Audiobook Review – Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst, Narrated by Cassandra Morris (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Length: 7 hours and 22 minutes
Publisher: Recorded Books
Release Date: June 09, 2020
ASIN: B088P85LN7
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed Audiobook from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Zoe named the kitten Pipsqueak, because she was so tiny, and promised to always take care of her. Then the kitten grew. And grew. Now she’s bigger than a horse—and talking as well! Fleeing into the woods to escape the curious eyes of the Internet, Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, must keep the giant cat hidden as they desperately search for a way to return her to normal size. If they don’t succeed, Pipsqueak may never be safe again. But why did she grow so large in the first place? And what if trying to change her back leads to even greater danger?”
Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed a copy of this on audiobook from my library.
Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and it was a fun audiobook to listen to. It is a cute middle grade fantasy about family, friends, and magical animals. I have picked up a couple middle grade reads again lately and I am finding they just aren’t for me, but that doesn’t mean this wasn’t a good story. I think I enjoyed middle grade reads more when my son was in that age group and also reading these types of books.
The story follows Zoe who finds a small kitten that she names Pipsqueak. She gets reluctant permission to keep Pipsqueak from her parents…and then Pipsqueak starts to grow and talk! Zoe has promised to take care of Pipsqueak and she ends up trying to hide the changes in Pipsqueak from her parents. Things get more complicated when other pets start displaying strange magical features as well.
This was a cute middle grade read. The magical animals were adorable. Zoe has a decent relationship with her family and a close friendship with Harrison, her best friend. The themes in the book are about taking responsibility for your commitments and coming of age. There is a lot about friendship and family and change as well. Zoe is very sad that her older brother is going off to college and has to learn that change can be a good thing.
There are some fun twists at the end of the book and I enjoyed finding out why the animals changed even if it felt a little far-fetched. This is definitely intended for a middle grade audience and I don’t think adults will enjoy it as much. The writing pattern, concepts, and plot are fairly simple. It is a well written and fun read that I think kids of all ages will enjoy.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this isn’t my favorite Durst book, I prefer her young adult and adult novels. However, it was a fun and cute read that I think kids will enjoy. There are positive messages throughout the story and the whole book has a positive feel in general. There’s a lot in here about family, friendships and growing up…and of course a giant magical talking cat who was incredibly adorable! I probably won’t pick up more of Durst’s middle grade books, but I will definitely continue to seek out her adult and young adult novels. Durst is an excellent writer that I enjoy reading.