Synopses & Reviews
Is the kingdom's fate in the hands of an orphan cat?
Running fast to save his life, Aldwyn ducks into an unusual pet store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Aldwyn's always been clever. But magical? Jack thinks soand Aldwyn is happy to play along.
He just has to convince the other familiarsthe know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbertthat he's the powerful cat he claims to be.
Then the unthinkable happens. Jack and two other young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia.
On a thrilling quest to save their loyals, the familiars face dangerous foes, unearth a shocking centuries-old secret, and discover a destiny that will change Vastia forever. Their magical adventurean irresistible blend of real heart, edge-of-your-seat action, and laugh-out-loud humoris an unforgettable celebration of fantasy and friendship.
Review
“This series opener wont disappoint. The consistently suspenseful narrative moves quickly and is full of twists and turns. This winning combination of action and humor will keep readers turning pages right up to the ending.” School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
“Screenwriters Epstein and Jacobsons childrens book debut is a grand adventure with entertaining characters and magic-induced fun, written in an appropriately cinematic style.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“Kids who love animal stories, adventure, fantasy and good humored friendship will be waiting impatiently for the next book in this rich and fantastical trilogy. So get familiar with the Familiars!” Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop
Review
“The Familiars combines the magic of Harry Potter and the adventure of Warriors into an enchanting story readers will love. Whether furry [like Aldwyn], flippered [like Gilbert] or feathered [like Skylar] youll be taking a closer look at your family pet.” Michael Buckley, author of The Sisters Grimm and NERDS
Review
A Winter 2013-14 Kidsand#39; Indie Next List pick
andquot;Fast paced and funny, with plenty of alliteration and word definitions provided by Noodles, it carries hints of both Lemony Snicketand#39;s wordplay and the absurdity of M. T. Andersonand#39;s Pals in Peril series. . . . Young, precocious readers and older readers looking for a shorter read will enjoy this first title in the Gadgets and Gears series.andquot;and#160;
andmdash;Booklist
andquot;[An] auspicious first book. . . . Hamilton makes the comedic most of her premise. . . . Noodlesand#39;s antics and droll, mannered narration make him the indisputable star of this show.andquot;and#160;
andmdash;Publishers Weekly
andquot;Steampunk with training wheels for the chapter book set. . . . Sly humor . . . nifty, gear-laden illustrations . . . [an] imaginative, engaging premise.andquot;and#160;
andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
For fans of Warriors and The Magic Thief comes a magical adventure story about a street cat who's mistaken for a wizard's familiar.
When Aldwyn, a young alley cat on the run, ducks into a mysterious pet shop, he doesn't expect his life to change. But that's exactly what happens when Jack, a young wizard in training, picks Aldwyn to be his magical familiar.
Finally off the tough streets, Aldwyn thinks he's got it made. He just has to convince the other familiars--the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert--that he's the telekinetic cat he claims to be. But when Jack and two other wizards in training are captured by the evil queen, Aldwyn will have to use all of his street smarts, a few good friends, and a nose for adventure to save the day
And don't miss the exciting sequel to this Indie Next List pick, The Familiars: Secrets of the Crown.
Synopsis
For fans of Warriors and The Magic Thief comes a magical adventure story about a street cat who's mistaken for a wizard's familiar.
"Whether furry, flippered or feathered you'll be taking a closer look at your family pet." --Michael Buckley, author of The Sisters Grimm and NERDS
When Aldwyn, a young alley cat on the run, ducks into a mysterious pet shop, he doesn't expect his life to change. But that's exactly what happens when Jack, a young wizard in training, picks Aldwyn to be his magical familiar.
Finally off the tough streets, Aldwyn thinks he's got it made. He just has to convince the other familiars--the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert--that he's the telekinetic cat he claims to be. But when Jack and two other wizards in training are captured by the evil queen, Aldwyn will have to use all of his street smarts, a few good friends, and a nose for adventure to save the day
This delightful Indie Next pick is beloved by hundreds of thousands of readers and was named to nine state award lists. Don't miss any of the exciting books in the Familiars series: Secrets of the Crown, Circle of Heroes, and Palace of Dreams.
Synopsis
When Aldwyn, a young alley cat on the run, ducks into a mysterious pet shop, he doesnt expect his life to change. But thats exactly what happens when Jack, a young wizard, picks Aldwyn to be his magical familiar.
Finally off the tough streets, Aldwyn thinks hes got it made. He just has to convince the other familiars—the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert—that hes the telekinetic cat he claims to be. But when Jack and two other wizards in training are captured by a terrible evil, it will take all of Aldwyns street smarts, a few good friends, and a nose for adventure to save the day!
Synopsis
The first book in aand#160;fast-paced historical fantasyand#160;series narrated by a daring dachshund and brimming with mad science.
Synopsis
Welcome to the Amazing Automated Inn, home of twelve-year-old inventor Wally Kennewickett, his genius scientist parents, and hisand#160;dashing dog, Noodles. From the lightning harvester on the roof to the labs full of experiments in the dungeon, the inn is a wonderful place for a curious boy and his loyal dog to live. That is, until President Theodore Roosevelt himself calls the elder Kennewicketts away, leaving Wally and Noodles to face the evil Mesmers, horrible hypnotists bent on controlling the minds of powerful people. It seems the inn is their first stop on the way to world domination . . . and only an ingenious boy, a staff of automatons,and#160;and a brave dachshund stand in their way!
About the Author
Adam Jay Epstein spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while Andrew Jacobson grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in Los Angeles. They have been writing together for film and television ever since.
One day, Adam asked Andrew, "Are you familiar with what a familiar is?" And from that simple question, Vastia was born, a fantastical world filled with the authors' shared love of animals and magic. This is the fourth book in The Familiars series.
Adam Jay Epstein lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jane, and their daughters, Penny and Olive. Andrew Jacobson, his wife, Ashley, their son, Ryder, their daughter, Willa, and their two dogs live close by.
Adam Jay Epstein spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while Andrew Jacobson grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in Los Angeles. They have been writing together for film and television ever since.
One day, Adam asked Andrew, "Are you familiar with what a familiar is?" And from that simple question, Vastia was born, a fantastical world filled with the authors' shared love of animals and magic. This is the fourth book in The Familiars series.
Adam Jay Epstein lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jane, and their daughters, Penny and Olive. Andrew Jacobson, his wife, Ashley, their son, Ryder, their daughter, Willa, and their two dogs live close by.