Catalyst by S. J. Kincaid

            I read the book Catalyst by S. J. Kincaid. It’s set in a future in which the wars aren’t fought on land with soldiers, but in space with drones. Tom has a computer called a neural processor surgically implanted in his brain (as do the other teenagers in the training program). The processor allows the students to interact real-time with the drones. After a change in management the Spire, where they train, is more like a military institute than a school. Tom figures out some deadly secrets that could endanger not only his life but also the lives of almost everyone on Earth.

         S. J. Kincaid has a unique style of writing. The way that she writes varies quite frequently. She is able to eloquently write out and express all of her ideas so that anyone can understand what she’s trying to say. The dialogue that she writes is sarcastic and funny and similar to the dialogue you’d expect from actual teenagers. It’s very conversational. For example, ‘“You’re about as subtle as a thermonuclear explosion. Any action you take will probably make this all worse.”’ or, ‘“Aw, give me a break, Tom. You have put me at serious risk of spending hard time in prison. I’m way too pretty for that.” Yuri rested a consoling hand on his shoulder. “Maybe you are not so lovely as you believe you are.” Vik shook his head morosely. “No, I am every bit as lovely as I think I am. Stop trying to make me feel better with your sweet, sweet lies.”’ She’s also able to write poetically and intelligently. For example, “He refused to believe the sole reason for existence was the perpetuation of existence at any cost. There had to be a reason for it all, a meaning, a point to living in the first place. A better future had to be possible.” She can make you laugh along with the characters, like in the first two examples, and she can make you think.

         The examples I listed above are some of my favorite quotes from the book. I think there’s beauty in the way that she’s able to portray the friendship between Tom, Vik, Wyatt, and Yuri. They’re able to laugh and joke and also disclose secrets and personal stories. It portrays a friendship that, like real life friendships, isn’t perfect but isn’t easily broken. There’s beauty and a significant impact with the last example. Tom, unlike some of the people around him, wants to see the good in people but generally sees the bad. He wants everything to end well and doesn’t want to just be alive he wants to live. He wants to have an impact and doesn’t believe we (“we” being the human race) should continue just to continue. He believes there should be a purpose. I think that’s wonderful. I think it’s an outlook that many people share.

         I would definitely recommend this book. It’s written fantastically. It’s suspenseful and interesting. I fell in love with the characters. Be ready for some heartbreak, though, there are some moments that will tear your heart out.