Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Aldwyn is an ordinary alley cat, who accidentally enters a shop while attempting to escape from a bounty hunter named Grimslade. He discovers that it is a shop full of magical animals, who are all prepared to become a wizard's familiar - that is to say, a magical animal companion. Just then, a young wizard-in-training, Jack, enters the shop with his mentor, the powerful wizard Kalstaff, to choose a familiar. Aldwyn was chosen, even though he could not be a true familiar as he was not magical (Jack did not know that of course). Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert, determined to save their loyals (the human companion of a familiar), go on a quest to free them. They experience many trials on their quest, vanquishes a witch, defeats a mountain troll, pay a visit Gilbert's homeland, and encounters the great Mountain Alchemist, who along with Queen Loranella and Kalstaff, were the first 'prophesized three' 60 years ago. Finally, just before the third sunset when the protection spells around their three loyals fade, which will allow _ to finally kill them.
Is The Familiars appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 8 and up.
Parents should know this middle grade fantasy features animal protagonists on an adventure quest with mild peril including fighting a witch and troll, but violence is age-appropriate with no graphic detail or frightening content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm and violence.
Who'll love this
Kids will love following three animal familiars—a clever cat, a smart bird, and a loyal frog—on a magical quest to save their wizard companions.