Catalyst
by Cameron Phoenix
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Pub Date 4 May 2023 | Archive Date 15 Apr 2025
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Description
Just as Jayden Amare Fox's quiet life on an East London estate looks to be steadily improving, things take a sudden dark and violent turn. Consumed by pain and obsessed with vengeance, his path crosses with that of an infamous hacker, wanted internationally for the crimes he is accused of.
What begins as a manhunt uncovers conspiracies of corruption and greed, and the consequences of playing god.
When a formidable common enemy emerges, secrets of a mysterious past that Jay has unknowingly been carrying his whole life are both a gift and a curse. The body count rises as the pair are forced to make sacrifices in a desperate attempt to save the little of what remains.
Advance Praise
Catalyst by Cameron Phoenix is an action packed, page turning, unputdownable book from page one. If you like thrillers, corruption, gangs, action, sci-fi books then you will love this book.
Jaydon Fox’s quiet life unexpectedly changes overnight. This dark and vengeful change leads him down a road of not just revenge, but of redemption as well. Told in 3rd person POV this action packed, suspenseful, sci-fi story takes you on thrilling ride with lots of mystery, corruption, and conspiracies. Cameron has created this world where the characters will go to any length’s to uncover the truth and to get justice. I’m hoping with there is a part 2, I want more!! Go read this book you will be at the edge of your seat!!
yvettes_book_shelf
It’s not often that I read book in a day but I couldn’t put Catalyst down! This is a novel that hits the mark on so many levels, the right amount of intrigue, violence and just good storytelling are contained within its pages. Reminiscent of The Bourne Identity, The Punisher and The Winter Solider, Cameron Phoenix’s novel will appeal to viewers of these movies. For me this is a standout novel and one not to be overlooked!
persephone_queen_of_the_dead
This was a really good read. I did like the cover and blurb. I loved the writing style. The characters were flawless. I got into it straight away. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. I can't believe this is a debut book. Omg The ending. I do really hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book. 5*.
Omg. Action from the start. It did feel like I was there watching everything. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. 5*.
Sue.wallace1974
If you enjoy thrillers and or sci-fi this is definitely a book for you as it keeps you gripped and guessing and if you’re like me, you don’t predict much of what happens. I could see this book being optioned to become a show/series as the story, the fights and characters could easily be portrayed on screen.
Chez_21_23
This was a truly high stakes action packed story. The build up at the start sets in motion the events of an intricate plot of vengeance, conspiracy, and corruption, with lots of mystery and suspense. I liked how it weaved together the characters, and how their lives were intertwined.
The plot rapidly escalates from gang violence to an unexpected conspiracy with sci-fi threads, and it kept me gripped with its many twists and revelations!
It's like a creative mix of Jack Reacher, Bourne Identity and Winter soldier, and i liked the ending hinting at more to come. Definitely one to read.
@booklover.kez
⭐️: 4/5
Thrillers are definitely the mood I’m in at the moment, this one was really enjoyable! So well written I was pleasantly surprised this was a debut author. Full of twists and turns, just when you think you’re going in one direction that narrative changes. All the smaller plot lines are woven together to make a satisfying story.
The characters are well written and developed, it took me a little while to get to grips with everyone but once I did I was hooked. The pacing of the plot once it gets going is done very well and makes for a great read.
Books_catsandtea
From the moment I set eyes on the cover I straight away had a feeling that Catalyst was going to be a big piece of me and I wasn’t disappointed. The story is gritty and intense straight away you get a underlying feeling that something is stirring in the background.
I really liked how the story isn’t just another gritty London gang story, that to be fair I still would’ve liked, this had the gritty edge that you find in British gang flicks and gave it a superhero edge that elevates the story but still gives it a realistic feel.
Verdict-Out of 5 ⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Davechatsbooks
This was a fast-paced, action packed thriller that I read in one sitting! I'll be looking out for more from this author.
Bluefairybugsbooks
I love a good thriller and this one did not disappoint. It ticks all the boxes, action packed, conspiracy, corruption, vengeance and some very well written fighting and murder scenes.
The plot and character development was really good and very well written. For me it took a little while for me to get into it but I soon found I was hooked. The plot had me gripped I couldn’t put it down.
I was pleasantly surprised that this was a debut author and look forward to seeing future work.
Read_withsamantha
I have to say this book exceeded my expectations. I absolutely loved the level of violence in this story. I really liked how the MC didn’t have the best start in life and wasn’t this picture perfect person. I’m really looking forward to reading more of Cameron’s work and seeing what he writes next. I would definitely recommend this to any lovers of thriller and sci-fi.
bookish_chlxe
I do enjoy a good thriller with lots of fast paced action and this book was just that.
Throw in hackers, police, detectives, gangs and multiple character deaths with a sprinkle of the supernatural and you’ve summed up Catalyst.
If you love Gangs of London but also superhero type books, this is the one for you.
readingwthleah
Firstly I have to say that this book drew me in by the cover before I’d ever read the blurb and by the time I’d read that - I was sold!
This was a great action packed read - although I’ll be honest it did take me a good 30 pages before I was hooked - but after that point I couldn’t put it down.
It really is full of suspense, action and with a sprinkle of super strength that could be straight from a superhero movie - this ticks a lot of boxes and makes for an excellent read. Also there’s a lot of violence which for some people would be a down point - but for me it makes it a more interesting read.
This is a debut for this author and if the writing style is continued like this in future work I will definitely be seeking out any future books by them to read.
bek.is.reading
This action-packed thriller had an unexpected sprinkle of Sci fi thrown in. Sci-fi is not my thing, but it fits nicely with the story. The plot is chef kiss. The pacing of the book was perfect for this novel. I loved the mini story lines of the beginning characters because it all came together in the end. It made me jump a few places because it was so intense. This book has it all. There is violence, corruption, hackers, and revenge. Now, go pick it up.
alyssas_book_obsession
I was drawn to this book by the blurb which promised action and crime. This book had both the action and the crime but it was more than that. There was so much going on and I ended up whizzing through this as I had to know what happened next.
The book was fast paced and the plot was very well constructed. I loved the mix of corruption, gangs, hacking and a superhero like character!
lozzieloves
It took me a little to get into this book but once I did I loved it! There was suspense on every page and I just wanted to keep on reading to know what would happen next in the plot. The story took a turn where I was in no way expecting it to with the last few chapters but I loved it!! I loved the way it played out and progressed to a close as well as the science aspects that the book had with the characters and how it worked within the plot
marthareadsacouplebooks
I can't say that I particularly gravitate towards these gangland thrillers as such, but as soon as I saw the cover for this book, I knew that I was going to love this!
This is maybe the third or fourth book in this genre that I've read recently and I honestly can't get enough! (Am I actually ok!?)
I think this is a debut novel and honestly, it's so well written and such a great storyline that you'd never know!
This was packed with action right from the start and I was totally hooked.
It's pretty violent, dark and gritty and perfectly fitted with our London criminal underground setting.i could really visualise this playing out as a series or film on tv!
A great book and certainly an author that I'll read again!
book_a_holic_17
I absolutely loved this book. I think I was influenced by the cover of this book. I couldn’t put this book down it was so fast and had so much going on I loved it.
Y’all need to go get book. Especially if you like crime and adventure corruption and so much more and umm those last couple chapters wow!!!
Afelton6212
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781800163652 |
PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 306 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Such a good book!!! I llove a good sci-fi thriller/ crime book, and this mixed with the futuristic aspects that come along with hacking made it great! It was very fast paced, and the stories of all the characters came together quite nicely! I liked the plot and the way it was written, big fan!!
Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!
Catalyst, the debut novel from Cameron Phoenix, will have you on the edge of your seat from the anxiety-building opening scene.
Jayden Amare Fox is a thirty-year-old car mechanic who lacks identity. Everything changes for him one night at the train station when his girlfriend is brutally murdered. Jayden is hellbent on exacting vengeance on everyone involved. He teams up with Tim Rolfe, one-half of blackNet, the infamous hacker group, who is accused of multiple crimes and trying to deal with the loss of his best friend. Together, they delve deeper into the seedy world of organized crime, corrupt cops, and secret government agencies (the kind that conspiracy theorists love). As Jayden embraces his role as an anti-hero, he discovers shocking secrets about his past.
Cameron Phoenix has delivered a page-turning thriller with non-stop action. If you’re into revenge, violence, and super-human abilities, this is the book for you. Fingers crossed we will be seeing more books from Cameron Phoenix.
Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Phoenix for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Just as Jayden Amare Fox's quiet life on an East London estate looks to be steadily improving, things take a sudden dark and violent turn. Consumed by pain and obsessed with vengeance, his path crosses with that of an infamous hacker, wanted internationally for the crimes he is accused of. What begins as a manhunt uncovers conspiracies of corruption and greed, and the consequences of playing god! Good book! A bit out there but a good read! This book had great suspense, violent murders, mystery , intrigue, action packed, a sort of who done it and a few twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!
Oooh what a good read. Perfect for a winters night. Couldn't put it down
Thanks for the opportunity to review
Book Review: Catalyst by Cameron Phoenix
A Gripping Tale of Vengeance, Secrets, and High-Stakes Intrigue
Cameron Phoenix’s Catalyst is a pulse-pounding thriller that weaves elements of personal revenge, cybercrime, and dark conspiracies into a tightly crafted narrative. With compelling characters and a plot that twists and turns through violence, mystery, and shocking revelations, this novel grabs hold of its readers and doesn’t let go.
Plot Overview
The story begins with Jayden Amare Fox, an ordinary man living on an East London estate whose quiet life takes a horrifying turn after a violent tragedy. Devastated and driven by vengeance, Jay’s search for justice leads him into a web of corruption far larger than he could have imagined.
Jay’s journey brings him face-to-face with an infamous hacker—a shadowy figure wanted worldwide for a list of alleged crimes. What begins as a tense confrontation soon evolves into a tenuous partnership as they uncover a common enemy, whose actions not only threaten them but countless others.
As the duo digs deeper, they unravel a conspiracy of greed and moral compromise, uncovering truths about Jay’s mysterious past that will change his life forever. The stakes grow ever higher as sacrifices are made, alliances are tested, and a rising body count threatens to derail their mission to salvage what little remains of their world.
Characters: Complex and Relatable
Jayden Amare Fox is a captivating protagonist. His evolution from an everyday man to someone capable of navigating a world of hackers, conspiracies, and life-or-death stakes is as gripping as it is believable. Jay’s pain and determination make him a relatable and deeply human character whose choices carry real emotional weight.
The hacker, whose identity is shrouded in infamy and mystery, serves as a fascinating foil to Jay. Their sharp intellect and morally ambiguous actions add a layer of unpredictability to the story, making their reluctant alliance all the more intriguing.
The formidable common enemy they face is more than just a shadowy figurehead—Phoenix crafts an antagonist who embodies systemic corruption, presenting not only a physical threat but a philosophical one as well.
Themes: Vengeance, Corruption, and the Weight of Secrets
At its core, Catalyst is a story about the destructive nature of vengeance and the cost of uncovering the truth. Jay’s single-minded pursuit of justice forces him to confront moral dilemmas, questioning how far he is willing to go for the sake of his cause.
The novel also explores themes of systemic corruption and greed, exposing the dangerous consequences of unchecked power. The conspiracies unearthed by Jay and the hacker shed light on the dark underbelly of institutions that play god, making the story not just personal but broadly relevant.
Jay’s mysterious past introduces another layer of complexity. The secrets he carries become both an asset and a burden, forcing him to grapple with identity and destiny in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pacing and Style
Phoenix’s pacing is relentless, with the story hurtling forward at breakneck speed from one revelation to the next. The combination of high-octane action sequences and moments of emotional introspection creates a narrative that feels both urgent and grounded.
The prose is sharp and cinematic, painting vivid pictures of gritty urban landscapes and shadowy digital realms. Phoenix’s ability to balance intricate technical details with accessible storytelling ensures that even readers unfamiliar with the world of hacking can fully engage with the plot.
For Fans Of...
Readers who enjoy the high-stakes thrillers of Lee Child, the cyber intrigue of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy, or the morally complex narratives of Vince Flynn will find much to love in Catalyst. Its blend of gritty realism, personal stakes, and global conspiracies makes it a standout in the genre.
Final Thoughts
Catalyst by Cameron Phoenix is a taut, unflinching thriller that combines the raw emotion of personal tragedy with the high-stakes tension of a global conspiracy. Its layered characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-read for fans of fast-paced, intelligent storytelling.
With its unrelenting pace and shocking twists, Catalyst is a book you won’t be able to put down—and one that will linger with you long after the final page. Highly recommended.