enchantedfiction's review
4.0
Catalyst is the conclusion to the Control duet. It follows the events of Control a year later. Don't read further if you don't want to be spoiled!
It's been a year since Cy gave himself up to Aureus to save Zel and Dyl, and Zel is having a hard time thinking of anything but Cy. But when she and the others start hearing Cy's voice, they can't help but wonder what is going on. Meanwhile, Zel's DNA has been used to kill off the California senator, Marka's uncle, and all hell is starting to break loose. Law enforcement comes to Carus and causes total evacuation, and in order to not raise suspicion, everyone must separate and meet at the safe house in Chicago in 12 days. Zel is once again separated from Dyl, and ends up in some hot water on the way to the safe house. Could things get any worse? You bet your life.
I really enjoyed Catalyst and the exploration of the world created by Lydia Kang. It was cool getting to see what the different states were promising people in order to get them to go live there, and how others perceived what the different states had. I liked the whole part with Avida, as it helped to thicken the plot and force Zel to dig deeper into her father's past. I also liked that while we kept some of the old characters, we got to meet a whole cast of new ones as well.
I can't give this duet more than 4 stars though. There was nothing that really jumped out to make it an out of this world experience, which is what I look for in a story to give it the full 5. It was well plotted out, had good character development, good side characters, and a fun atmosphere. But the writing wasn't phenomenal, and I wasn't that surprised by the twists that happened close to the end. Do I think it is underrated? Absolutely. I really haven't heard anyone talk about this duet, even though it is a few years old. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, futuristic story that is easy to read.d
It's been a year since Cy gave himself up to Aureus to save Zel and Dyl, and Zel is having a hard time thinking of anything but Cy. But when she and the others start hearing Cy's voice, they can't help but wonder what is going on. Meanwhile, Zel's DNA has been used to kill off the California senator, Marka's uncle, and all hell is starting to break loose. Law enforcement comes to Carus and causes total evacuation, and in order to not raise suspicion, everyone must separate and meet at the safe house in Chicago in 12 days. Zel is once again separated from Dyl, and ends up in some hot water on the way to the safe house. Could things get any worse? You bet your life.
I really enjoyed Catalyst and the exploration of the world created by Lydia Kang. It was cool getting to see what the different states were promising people in order to get them to go live there, and how others perceived what the different states had. I liked the whole part with Avida, as it helped to thicken the plot and force Zel to dig deeper into her father's past. I also liked that while we kept some of the old characters, we got to meet a whole cast of new ones as well.
I can't give this duet more than 4 stars though. There was nothing that really jumped out to make it an out of this world experience, which is what I look for in a story to give it the full 5. It was well plotted out, had good character development, good side characters, and a fun atmosphere. But the writing wasn't phenomenal, and I wasn't that surprised by the twists that happened close to the end. Do I think it is underrated? Absolutely. I really haven't heard anyone talk about this duet, even though it is a few years old. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, futuristic story that is easy to read.d
tyrean's review
5.0
Wow! This book tied everything up from book one, added new questions, and answered them in a satisfactory way. Loved it!!!
petk0616's review
3.0
Not bad, the story itself was interesting, but I had to force myself to finish this one. I started it months ago, and almost DNF'd the novel.
cynsworkshop's review
4.0
A Powerful Novel | Review of ‘[b:Catalyst|17372146|Catalyst (Control, #2)|Lydia Kang|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1406780013s/17372146.jpg|24158850]’ (Control, #2)
A powerful novel, Catalyst is the second novel in the young adult science fiction series Control by Lydia Kang that focuses on what makes someone human and the cost of being different in a controlled world[...]
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A powerful novel, Catalyst is the second novel in the young adult science fiction series Control by Lydia Kang that focuses on what makes someone human and the cost of being different in a controlled world[...]
Read more of this post
bookishzelda's review
I was really happy to read Catalyst right after Control because after the end Lydia Kang left my heart in a little bit of a lurch.
I thought the first book focused on a lot of Science, I felt like this one really focused on the political aspects of their world. What it means to be someone with genetically altered genes and how everyone else sees you. It was crazy to get more insight into Zelia and Dylia’s dad and also their mother. Some things I did not even guess honestly but made complete sense when they were laid out in the book.
The gang is forced to flee Carus house and head towards a rumored safe house in Chicago. This causes them to have to split up in order to get there safely. It was really different to have Zel travel with a new band of companions. I felt like when we reunite with some of the others I felt like it was weird. Zel on her way ends up finding herself in Inky and a whole different kind of mess/imprisonment. I think it was probably the most creeped out that I have felt for the two books. It was one of those odd places where they are well taken care of physically but emotionally it was awful.
Zelia really kind of comes into herself in a different way. She accepts who/what she is and realizes that maybe running is not the answer. I love how she encourages everyone to embrace who they are instead of feeling damage or misplaced. She becomes a leader without realizing that’s what she is doing.
Zel and Cy find each other again but there is a little bit of struggle to their relationship. They still love eachother but they have been apart for a year and different things have happened to them. So it’s almost like they have to figure out their place again combining old and new.
I hated Blink from beginning to end. I just needed to get that out there, I don’t care if she’s good, bad or orange. What she convinced Cy to do makes my blood boil. I can relate because of one of my siblings so I was just so angry.
I loved the addition of so many different characters. I don’t want to give away who they are or what their different talents are but it was fun to see the world expand.
I thought this was such a great sequel to the first book. I felt like it focused on a little bit different aspect so things could come together seamlessly at the end. Which I thought the ending was perfect. This was really a great Sci-Fi series and I highly recommend it.
I thought the first book focused on a lot of Science, I felt like this one really focused on the political aspects of their world. What it means to be someone with genetically altered genes and how everyone else sees you. It was crazy to get more insight into Zelia and Dylia’s dad and also their mother. Some things I did not even guess honestly but made complete sense when they were laid out in the book.
The gang is forced to flee Carus house and head towards a rumored safe house in Chicago. This causes them to have to split up in order to get there safely. It was really different to have Zel travel with a new band of companions. I felt like when we reunite with some of the others I felt like it was weird. Zel on her way ends up finding herself in Inky and a whole different kind of mess/imprisonment. I think it was probably the most creeped out that I have felt for the two books. It was one of those odd places where they are well taken care of physically but emotionally it was awful.
Zelia really kind of comes into herself in a different way. She accepts who/what she is and realizes that maybe running is not the answer. I love how she encourages everyone to embrace who they are instead of feeling damage or misplaced. She becomes a leader without realizing that’s what she is doing.
Zel and Cy find each other again but there is a little bit of struggle to their relationship. They still love eachother but they have been apart for a year and different things have happened to them. So it’s almost like they have to figure out their place again combining old and new.
I hated Blink from beginning to end. I just needed to get that out there, I don’t care if she’s good, bad or orange. What she convinced Cy to do makes my blood boil. I can relate because of one of my siblings so I was just so angry.
I loved the addition of so many different characters. I don’t want to give away who they are or what their different talents are but it was fun to see the world expand.
I thought this was such a great sequel to the first book. I felt like it focused on a little bit different aspect so things could come together seamlessly at the end. Which I thought the ending was perfect. This was really a great Sci-Fi series and I highly recommend it.
emmareeed's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nicolecraswell's review
3.0
Something about this book just didn't really do it for me. A big part of it was probably that it's been I think almost two years now since I read Control. It's just... While I found it entertaining and I enjoyed the plot, I just didn't really feel any kind of emotional attachment to what was going on.
I didn't dislike anything specific about the book, it just didn't really click with me. I kinda wish I'd reread Control first or read this closer to when it originally came out.
I didn't dislike anything specific about the book, it just didn't really click with me. I kinda wish I'd reread Control first or read this closer to when it originally came out.
fadingsilence's review
3.0
Rating: 2.5 stars
I was quite a bit disappointed with Catalyst. I loved Control so much that it physically hurt to see my expectations fall by such a wide margin.
To be fair, Lydia Kang is still just as amazing with her integration of science in her writing. I loved how Zel's mind works, and in this next and final installment, many obstacles are thrown in her path which really developed her into a better character and person. From having to act as fugitives in their country to fighting off a new Aureus-like House, it wasn't like there wasn't anything happening with Zel and her friends.
The disappointment first stems off with Cy. After that conclusion in Control, let me just say that I totally hadn't expected so much distance with him. Oh, and with another girl too thrown into the picture. Don't worry, it's not what you think (not a love triangle), but there's definitely a wedge in their relationship after the year long separation and Cy seems fond of this girl. Yeah, he eventually lets Zel in after realizing he couldn't "protect her from worrying about him". I would just like to tell him that he's an idiot and should've realized that Zel would worry twice as much from the added distance. Boys. They can be so naive.
And yes, there's things to worry as Cy is displaying Ana-like traits. Freaky! Or not, 'cause it's cool to receive air kisses and hear his voice in your head, whispering sweet nothings (or poetry). Unfortunately, it's not as romantic as it sounds as the story never really goes into depth on their relationship, just somehow sliding back into place over time. I swear, it never even explains what happened that brought Cy and...the girl so close. Granted, I skimmed through a lot of this book (I was too saddened by my expectations slowly crumbling to read as slow as normal) so there may have been a few things I missed, but Catalyst is definitely not heavy in the romance department, unlike Control.
I will say that I loved the usual family dynamics with the rest of the Carus House members, and even seeing some redemption in former Aureus members. This story may not be considered a romance, but at least it stayed true to other themes like character development and learning to survive in a world that deems you illegal.
The ending was solid, in my opinion. Whatever problems I had with Catalyst, I think Kang did a wonderful job in choosing her conclusion. It was realistic and not some magical happy ending (it's not sad, either, so don't worry), but it held promises left up to the imagination of what may happen next to our favourite group of genetically manipulated friends. Not everything is answered. In fact, maybe there were more questions that popped up, but as Zelia even mentioned in the epilogue, some things may never been understood but you can choose to be happy or remain disatisfied with the unknown.
I love Lydia Kang's writing and the science. So maybe this was just my own disappointment leaking into a biased view. Either way, Catalyst was unexpectedly surprising and still worth at least a primary read.
Overall Recommendation:
Control was by far my favourite sci-fi book that actually integrated accurate modern science into it. So with such high expectations come a downfall with Catalyst. Not so much a romance as Cy and Zel's reunion was definitely NOT quite a happy one, the story still presented with action as the Carus House members are separated and chased by the society they live in. Zelia really grows in this story, finding in herself to take charge while all the same, remaining compassionate and forgiving to people even I would reconsider forgiving (and I like to think that I'm a rather nice person...). With that being said, don't take my low rating as "it's terrible". It just wasn't for me, but it may be a decent read for you.
I was quite a bit disappointed with Catalyst. I loved Control so much that it physically hurt to see my expectations fall by such a wide margin.
To be fair, Lydia Kang is still just as amazing with her integration of science in her writing. I loved how Zel's mind works, and in this next and final installment, many obstacles are thrown in her path which really developed her into a better character and person. From having to act as fugitives in their country to fighting off a new Aureus-like House, it wasn't like there wasn't anything happening with Zel and her friends.
The disappointment first stems off with Cy. After that conclusion in Control, let me just say that I totally hadn't expected so much distance with him. Oh, and with another girl too thrown into the picture. Don't worry, it's not what you think (not a love triangle), but there's definitely a wedge in their relationship after the year long separation and Cy seems fond of this girl. Yeah, he eventually lets Zel in after realizing he couldn't "protect her from worrying about him". I would just like to tell him that he's an idiot and should've realized that Zel would worry twice as much from the added distance. Boys. They can be so naive.
And yes, there's things to worry as Cy is displaying Ana-like traits. Freaky! Or not, 'cause it's cool to receive air kisses and hear his voice in your head, whispering sweet nothings (or poetry). Unfortunately, it's not as romantic as it sounds as the story never really goes into depth on their relationship, just somehow sliding back into place over time. I swear, it never even explains what happened that brought Cy and...the girl so close. Granted, I skimmed through a lot of this book (I was too saddened by my expectations slowly crumbling to read as slow as normal) so there may have been a few things I missed, but Catalyst is definitely not heavy in the romance department, unlike Control.
I will say that I loved the usual family dynamics with the rest of the Carus House members, and even seeing some redemption in former Aureus members. This story may not be considered a romance, but at least it stayed true to other themes like character development and learning to survive in a world that deems you illegal.
The ending was solid, in my opinion. Whatever problems I had with Catalyst, I think Kang did a wonderful job in choosing her conclusion. It was realistic and not some magical happy ending (it's not sad, either, so don't worry), but it held promises left up to the imagination of what may happen next to our favourite group of genetically manipulated friends. Not everything is answered. In fact, maybe there were more questions that popped up, but as Zelia even mentioned in the epilogue, some things may never been understood but you can choose to be happy or remain disatisfied with the unknown.
I love Lydia Kang's writing and the science. So maybe this was just my own disappointment leaking into a biased view. Either way, Catalyst was unexpectedly surprising and still worth at least a primary read.
Overall Recommendation:
Control was by far my favourite sci-fi book that actually integrated accurate modern science into it. So with such high expectations come a downfall with Catalyst. Not so much a romance as Cy and Zel's reunion was definitely NOT quite a happy one, the story still presented with action as the Carus House members are separated and chased by the society they live in. Zelia really grows in this story, finding in herself to take charge while all the same, remaining compassionate and forgiving to people even I would reconsider forgiving (and I like to think that I'm a rather nice person...). With that being said, don't take my low rating as "it's terrible". It just wasn't for me, but it may be a decent read for you.
rjsthumbelina's review
3.0
Not as good as the first book. A little too angsty for my tastes. But I still loved the world and the characters.
While I respect the author's choice to only have 2 books in the series, I'm hungry for more about some of the characters.
The best part about this series was the world-building,for sure. Anyone who can make a book series with a character with 2 heads, one with four arms, and one with green skin and make me buy into it and honestly care about these people is alright by me!
While I respect the author's choice to only have 2 books in the series, I'm hungry for more about some of the characters.
The best part about this series was the world-building,for sure. Anyone who can make a book series with a character with 2 heads, one with four arms, and one with green skin and make me buy into it and honestly care about these people is alright by me!