Customer Reviews

Catalyst: A Novel of Alien Contact

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was not expecting this dark science fiction novel from the extraordinary fantasist Nina Kiriki Hoffman, but once I started this disquieting coming-of-age story, I could not stop reading to see what would happen next. This is a story of alienation and what it means to be a human and/or a monster, and how easily the roles change, depending on perspective. A fascinating exploration of alien contact.

A cover blurb suggests that Nina Kiriki Hoffman is "this generation's Ray Bradbury." That seems almost entirely wrong, but it is hard to think who would be a more valid comparison. Peter S Beagle, perhaps. Hoffman is more familiar from her modern fantasies regarding the interlocking lives of people touched by magic of one form or another. But in this short novel, she is doing something very different, a science fiction novel of first contact. And in the process, she has created a some genuinely unique aliens and alien biology.

As in her fantasies, Hoffman always surprises. Dramatic tension rarely resolves in a way that is familiar or expected. Situations that appear to be frightening often turn out to be benign, enemies find surprising common ground (as with the protagonist and the bully who is chasing him as the story opens). Conversations and character development take odd and surprising turns.

In some respects, this seems to be a young adult novel. The protagonist starts out beleaguered, but by the end seems on his way to developing his confidence and autonomy. There are some brief scenes involving sex, including a sexualized encounter with the aliens that is handled in a matter-of-fact manner that seems not at all salacious. I am hopeful that as she has in her fantasies, Hoffman will write more stories that interlock with this one. There is clearly room for sequels, as well as for further development of some of the incidental characters.

I am normally intensely fond of all of Nina Kiriki Hoffman's writing. I think her character development is phenomenal, her language is lyrical, and her ability to find magic in the ordinary delightful. This book, however, mystified me. It was a strange book, with some interesting concepts, and it held my attention, but I didn't particularly care about or like the characters. Furthermore, although I was moderately interested in what was going on by the time the book ended, the book just stopped. It felt like it ended in the middle of a sentence (although it didn't.) I would heavily recommend all of NKH's other fiction, but this book left something to be desired.

Excellent novel, best SciFi I've read in years. Grabs you and never lets go. Great characters, unique plot. First Nina novel I read, will read all the rest. Got into my head, changed my views, one of the best things a novel can do.

It took me a long time to read this book... once I did, my immediate reaction was "where's the sequel?!!!"
The aliens, as she possibly intended, seemed a lot more benevolent than the humans. But that is the real experience of many people. This book is as much about power and class as it is about science fiction. Or rather, all good science fiction examines human concerns and this one does it remarkably well.

This was a fascinating and different first contact SF story. It became a page turner for me and then it just simply STOPPED at page 171. It was like this was supposed to be twice as long and the book was torn in half. If sequels were planned, where are they since this was written in 2007? The universe that is the stage for this book could sustain many sequels, but give a reader a clue if this will ever be the case or not!

Another characteristic Nina Hoffman novel, with the usual sexiness and unusual situations, and also with her typical warmth. Fans will appreciate this one, although my personal favorite of hers is still 'A Fistful of Sky'.

Excellent read! Here's a story of first contact with a truly unique alien & culture, and all from a teen's point of view. Though I would term this book more of novela vs novel, this is definently a book I'd recommend.

Catalyst is a Science Fiction novel by a Fantasy writer who presents the everday with wonder and the challenges it presents with originality in a magical way.Nina Kiriki Hoffman introduces us to a colony world and peopled it with Kaslin, a teenaged boy who is trying to survive in a new home and Histly, a bully who will not leave him alone. Throw in an alien contact and a first romance and you have the premis of Catalyst.Kaslin has to deal with his bully and face the waking up of an alien culture.Easy to read, fast paced but a little akword in it's love scenes, however Catalyst gives to meaning to a shared kiss.

I wasn't sure what to expect when ordering this book, but there was definitely one thing I was expecting and didn't get: Satisfaction.
The plot? Very predictable. The characters? Paper-thin. The dialog? You might as well be talking to a computer. The action? Reading this book reminded me of listening to sports over the radio. Sure you know what's going on, but there's little description and an even smaller amount of excitement.
The ending just left you there at the crest of action. Talk about anti-climactic. Not only that, but the entire book was poorly written with choppy sentences and about as much passion as a geriatric coma, not to mention just a bit over a hundred pages--very short.
Easily makes my top-ten worst books list. Stear clear.