Carol E. Leever

When I saw this book in the Audible Plus catalog, I knew I had to give it a try. Who wouldn't want to read a series titled Of Cats and Dragons? Night's Gift is a fun middle grade adventure about two new friends who are simply touring the city when a pick-pocket steals a family heirloom and they accidentally ending up on a quest that lands them squarely in the night arena in the city of Hex in an attempt to get the jewelry back. The situation ends up out of control quickly.

The story is a slow show more build that takes about half the book to really get going. It's worth the wait. It was fun getting to know Omen and Templar. Omen is a psionic who is still learning to control his powers and it leads to just the kind of mischief you'd imagine. Templar is a bit more like his namesake and provides a nice balance to Omen's magical abilities. Once they meet Tormy mayhem ensues just as you'd expect with a talking cat. Yes, I definitely would love to have my own Tormy!

I listened to the audio book narrated by P. J. Ochlan. I'm not sure I liked the odd accent he gave to Tormy but the rest of the characters were just fine.

I am looking forward to continuing the series. show less

My original Night's Gift audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Omen has the power to move objects with his mind. The problem is he can’t control it and often causes more problems than he solves. Determined to get away from his controlling royal parents, he takes off into the city Hex. His adventures start instantly as a thief steels his warding bracelet and the prince of Hex steps in just in time to save an old merchant from Omen’s uncontrolled powers. show more Little do either know, this is just the beginning of a long night of deadly adventures.

The action is ceaseless as Omen and the prince track down the thief and his necromancer boss. They only have to retrieve one special item for the rotting alchemist to give it back. Of course, that one thing requires getting something else, which requires getting something else and so on. Soon they find themselves fighting dead giants, a witch, a merman, evil bird things and a dozen other monsters all trying to kill them.

There is literally no break in the action, one adventure leading to the next. It is fantasy fun as the two friends discover more about themselves and their growing trust in each other. The youthful protagonists and the nature of the adventures makes this a great choice for young adults. There is a lighthearted tone to the story that softens the violence enough to not keep kids up at night. You know the friends will prevail in the end, just not how.

The story is performed by P. J. Ochlan, who is just brilliant. His voice is smooth as silk and infinitely malleable to the many characters. The lighthearted tone of the story comes through just right for the young adult listener, but enjoyable for adults as well. The character voices are all easily differentiated and appropriate for each. Certainly any listener’s favorite will be the cute, deadly kitten with a Scottish accent. How fun is that?

This is a fun and exciting fantasy novel for young adults and adults alike who enjoy their fantasy lighthearted. Though part of a series of unknown length, it wraps up completely, leaving only enough mystery to entice the listener for future adventures. Recommended.

Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher. show less

My original Radiation audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

This is the further adventures of Omen and his talking cat, Tormy. It is a sequel of sorts, in that some of the characters introduced in the first volume continue and there is some reference to them in the second volume. But far more detail is given to Omen’s family and new characters. It easily stands alone, though you may want to listen to the first volume first to understand the back references show more better.

Omen is given a quest by his mysterious older brother to rescue their long-forgotten brother in a ruined land. Omen’s magic powers are subdued in this other realm and he has to use his wits, education and Tormy’s help to rescue his god-like brother. Their lost brother has been in this ruined land for many years, perhaps centuries with no one to keep him company but the ghosts he sees and communicates with. His mind may be warped beyond repair and only Omen and Tormy vow to save him regardless of his possible affliction. A whole race of elves may suffer extermination if they can’t.

Radiation is a complicated tale of loyalty and magic. During the story, we get a lot more information about Omen’s family and his place in it. His close friend, the prince of Hex makes an appearance but is mostly out of the story until the battles begin. As with the first book, it is a fun story well suited for a young adult audience, with youthful heroes, magic, talking creatures and exciting, but less-than-frightening battles.

The story is performed by P. J. Ochlan, who is just brilliant. His voice is smooth as silk and infinitely malleable to the many characters. The lighthearted tone of the story comes through just right for the young adult listener, but enjoyable for adults as well. The character voices are all easily differentiated and appropriate for each. Certainly, any listener’s favorite will be the cute, deadly kitten and his identical twin (who is not identical at all) with a Scottish accent. How fun is that?

It is a fun and exciting fantasy novel geared for a young audience, but adults should enjoy it as well. Perhaps not quite as fresh as the first volume; it is still highly entertaining and well worth a listen. The novel stands alone and is only part of a series in the sense that the main characters return for further adventures.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author. show less

This book was excellent! Of course the story line all occurs over the course of a day. It's mind boggling what antics 2 boys can get in over such a short span of time. This book is packed with action and adventure. Pickpockets, grave robbing, battles to the death... and an adorable kitten. This book has it all!

*I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own honest opinion and unsolicited.