CAT SUMMER (Book one in The Cat Seasons tetralogy)

 

by Mollie Hunt;  

                  

                                                                   

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring this week an Middle Grade Adventure Fiction.

 

This week, as the year slowly draws to an end, I offer you our final review of 2023. We have an adult book to review, called Lie or Die, by Firefly Press. It's LONG. So, Mrs H has got a stash of mince pies in and a fresh bottle of sherry, and we'll be busy reading throughout the rest of December. Me, I have six boxes of cat food and some long-life cream and catnip and valerian cushions to while away the quiet hours between chapters.

So, without further ado, here's the review!

 

AUTHOR: Mollie Hunt

 

Cover art by: Roslyn McFarland

 

Published by: Independent Published

 

Publication date Paperback: This 2nd edition 7/2/2023

 

 

Paperback ISBN:  978-1984134844 

 

Cover price for Paperback:  £11.77

Kindle UK price:  £4.99

 

Pages: 353

 

Age range:  ADULT

Any dogs or cats? Absolutely chocked full of cats, plus some interesting humans, too!

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

Some as to plot direction and characters.

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

I am incredibly grateful to Mrs H for buying me this for an early festive holiday present.

As always, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, been given as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review. 

First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy. 

The plot

 

Our protagonist, Lise, awakes at night in her bed. It's hot, and she can't sleep. Forgoing dressing, she skips downstairs through the large, empty house. Her aged tuxedo cat, Percy, lies snuggled on the sofa. That is where the familiarity of the scene ends, for sitting on the floor is a large orange tabby. When she asked herself out loud who he was, he actually answered her. He is called Evermore Artair Eckx or plain Tom. The two cats discuss Lise's suitability to be 'She Who'. Tom thinks she is too big and clumsy to fit in their world. But time, it seems, is short, and their mission has to happen on Tri-Night, which is now. So, Lise is what they have to work with. But the cats head off, and Lise, for better or worse, follows. Still uncertain of what is really going on, but driven by curiosity and the guiding of the cats, she drops to all fours and dove whiskers first through the flap into the night beyond. Here marks the start of their journey and perilous mission. 

The cats offer little in the way of information as to the task that must be done. But soon, it becomes clear there is a demonic-like force, an evil that has been driving and feeding off man's wickedness and destructive nature. The name of the beast is Seh. And if he isn't stopped now, they never will be able to.

In an old neighbourhood shed, they come across one of Seh's minions, and it's not pretty. The cats flee, and soon enough, Lise realises there are many cats out there to help in the fight to bring an end to Seh's powers. It will be too late if they leave it till the next Tri-Night. Tri-nights give all sentient beings, of which cats are one, the ability to do things they could not before, like talk to each other.

It is a mission that will bring them face to face with friends and foes, some feline, others creatures of this world but turned bad within. Lise is warned by a feline she meets en route to watch out for their eyes. If they are red, they are evil and in league with Seh. The journey also takes our heroes, for that is what the ultimate band of felines is, on a quest that will transcend realms, maybe dimensions, where they will take on different forms and face not only the devilish workings of Seh but also Seh itself in a tangible form.

Like the best stories, those like LOTR, the heroes will be tested to breaking point, maybe even death. In the Alter tier– the realms cats can visit beyond their bodies and beyond the mortal world– things are not what they seem, nor people or creatures.

So as not to spoil this adventure, I shall leave my review here. I have but covered the intro to the first half of this story, which moves forward briskly to not one, but two conclusions. To say more would ruin the drama that unfolds and who features.

So, what did we think? Beware, Spoilers!!!!

The story is divided and defined by both chapters and time. It is also very descriptive; the writer has taken great pains to create a solid and compelling ambience-filled setting for the feline and human characters and the grizzly baddies in all their forms, wherever they may be. There is a very credible and clever link between the science and the fiction, which gives the story a grounding, especially in the second half.

I have to say, Mrs H and I were taken aback when, halfway through, we reached the second part and jumped 100 years. But the transition to what are effectively new characters was handled well. You'll note I say 'effectively new'. That will become clear when you read the story. Suffice it to say, this is a story with twice the punch. The ultimate ending (though arguably, given there are more books to come, this isn't the ending) was gripping and heartfelt. 

There is as much a journey of discovery for Lise as there is action and adventure. A higher purpose to her life, maybe the lives of all humanity. Thought-provoking.

I loved the cats, which are studies in feline behaviour and mannerisms. Knowing how skilled a cat carer Mollie is, this should be no surprise to any of her readers. This is a standout example, within its genres, of how we feel an excellent feline book should be for those who have neither cats nor read feline-themed adventures. 

For us, there are many ways of depicting cats in adventure stories. Over the years, they have been relegated in human-based detective stories to mere sidekicks or hooks to lure cat lovers and humanitarians. Don't get us wrong; any books featuring positive enforcement for fellow sentient creatures are to be applauded. More recently, I am pleased to see our favourite sentients, the cats, get a fair crack at the whip and move to speaking and action rolls. 

I have reviewed LT Shearer's first two books, The Cat Who Caught a Killer and The Cat Who Solved Three Murders, and was pleased with the intelligent portrayal of Conrad, the talking feline co-protagonist. It is also pleasing to see children's/Middle-Grade books with all manner of other sentient creatures ably portrayed. 

There are what we consider 'adult' moments in this book, which, for me, would make this an adult-only read.

 

So . . . . 

Crunch time.

A story worthy of Ray Bradbury – Old School in the best way. Keenly written, a blend of spiritualism, fantasy and science fiction that is not overpowering yet deliciously on the edge, or rather, straddling a rift between earthly and alternate worlds. 

Of the books and films we have read and seen, Mrs H thought it was like Madeleine L Engle (A Wrinkle in Time) meets Twilight Zone and Dr Who with undoubtedly a soupçon of Star Trek. 

We both agreed that this book is very much a parable for humanity and a fragile, on-the-brink planet. Thought-provoking in the best way.

 

So, loads to love and well worth dipping more than a toe or paw in for Christmas.  

Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, in whatever reality you may be in, please saunter, float or morph on down to your local independent bookshop. There are plenty out there, realities and bookshops, and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

 

Mollie Hunt's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://molliehuntcatwriter.com/

 

We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kitties Blue and their mum, Janet Blue in America.

 

And here is my selfie. Mrs H said she wanted to get all of me in the frame, so I obligingly obliged with an early Sunday morning 'Breakfast Roll'. 🙂

Till laters!

ERin

UNICORN ACADEMY; Sophia's Invitation.

 

From Nosy Crow;  

                                                                   

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

 

Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring this week, an adventure in Middle-Grade Fiction.

 

But first, after enquiries from last week's post, a quick trip to Upper Much-Mousing for a news update.... 

 

Mrs Hudson has been studying her credit card bill and is now eyeing Erin suspiciously.

"I can see that you haven't ordered them on my card. That is good news, and I dare say we could have gotten a refund if you had, but the postage would have cost the Earth, and they always want the original cardboard boxes that one has just thrown away. And you're sure you didn't meet anyone strange on the way back from the village Autumn Fete, maybe someone wanting to swap them for something?" Erin had, one Christmas, been caught out by a rogue Beanstalk Trader who'd managed to secure one of Mrs H's bottles of mature Earl Grey tea-flavoured sherry in exchange for a miniature beanstalk. The miniature giants, though they may well have been large, poorly dressed gnomes, that had then invaded the garden the following year had played havoc amongst the fruit trees and taken old Ned, the gardener, weeks to trap and then rehome to a tower block in London. The Tower of London, to be precise!

"Absolutely. No dodgy dealers, I swear. He was from the Council. Had a classic pointy hat, clipboard, a card in a plastic wallet and everything. He even left this receipt," Erin pointed to the rolled-up parchment that, at its mention, unrolled and hovered in the air for inspection.

 

"Well, that does seem to be all in order," Mrs H said a minute later, having inspected the red wax seal of the Magic Council Community Service Officer. "What I'd like to know is who volunteered us?"

 

Erin shrugged and gave her best 'It wasn't me' innocent smile, even though it was her. "Probably got on one of those spam lists after a data leak. I heard Santa left a USB stick down someone's chimney last year. Anyways, now they are here, I thought we could use their droppings to fertilize my catnip patch. 

 

"Hmm. I have my doubts Santa even knows what that is. As to giant catnip plants, that's not going to happen. At the rate they're eating the lawn and weeds, as well as your catnip, even if their dung was magical, it won't be recovering anytime soon!

 

The words 'even if' were not lost on Erin, and she gulped hard and then spluttered. "Not magical. The man from the Council said it would grow ten times the height!"

 

"That, Erin dear, is why you should always read the small print. As these unicorns are on Community Service, they don't have any magical powers. Ergo, their droppings won't be magical either. So, I think the best thing you can do to help them grow is if you go out there and start directing what the non-magical beasts eat. And maybe give old Ned a hand moving the small piles of droppings. Then, you can get them to use those pointy horns to shift the leaves. I don't want to see you until supper time."

With a raised eyebrow, Mrs H left the room, leaving Erin wondering if she hadn't just been done twice and was now doing community service, too? What do you think?

 

With that, let's get on to this week's review of:-

 

 

AUTHOR: Chapter book text by Nosy Crow

 

Script for Television by: Adam Wilson & Melanie Wilson

 

Story adapted by: Mandy Archer

Based on the UNICORN ACADEMY books by Julie Sykes & Linda Chapman

 

Cover art by: Lucy Truman

 

Published by: NOSY CROW

 

Publication date Paperback: 

 

 

Paperback ISBN: 978 1 80513 100 7

UK Cover price for Paperback: £6.99 

Kindle UK price 

 

Pages: 154

 

Age range: Chapter book, 7+

Any dogs or cats? No, but there is a herd of unicorns, and lots of surprising magical creatures!

 

 

SPOILER ALERT

Some as to plot direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful to Nosy Crow Publishers for the fun of getting to Read & Review this delightful book at the time of publication. 

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, been given as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.

First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy. 

 

The plot

 

Unicorn Island sits in the farthest part of the bluest of oceans, shrouded by an enchanted mist. It is the centre of all magic. It is a place of magical creatures and home to dazzlingly beautiful unicorns, who, along with their riders, help protect the world from evil. It is also the home to the Unicorn Academy, where new and upcoming riders are selected. But they must first be chosen by a unicorn, and then bond with it to bring forth the unicorn's special and unique magical talent. Only then can the training begin in earnest. Failure to be selected by or bond with a unicorn means they will be rejected from the Academy. 

 

The unicorns and their riders, and in particular, Miles Mendoza and his unicorn, Wildstar, saved both the island and the Unicorn Academy from destruction by the evil Queen Ravenzella. But it cost Miles his life.

 

But Sophia, his daughter, knows none of his past or true fate. Until one day, she gets an invite to attend the Nuncior Academy. Riding her father's chestnut mare, Mary Lou, Sophia is by far a brilliant rider for her age. The two work as one and tackle the largest of jumps fearlessly. After a ride on what appears to be a pilotless boat, she arrives at the island. She learns the Academy is, in fact, the Unicorn Academy. She is hopeful she can achieve as she rides well. But she is among some outstanding pupils, like Valentina, whose family began the Academy, or others who already knew that the Academy existed and whose brothers and sisters had already graduated from it. 

 

Dressed in tatty jeans and her dad's old but much-loved shirt, Sophia is entirely out of place. With a good mix of kind but firm and fair teachers and headmistress, the pupils from all of society, both girls and boys, are left in no doubt that there are strict rules and breaking them will mean instant dismissal from the Academy. 

 

Breaking the rules or bending them as Sophia might like to think of it as, is not something she can do, and yet she ends up doing it. 

 

When she finally finds a unicorn and is chosen by it, it seems it wants nothing but to slow her down. In fact, it seems the beautiful creature doesn't trust her at all!

What I need to say now is that soon after, the evil Queen Ravenzella makes an appearance, plotting her escape from a crystal prison on a far-off point of the Unicorn Island that the students are forbidden to go near. And to gain her freedom and wreak havoc on both unicorns and the Academy once and for all, she first needs something, Sophia!

 

And that is all I'm prepared to say. The magical adventure deepens and takes off, up and down in more ways than one, reaching its tense, perilous conclusion in the closing pages.

So, what did we think?

 

A high-flying magical adventure that is never short on thrills and spills and a refreshing twist on the magical school stories we have had in the past. 

There is an emphasis on learning to not only communicate with, but also understand their unicorns. The book strongly supports the values of teamwork and problem-solving. Equally as important is inclusivity. So many valuable skills to provide for a better non-magical society and life in our own world. We all hope for these qualities, yet are sometimes forsaken later in life.

 

So . . . .

Crunch time. 

 

Any child who has had or ridden a horse will fall in love with this adventure and understand its charm. Timed to be released before a NETFLIX series coming this November, I am sure it will be thoroughly enjoyed by all girls and boys alike. 

So, if, like Mrs H and I, you have ridden a horse, or indeed aspire to kindle and/or share in a younger reader's passion for same, then this is a MUST READ.

 

Want to buy a copy?

To get a copy, please head for your magical book store, a unicorn is optional. There are plenty out there, and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure your hearts desire.

 

Nosy Crow's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://nosycrow.com/

 

Julie Sykes' web page can be found HERE or type this: https://www.juliesykes.co.uk/

 

Linda Chapman's web page can be found HERE or type this: http://www.lindachapmanauthor.co.uk/

 

We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kittes Blue and their mum, Janet Blue in America.

 

So, I shall leave you with a selfie of me. I'd very kindly offered to help her with the cleaning. I suspect she didn't quite think I meant this . . . . 

Till laters!

ERin