Catalyst - Book Review

Title ~ Catalyst
Series ~ The Passage of Hellsfire #1
Author ~ Marc Johnson
Release Date ~ March 19, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Longshot Publishing
Source ~ Author

GOODREADS SUMMARY

For centuries, the kingdom of Alexandria has protected Northern Shala from the monstrous creatures lurking in the Wastelands. Now, a dark force threatens that fragile peace.

Far from home, Alexandria's princess is abducted. When a young villager named Hellsfire stumbles upon her and her captors, he rushes in to rescue her, alone and unarmed. His fear and fury unleash an uncontrollable magical force that grants him the power to save the princess-and change the world.

Hellsfire has never craved nor dreamed of power. But such magic as he now possesses has not been seen in Northern Shala for a thousand years, since the devastation of the War of the Wizards and the creation of the Wastelands.

Now Hellsfire must leave all he's ever known, and make a dangerous journey to learn to master this wild, ferocious power-power he knows he is not ready to wield. More difficult still, he needs to master his emotions. If he can't, the power will consume him, Alexandria will fall, and darkness will eclipse the land, destroying everyone he loves.

In the dead of cold, the spark shall burn...

REVIEW

Journey to Shala, a country filled with magic, elves, trolls, and wizards. I liked the peaceful, nature-loving elves the best; and how their village was built right into the forest. The dragon was my second choice because he was mighty, strong, and could breathe fire. Best of all, though, he was loyal to Hellsfire until the end.

My favorite character was not Hellsfire, but the princess, Krystal. She was great with a sword, didn’t back down from a challenge, and had a beautiful personality. I can see why Hellsfire had a crush on her. It was entertaining to see him fall all over himself whenever she was near. I wish she had a bigger role in the story, and I would have liked the story better if she did.

The best part of the plot for me was Hellsfire’s training. It was funny to see him fail, and rewarding for him to succeed. The plot as a bit predictable for me, and it was lacking in the element of surprise. I was waiting for that moment when I would jump out of my seat and it just didn’t happen.

RATING

3 So-So

COVER COMMENTS

Great fire-hands image! It’s simple, but it looks realistic to me.