When flea-bitten cat Aldwyn avoids a bounty hunter by hiding in a cage in a shop, his life takes a strange curve: he is chosen by a young magician to be his familiar. Aldwyn is taken back to a home where three young magicians are being schooled by a master and he joins the two other familiars there, a tree frog named Gilbert and a bluejay named Skylar. Aldwyn quickly begins to worry that others will discern that he lacks any magical attributes, a necessary trait for a familiar. When the old master magician is killed and the three young magicians kidnapped, the familiars must complete the task of finding their loyals and rescuing them. This is no easy task--especially when one of the familiars lacks the magical skill of his partners. The action and suspense should entertain young readers.