The Familiars

Epstein, Adam Jay Epstein and Jacobson, Andrew. The Familiars. New York : Harper, 2010.


Plot: In an attempt to escape a persistent exterminator, Aldwyn, a rough alley cat, inadvertently tricks a young wizard into choosing him as his familiar. While the wizard expects the cat to show his talents after a few days, Aldwyn meets his fellow familiars, an illusionist blue jay named Skylar and a soothsaying frog named Gilbert. However, the shallow lie begins to have drastic consequences when the the familiars' wizards are kidnapped by an evil queen. Saving them requires the every talent available to the familiars, including the cat's nonexistent powers. Aldwyn must face his old life, his own lie, and his new loyalty to save the wizard he loves.

Genre: Animals, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 9-12. Some scenes, particularly the death scenes of a wizard and a witch, may be intense for sensitive readers.

Similar Titles: Redwall series

Personal Thoughts: The book has already spawned a sequel and has two additional titles in the works. In addition, the book inspired an upcoming 3-D film produced by Sony.

While the title offers an alternative to Redwall and Harry Potter, the series differs radically from both. It lacks the world-building capacities of Jacques' novels. While the world of wizards is undeniably independent from the readers' own, it does not present itself as convincingly as Redwall Abbey. Much of the environment seems generic, without the descriptive geographical and cultural features of Redwall. Unlike Rowling's series, the characters' progression seems too simple, too given, and too instantaneous to really attract the reader. Many problems seem solved by consequence, rather than activity. Additionally, Skylar, Gilbert, and Aldwyn, appear as furry images of Hermione, Ron, and Harry. Variation from the scholar, slacker, and chosen stereotypes popularized by Harry Potter would allow the series to develop, rather than copy, previous titles. The novel fails to completely reach its potential.

Still, the popularity of the series is understandable. The use of quick dialog, appropriate humor, and near-constant action allows the reader to anticipate the trials and successes of the animals in their quest.