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  • Catalyst Downward Cycle

  • By: J K Franks
  • Narrated by: Steven Varnum
  • Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (34 ratings)
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Catalyst Downward Cycle cover art

Catalyst Downward Cycle

By: J K Franks
Narrated by: Steven Varnum
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Summary

In the first five minutes, more than a million people will die.... That’s just the beginning of the nightmare. 

The super solar storm wasn’t supposed to hit Earth - the odds were against it. And yet it did, and everything changed. The storm causes a global blackout. Society begins to come apart as the planes begin falling from the sky and all traces of normal vanish. Scott Montgomery watches helplessly as pandemonium consumes the world around him. But the loss of electrical power is just the first of the problems facing the survivors in the chaos that follows. 

Soon, they discover the loss of electricity was just the beginning of their problems. In a land without laws and few consequences for their actions, individuals must come to terms with their darkest fears and desires. What will Scott do when he learns the draconian plans one secret group has for regaining control and ensuring their own vision for the new world? 

Catalyst is a shockingly realistic tale of how society copes when the world is thrust back to a time before technology. If you are a fan of Steve Konkoly, Tom Abrahams, or A. American, you will love this audiobook. 

©2016 J K Franks (P)2016 J K Franks

What listeners say about Catalyst Downward Cycle

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Predictable story and unbelievable characters

This story was so predictable and lame, which is a shame because the overall idea is a good one and I really wanted to like this novel. The lead character is the ultimate "Mary-Sue" and you can see every scrape he gets himself involved with coming a mile off, as well as the predictable resolution. Really disappointed with it overall, especially after reading all the amazing reviews.
The guy narrating the story sounds like he's reading a shopping list - that's how engaged he is with the story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great end of the world as we know it book.

This just goes to show you do not need zombies, aliens or other flesh eating monsters to have a good end of the world as we know it book. If that sounds interesting to you this may be the book for you.

J K Franks’s writing is good and interesting, the story is kept moving with good pacing and characterful dialogue. This book is a well thought out and executed story of what would happen if most of the world’s technology failed, what would people do, what choices or actions would people need to take and the grey area between right and wrong that gets wider as the modern world falls to pieces. It is a little bleak at times but that how this sort of story should be.

Steven Varnum’s narration is clear and easy to listen to, they add threat to the battles and dangers. Each character has a unique voice that fits them adding to the listing experience, making it simple to tell who is who and conveying their emotions. I did not notice any errors in the recording.

Overall
This is an interesting book that is well worth a listen. I just hope nothing like this really happens.


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Utter dross.

Do not be fooled by the catchy ads. This is weak dull pap. Avoid. Move on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Easy listen.

I enjoyed the book, as it was a simple story line, and an easy listen. I would imagine the film to be a softer version of 2012 cross between Battleships and walking tall. I may come back and listen to the second book in time. Its narrated generally well, although the take on the girls voice is funny. Worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a good listen

enjoyed this one, I will be listening to the rest of the series for sure

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Unrealistic

It has the basis for a good story line.

Unfortunately there are parts that just seem too far fetched.

For example, the end of the world happens and Scott manages to place an Amazon order for supplies, months later he finds a two mile long cargo train full of supplies, Todd comes across an abandoned cruise liner with years of dried goods etc etc.

It felt like a happy and fluffy end of the world story.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

A good "first book" for Junior readers of SciFi.

An easy listen for Junior readers.
The characters are a little one dimensional and the story is line is rather tired but it plods on and is easy to follow.
Unfortunately, I found the author too self absorbed with minor details. This made the book read more like a "Prepper's guide", with lists of things one should have readily at hand for Doomsday.
The book tells of a global catastrophe with little mention (or thought) for the rest of the world - even when talking about the brake down of the World Wide Web (in excruciatingly dull detail).
The narration was passable but fell short due to an apparent a lack of effort when playing other characters.
One other thing with the performance - the narrator makes a slight "clicking" noise on occasion. It's barely noticeable at first but after a while it's virtually impossible to ignore.
I don't know how this title received such high a rating.
I won't be buying the other books in the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good post apocalyptic fun

This series has started really well. Some really interesting ideas in a typical end of the world story. No zombies for a change. Highly recommended

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed and wanting more

I was given this audio book and it is very much appreciated but I’m being honest in my review.

It took me a little time to warm towards the characters and at times too much detail sidetracked my brain but as the author built the story I realised I was very much invested in them and where the story will take them. The author certainly doesn’t pull their punches as the reality of the new world takes hold.

Powerless and perhaps helpless for so many people but there’s a turn which takes it spiraling beyond the usual fight to carry on.

I am very keen to continue this series and to where the author takes the people forward - or even further downwards.


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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

it's good

I really quite liked it, definitely will be getting the other books. well performed, although the narrator sounds like a woman in her 90's who has smoked her whole life. but he does an admirable job

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