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Space Cats: Making Enemies
Cats are out to explore the galaxy... dogs are ready to protect it.
In the vast expanse of the galaxy, feline explorers from the Cat Exploration Corporation, led by the ambitious Blake, yearn to make their mark and unveil the secrets of uncharted space. All Blake desires is to honor his father's legacy and contribute to the endless curiosity of catkind. Meanwhile, Shadow, a loyal canine under the banner of the Tofferis Empire, is determined to pass his trials and stand as a stalwart guardian, protecting the very galaxy the cats seek to explore.
At the forefront of the Mineral Mining Corporation, Jade, a charismatic catsplorer, spearheads daring expeditions into uncharted territories. His mission: to unearth valuable minerals crucial for advancing feline exploration. Little do they know that their individual aspirations will intertwine in an unexpected political showdown, where cats and dogs are at the center of a cosmic power struggle.
As Blake, Shadow, and Jade navigate the complexities of interstellar politics, allegiances are tested, and the line between friend and foe blurs against the backdrop of unexplored galaxies. In Space Cats: Making Enemies, the first installment of the series, these unsuspecting heroes find themselves entangled in a captivating space opera with a feline twist. Will they emerge victorious, or will the clash of paws and claws reshape the destiny of the cosmos? Embark on a thrilling journey that combines cosmic curiosity, canine loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of feline explorers. If you're a fan of space adventures where the stakes are as high as the humor is charming, Space Cats: Making Enemies, awaits your cosmic companionship.
In the vast expanse of the galaxy, feline explorers from the Cat Exploration Corporation, led by the ambitious Blake, yearn to make their mark and unveil the secrets of uncharted space. All Blake desires is to honor his father's legacy and contribute to the endless curiosity of catkind. Meanwhile, Shadow, a loyal canine under the banner of the Tofferis Empire, is determined to pass his trials and stand as a stalwart guardian, protecting the very galaxy the cats seek to explore.
At the forefront of the Mineral Mining Corporation, Jade, a charismatic catsplorer, spearheads daring expeditions into uncharted territories. His mission: to unearth valuable minerals crucial for advancing feline exploration. Little do they know that their individual aspirations will intertwine in an unexpected political showdown, where cats and dogs are at the center of a cosmic power struggle.
As Blake, Shadow, and Jade navigate the complexities of interstellar politics, allegiances are tested, and the line between friend and foe blurs against the backdrop of unexplored galaxies. In Space Cats: Making Enemies, the first installment of the series, these unsuspecting heroes find themselves entangled in a captivating space opera with a feline twist. Will they emerge victorious, or will the clash of paws and claws reshape the destiny of the cosmos? Embark on a thrilling journey that combines cosmic curiosity, canine loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of feline explorers. If you're a fan of space adventures where the stakes are as high as the humor is charming, Space Cats: Making Enemies, awaits your cosmic companionship.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 6, 2024
Silly fun. Not the best middle grade I've read, but not the worst. The cover is amazing though.
May 5, 2024
The cover, the title, the blurb - everything about this book looked so utterly ridiculous, I simply had to read it. Once in a while it's a good thing to read something that doesn't take itself too seriously. And when I read the contents - yes. Just purrfect.
It's very short - only 170 pages as an ebook, nothing more than a novella. Probably a good length for a book like this, any more might be boring or annoying, but it has to be long enough to support a story. Unfortunately, it could've been better paced.
A book that presents itself like this one does - it doesn't need to follow the rules of a normal novel. It doesn't need character building or development, it doesn't need explanations. Just vibes. Lots of action. And there simply wasn't enough of that in this one.
It also wasn't ridiculous enough. I expected lots of puns and to laugh my head off. Everything about this book screams peak humour. And while reading it, it does get obvious that this is supposed to be more humourous. But it's not enough. With a book like this, you have to dedicate yourself to the ridiculousness. Imagine how ridiculous you want to write it and dial it up 200%. Be creative, be crazy and definitely don't be afraid of embarrassing yourself.
It was too stiff, too careful.
The best part of it were the chapter titles and the short quotes at the beginning of the chapters. They were how I expected the whole book to be like. Full of puns and simply hilarious. If the whole book had been like that, it would've been a five-star-read for sure.
The characters unfortunately didn't lift this book up. First of all, I don't even know what they are supposed to look like. Yes, they are cats and dogs. But at some point someone has fingers? Are they anthropomorphised? Are they animals? What? I just want cats and dogs. And if you ask "how would they be able to hold weapons?" Hey. I don't care. Don't mention it. As I said, I don't need character building. I don't want details. It's cats and dogs in space. I won't question it if you say that they hold something with their paws. I won't question how they managed to build a space ship or communicate with each other. It gets weird if you give me details like that.
Another minus is unfortunately that this book had exactly two named female characters. And they were very minor characters who could've easily been left out and probably didn't say more then ten things in total. Things like that don't bother me if they make sense for the book. But in this case, we have multiple different POVs, different main characters and lots of side characters. I don't even need a 50% female cast, but it would've been so easy to exchange one of the more important characters for a female character. Just one. Also, it's cats and dogs in space. You literally wouldn't have to change anything except for the pronouns.
Also, why is one of the dogs named Felix? That's literally the most cat-like name ever.
So in general - didn't reach my expectations. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but I did expect something utterly deranged and hilarious and I didn't get it. Give me a whole book that's like those chapter titles and I'll be happy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's very short - only 170 pages as an ebook, nothing more than a novella. Probably a good length for a book like this, any more might be boring or annoying, but it has to be long enough to support a story. Unfortunately, it could've been better paced.
A book that presents itself like this one does - it doesn't need to follow the rules of a normal novel. It doesn't need character building or development, it doesn't need explanations. Just vibes. Lots of action. And there simply wasn't enough of that in this one.
It also wasn't ridiculous enough. I expected lots of puns and to laugh my head off. Everything about this book screams peak humour. And while reading it, it does get obvious that this is supposed to be more humourous. But it's not enough. With a book like this, you have to dedicate yourself to the ridiculousness. Imagine how ridiculous you want to write it and dial it up 200%. Be creative, be crazy and definitely don't be afraid of embarrassing yourself.
It was too stiff, too careful.
The best part of it were the chapter titles and the short quotes at the beginning of the chapters. They were how I expected the whole book to be like. Full of puns and simply hilarious. If the whole book had been like that, it would've been a five-star-read for sure.
The characters unfortunately didn't lift this book up. First of all, I don't even know what they are supposed to look like. Yes, they are cats and dogs. But at some point someone has fingers? Are they anthropomorphised? Are they animals? What? I just want cats and dogs. And if you ask "how would they be able to hold weapons?" Hey. I don't care. Don't mention it. As I said, I don't need character building. I don't want details. It's cats and dogs in space. I won't question it if you say that they hold something with their paws. I won't question how they managed to build a space ship or communicate with each other. It gets weird if you give me details like that.
Another minus is unfortunately that this book had exactly two named female characters. And they were very minor characters who could've easily been left out and probably didn't say more then ten things in total. Things like that don't bother me if they make sense for the book. But in this case, we have multiple different POVs, different main characters and lots of side characters. I don't even need a 50% female cast, but it would've been so easy to exchange one of the more important characters for a female character. Just one. Also, it's cats and dogs in space. You literally wouldn't have to change anything except for the pronouns.
Also, why is one of the dogs named Felix? That's literally the most cat-like name ever.
So in general - didn't reach my expectations. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but I did expect something utterly deranged and hilarious and I didn't get it. Give me a whole book that's like those chapter titles and I'll be happy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2024
This is a good read for children who will enjoy the story of cats and dogs. They will try to get the best of the others and your children will love it
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
June 21, 2024
Space Cats has an interesting premise, but it is not well written. However, the about-the-author page states that Shayne Price, a 10th grader, "was behind all the plot." As a teacher, I know the quality of writing produced by most high school students; using that standard, the writing is decent. Overall, the book is better suited to young readers than to adults.
Many parts of the story read like a summary of events which will be included in the novel, rather than a finished novel. The author should remember the writer's idiom: show, don't tell. For example, rather than reading, "Carful to avoid all the attacks, he maneuvered his ship," a quality novel would describe the battle and the ways in which the pilot avoided enemy attacks. What were the attacks? How were they avoided? Let us see the battle as if we were in the pilot's chair.
Many sections of the novel repeat the same idea or phrase. "Finally the reached the room where the flag was being held. The room where the flag was being held had heavy security." "In space, there were all kinds of rogue objects in the middle of the vastness of space."
The 'science' in the story is not accurate, even assuming only high school knowledge of physics and earth science.
There are some cute lines related to cats. "Jade really wanted to get this over with so he could take a nap. He'd been awake for nearly forty-five minutes now." "Come on, Jade. Cats are explorers. We're catsplorers." "We cannot just take it. We don't know what it would do to the planet....We need to bring [our research back and send in a specialized team]...We must not leap into action. What are we, humans? No, a cat is ever patient."
Many parts of the story read like a summary of events which will be included in the novel, rather than a finished novel. The author should remember the writer's idiom: show, don't tell. For example, rather than reading, "Carful to avoid all the attacks, he maneuvered his ship," a quality novel would describe the battle and the ways in which the pilot avoided enemy attacks. What were the attacks? How were they avoided? Let us see the battle as if we were in the pilot's chair.
Many sections of the novel repeat the same idea or phrase. "Finally the reached the room where the flag was being held. The room where the flag was being held had heavy security." "In space, there were all kinds of rogue objects in the middle of the vastness of space."
The 'science' in the story is not accurate, even assuming only high school knowledge of physics and earth science.
There are some cute lines related to cats. "Jade really wanted to get this over with so he could take a nap. He'd been awake for nearly forty-five minutes now." "Come on, Jade. Cats are explorers. We're catsplorers." "We cannot just take it. We don't know what it would do to the planet....We need to bring [our research back and send in a specialized team]...We must not leap into action. What are we, humans? No, a cat is ever patient."
July 1, 2024
The ongoing saga of cats v dogs continues in space in this middle grade novel by Shayne Price and Craig A. Price. This appears to be Shayne Price's debut novel.
Full of action from start to finish, and ending on a cliffhanger, Space Cats swings between three viewpoints: two feline exploration teams captained by Jade and Blake, respectively, and a pair of dog soldiers who encounter these teams.
This was an interesting premise - Star Trek if it was cats - and my middle grade child thoroughly enjoyed it.
As an adult reader, I found the pace a little choppy (this happened and then this and then this without space for breath), and I would have liked a little more detail in parts - a backstory to explain why Felix was so formidable or descriptions of the suits and how they worked - but I'm not the target audience for this book!
As I said, my middle grader loved this book, and blitzed through it in a day. For the target audience, the pacing was great, and kept the pages turning.
This is a "clean" action story - while there is fighting, there are no deaths and no swearing. The bookends on a cliffhanger, and I hope some of the dangling threads are resolved in subsequent books.
As a debut for a young writer, I can see lots of potential here.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
Full of action from start to finish, and ending on a cliffhanger, Space Cats swings between three viewpoints: two feline exploration teams captained by Jade and Blake, respectively, and a pair of dog soldiers who encounter these teams.
This was an interesting premise - Star Trek if it was cats - and my middle grade child thoroughly enjoyed it.
As an adult reader, I found the pace a little choppy (this happened and then this and then this without space for breath), and I would have liked a little more detail in parts - a backstory to explain why Felix was so formidable or descriptions of the suits and how they worked - but I'm not the target audience for this book!
As I said, my middle grader loved this book, and blitzed through it in a day. For the target audience, the pacing was great, and kept the pages turning.
This is a "clean" action story - while there is fighting, there are no deaths and no swearing. The bookends on a cliffhanger, and I hope some of the dangling threads are resolved in subsequent books.
As a debut for a young writer, I can see lots of potential here.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
July 15, 2024
A very short read. Ends in a cliffhanger. Seems to be a debut author who is still in high school!
This was an interesting idea. I felt like I was reading a Star Trek novel except with cats and dogs.
If you like fight scenes than you should love this book. I felt lots of details were left out. Fight scenes ended rather quickly for lack of details. I got lost amongst the many characters in the book. Perhaps a bit of depth to the characters might have helped me remember who was who. I felt that rescue scenes were rushed. I expect a bit more suspense when it comes to rescue scenes but the cats were rescued fairly quickly. I know dogs and cats tend to not like each other but I want to know why the dogs want to eradicate all the cats in the universe. Like why when the cats are just out exploring planets, peacefully, why do the dogs feel the need to kill them. I felt like I was missing parts of the story but I see potential in future sequels. Definitely a must read if you love reading stories about cats and dogs.
Many thanks to BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for a review.
This was an interesting idea. I felt like I was reading a Star Trek novel except with cats and dogs.
If you like fight scenes than you should love this book. I felt lots of details were left out. Fight scenes ended rather quickly for lack of details. I got lost amongst the many characters in the book. Perhaps a bit of depth to the characters might have helped me remember who was who. I felt that rescue scenes were rushed. I expect a bit more suspense when it comes to rescue scenes but the cats were rescued fairly quickly. I know dogs and cats tend to not like each other but I want to know why the dogs want to eradicate all the cats in the universe. Like why when the cats are just out exploring planets, peacefully, why do the dogs feel the need to kill them. I felt like I was missing parts of the story but I see potential in future sequels. Definitely a must read if you love reading stories about cats and dogs.
Many thanks to BookSirens for a free copy in exchange for a review.
September 11, 2024
The main idea around which the action of this story revolves is good: to take the supposed natural enmity between cats and dogs into space, but the execution of said idea is terrible: the story starts well, but then begins to tangle like a ball of wool that a cat has been playing with: it goes back and forth without getting anywhere.
To top it off, the book ends abruptly, leaving the reader with the regret of the lost hours. It's a shame, but this book does not deserve to take up space in my library.
One positive thing: the cover is exceptionally simple and beautiful.
One star for the idea and a second one for the cover.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
To top it off, the book ends abruptly, leaving the reader with the regret of the lost hours. It's a shame, but this book does not deserve to take up space in my library.
One positive thing: the cover is exceptionally simple and beautiful.
One star for the idea and a second one for the cover.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
July 16, 2024
With creativity and a sense of humor, Space Cats: Making Enemies is a fun novella to fill your mind between more lengthy or serious books. At 114 pages, one can indulge their love of science fiction and felines without fear of a serious tone. The crew of our cat “manned” ship goes off on a curious mission, while steadily taking naps and getting distracted from their individual jobs along the way. So many cat stereotypes are included along with sayings and great descriptions of the main characters. Dogs are also included in this short adventure by Craig A. And Shayne Price, great for middle school age and above. Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 7, 2024
I chose to read this because the cover design and description made me smile. I mean, a story about cats going into space, what's not to like??
I felt like there were a lot of cat related puns and word play, which was lovely, but in addition to that, this was an awesome sci-fi story.
I really liked it, as it was entertaining, fun and original. I wonder if there will be more books featuring the same characters. If you're a sci-fi reader, and a cat lover, this book may appeal to you.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt like there were a lot of cat related puns and word play, which was lovely, but in addition to that, this was an awesome sci-fi story.
I really liked it, as it was entertaining, fun and original. I wonder if there will be more books featuring the same characters. If you're a sci-fi reader, and a cat lover, this book may appeal to you.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2024
Round up to 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Claymore Publishing for an advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is a fun middle grade novel written by a father-son duo combining space exploration and the classic cats vs dogs idea. Beyond the surface level I can see this being useful in classrooms or book clubs to have more serious discussions about loyalty and / or questioning authority, doing what’s right etc. I did find some of the text repetitive and the timeline confusing (or rather, judging how much time passed between events). But, I did enjoy the story idea and will probably read the sequel when it’ comes out.
This is a fun middle grade novel written by a father-son duo combining space exploration and the classic cats vs dogs idea. Beyond the surface level I can see this being useful in classrooms or book clubs to have more serious discussions about loyalty and / or questioning authority, doing what’s right etc. I did find some of the text repetitive and the timeline confusing (or rather, judging how much time passed between events). But, I did enjoy the story idea and will probably read the sequel when it’ comes out.
May 27, 2024
DNF at 19%.
Oh, dear, I really wanted to like this. It has exactly the kind of bonkers premise that seems fun. But it doesn't do anything with that premise. C. J. Cherryh's Chanur saga built an entire galaxy based around the idea of cats in space. This book goes for the easy gags about cats liking to nap. The writing is plodding and pedestrian, the plot lurches from one cliche to another and there is nothing in there that does anything with the premise besides provide the most surface-level story.
Oh, dear, I really wanted to like this. It has exactly the kind of bonkers premise that seems fun. But it doesn't do anything with that premise. C. J. Cherryh's Chanur saga built an entire galaxy based around the idea of cats in space. This book goes for the easy gags about cats liking to nap. The writing is plodding and pedestrian, the plot lurches from one cliche to another and there is nothing in there that does anything with the premise besides provide the most surface-level story.
August 28, 2024
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
A fun adventure that’s a scifi take on the ages old battle between cats and dogs. I love the title of this book and what kid wouldn’t want to read about cats and dogs in space battling it out for planetary domination! It’s a fast and funny read with one of the best lines being “In Space, no one can hear you meow.” This book will definitely find readers with fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series.
A fun adventure that’s a scifi take on the ages old battle between cats and dogs. I love the title of this book and what kid wouldn’t want to read about cats and dogs in space battling it out for planetary domination! It’s a fast and funny read with one of the best lines being “In Space, no one can hear you meow.” This book will definitely find readers with fans of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series.
July 17, 2024
This is a space opera filled with cats and dogs. Lots of humour and puns are being used to lighten the story. This is a debut novel for a young man in high school, he did a good job of building a new world order of cats exploring space and dogs defending their territory. I liked how in the end some of the dogs are looking to save the cats. A good start on the series. I received a free copy and the views and opinions are my own.
I have to say that Shadow is my favourite character!
I have to say that Shadow is my favourite character!
July 21, 2024
2.5 rounded up. Didn’t feel much for this, to me it was a silly little read that seemed like it was in the Middle Grade Sci-fi genre. A lot of telling instead of showing, needs to be edited and proofread as a lot of lines were basically conveying the same meaning just phrased differently.
Thankfully it was a short read.
Thankfully it was a short read.
June 25, 2024
A completely different genre of book for me. Lighthearted, lots of fun. Cats and dogs as the main characters. Can’t wait for more.
July 23, 2024
I enjoy the story I’ll read the next book
July 19, 2024
Space Adventure
Dogs want to rule, cats to explore. Interesting characters bring the story to life. Good story for kids.
Dogs want to rule, cats to explore. Interesting characters bring the story to life. Good story for kids.
June 30, 2024
Space Cats weaves the tale of cats and dogs in space. This middle grade book is very reminiscent of Star Wars! While the beginning was great and captivated me, it unfortunately lost my attention quickly after. I found the shifting of three character perspectives, and worlds, to be too choppy instead of a flowing story. Until the worlds blended, I did not enjoy the book as much. The amount of characters in itself was hard to follow. The storyline had great potential and did cover meaningful lessons to learn. I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
May 25, 2024
I enjoyed this story. I expected the ridiculous with a side of space opera and that is what I got. It did make me laugh a lot and relied heavily on cat and dog stereotypes which was hilarious. Some action, danger, space battles and lots of trouble to make it very entertaining.
July 11, 2025
Space Cats is cute. There are some funny lines and chapter titles. The premise is interesting and refreshing. Once you get into the story, it’s fun?
The problem is Space Cats needs a massive round of editing. Redundancies and inconsistencies are everywhere. Sometimes the chapter said it was in one character’s point of view, but it was in another’s. Sometimes the cats had fingers?? Sometimes two paragraphs said almost the same thing. The rule “show don’t tell” is relevant too. Most of the story was being told to the reader, rather than us being in the story with the characters.
And I agree with other reviews that Space Cats needs a heavy dose of humor. As it is, it’s not funny enough to be a comedy but not serious enough to be an epic space story. It reminds me of the movie Spaceballs—it needs to be absolutely hilarious to the reader in a way that seems unintentional.
Overall, the story has a lot of potential! It needs editing and to find the right audience. I’m sure kids of the intended age would love the story! There aren’t many stories about space cats, so it’s unique. I’m glad I read it! It’s been a fun experience.
Thanks, BookSirens for a copy of this book so I could leave an honest review.
The problem is Space Cats needs a massive round of editing. Redundancies and inconsistencies are everywhere. Sometimes the chapter said it was in one character’s point of view, but it was in another’s. Sometimes the cats had fingers?? Sometimes two paragraphs said almost the same thing. The rule “show don’t tell” is relevant too. Most of the story was being told to the reader, rather than us being in the story with the characters.
And I agree with other reviews that Space Cats needs a heavy dose of humor. As it is, it’s not funny enough to be a comedy but not serious enough to be an epic space story. It reminds me of the movie Spaceballs—it needs to be absolutely hilarious to the reader in a way that seems unintentional.
Overall, the story has a lot of potential! It needs editing and to find the right audience. I’m sure kids of the intended age would love the story! There aren’t many stories about space cats, so it’s unique. I’m glad I read it! It’s been a fun experience.
Thanks, BookSirens for a copy of this book so I could leave an honest review.
November 25, 2024
This is a fun, quick read. I wasn't surprised at the end when the author's 10th grader son was revealed as the plot master. This is a story more geared to a younger crowd, not quite YA but not quite school age either. Somewhere in between. It is an imaginative story all around and not intentionally verbose or malevolently over articulate, so almost any reader with a school-age reading level can enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews