Catalyst (1) (The Deception Game) Paperback – December 26, 2016

I seem to be in the minority here -- but I did not like this books as much as everyone else. First, the concept is a good one. The book starts out ok, but then it goes into juvenile mode. What I didn't like, first of all, was the changes of the heroine without us experiencing it -- we're just told in chapter 2 that, following a family loss, she is all of a sudden a thief. Really! Really? It would've been nice to experience that change. Whatever! Then we get these love interests that fit the stereotype (good boy/bad boy) and the dialogue becomes sappy/corny and not very genuine or original. The bad guys seem more like cartoons, and their actions laughable. And don't get me started on the ending -- I mean, how else would the author continue a "series" without some amnesia thrown in! Again, so original (rolling my eyes here).I gave this book three stars (although 2-stars would've sufficed) because the writer had a good idea for a book that just did not go right for me. I've read this before - by so many other writers who did a better job. Don't think I'll read the other(s) because why spend money on something you already kind of know where it goes?

Sienna lives in a world where almost everyone around her has been genetically upgraded. She is shorter, plainer, and all around normal. But her normal world gets shattered when her she finds out her father didn't die of natural causes. It is up to her to support her family - her mother and young sister - as she tries to figure out who was behind her father's death. Before she can even begin to uncover these secrets, one of her side jobs goes awry and she's in hot water with the government. Her life goes from barely manageable to disaster when her mother is taken away by the government and the only way to get her back will be to join forces with an extremist group.This book was a nonstop adventure ride with a lot of action packed scenes. It was the Chosen One crossed with a Love Triangle mixed with some Dystopian thriller goodness. That being said, I did think it was too easy for Sienna any time she faced adversity. She was always getting out of any situation! Her triumphs, especially against an organized body like the government, seemed a bit too easy.I loved Sienna's spunk and positive attitude. She never had negative thoughts regarding her own possible failure and she never dwelled on the what ifs because she was a woman of action! She was always brave and fearless. In her last year without her father she had to learn to be self-reliant and resilient, because her mother was not able to provide and support the family. We don't see Sienna grow during this time period, but we do see her on the other side as she faces all sorts of problems and difficulties.I liked that Zane existed, even though he didn't feel fully formed. I liked that there was a love triangle in this book because it added some more complications to Sienna's already complicated life.YA literature needs more red heads like Sienna.

Opinions: I won this book in a YA Scavenger Hunt, and I was unbelievably excited to read it! I probably would've bought it on my own if I had not won it. Unfortunately, this was not all that I had hoped for. It is described as dystopian, which technically it is, but the book's plot does not revolve around a dystopian society at all, it is merely a backdrop. The plot dragged on for too long and everything is high-intensity, meaning the climactic scenes are no different than any other scenes. As you may know from reading my other posts, the thing I look for in every book is a connection to the characters, and I did not have that in Catalyst. While the personalities were unique and consistent, Smith didn't give us reason to care about them. Without caring about the fate of Sienna, I found it difficult to pay attention because the book is narrated by her. Overall, I wasn't feeling great about Catalyst, but I appreciate the effort and although it wasn't my taste, the story.My Favourite Thing: Funnily, My Favourite Thing and My Least Favourite Thing are compliments and complaints about the same thing: the original concept of Catalyst! "Choosing personality traits like it's a menu" is creative, unique, and opens up for a lot of conflict! I was excited to see what Smith had planned for Sienna. Dystopian futures will only become uninteresting once we're living in one.My Least Favourite Thing: On the contrary of what I just wrote, I am disappointed Smith didn't focus more on the dystopian aspect of her world. "Choosing personality traits like it's a menu" is a fantastic idea, and it may even be one of the most creative prompts I've read. Unfortunately, Smith didn't focus on this at all, it was merely a backdrop. Something to make Sienna stick out, as if red hair didn't do that already (America Singer has stories for you, Sienna). I wish the author had utilized this prompt rather than allowing it to be a background for an action/thriller YA novel. Fortunately, I plan on reading book two to see where Smith takes things, because if she reintroduces the personality prompt, we could be looking at a four or five star rating!Overall Rating: PG-13Language: PG-12+Adult Content: PGViolence: PG-13Recommended For and Similar Reads: I recommend Catalyst to any teenager looking for an easy-going and exhilarating read. Although it is not a main focus, this book is set in a dystopian future. Other YA dystopia is Divergent, The Giver, and The Hunger Games. Other YA heroines with red hair are America Singer from The Selection and Eleanor from Eleanor & Park. Other high-intensity YA books are The Power and The Fury (fantasy, prophecy, survival) and Two Can Keep a Secret (mystery, murder).

LOVED this book! A future world with deception and romance. I was planning on stretching this book out over 3-4 weeks by only reading for a few minutes each night but 3 nights in and I couldn't put it down. I read the rest of the book the 4th day I had it. I wish the ext book was available now! If you liked Hunger Games or the Divergent series then this is right up your alley!

Catalyst depicts a very realistic future in which genetic modification has taken over. The main character, Sienna, is forced to engage in criminal behavior after her father dies suddenly. When she learns her father's death wasn't an accident, her motives change. Kristin's version of the future is all too real...eventually people likely will choose their children's characteristics thanks to science. But she also packs plenty of action scenes into the book that keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Be still my beating heart, I just... Could you just...come on. Asdfghjkl. I have no words I love this book, and the world its set in, its well written, well formed and ... I can't say any more with out spoilers.... Spoilers darling...

This book was extremely enjoyable! There is enough mystery to keep you intrigued, enough adventure to keep you engaged and a little bit of romance to spice it up. All-in-all there is enough of everything, making it a great book. Kristin Smith does a fantastic job with the use of her descriptive language, which allows you to be placed in the scene with the characters. I can't want to read the second book, as I need to know how it concludes. Great work Kristin.

Very original and intriguing, I enjoyed it very much. I cannot wait until I am able to read the next book. This book leave you on the edge of your seat.

It was really a great book. I loved the character of Trey. He was tough. Felt pity for Zane.Team Trey!

terrible book