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A review by ninetalevixen
We are the Catalyst by Tash McAdam
4.5
I received a review copy from the author through #ReviewPit. This does not affect my rating or opinions.
4.75 stars. 4.5 stars. (I had originally planned to reread this after reading the first book, but it was such an intense experience that I don't feel prepared to undergo again. Reread-ability is a factor in ratings for me, but I also don't want to ignore my initial impression.)
Mindreaders. Telepaths. Psychics. There are many names, but here at the Institute, they like the scientific terms. We are the Psionics, and they use us without shame.
One of my very first thoughts was that this story flows incredibly well and is immediately engaging: in just a few paragraphs, I was hooked by the action and deeply invested in the protagonists; I don't generally enjoy action scenes, but the ones in this book were so well written. I couldn't put the book down
It's disconcerting to find yourself rooting for multiple sides in a conflict, and it takes masterful writing to pull off — which this book definitely exhibits. The juxtaposition of soft wholesome human interactions with fancy tech and violent conflict kept me on my toes; it was the epitome of an emotional roller coaster, and if your mental state is right, it's an incredible ride. (But if you're a mood reader and/or sensitive to certain topics, please be aware and take care of your own mental state. Content warnings are listed below.)
I think this is what happiness is. Making your own decisions, feeling safe as you do whatever you want.
The plot is nuanced and the worldbuilding detailed (with lots of diverse characters, by the way!), but at its heart this narrative felt refreshingly straightforward. It's poignant and memorable. It's one of the best books I've read this year.
(Also, this review was so hard to write because honestly, this just blew me away.)
content warnings:
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