The Catalyst

Targon Tales, Book 1

By: Chris Reher

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

It's no easy tour of duty for Lt. Nova Whiteside when her interstellar transport is taken by pirates, and she is then tagged for termination. Could it have something to do with the mysterious alien they were transporting? Having gone from merely MIA to technically AWOL, any chance of escape leaves her no choice but to rely on Sethran Kada, a former lover, for help. Unfortunately, she realizes, they are now on opposite sides of an escalating war between the Commonwealth Union of Planets and an increasingly dangerous rebel organization.

In trying to find who is threatening her life, they discover a plot to destroy a distant planet - a world inhabited by creatures that are the key to Nova's survival - and a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Union Commonwealth. Can Nova go beyond her strict military training to cooperate with people whom she is sworn to destroy?

©2012 Chris Reher (P)2016 Podium Publishing

It gets better…

This is the 2nd book I’ve listened to in the series and it keeps getting better. Life isn’t easy for the main characters and the integrity of Nova gets her through the hardest trials. The action keeps me up at all hours.

It’s a fun but shallow story

The story is fun and well-paced but does not go deeper than that. There’s no real themes or thought provocation. For what it is, I enjoyed it.

Emily Woo Zeller is one of my favorite voice actor / narrators. Bumped my rating up from 3 to a 4.

Nice balance between the sci-fi and romance

I am a big fan of world building and this story did a great job with new unique aliens and interspersed politics balanced by believable characters and an exciting plot. The narrator nailed the voice acting.

An all time new favorite!

This book series peaked, caught, and held my interest. Can’t wait for more. I love this whole multiple series from Cat to Nova! Awesome read.

Entertaining

This was a decent story. I found it entertaining and not too predictable. Worth checking out.