Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Catharsis: 2066

Rate this book
The year is 2066. Earth is exhausted by centuries of industrial gluttony, and widespread resource depletion. Earth has been reduced to a grim grey dot, limping through the cosmos on its final breath. But, when an ancient SOS is detected in the far reaches of our galaxy from an unknown entity, a long-forgotten scientist doesn't just see this as an opportunity for first contact — but a fast track to potential success, and immortality within the pages of Earth's history. Against the better judgement of his assistant Marcus - Dr Burke responds, setting in motion a series of events that will ripple throughout the course of human history.

As the public becomes aware, anti-government factions are born within the abandoned metro system of Washington DC. Lead by Amelia Rhane, the Resistance begins to hatch its own plans for the arrival of the Nimerah, while General Caster seeks alien technology and complete control over the country. Will responding to the SOS represent the dawn of a new era, or the harbinger for something else?

340 pages, Hardcover

Published December 14, 2022

3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

About the author

David M. McGoings

1 book8 followers
David McGoings is an American author born and raised in Fort Washington, Maryland. While he is passionate about his work as a Geospatial Engineer as well as being the head of marketing design for a PT center in Washington DC, writing has filled his free time outside of the office for the past 5 years.

His approach to Sci-Fi/Horror is one of passion, but also one of exploration. He dives deep into the minds and behaviors of his characters while painting a sharp visual representation of the world within the reader's mind.



He now lives in Dallas with his dog, Cooper.

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
35 (47%)
4 stars
10 (13%)
3 stars
14 (18%)
2 stars
9 (12%)
1 star
6 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for MacWithBooksonMountains Marcus.
355 reviews17 followers
April 19, 2024
0️⃣ Spoilers: Catharsis 2066 by McGoings has good character development, if a bit too many to keep track of comfortably and an Interesting plot, if a bit convoluted at times.
This is a first contact novel set against a dystopian background on Earth. The mystery of the Aliens is kept until far into the storyline and in fact never fully exposed since there will be a follow up book.
The main characters include a self-entitled physicist and his protege, a pentagon general and several others that are probably meant to be major but lie somewhat uncomfortably within a gray-zone of importance and superfluity. A protagonist in the sense of a morally well-meaning event-driving person is not identifiable.
The audiobook has a good reader and the ambient music audible in the background at certain times adds to the atmosphere. The most memorable quote: “the spaceship hovered above; the Earth stood still” does invoke black and whitish memories in homage of a golden age of science fiction. In conclusion, except for the stated short, this is a great first-contact novel. Recommended
Profile Image for Ruan.
22 reviews
June 1, 2023
Catharsis: 2066 is a science fiction novel set in a dystopian future. While the book has its strengths, it falls short in certain areas, making it a mixed experience.

The positives of Catharsis: 2066 include an intriguing premise and an imaginative portrayal of the dystopian world. The author creates a vivid and immersive setting that captures the reader's attention. The story also introduces a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities and motivations, which adds depth to the narrative.

However, the book has its drawbacks. The pacing of the story feels inconsistent at times, with certain sections rushing through important plot points while others drag on, affecting the overall flow of the narrative. Additionally, the character development is lacking, leaving some characters feeling underdeveloped and static. The predictable character arcs further dampen the potential for surprises and growth.

Despite these shortcomings, Catharsis: 2066 may still appeal to fans of science fiction who appreciate imaginative world-building and diverse character representation. However, for readers seeking a more well-rounded and engaging experience, it might not fully satisfy their expectations.

I will be listening the sequel when it's available.
4 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2023
Incredible storytelling. The character development is done better than expected from a first time author. I have recommended this book to friends, family and a couple of reading groups.

My favorite characters were Amelia, Marcus and Gibley. They remind me of people I am close to and it was a pleasure getting to know them.

The story starts at a slow but enjoyable build up to 'The Arrival'. The countdown in each chapter adds a sense of anticipation that I have never felt before while reading a story like this.

By far, one of the most visually stimulating stories out there to date. I'd actually drive to a theater to watch this story on the big screen.

Incredibley done. This author has a bright future ahead of them.

Profile Image for Max.
38 reviews
June 7, 2023
This is clearly meant to be the first book of a series that doesn’t exist (yet). It would have been nice if it had been advertised as such as I’d wanted a standalone book to take a break from the series I’d been reading.

Spacing is odd. Some scenes are so long and uninteresting and add nothing to the plot that they feel like filler, only there to lengthen the book. But other important scenes (like meeting the aliens in person) feel so short and rushed.

I feel like I could go on, but I was just disappointed in it all and don’t want to waste anymore time thinking about it. I’m off to find an actually standalone book to read.
1 review
February 29, 2024
Didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did. Picked this up online one night during a layover in LA. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I'm typically a Murder Mystery genre type of guy and found myself enjoying something totally opposite.

The characters feel great. Some characters I wish I could know more about but I wont take points away for that simply because I looked up the author. It's his first book. If he reads this, or any of his reviews for that matter, keep going. Keep getting better.

I am not a fan of reviews because I have found they are usually just a place to complain. But this was worth making an account. Well done.
1 review
March 25, 2023
Normally I loose interest easily, I've read or listened to so many books over the years.
These people had relevant backgrounds and histories.
It took me a while to get into this but I thought it was well worth my time.
Not an action adventure but a well depicted well paced story.
I'm a sucker for good science fiction.
-
A couple books I loved getting lost in:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
jeremy robinson infinite
Tau Zero Poul Anderson
Hull Zero Three Greg Bear
Slower paced:
Remnant Population Elizabeth Moon
Childhoods End Arthur C Clarke
Profile Image for Nancy Torres.
25 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
Absolutely amazing! While I wasn't into sci-fi before, Catharsis 2066 changed that. Despite its slow start, I got hooked on the story quickly. The idea of Earth's decline and species merging to save it feels real now. I can't wait for the next book.

This book kept me guessing with its political turmoil global chaos, and an unknown spacial entity. I couldn't put it down!

** my favs: Marcus and Dana
1 review
February 29, 2024
Great story. David does amazing bringing the scenes to life. The story is fun and new. Independence day meets red dawn!! The character development is on point and continues to build till the very end leaving you to want more! Definitely one of my favorite books and can not wait till the next one comes out!!
5 reviews
April 27, 2023
So good. I am new to science fiction. I grew up in fantasy and historical fiction. This was a treat. A few scary parts and I really felt connected to the characters.

I'm team Sarah and team Amelia! I hope their stories overlap in the next book!
Profile Image for Ivan.
38 reviews
March 5, 2023
Very enjoyable. Definitely too US-centric but despite that, one of the best sci-fi books I've read this year. Looking forward to the continuation.
1 review
April 27, 2023
I had to track this book down. Please make this a movie or a show. Holy cow!!! Looking forward to the sequel!!!

Must read!!!!!
1 review
April 28, 2023
Made an account just to review and support this young author. Outstanding.
2 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2022
Great new Sci-Fi Read

I really enjoyed this book. The dystopian society, the many colorful characters and the fresh and innovative play on alien life was wonderful. This book has plenty of suspense, great dialogue and I was eager to find out how things would all pan out. My favorite characters were Alex & Sarah and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in future books. Gibly, Kat and Sasha are laugh out loud personalities and I really wished I could have seen even more of them but I greatly enjoyed the time they had in the book. If you are looking for a great new Sci-Fi read that is creative, fresh, engaging and full of suspense look no further.
6 reviews
January 1, 2023
What a great first book! Not my usual type of science fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When is the next installment coming?!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.