a good listen

enjoyed this one, I will be listening to the rest of the series for sure

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Easy listen.

I enjoyed the book, as it was a simple story line, and an easy listen. I would imagine the film to be a softer version of 2012 cross between Battleships and walking tall. I may come back and listen to the second book in time. Its narrated generally well, although the take on the girls voice is funny. Worth a listen.

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Scary good!

What did you like most about Catalyst Downward Cycle?

This book is scary good. By which I mean not only is it a great book but it feels real. It feels to be how society would react on a small town and government level. I also really like our main character, Scott. The story eases us into the situation in a way that's amazing to listen to and makes it easy to follow the story progression.

What other book might you compare Catalyst Downward Cycle to, and why?

I'm not sure how I would compare this to other works. I can honestly say, think of your favorite authors and if they wrote a book about this topic it would be this book. It's got a polished feel to it with really well developed characters and it feels normal. Normal in a sense of this is our world and this is how the loss of power and government control would play out in a small town.

What about Steven Varnum’s performance did you like?

The sense of the world feeling normal comes across really well and also Scott comes to life through the narration. I really liked at the start where we have this calm before the storm, where people are going to coffee shops like its a normal day with a slightly irritating power problem but not thinking bigger, the narration made it feel normal but through Scott's thoughts and actions also to feel what's coming.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I started my own internal inventory of what I'd need to survive and it really got me thinking what I'd do. In fact I was suddenly happy to think of all my camping gear and other equipment as a start.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

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A really good read

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

i found that i was listening to this book not only on my way to and from work, but also at work. i would find an excuse to nip to the shops to listen a bit more and even have headphones on in bed just to reach the end of the section.
You know, it was that good, i may even buy the next one
Great book, expertly read, fascinating story based on good research. i may buy a few tins of corned beef on the way home........just in case

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Good post apocalyptic fun

This series has started really well. Some really interesting ideas in a typical end of the world story. No zombies for a change. Highly recommended

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Great end of the world as we know it book.

This just goes to show you do not need zombies, aliens or other flesh eating monsters to have a good end of the world as we know it book. If that sounds interesting to you this may be the book for you.

J K Franks’s writing is good and interesting, the story is kept moving with good pacing and characterful dialogue. This book is a well thought out and executed story of what would happen if most of the world’s technology failed, what would people do, what choices or actions would people need to take and the grey area between right and wrong that gets wider as the modern world falls to pieces. It is a little bleak at times but that how this sort of story should be.

Steven Varnum’s narration is clear and easy to listen to, they add threat to the battles and dangers. Each character has a unique voice that fits them adding to the listing experience, making it simple to tell who is who and conveying their emotions. I did not notice any errors in the recording.

Overall
This is an interesting book that is well worth a listen. I just hope nothing like this really happens.


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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1 person found this helpful

Entertaining story about the fall of civilisation

excellent story narrated well. would have been 5 Star but for the pace of the story seemed to dip in the middle before picking up again. the detailed description of how the world falls apart will make you wonder if it could go down that way!

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Easy and enjoyable listen

Where does Catalyst Downward Cycle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks in the top tenth. It was an easy listen. Not too tecnical or full of gun numbers. Just enough to go with the story. It was different because to main guy is a computer geek. And has to prep after the event. I did enjoy it. I will get the next book.

What about Steven Varnum’s performance did you like?

He had a voice that I found easy to listen to. On the whole I found it easy to know who was talking. But he does need to pratice girls voices. Not bad but a little room for improvement

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did it in two sittings.

Any additional comments?

A good plot. Slightly flawed heros. (not know alls). Not overboard on teck details. I liked it. This audiobook was provided through AudioBook Boom free of charge, and without obligation.

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it's good

I really quite liked it, definitely will be getting the other books. well performed, although the narrator sounds like a woman in her 90's who has smoked her whole life. but he does an admirable job

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Thoroughly enjoyed and wanting more

I was given this audio book and it is very much appreciated but I’m being honest in my review.

It took me a little time to warm towards the characters and at times too much detail sidetracked my brain but as the author built the story I realised I was very much invested in them and where the story will take them. The author certainly doesn’t pull their punches as the reality of the new world takes hold.

Powerless and perhaps helpless for so many people but there’s a turn which takes it spiraling beyond the usual fight to carry on.

I am very keen to continue this series and to where the author takes the people forward - or even further downwards.

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