Thursday, April 14, 2011

The familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

Welcome to the magical world of Vastia, where a young alley cat named Aldwyn is about to end up in the adventure of his life.  While on the run from a terrible fate Aldwyn ends up in a store that sells magical animal familiars to wizards in training - and he soon finds himself matched up with a young wizard named Jack.

Settling into his new life as a familiar, Aldwyn has to work hard to convince the other familiars that he is not a big phoney - something that is not as easy to do as hopes.  Then the unthinkable happens and Aldwyn and his new familiar friends must set off on a quest to rescue their loyals from an enemy that will stop at nothing to destroy the loyals, and the familiars that are desperately seeking a way to save them.

This story has many elements that will appeal to young readers - and it is no surprise that the book is going to become an animated movie due for release in 2012.  There is adventure, drama, fantasy, magic, a daring quest, an evil villain beyond belief, and the power of friendship.  Having the heroes in the form of a bird, a frog, and a cat almost seems like a gag joke, but each of the characters has their own flaws and skills that sees them pull together and be totally believable.  This looks like the beginning of a new series, and is probably best for 'tween readers or confident readers from age 8+.

If you like this then try:
  • Warriors series by Erin Hunter
  • Seekers series by Erin Hunter
  • Harry Potter series by J K Rowling
  • Rowan of Rin series by Emily Rodda
  • Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda

Reviewed by Brilla

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