Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “We are the Catalyst (The Psionics, #2)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

We are the Catalyst

(The Psionics #2)

Tash McAdam (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 31 ratings · 20 reviews

Kidnapped and imprisoned, telepathic children are forced to gather military intelligence. Repeatedly stripped of their memories, they live in ignorance of the world above. You can’t tell anyone a secret if you don’t remember it. It’s not child abuse if no one knows you exist.

Epsilon 17 appears to be just another mindless tool, empty of thought. But it’s a lie. The carefull ...more

Get A Copy

ebook

Published February 25th 2019 by NineStar Press (first published July 26th 2016)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about We are the Catalyst, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.19 ·

Rating details

· 31 ratings · 20 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of We are the Catalyst (The Psionics, #2)

Mar 24, 2019 Isabelle | Nine Tale Vixen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs-review-copies, rep-lgbtqia-plus, blogged-reviews, rep-about-and-by-lgbt-folx

1. I Am the Storm | ★★★ 1/2

I received a review copy from the author through #ReviewPit. This does not affect my rating or opinions.

~~4.75 stars.~~ 4.5 stars. (I had originally planned to reread this after reading the first book, but it was such an intense experience that I don't feel prepared to undergo again. Reread-ability is a factor in ratings for me, but I also don't want to ignore my initial impression.)

Mindreaders. Telepaths. Psychics. There are many names, but here at the Institute, they lik

...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Feb 18, 2019 Alix rated it it was amazing

Great read! This book starts with a very personal act of resistance - and had me hooked from there, as the story spiraled ever outward and back inward through the minds and plights of the two pov characters.

Epsilon17 and Toby make for fantastic contrasting protagonists who (unbeknownst to them) share a common goal. The book is action-packed, and full of compelling characters that you can't wait to learn more about and spend more time with. I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free, but the en ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 13, 2019 Mary Fan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, dystopia, made-me-miss-my-train-stop

The death of dystopia has been greatly exaggerated, and thank goodness. I, for one, never get sick of stories about scrappy teens rising up against cruel regimes, of dark worlds juxtaposed with the stubborn idealism, gritty persistence, and hope that fuels rebellion. WE ARE THE CATALYST delivers all that and more.

In a world where kids with psionic powers are enslaved by the almighty Institute - stripped of their humanity to be used as weapons - an underground rebellion is brewing, and two teens The death of dystopia has been greatly exaggerated, and thank goodness. I, for one, never get sick of stories about scrappy teens rising up against cruel regimes, of dark worlds juxtaposed with the stubborn idealism, gritty persistence, and hope that fuels rebellion. WE ARE THE CATALYST delivers all that and more.

In a world where kids with psionic powers are enslaved by the almighty Institute - stripped of their humanity to be used as weapons - an underground rebellion is brewing, and two teens find themselves at the center of it all. On one side is Epsilon 17, a prisoner of the Institute forced to do their bidding and essentially treated like an object – kept suspended in stasis between missions and robbed of memories. But despite the Institute’s best efforts, E17 has managed to hold onto the core of who she is, buried deep, deep inside. She secretly longs to see the Institute’s downfall and hopes that the very rebels she’s dispatched to destroy will succeed. On the other side is Toby, a privileged boy whose teen misadventure sends him on an explosive path after he accidentally discovers his previously dormant – but abnormally potent – psionic abilities. The Institute is after him for his untapped power, but the rebels get to him first, and within a few pages, the book takes off running in a dystopian game of cat-and-mouse as Toby and his newfound allies struggle to keep one step ahead of the Institute.

WE ARE THE CATALYST is the second book in Tash McAdam’s fast-paced YA dystopian thriller series, “The Psionics,” and like the first book, I AM THE STORM, the adventure never slows down. I know I use the phrase “pulse pounding” a lot to describe Tash’s work, but that’s because there’s no better way to describe the effect of these books and their writing style. Relentless pacing, high-octane action, wicked twists… all against intricately constructed world-building, told through unique and memorable character voices, and interspersed with heart-melting character moments. WE ARE THE CATALYST takes place a few years after I AM THE STORM, with the main characters of the first book, Serena and Sam, among Toby’s allies in the rebellion. Shifting the perspectives to Toby and E17 opens the world to whole new perspectives and shows the conflict from different angles.

I loved every moment of this book, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next! ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 23, 2019 Stephanie GooglyEyes rated it really liked it

Shelves: boys-who-love-boys, action-adventure, book-series, dystopian, government, psychic-medium-shaman, sci-fi-fantasy, ya-coming-of-age-na

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ~3.5*~

I was slightly sad to see that this didn't pick up where 1 left off. I come to find out that this can be read as a standalone, but the characters from the first are in this one, so we know they made it and are OK....for now...

Just like in the first book, each chapter oscillates between characters.
One chapter follows the events happening to Toby while the others follow Epsilon 17.

E17 is a young adult raised in the"Institute" and programmed for doing their bidding. She trains and studies a ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 28, 2019 Alex Harrow rated it it was amazing

This is such a great continuation of the Psionics series, though it should be noted that this book can absolutely be read on its own, though you'll get more connections (and awesome recurring characters!) if you read I AM THE STORM first.

Anyway, this installment of the series felt in many ways more fleshed out than the first book and introduces readers more to ARC, the organization trying to take down the Institute, who exploit Psionics like Epsilon 17. I loved the found family dynamics in ARC a ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 25, 2019 Sage Anastasi rated it it was amazing

I decided to jump straight in with We Are The Catalyst, even thought it technically has another book before it, and it was the right decision! The pacing is quick and tight, and the alternating points of view lend themselves really well to dramatic irony -- Toby and 17 both know things the other doesn't, and watching them slowly come together is an absolute joy. McAdams fits the worldbuilding in around the characters, using their experiences to contextualise events, which is a refreshing change ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 20, 2019 Lianna rated it it was amazing

Although we do see the two POV characters from the first book quite a bit, this book follows two new characters; Toby, who has grown up in the central city with all the amenities of life, and Epsilon 17 who has been locked up by The Institute - an organization dedicated to using superpowered children to control and subdue the population. This gives us a lot of new information about the world and those that live in it. This book documents the fight between the ARC and the Institute, as well as gi ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 19, 2019 Michelle rated it it was amazing

This starts out with a description of what life is like for Epsilon 17 as an unwitting tool of the Institute in a way that's truly haunting and grips you and immediately puts you on her side, and doesn't let go from there. The two main characters are connected in ways beyond even their own knowledge and trying to untangle the mystery and see what happens to them next makes you want to keep going past the point where a reasonable person would go to sleep for the night (not that I would know anyth ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 25, 2019 James rated it it was amazing

All the characters are really interesting and I cared about them immediately. Epsilon 17 is a fascinating example of resistance and strength and Toby is very relatable. I was immediately drawn into the complicated Institute, a high powered, Government organization that controls the country through secret means. Tash McAdams has created a vibrant, complicated world that unfolds wonderfully. The story is full of diverse characters and unexpected events! I definitely recommend!!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 05, 2019 Lee Sutton rated it it was amazing

Epsilon 17 is a prisoner of the Institute. Her powerful abilities make her a dangerous tool, but her captivity has kept her physically weak and helplessly ignorant. Her only solace comes in the form of a happy, energetic boy who populates her dreams and shows her a taste of a life she can barely imagine. The regular memory wipes are meant to keep her docile, but Epsilon 17 remembers. She remembers five years of dehumanization. Five years of isolation. Five years of being a tool for manipulation, Epsilon 17 is a prisoner of the Institute. Her powerful abilities make her a dangerous tool, but her captivity has kept her physically weak and helplessly ignorant. Her only solace comes in the form of a happy, energetic boy who populates her dreams and shows her a taste of a life she can barely imagine. The regular memory wipes are meant to keep her docile, but Epsilon 17 remembers. She remembers five years of dehumanization. Five years of isolation. Five years of being a tool for manipulation, assassination, and murder—the invisible arm of a shadow government bent on unwavering control. She remembers and she is angry. She is angry and so she waits.
Toby is a kind, athletic boy, blissfully unaware of his own privilege. As a citizen of the City, Toby’s life is full of happiness and safety. The infrastructure of the City protects citizens from the extreme climate that has driven whole populations from their homes. Desperate refugees live in sprawling slums that stretch for kilometers around the walls protecting the City. There are horror stories of disease, crime, and extreme poverty, but as every citizen knows, the people in these slums chose to live out their lives of self-determination outside of the protection of the government. Toby is comfortable in this knowledge until he meets and befriends Alyssa, a girl from the slums who sneaks into the City to read in the library. When she fails to show up for their usual hang-out, Toby is worried. When he receives her distress call, Toby is moved to action. He abandons his life of comfort and ventures out into the slums in search of his friend. His clean clothes and well-fed build immediately attract unwanted attention and a moment of extreme stress and pain leads to an incredible revelation. One that attracts even more confusing and unwanted attention.
Epsilon 17, sent to hunt the mysterious Maelstrom, finds an unexpected opportunity. Toby, injured and lost in the chaos of the slums, finds an unexpected ally. And both begin to walk a new, unexpected path toward extreme danger, but also toward each other.
This is a truly lovely book. The plot is tight and thrillingly action-packed. The characters are complex and compelling and heartbreakingly real. The intensity of their emotions is agonizing and beautifully written. McAdam weaves the worldbuilding seamlessly through the eyes and experiences of Epsilon 17 and Toby—no expository dumps or clunky explanatory dialogue here. The telepathy is equally as fascinating as it is terrifying. This is an exciting and absorbing book! I read the last half in a single sitting in which I bounced off doorways and tripped over furniture, my nose buried in the text. The ending haunts me and I cannot wait for more!
If you are looking for action-packed science fiction, full of complex characters (many of whom are queer!) and nuanced exploration of loneliness, love, friendship, and loyalty—this book is for you!
...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 06, 2019 BookLooksbyB rated it liked it

(3.5/5 stars)

Vivid, detailed writing, 2 very different character’s stories all told in a demented dystopian world. Though this book has 2 character perspectives, I instantly grew more attached to E17. Toby was interesting & funny, however E17 stole the show for me and I found myself enjoying her chapters more than Toby’s. E17’s chapters were intense, tragic, suspenseful, & so well thought out that I couldn’t put the book down until I knew how her chapter ended each time I picked this up to read ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 02, 2019 Di Stefano rated it it was amazing

Wow, just Wow! The best sci-fi novel I’ve read in years. An exciting, exhilarating, roller coaster of a ride.
A fast moving page turner that I couldn’t put down.
As with all good sci-fi the world was well developed, well described and fascinating. When the storyline, characters and world are all good then sci-fi is good. This is good.
The great thing about it was not just that it was an exciting adventure thriller but that the characters were so different and well developed; no cardboard cut-outs ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 26, 2019 Michelle Shemon rated it it was amazing

We are the Catalyst
The Psionics Book 2
Tash McAdam

This was a great story! I loved the characters, and the details provided. It made them real. The world building and descriptions were wonderful. They really pulled you into the story. The twists were great. I loved the adventure, and the action. This was an amazing read.

flag Like · see review

Mar 20, 2019 Delaney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved this book! The world is rich and diverse, and the characters are all in depth and fully realized. Exciting and thoughtful, this was a fun and emotional read. I’ve been a fan of Tash’s work since I was a young teenager and their talent for writing continues to shine in this second novel. Can’t wait for more Psionics!!

flag Like · see review

Aug 14, 2019 Marie rated it it was amazing

Book 2 takes us with a different set of main characters who teach us much more about this exciting sci-fi world. I love the relationship building, the fight scenes, and of course, the exciting magical elements of telepathy and telekinesis!

flag Like · see review

Mar 26, 2019 Tina rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this story. Really good plot to the story. Very well written. Would highly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stories. Can't wait to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 29, 2020 Tina Burch rated it did not like it

I could not get into this book. I picked it up multiple times and could only read a few pages before putting it down again. Not sure why I couldn't get in to it, as it seemed like a really great book. ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 16, 2019 Sinead Stinson rated it it was amazing

All of my favourite things!!

flag Like · see review

Feb 22, 2019 Aoife rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019, a2, a3e, feb, nine-star-press

Shades of Dollhouse in this exciting thriller. I downloaded and read it pretty much in one go. I liked the twists and turns and the mystery of it all.

The description says this is part of a series, but I didn't feel I was missing anything from earlier books at all. I'll look out for more in the series; this isn't exactly a cliffhanger but there's plenty of space for more stories.

Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way. ...more

flag Like · see review

Anne Marie Crookes rated it really liked it
Jul 30, 2019

Angela d. rated it liked it
May 29, 2019

Camille Lecointre rated it really liked it
Feb 15, 2020

Astra E Morris rated it really liked it
May 15, 2020

Andrew Krause rated it did not like it
Jan 13, 2021

Dawn rated it did not like it
Aug 30, 2020

Allison rated it it was amazing
May 23, 2019

Tanya Lisle rated it it was amazing
May 14, 2019

Feb 22, 2019 Insert Name Here rated it liked it

I tried to like this, but the language just isn't for me. I can't even put my finger on what, exactly, was upsetting me; all I can say is that this one is not for me, but the story and writing are solid if you want to check it out for yourselves.

Thanks for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more

flag Like · see review

Hamza rated it really liked it
Jun 04, 2020

William Daly rated it really liked it
Dec 21, 2020

« previous 1 2 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

GLBT > Queer

2 users

Young Adult

2 users

Science Fiction Fantasy

2 users

See top shelves…

About Tash McAdam

Tash McAdam

61 followers

Tash is a Welsh-Canadian author and teacher. Their publications include The Psionics (Nine Star Press), and the Gold Standard Select Blood Sport (Orca Books) as well as multiple anthology contributions.

When they're not writing, they're usually found teaching either Computer Science or English in Vancouver. Tash identifies as trans and queer and uses the neutral pronoun 'they'. As an English teache ...more