I'm experimenting with including a blog as part of our library. To keep things simple, I am starting out with reviews on my summer reading. As the school year starts, I would love to add student reviews to the blog.
The first book I read this summer was The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein. My friend Grace Campbell bought it for me at the book fair and I am very glad she did. As most of you know, I have three dogs and I am what you would call a "dog person." Because of that, I might not have chosen this book for myself, since it has a cat on the front and the cat is one of the main characters. It was a very enjoyable story with plenty of action, humor, danger, friendships, courage, and mystery.
Aldwyn, the cat, is hiding from danger in a pet shop and is chosen by a young wizard named Jack. He meets the other students who are learning from Jack's teacher, as well as their familiars. Things seem too good to be true after Aldwyn's life of trying to survive as a stray cat in the city. Of course there are evil wizards, wicked plots, narrow escapes, and rescue missions, but the familiars also make some new friends along the way. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The second book is Secrets of the Crown and the third book is Circle of Heroes. A fourth book titled Palace of Dreams is coming soon from the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys The Warriors series by Erin Hunter, magical fantasy books like Harry Potter, or even books with animals as main characters like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little. I have added my copy to the library so other people can enjoy it.
For more information on the series or the author and illustrator, visit their website. While you're there, you can even take a quiz to find out which familiar might be best for you. There is also a FaceBook page where you can check out posts, videos, and art by other fans - as well as get the latest news from the creators of the series. AND - Sony Pictures has an animated movie in development that is based on the book.
Don't forget to check out the trailer for the book.
That's all for now. If you have read The Familiars, or would like to send me a comment or question, you can reach me at suzannercostner@gmail.com .
