Kingdoms of Sorrow

Catalyst, Book 2

By: JK Franks

Narrated by: Steven Varnum

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The fight for survival continues in book 2 of the Catalyst series.

A murderous army, an unspeakable plague and an approaching hurricane. One man will risk it all to save his community. Cities, nations, and governments lie in ruins and billions have perished. In the wake of a global apocalypse, survival has become a way of life in a world that seems intent on wiping them all out.

Among the survivors are Scott Montgomery and his friends on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. They have struggled to hang on better than most. But growing threats - both man-made and natural - leave their chances on a razor's edge. Now with the help of uncertain alliances they must face a new danger none of them saw coming. This group, "The Messengers", are like a biblical plague, destroying everything - and everyone - in their path.

Time is short for the survivors and another grim new discovery means the Messengers may not be the only thing they should fear.

Don’t miss out on the second installment of the best-selling Catalyst series.

©2017 J K Franks (P)2017 J K Franks

Even better than the original!

Just enough characters to be rich in detail yet not convoluted. Sympathetic protagonists & supporting characters are both distinct & richly detailed.

Excellent Sequel in a Great Complex Series!

Kingdoms of Sorrows picks up right after the events of the first novel the series Catalyst the Downward Cycle. The novel is populated with many characters and locations. If you have not read or listened to the first novel it will be difficult to jump into the second novel and understand what is going on with the events of the world, the characters, and their motivations for their actions. I want to keep this review spoiler free because I loved what Mr. Franks has created with this world. For me, it has been a place to lose myself in and indulge in the grandest of conspiracy theories around the government and their preparation for a disaster like CME's and other major events of global destruction. Mr. Franks has populated this novel with well-rounded characters, some of whom we get to see more of their backstory in this novel. If you liked the first story you will like the second. It is as easy as that.

The narration by Mr. Varnum was just amazing. He has such an amazing range to do the wide variety of characters and give each of them life and make the listener either love them or hate them. I really enjoy his performance.

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge via Audiobook Boom for an unbiased review.

Character development, good plot, interesting survival methods

A little too much detail about the violence. Not a fan of that much grizzly detail.

My re-review...

I originally had to delay my review as I had to re listen to the first novel... In my opinion thats the only thing I didnt enjoy. I was so lost at the beginning, since I finished the previous book almost a year and a half earlier.

After re listening to the original then listening to the sequel, I remembered what I enjoyed and am pleased to write a positive review. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys post apocalyptic/SHTF type of books! Solid writing, impeccable narration.

*This audiobook was provided to me at no cost in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Good listen

Liked this book more than the first in the series. Fun characters and interesting plot. Much less bike babble which I appreciated. Enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Well done

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

A complete story in a complex world

Kingdoms of Sorrow: Catalyst, Book 2..
I've not read book 1 in the series but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this complete story in a complex post apoc world.
Probably the best post apoc book in quite a few years.
Immerse yourself in this world and enjoy.
I was given a free copy of this audio book at my own request, and voluntarily leave this review.

Great character development. Excellent story line.

Great character development. Excellent story line. Fifteen word minimum for a review is the reason i don’t want to leave a review.

Great story

Dry interesting read. I look forward to reading more about the characters and the challenges they face.

Excellent Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

The Catalyst Series is excellent post-apocalyptic literature with a little bit of spy, techno, and science fiction thrillers woven throughout the story. The plots and subplots aren’t typical post-apocalyptic storyline pushed forward by the stupidity of the protagonists or their failure to realize their modern world has drastically changed. The characters aren’t the typical apocalyptic bunch, the good and bad guys are nuanced and interesting. I highly recommend the series.

Great follow-up to "Downward Cycle"

I'm starting book three of this series, and just realized that I hadn't given the first two books the positive review they deserved. The books have the right balance of action, suspense, and real world tactics. Both are easy to listen to thanks to smooth narration and well-paced writing. I can't wait to see how this series ends.