ananyapandey's review against another edition
4.0
Not as good as Control. A lot of parts were rushed and we had a lot of unanswered questions. I enjoyed how the ending was different from other books but yet, they were still happy that way. I would give so much for a spin-off series because I know this is the last book. I really recommend picking this book up!
dreamerfreak's review against another edition
4.0
If you've read Control, I probably don't have to convince you to read Catalyst as well. Catalyst picks up a few months after Control. Carus has, having lost funding and protection, is falling apart at the seams. Cy is still trapped with Aureus, and worse yet, Aureus seems to have disappeared. Out of options, it's time for the kids and Marka to move to a new safe house... but first they have to cross the state line without getting caught.
Zelia has to come to terms with a lot of things in this book: her father's history, work, and motives; her own history; her sense of responsibility for the fate of other modded kids; and what the future might hold. She struggles and makes mistakes, but ultimately comes to her decisions with a sense of maturity that feels natural considering her circumstances.
The romance between Zelia and Cy is still strong, but less of a focus in this book. Despite their separation, they are solid in their feelings with only a few bumps along the way. It was nice to be able to focus on other aspects of the story rather than being constantly caught up in teenage hormones. They existed of course, but it was more in the background.
Nothing is perfect, and the futuristic US that they live in proves that thoroughly. Sometimes the politics shown here hit close to home, to be honest. But the ending is hopeful while still being mostly realistic. A satisfying conclusion to the adventure first begun in Control.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
Zelia has to come to terms with a lot of things in this book: her father's history, work, and motives; her own history; her sense of responsibility for the fate of other modded kids; and what the future might hold. She struggles and makes mistakes, but ultimately comes to her decisions with a sense of maturity that feels natural considering her circumstances.
The romance between Zelia and Cy is still strong, but less of a focus in this book. Despite their separation, they are solid in their feelings with only a few bumps along the way. It was nice to be able to focus on other aspects of the story rather than being constantly caught up in teenage hormones. They existed of course, but it was more in the background.
Nothing is perfect, and the futuristic US that they live in proves that thoroughly. Sometimes the politics shown here hit close to home, to be honest. But the ending is hopeful while still being mostly realistic. A satisfying conclusion to the adventure first begun in Control.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
clarynathanwill's review against another edition
5.0
Lydia Kang has blown me away again.
The story and world expanded so much in the sequel yet it was a super satisfying ending to the trilogy.
I love the scientific aspects, the characters, and the twisty plot in Catalyst.
Zelia's character development was spot on! Definitely an improvement from Control.
So so so good. My favourite duology! Please please read it!
The story and world expanded so much in the sequel yet it was a super satisfying ending to the trilogy.
I love the scientific aspects, the characters, and the twisty plot in Catalyst.
Zelia's character development was spot on! Definitely an improvement from Control.
So so so good. My favourite duology! Please please read it!
cjmichel's review against another edition
4.0
A much better ending but still was hoping for better yet
rjsthumbelina's review against another edition
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!
groundedwanderlust's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love this book like I loved 'Control'. I feel very indifferent about this book. I wasn't fond of the fact that we started off a year after Cy disappeared, and I wasn't wild about his and Zel's interactions throughout the book, but the rest was just okay. It didn't hook me and keep me reading. I kept reading because I hoped I would see a bit of the spark I had seen in 'Control'. A definite read if you love 'Control', but not necessarily a great book on its own merit.
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