 2023; Castoff will be his second novel, completing the Aspects of Aelda duology in 2025. He has more than 50 published short works to date, in markets including Fusion Fragment, Apex Magazine, and Year’s Best Canadian Fantasy and Science Fiction. Brandon is also a freelance games writer, contributing to award-winning IP lines like The Expanse RPG and Shadowrun and publishers including Kobold Press and Gallant Knight Games. Find out more about his upcoming releases by following him on Instagram or signing up for his newsletter via brandoncrilly.com.

Reviews

[Julie Czerneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novels come in all shapes and qualities, esp when they start a series. I approach reading one, especially from a friend, with a certain caution. We learn by doing, after all.
Well, not this time. Brandon Crilly's first novel doesn't read like a debut at all. It's confident, brilliantly original--windroutes! a fractured remnant of a planet held together by very cool not-gods! and the magic? Whoa!--with characters who are complex and care about their world and each other, when not frustrated or bearing grudges. There's humour and drama. Suspense and so much wonder.
Really, all I can say is CATALYST is a great, deceptively fun read, for there's depth here and mystery galore.
I cannot wait for the next installment. Very highly recommended.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Catalyst” is an amazing fantasy novel written by Ottawa-based tutor and short stories writer Brandon Crilly. The action starts with the protagonist, Mavrin, staging a trick that purposefully goes hilariously wrong when a strong wind sadly distracts the show. Multiple near-disappointments seem to whisper to him, suggesting it’s time to hang up his boots. Nevertheless, he carries on as if nothing has happened, only to be distracted again by a strange-looking dark figure in the crowd. He is so scared that he can’t help but wonder whether the figure is a looming death sign.

What was thought to be a myth was turning out to be a reality and a twist of events shifts the tale’s moods from heartwarming to chill and dread.An alacritous adrenaline-fueled search through a creepy environment is about to reveal the most horrifying discovery to an already exhausted Mavrin. Together with the dark figure turned old friend, they can’t believe it when a striking grave look, coupled with a harsh driveling voice, casts its eyes in their direction – a scene that nearly sends them packing. Could the dark powers of Raw be manifesting physically? How does Mavrin protect himself from one of the scariest faces he has ever seen?

This book is marked by both tremendous storytelling and astonishing imagination. The author takes readers on a fantasy journey that is the direct replica of a Hollywood movie in action and imagery, so well told that scenes seem to jump out of the pages, giving the readers a suspenseful grip that holds from beginning to end. The apocalyptic feel, wide-eyed panic, and horrifying graphics make this tale irresistible, pulling readers out of their comfort zones in both fear and anxiety. Crilly has also incorporated the supernatural with the psychological to create a blockbuster that leaves one looking at fantasy differently.

“Catalyst” is an intense five-star novel that has depth in magic, humor, and marvel, making it unique and spectacular among other fantasy reads, and one that will start your obsession for Brandon Crilly’s creativity. It has the potential to do very well globally, and readers can always hope to be treated to such impressive reads by the author in the near future.

[Emily A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start with all of the things I enjoyed and admired about this story:

-the writing is STRONG! It’s a little on the denser side, without being flowery and overdone. It weaves an incredibly intricate story with a vast spectrum of emotions.
-the world is complex and detailed. It is well-developed and immersive and interesting!
-Mavrin, Eyasu, and Deyeri are older characters, and well fleshed-out. Characters with age and experience provide such a distinctive perspective.
-I really enjoyed the overall story arc and themes: balance in nature, faith, fate, and freedom of religion, if you will.

All that being said, there were some things I had mixed feelings about:
-While I feel the world is rich and developed, it felt so in a way as though I was reading a second book in a series, instead of the first. Perhaps I missed a glossary of terms (likely I did), but that would have helped immensely. It took me about 45% of the way through to even remotely somewhat grasp the concepts this world is built upon.
-I wished we would have gotten perspective from Aulina. Her character has a lot of potential and while I understand the purpose she served, it would have felt more rounded out to have perspective from her/the Raw to really piece together and understand each character’s motives and goals.’
-The pacing waned too many times! It was slow, slow, slow, burn for the reward at around 75/80%.


3.5 ⭐️, rounding to a 4 here.

Would definitely read from this author again!

[✵ Kas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catalyst is perfect for readers who enjoy imaginative world-building and immersive fantasy/sci-fi adventure. This book is about friendship, trust, faith, secrets, and just the casual task of STOPPING THEIR WORLD GOING BAD. I was really impressed with Crilly's level of detail in the world he has created. How does this airship work, you ask? Brandon's got it covered. Really, the setting was VERY COOL, I loved the post-apocalyptic vibe- cloudless skies, Windroutes, glass domes to grow produce, god-like MONSTER THINGS, that place where you *MIGHT* fall off the edge but who knows. I loved the main characters, especially Mavrin the magician, Eyasu and Aulina. I enjoyed their witty quips and friendship. I would definitely liked to have seen more of Aulina in the book. If you're smarter than me you'll love the complex storyline though I must admit I personally got a bit lost at times. Overall this is a very good debut novel and Crilly works his magic with this genre!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I was able to get an advance copy of this fantastic debut novel. Brandon Crilly has created an immersive, fully fleshed out world brimming with the sense of wonder and awe that I love in fantasy fiction. But while the world-building is terrific, the characters are where the book truly shines. It's an ensemble where each member feels grounded and real, and I loved exploring this land with them.

Definite recommend!

[E.D.E. Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't be prouder of this book or watching it be shared with the world.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fantasy and dystopian fiction so a new fantasy novel with a strong dystopian theme really ticked all the boxes for me.
Aelda is a broken world, fractured in years gone by and now held together by the gods and their magic. The inhabitants survive in isolated communities growing food in glass domes and trading. However, there are also The Raw, beings made of energy who were somehow involved in the fracturing of the planet. They seem to be gathering power and becoming stronger which could destroy the fragile balance of life. The world building is brilliant and each of the different settings really comes to life.
I loved the main characters especially Mavrin and Deyeri who were once involved with each other and their new relationship is touchy to say the least. The interplay between all the characters is interesting and there is a brilliant supporting cast too including the young wind ship captain.
The story line is complex and at times, I struggled to follow what was going on but the novel does repay perseverance and it all comes together at the end. It is obviously intended to be a series but the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger and this part of the story is well-resolved. I will certainly look out for the future books to see where Mavrin etc end up next.
Thank you to Net Galley and Atthis Arts for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although you could say it was ambitious for a first novel, Brandon Crilly's "Catalyst" is just ambitious, period. It's world-building has a classic "speculative fiction" feel, from the days when "science fiction" and "fantasy" weren't such clear categories, and it thrusts you into a strange and different world. I like that the world feels lived-in and well thought out, and that the protagonists are people with history and some miles under the hood, rather than fresh off the farm. Honestly, it wasn't always an easy read: There's little hand-holding in terms of the setting, so it bears a closer-than-casual read, but "Catalyst" is very much a worthwhile one.

[Colleen Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set in an imaginative unique world which continued to fascinate me as it unfolded. My only real complaint is that I would have like it to be longer so that we could explore the world and the characters more. So not really a complaint at all. I just wanted more.

There are compelling characters and I particularly loved the ship’s captain but given the number of characters, I would have liked more depth than space allowed.

Still a great read and impressive world building. If you like ‘the band getting back together to save the city’ books, Catalyst should be right up your alley.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good writing here. Fantasy is not my go-to genre, but the details and characters kept me interested and engaged. Crilly has written quite a bit, so this being an enjoyable story was not a surprise. He has put all his talent into this one. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply imaginative debut with some really lovely relationships. I found the worldbuilding was a bit of a heavy lift (especially for something without the word count and subsequent space of an epic fantasy), and would have appreciated an appendix/glossary for all the terms and names to help keep them straight, but I'm excited to see where all the foundational stuff goes in the sequel.

[Ergative Absolutive · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt odd to give such a low rating to, because it had all the parts that combine to make the sort of story I usually like. We have mature characters with a variety of skills and backstory (no longer young wunderkinds who must come of age and learn things in front of us); we have an imaginative world-building that made me work to understand it; we have a conflict with an antagonist that comes down to a solution which does NOT involve fighting. We have WINDSHIPS and magic--both stage magic and also real magic. We have wandering scholars on a hopeless Cassandra-like quest; we have aging magicians and retired fighters and second chance love and friendship. I love these kind of things!

The problem is that I didn't feel any depth to the plot or emotional connection to any of this. I didn't care about the characters; I found their fumbling attempts at rapprochement frustrating, the repeated friction and reopening of old wounds unconvincing and irritating. I found the characterization shallow, too: the stage magician keeps being presented as using his unique magician talents because he's not a fighter and no longer a scholar and so cannot draw on any other special skills. But as far as I can tell he doesn't actually make much use of any of the clever gadgets he uses in his shows, and when push comes to shove the extent of his magician skills seem to come down to 'Ah, we must redirect people's attention elsewhere! Misdirection! The key is misdirection!' and so they make a decoy maguffin that misdirects the antagonist for like two seconds.


[nb: spoilers follow]
The plot felt shallow, too. The solution is literally a deus ex machina: they are in a hidden sanctuary with a machine, and then the gods get involved and make everyone sit down and talk it out, like middle schoolers in detention for fighting.

The world-building had some elements of coolness to it. I liked the windships. I liked the hints of large-scale politics, how the Unity is trying to be a generalized government and the city of Farglade is trying to hold off Unity to build its own more socialist collective, but the ruling council is rotting from within. I thought the way the Raw gave Breck constant horrific hallucinations, sometimes as an attempt to warn him what to say and what not to say, but other times for no apparent reason other than to remind him of their power over him, was a stroke of genius. Not necessarily narrative genius, as the nature of their power over him was never quite clear, since they're supposed to be trapped in the dariss, but on a scene-level it was great. Every time he hallucinates something, I was caught by surprise.

Still, those flashes of excellence were too few and far between. It took me ages to slog through this book. Too bad. A valiant swing, but a miss all the same.

[Anika Verhagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a post apocalyptic, fractured world, the gods that kept the humans alive keep watch passing by over the livesphere they created. But when Mavrin, a travelling magician, makes the mistake of giving a young member of his audience a gift, simple, as he thought. He could have never known that it would unleash an ancient power, almost as strong as their gods. Now it is on him, and an old friend, to save the girl the power has taken. And their entire world.

I really adored the world and magic, the lore and the characters of this story
The magic was very religion-based, use of it coming in the form of "requests", which seem to be a sort of prayer asking for help, and aren't always answered.
The society in this world is inclusive, hand signs for the gender and preferences of a person being part of their introductions.

The characters had depth, especially Mavrin felt like a friend at the end of the story. Eyasu is a sweetheart with just that little touch of darkness, and I would like to adopt Aulina and Atera, they are mine now.

Towards the end of the book there were a couple of scenes that were more brutal than the rest of the book had me expecting? It wasn't unfitting or unwelcome, but unexpected

All in all, a lovely reading experience that i put off for longer than I should have.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started pretty promising. The world seemed interesting, Mavrin had a unique backstory and there was a bit of a mystery. This eventually turned into a fairly adventurous "save the world" type plot with an odd group of characters. I found the plot compelling and it kept my attention. However, I never got the world building I wanted.

This world had so much promise and I get leaving a little mystery but it was just not explained enough for me. There were too many titles that weren't totally explained (for example, I'm not totally sure what a Voice is) and the whole Catalyst and Aspects thing is so vague. I know that vague big bad works for some but I'm not them. I wanted to know what these things were and how this relationship they had with people came to be. And were they the ones on the other side of these "incursions"? I just don't know and I needed to know to be fully invested. I also was originally interested in this one because of the cover and while there were some early mentions of beings (or maybe things) flying overhead, it was not a big part of the story and I would have liked to understand that better.

Despite struggling to understand the world, I still was hooked by the plot and moved through the last 50% of this one pretty quickly, wanting to know what happened.

* I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leo Valiquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon Crilly's debut novel is a "let's get the band back together" kind of story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The scattered remnants of humanity survive on a shattered planet held together by benevolent "gods" who cruise the skies and can be called upon to grant miracles. Three estranged friends must reconcile and work together to prevent humanity's past crimes against another species from destroying the present. The world-building is rich, the characters appealingly flawed and human, and the seeds are well planted for more story to come.

Catalyst is billed as fantasy but I think it skirts the edge of sci-fi. As Arthur C. Clarke famously said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” I expect we will find out more should this story continue.

[Nərmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It started pretty slow and I lost interest at first, but towards the middle it was quite a page turner. I enjoyed it more than I realized. I found the idea of aspects, the god-like beings and the energy- Raw- a very intriguing one. Especially, having a kind of magical power as a result of religious requests was an interesting idea. The characters were nice and quite fleshed-out. The worldbuilding was wonderful, even though it was pretty hard to understand at first. I think as a debut novel, the book was a success.
I recommend it to everyone who is into post-apocalyptic world with some magic.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stopped reading after just over a third of the book. I found that there was too much world-building that did not add to the story and way too much on the belief system. I found the protagonists luke warm; neither likable nor dislikable. The pacing was poor with the story moving along too slowly, which is too bad because I felt that the underlying story had lots of potential. Thank you to Netgalley and Atthis Arts for the advance reader copy.

[Erin Rockfort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent character-driven fantasy story! I love the main players of this book and their relationships with each other: how they come back together after years to tackle a new threat. Mavrin's reactions to the situations in which he finds himself feel very real and grounded, and watching him reconnect with Eyasu and Deyeri was deeply satisfying. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here, and what is next in store for these people!

[John Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot remixes familiar elements (post-apocalyptic world, former friends with unresolved emotions, religious establishment hiding dangerous truths about the world and its history) enjoyably enough, and the characters wrestling with how and why some prayers are answered but not others is an unusual and enjoyable subplot.

[Jasmine Quirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, fantasy is not usually my jam. I’m definitely more of a romance girl so at first it took a little bit to get me into it. But boy did it convince me!! Loved the book and can’t wait to read more from the author, highly recommend!