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Catalyst #2
Kingdoms of Sorrow
A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out. Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats —both man-made and natural, leave their chances on a razors edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new threat none of them saw coming. The ‘Messengers’ are like a biblical plague, destroying everything—and everyone—in their path.
Time is short for the survivors and a grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear. Don’t miss out on the second installment of the bestselling Catalyst series
Time is short for the survivors and a grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear. Don’t miss out on the second installment of the bestselling Catalyst series
510 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2020
788 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Franks
22 books207 followersAdmitted tech geek, entrepreneur, cyclist and inveterate storyteller, JK Franks’ world was formed by a childhood spent in the rural South growing up during the Space Age. This is when he developed a love for writing. He also became an avid student of history and science, and a regular reader of reference books and biographies. Once he discovered science fiction he never looked back.
His protagonists are human: not superheroes, just normal people with the same problems as everyone else, but who rise to challenges when they come along. The Catalyst series combines his passion for hard science fiction with his outlook on self-reliance.
Franks and his wife now live in West Point, Georgia. He is currently working on this next book. No matter where he is or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can visit him on the web at www.jkfranks.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for updates, promotions, and giveaways. You can also find the author on Facebook or email him directly at media@jkfranks.com.
His protagonists are human: not superheroes, just normal people with the same problems as everyone else, but who rise to challenges when they come along. The Catalyst series combines his passion for hard science fiction with his outlook on self-reliance.
Franks and his wife now live in West Point, Georgia. He is currently working on this next book. No matter where he is or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can visit him on the web at www.jkfranks.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for updates, promotions, and giveaways. You can also find the author on Facebook or email him directly at media@jkfranks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 20, 2024
Well paced and great story. Very entertaining with great characters.
August 9, 2017
Kingdoms of Sorrow is the second novel in a new post apocalyptic series. I'd purchased the first audiobook, Catalyst, when it was released, and I had rated that 5 star. So when an opportunity came along to get a free review copy from Audiobook Blast for an unbiased review, I jumped at it.
The first book was great, and more micro level, primarily dealing with a family and interactions with other parties. This novel opens up the world and timeline more, covering bigger picture parties including the mysterious organisation encountered in the first novel, starting in the ancient past, to preapocalypse, answered even more threat to the post pulse threat with an ancient contagion being accidentally leaked when the lights all went out.
The heart of the story however revolves around the two brothers and family from the first novel, and the imminent threat of attack by a human plague of a crazed religious cult.
The story is a great length. And it does end at a satisfactory end point and finishes some plots. So it isn't left on a massive cliffhanger.
The narration is fantastic, but there was at least one accent that should have been redone as it introduced an error (eg, the narrator had the character speaking with a suitable accent for the nationality, but then the other character in the scene asked if they spoke well and if they were actually American).
I'm looking forward to the sequels, in particular to find what happens with the plague spread.
The first book was great, and more micro level, primarily dealing with a family and interactions with other parties. This novel opens up the world and timeline more, covering bigger picture parties including the mysterious organisation encountered in the first novel, starting in the ancient past, to preapocalypse, answered even more threat to the post pulse threat with an ancient contagion being accidentally leaked when the lights all went out.
The heart of the story however revolves around the two brothers and family from the first novel, and the imminent threat of attack by a human plague of a crazed religious cult.
The story is a great length. And it does end at a satisfactory end point and finishes some plots. So it isn't left on a massive cliffhanger.
The narration is fantastic, but there was at least one accent that should have been redone as it introduced an error (eg, the narrator had the character speaking with a suitable accent for the nationality, but then the other character in the scene asked if they spoke well and if they were actually American).
I'm looking forward to the sequels, in particular to find what happens with the plague spread.
June 12, 2019
This book was given to me for free when I requested the first book in the series, and I provided this voluntary review.
I’m really enjoying the Catalyst series so far. Where book one was more of a setup book Kingdoms of Sorrow really is about the plot and the story. We learn more about the grey shirts and the infection that is occurring in some locations. There are also some vile antagonists in the form of the messengers.
Some of the new characters and perspectives kept the book interesting as well. We get to see Scott’s brother’s interaction with the messengers and follow his journey to try and get to Scott and Harris Springs. Skybox’s pov chapters also were entertaining and gave us some inside information on the grey shirts along with more questions concerning them.
I really enjoy this series, but my one criticism is the books aren’t as real as advertised. Maybe it’s my tech/IT background but any time the author goes into something concerning tech I really have to remind myself this is a work of fiction. I don’t really have a problem with it as I enjoy the books and will be purchasing the following short story and the last book but if there is a real CME I’m pretty sure the internet would not be working.
I listened to the audio book. As far as the narration goes, I think Steve Varnum is an excellent narrator who varies his voice for different characters and sets the tone of each scene in the book very well.
I’m really enjoying the Catalyst series so far. Where book one was more of a setup book Kingdoms of Sorrow really is about the plot and the story. We learn more about the grey shirts and the infection that is occurring in some locations. There are also some vile antagonists in the form of the messengers.
Some of the new characters and perspectives kept the book interesting as well. We get to see Scott’s brother’s interaction with the messengers and follow his journey to try and get to Scott and Harris Springs. Skybox’s pov chapters also were entertaining and gave us some inside information on the grey shirts along with more questions concerning them.
I really enjoy this series, but my one criticism is the books aren’t as real as advertised. Maybe it’s my tech/IT background but any time the author goes into something concerning tech I really have to remind myself this is a work of fiction. I don’t really have a problem with it as I enjoy the books and will be purchasing the following short story and the last book but if there is a real CME I’m pretty sure the internet would not be working.
I listened to the audio book. As far as the narration goes, I think Steve Varnum is an excellent narrator who varies his voice for different characters and sets the tone of each scene in the book very well.
September 5, 2025
The second book in J.D. Franks’ Catalyst series is an energetic and engaging follow-up to the first. The story builds naturally with deeper character development and a thickening plot that kept me invested throughout.
At its core, the book follows a man who, after a divorce, moves to a quiet coastal town only to have his life upended by a world-changing event. What begins as a simple fresh start quickly evolves into a gripping tale of survival. He bands together with a small group of individuals who become more than companions, they become family.
As a military intelligence professional, I found this story especially appealing. The conspiracies, shadowy operations, and unfolding events felt right in my wheelhouse of fiction. Without giving away too much of the plot, readers can expect to encounter a global apocalypse scenario, a government shadow group, religious fanatics, and a community learning to survive together. The group is led by an intelligence analyst working alongside the United States Navy, a perspective that brings credibility and intrigue to the narrative.
Overall, this book is a great continuation of the series. The blend of action, mystery, and human resilience makes it an enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to diving into the third installment of the Catalyst series next.
At its core, the book follows a man who, after a divorce, moves to a quiet coastal town only to have his life upended by a world-changing event. What begins as a simple fresh start quickly evolves into a gripping tale of survival. He bands together with a small group of individuals who become more than companions, they become family.
As a military intelligence professional, I found this story especially appealing. The conspiracies, shadowy operations, and unfolding events felt right in my wheelhouse of fiction. Without giving away too much of the plot, readers can expect to encounter a global apocalypse scenario, a government shadow group, religious fanatics, and a community learning to survive together. The group is led by an intelligence analyst working alongside the United States Navy, a perspective that brings credibility and intrigue to the narrative.
Overall, this book is a great continuation of the series. The blend of action, mystery, and human resilience makes it an enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to diving into the third installment of the Catalyst series next.
August 29, 2019
I received the series Catalyst (except America Exodus) for free on Amazon. So I am writing this review for returning my respect and support to J.K Franks. The series is awesome and its story, characters are well-developed through the books. I love how the author explains scientific concepts about IT, history, biology, survival, military tech,...through dialogues; easy to absorb and keep up what's going on.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
1. Downward Circle: about the beginning with the CME event which disabled the global electric grid. The USA was collapsing. Scott Montgomery and some new friends prepared the survival and built the community.
The story is slow-paced and you will easily give up the book. But please don't if you want to hype with the series.
2. Kingdom Of Sorrow: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with a huge storm as well as other survival communities.
This is where the hype begins, the story is fast-paced, characters and dialogues are more well-developed.
3. Ghost Country: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with the ruthless president and her military as well as lethal disease making victims turn into something like zombies (or worse). But most important of all, he faced a truth that he had never expected.
Best of the series when there are many plot twists in the story, especially at the end of the book. You will not want to put the book down and want to finish the book to know the answer.
The series is a great choice for anyone want to try survival or post-apocalypse genre like me.
We fight, we live, we love - Scott Montgomery.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!
1. Downward Circle: about the beginning with the CME event which disabled the global electric grid. The USA was collapsing. Scott Montgomery and some new friends prepared the survival and built the community.
The story is slow-paced and you will easily give up the book. But please don't if you want to hype with the series.
2. Kingdom Of Sorrow: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with a huge storm as well as other survival communities.
This is where the hype begins, the story is fast-paced, characters and dialogues are more well-developed.
3. Ghost Country: Scott Montgomery and his community faced with the ruthless president and her military as well as lethal disease making victims turn into something like zombies (or worse). But most important of all, he faced a truth that he had never expected.
Best of the series when there are many plot twists in the story, especially at the end of the book. You will not want to put the book down and want to finish the book to know the answer.
The series is a great choice for anyone want to try survival or post-apocalypse genre like me.
We fight, we live, we love - Scott Montgomery.
January 27, 2025
"Kingdoms of Sorrow" is a realistic portrayal of a societal collapse with countless threats and situations that are beyond challenging. Water, food, environment, and most of all, human threats are abound. They threaten life with human suffering and provide a glimpse into how our world in America would dramatically change without electricity and modern conveniences that we have today. The book is full of suspense and graphic portrayals of the abuse of power and the impact to individuals fighting for control and power.
Character development was strong throughout the book, and I was able to connect with the characters and grew to be emersed in their lives. I found myself relating the characters and wondering how my life and people close to me would fair in an event as challenging as an EMP (not a spoiler).
This read is not for the faint of heart as you become engrossed in the story, it's wise to keep life in perspective and enjoy the things you have today and be grateful. But also, potentially consider having contingency plans if things go south, whether that is an EMP or the collapse of society with a breakdown in the rule of law.
Definitely a book I'd recommend for anyone that is preparedness minded or likes apocalyptic scenarios.
Character development was strong throughout the book, and I was able to connect with the characters and grew to be emersed in their lives. I found myself relating the characters and wondering how my life and people close to me would fair in an event as challenging as an EMP (not a spoiler).
This read is not for the faint of heart as you become engrossed in the story, it's wise to keep life in perspective and enjoy the things you have today and be grateful. But also, potentially consider having contingency plans if things go south, whether that is an EMP or the collapse of society with a breakdown in the rule of law.
Definitely a book I'd recommend for anyone that is preparedness minded or likes apocalyptic scenarios.
August 20, 2017
The discovery of an abandon cruise ship was quite fortunate for the community of Harris Springs. Although it had its negative points it was quite a sturdy structure to brave the tropical storms that roamed the Gulf Coast. It served as home for more than 200 survivors. There were still those that lived in and around Harris Springs for various reasons. Religious zealots known as the Messengers turned up, populating the airwaves with their hate speech. Unfortunately they would create more serious problems for many survivors. Scott and his group of prepper friends struggle to keep their community afloat and headed in a positive direction. Additional problems and internal treachery make the groups’ mission even more difficult. This is a great story with well-developed, likable characters. I’m looking forward to at least one more book in the series. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
August 19, 2017
I won this copy from Goodreads and as a bonus was able to download Book 1 - Downward Cycle which I read first & I already rated. Kingdoms of Sorrow continues the narrative of humanity challenges after a cataclysmic event. Franks has portrayed a highly believable new reality pitting man against man, survival groups against other groups, factions of government trying to impose their ideals of what is required to survive and the rise of a religious/white supremacist movement. Survival becomes everything in the year following the event. Only the lengths the various factions go to survive differentiate the morals of each group. Oh yes, also throw in the accidental release of a deadly pathogen into the mix. A well crafted series so far and I looking forward to Book 3.
July 20, 2025
Excellent Survival Novel!
This series is absolutely captivating and the characters are well constructed and believable.
The violence might bother some readers, but honesty, on a world left without power, water and food, I believe that the author has captured exactly what most people would do. Yes, there are also "good guys" and I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for them over and over.
The travels on foot and by water led to the main characters who were interesting, some who tagged along and will probably be an integral part of the final book in this series.
As post apolyptic novels go, this one rates five stars for me and I think that fans of this genre will thoroughly enjoy the series!
This series is absolutely captivating and the characters are well constructed and believable.
The violence might bother some readers, but honesty, on a world left without power, water and food, I believe that the author has captured exactly what most people would do. Yes, there are also "good guys" and I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for them over and over.
The travels on foot and by water led to the main characters who were interesting, some who tagged along and will probably be an integral part of the final book in this series.
As post apolyptic novels go, this one rates five stars for me and I think that fans of this genre will thoroughly enjoy the series!
January 17, 2022
J.K. Franks has done it again. Created a believable, well researched post-apocalyptic world. The second book of the Catalyst series, is even better that the first. A solar flare has sent the world back to a time of darkness. Add to that a potential war between rival military groups, a potential pandemic and a gang of marauding bandits, and the survivors are pressed on all sides. The US has devolved into a non-nation of small city states. As they struggle to survive by planting crops and building a safe world, they are forced to hide from those who would take it all by force.
This is fast moving, exciting story that kept me up late, and leaves me wanting more.
This is fast moving, exciting story that kept me up late, and leaves me wanting more.
Read
July 25, 2023Series Gets Better With Each Book
The characters in this series are all so interesting. The main characters form a strong bond and truly regard one another as family.
I like that there are many good people left.
One cause of this apocalypse is still a mystery. The Catalyst group's tactics are brutal and it is still unknown who is in control of them.
Conditions place the characters in bare survival mode, but they are surviving, so far.
Plenty of twists and turns. Excellent plot with action that moves along fast. You will care about the characters in this series. Some are quite characters, indeed!
The characters in this series are all so interesting. The main characters form a strong bond and truly regard one another as family.
I like that there are many good people left.
One cause of this apocalypse is still a mystery. The Catalyst group's tactics are brutal and it is still unknown who is in control of them.
Conditions place the characters in bare survival mode, but they are surviving, so far.
Plenty of twists and turns. Excellent plot with action that moves along fast. You will care about the characters in this series. Some are quite characters, indeed!
June 10, 2019
There's more violence in this book than in the previous book in this series, some of it seeming a bit more contrived and unlikely. It does keep the story exciting and suspenseful, though.
Scott and his group are back, and Steven Varnum voices the characters as well as he did in the previous audiobook in this series.
Although not quite a cliffhanger, some major loose ends still remain at the end of this story.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Scott and his group are back, and Steven Varnum voices the characters as well as he did in the previous audiobook in this series.
Although not quite a cliffhanger, some major loose ends still remain at the end of this story.
Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 9, 2024
The saga continues with Sott and the gang surviving on the Aquatic Goddess ship and onshore in Mississippi. Scott's brother Bobby is making his way from Little Rock to MS, via the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers, but finds trouble all the way. Meanwhile, Skybox is undergoing studies since he is immune to the pandemic that killed his troops. The "Messengers" army of crazy religious zealots is spreading like the plague and heading to Mississippi along with a nasty hurricane. A little faster pace than book one.
October 31, 2017
Wonderful series and very well thought out.
The characters are very believable, the situation are at times a bit far out but also plausible.
I can tell this wasn’t a story thrown together in a few days. There is much attention given to getting things right. I can’t wait for the next installment on audio. The narrator is really good too.
Love this series.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
The characters are very believable, the situation are at times a bit far out but also plausible.
I can tell this wasn’t a story thrown together in a few days. There is much attention given to getting things right. I can’t wait for the next installment on audio. The narrator is really good too.
Love this series.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
May 18, 2018
I was a little put off that besides the EMP and resulting breakdown in society, there is a fanatical "religious" horde and now a storm and on top of that an extinction level pandemic? Seems a bit much. I think I would just give up. That being said, I do like the writing and the story overall. The pandemic felt more like a mechanism to introduce us to the Skybox character and the threat faded a bit with everything else going on. I guess it will be coming at some point?
November 2, 2018
Interesting concept about using a cruise ship as a base site for a community. I prefer post apocalyptic stories where communities or groups of people work together to survive because I would hope that situations like that would actually happen. The story is well written and characters are, for the most part, believable. At least they are not all military superheroes who are armed to the teeth being attacked by zombies. I look forward to reading the final book in the series.
March 26, 2019
A JKF. SYFY. Novel (CB.- 2)/ The Worst Has Occurred and Now Comes the Unwanted Desert
JKF. has. penned the second novel in the Catalyst Book series. Society continues to collapse. A modern American no longer exists. Those that cared about the planet are long gone. The Mississippi Group has grown, but with growth comes oversight. The US Government Puppet Masters are dealing from the bottom of their stacked deck. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JKF. has. penned the second novel in the Catalyst Book series. Society continues to collapse. A modern American no longer exists. Those that cared about the planet are long gone. The Mississippi Group has grown, but with growth comes oversight. The US Government Puppet Masters are dealing from the bottom of their stacked deck. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
December 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this whole series. This one I had to suspend the most disbelief but since it was how I wanted things to be it worked. The series gets better and better. I am especially impressed with the characters. They are real people, with flaws. They make mistakes and act out of fear as well as rise to the occasion. Definitely the most realistic post world disaster books I have read.
I received these books from the author and I am happy to leave this reveiw.
I received these books from the author and I am happy to leave this reveiw.
December 23, 2021
Book review of JK Franks' novel "Catalyst: Book 2":
This is a fast-paced novel with lots of action ranging from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Caribbean, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There was lots of dramatic tension which Franks wove into the subplots and yielded a satisfactory ending.
I highly recommend it.
This is a fast-paced novel with lots of action ranging from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Caribbean, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There was lots of dramatic tension which Franks wove into the subplots and yielded a satisfactory ending.
I highly recommend it.
September 10, 2023
Well written addition to this saga
JK Frank's has one again added to this believable tale. To survive and bring a few along for the ride. With a preacher, a Ghost, soldiers, sailors and braniacs all trying to make the best of what's left after a CME devastated the world. I hope to see this on the big screen soon. I'll be jumping on the next chapter. 😁
JK Frank's has one again added to this believable tale. To survive and bring a few along for the ride. With a preacher, a Ghost, soldiers, sailors and braniacs all trying to make the best of what's left after a CME devastated the world. I hope to see this on the big screen soon. I'll be jumping on the next chapter. 😁
August 24, 2024
Better than the first book but of course that means more violence, death and destruction. Solo is still kicking butts and not taking names but Bartos is seriously injured and I don't know if the author will make him fully recover or not. It is hard to know which way a person that gets a T.B.I. will go.
September 9, 2025
The story is great. It introduces more characters and trouble. Gave the actual writing and vibe 5 stars. Unfortunately, on Audible, the narrator is different from the first book. There are sections that sound computer generated and the context is off. He does have good accents but, to me, the characters we know and love shouldn't sound like that.
October 3, 2025
Apocalyptic
The second volume of the Catalyst thriller barrels along wildly. The multiple viewpoints and shifts of scene are a bit jarring, but apparently necessary to the whole. Odd connections between characters pop up, heroic & dangerous rescues take place, and some important people die. I’ll be picking up book three because I need to know what happens next.
The second volume of the Catalyst thriller barrels along wildly. The multiple viewpoints and shifts of scene are a bit jarring, but apparently necessary to the whole. Odd connections between characters pop up, heroic & dangerous rescues take place, and some important people die. I’ll be picking up book three because I need to know what happens next.
June 15, 2017
Very good
Very interesting book with ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. I liked it very much. Yes, there are some military men involved but they are not the main focus, ordinary people doing the best they can are.
Very interesting book with ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. I liked it very much. Yes, there are some military men involved but they are not the main focus, ordinary people doing the best they can are.
November 10, 2018
A Must Read
An outstanding read. Such a great series. Well written with honest characters that you want to fight along side with. I encourage you to start reading this series you won't be disappointed
An outstanding read. Such a great series. Well written with honest characters that you want to fight along side with. I encourage you to start reading this series you won't be disappointed
November 30, 2018
The first book in this series was really good. This one is starting get a bit ridiculous. How many threats can 1 group get? An emp, a hurricane, a disease, mauraders, caught between two military groups, etc etc. it's well written but after a while it's a bit too extreme.
February 5, 2019
Awesome
Intense, bloody, and an awesome dog! The perfect ingredients for a great story. Well written and imaginative. A fun read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Intense, bloody, and an awesome dog! The perfect ingredients for a great story. Well written and imaginative. A fun read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 5, 2023
Even fewer reviews than the first! This book is when post apocalyptic living really goes south. Trying to stay alive and fighting the bad elements who were nobodies before the systems go down then become spiritual leaders after. A fun read!
January 31, 2024
Wow
I read this off Ang on over a lengthy span, but every time I picked up where I left off , I was enthralled. I lost sleep, time and some martial responsibilities where lacking. This is a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book of the series.
I read this off Ang on over a lengthy span, but every time I picked up where I left off , I was enthralled. I lost sleep, time and some martial responsibilities where lacking. This is a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book of the series.
March 10, 2024
Poor characterization, spotty technical detail, all tell and no show
More explanation than narrative, good survivalist technical detail, truly terrible aviation research, no character development. Won't be buying anymore from this author.
More explanation than narrative, good survivalist technical detail, truly terrible aviation research, no character development. Won't be buying anymore from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews