Realms of the Cat

by Susan Kite

TB is perfectly happy as a free city cat until he learns he has lived another life in an alternate universe. The human girl in his former family is in danger and TB is assigned to go through an interdimensional portal and protect her. Instead of protecting her, he has made it possible for someone to kidnap her. Now TB must gather a team of cats and dogs to go back through the portal and rescue her. At the same time, he must figure out why all of the city’s dogs are disappearing.

201 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2018

About the author

I was an Army brat; which means I grew up everywhere. Didn't begin to settle down until my dad did. I earned two degrees at Utah State University, began dabbling in writing. However, I didn't get serious until my kids were grown. Now it is a contagious disease I don't want cured!
I retired after working as a librarian for 35 years, mostly in Tennessee. I live with my terrific husband and am owned by an opinionated chiweenie-terrier and two manic black cats in Yukon, OK near some of my grandkids.

Reviews

[Tilmer Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is terrific. The point of view from the cats and their various animal companions is entertaining and engaging. The strife introduced by mistrust among species and the examples of companionship between dogs, cats and birds - who are normally enemies - provides contrast that can be related to modern society and is a good example for young readers. I read the story quickly. It was compelling enough to keep the pages turning all the way to the end, which leaves the reader thinking that surely more adventures await our feline heroes.

It's worth noting also that the editing quality of this book is remarkable. I can usually find several typos, grammar problems, and continuity issues with even the best of books, but this work is extraordinarily clean with regard to editing. That makes for a more enjoyable read.

Note to parents : This book is appropriate for readers from probably 10 or 11 years old all the way through adulthood. There is zero profanity and no "adult" situations that would make a parent cringe. There is, however, some violence in the forms of natural feline hunting behavior and fights between the good guys and the bad guys. It's not bloody or excessive, but I know some people are sensitive about that sort of thing.

[Leoma Gilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Kite has brought us a delightful mystery from the animal world in Realms of the Cat. The hero, TB (short for toe biter) finds himself being duped by the evil Rex, King of the Cats. But there is much for TB to learn as he finds himself moving into alternative universes that he was never aware of before. (I wonder if that is where cats go when you can’t find them?) The classic struggle between good and evil is enhanced by the magical powers that come into play. The cast of characters includes several cats, dogs, rats, a crow and a few incidental humans.

One theme that stands out in this book is that goodness has a better chance of coming out on top if we work together, even with those who are not like us, and even those who have at times been against us. We all have different gifts, and we need all of those working in a coordinated way to find success.

Children of all ages will find Realms of the Cat an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

[Judy Egner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sort of a paranormal "Watership Down" for cats, and a dog, and a crow. The main cat, TB, goes on a quest looking for his human girl, Dani, who has been kidnapped. To do this, he learns that he must enter a time/space portal to the alternate universe where she's been taken, with the help of his animal friends. But first, they have to all discover and combat a nefarious plot against all the dogs of the realm. You'll love following all of them on the tense journeys through town and country and portals.