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The Chronicles of Charlie Waterman #1
Cat's Call
Charlie doesn't believe in destiny, unfortunately destiny believes in him.
Accosted by a small clay, feline figurine, Charlie finds himself the chosen of the Cat Spirit, one of the Seven Great Spirits who protect the Balance of Existence. When he wakes up with a tail that will not go away no matter how he ignores it, he has to believe what is going on is real.
At eighteen, Charlie isn't old, but he's two years past the threshold for dealing with magic for the first time, apparently. This makes him weird, even in Between, a realm of magic, prophecy and shapeshifting. He could live without the earthquakes, thanks.
So now he has to: figure out magic; get along with five scarily competent sixteen year olds and one prickly vampire to form a team; and last but not least, be prepared to go to any world, in any universe when sent there by the Seer, so the Balance of Existence isn't destroyed by agents of chaos. All of which his mentor, Akari, assures him he did say yes to, even if he doesn't remember that part!
Charlie has never thought of himself as a hero, but Existence depends on him coming to terms with the fact that he is.
Five sixteen year olds, a young, antisocial vampire and Charlie stand between the Balance and chaos. Nothing on Earth could have prepared Charlie for his destiny and in choosing him, he is sure the Spirits have to be insane.
Accosted by a small clay, feline figurine, Charlie finds himself the chosen of the Cat Spirit, one of the Seven Great Spirits who protect the Balance of Existence. When he wakes up with a tail that will not go away no matter how he ignores it, he has to believe what is going on is real.
At eighteen, Charlie isn't old, but he's two years past the threshold for dealing with magic for the first time, apparently. This makes him weird, even in Between, a realm of magic, prophecy and shapeshifting. He could live without the earthquakes, thanks.
So now he has to: figure out magic; get along with five scarily competent sixteen year olds and one prickly vampire to form a team; and last but not least, be prepared to go to any world, in any universe when sent there by the Seer, so the Balance of Existence isn't destroyed by agents of chaos. All of which his mentor, Akari, assures him he did say yes to, even if he doesn't remember that part!
Charlie has never thought of himself as a hero, but Existence depends on him coming to terms with the fact that he is.
Five sixteen year olds, a young, antisocial vampire and Charlie stand between the Balance and chaos. Nothing on Earth could have prepared Charlie for his destiny and in choosing him, he is sure the Spirits have to be insane.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2011
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Duncan-Drake
66 books147 followersNatasha is a British author with Wittegen Press and has been publishing genre fiction since 2011. Her work includes everything from horror to young adult fantasy and she has never met a genre she didn’t like. A prolific producer of short stories and novels alike, Natasha currently has over twenty five titles in her back catalogue with further releases always imminent.
Natasha has been writing since she was a young girl ever since she read The Hobbit at Primary School. She is a big fan of science fiction, fantasy and horror in all their forms and is a big advocate of fanfiction as a great tool for writers to polish their skills in a welcoming and supportive community.
Before establishing Wittegen Press with her twin sister, Sophie Duncan, Natasha was a database and systems consultant. She combines these skills with her writing to create and manage her career in the bold new eBook market.
Natasha has been writing since she was a young girl ever since she read The Hobbit at Primary School. She is a big fan of science fiction, fantasy and horror in all their forms and is a big advocate of fanfiction as a great tool for writers to polish their skills in a welcoming and supportive community.
Before establishing Wittegen Press with her twin sister, Sophie Duncan, Natasha was a database and systems consultant. She combines these skills with her writing to create and manage her career in the bold new eBook market.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 15, 2015
3.5
This is first book from The Chronicles of Charlie Waterman series and I'm going to read second book too. After all, this self-published YA fantasy was more interesting than some of the traditionally published ones, that I have read this year.
Problems in this book are: too much telling and no showing,and apart from main character and two others supporting characters others were not fleshed enough, and there wasn't enough info about Between.
One of the biggest strength of this book is Charlie. He is friendly, brave, smart and nice. He accepts his role as a Questor and leader being honest that he likes it.
And add to that cat, dragon, horse, wolf, spider, delphin and hawk shifters, not only Caucasian characters but also Asian, hispanic and black and even a vampire and a boy with gills, positive portrayal of homosexsual character and magic. Oh and this book does not have a love triangle.
This is first book from The Chronicles of Charlie Waterman series and I'm going to read second book too. After all, this self-published YA fantasy was more interesting than some of the traditionally published ones, that I have read this year.
Problems in this book are: too much telling and no showing,and apart from main character and two others supporting characters others were not fleshed enough, and there wasn't enough info about Between.
One of the biggest strength of this book is Charlie. He is friendly, brave, smart and nice. He accepts his role as a Questor and leader being honest that he likes it.
And add to that cat, dragon, horse, wolf, spider, delphin and hawk shifters, not only Caucasian characters but also Asian, hispanic and black and even a vampire and a boy with gills, positive portrayal of homosexsual character and magic. Oh and this book does not have a love triangle.
October 6, 2011
I originally noticed this book mentioned in a thread for inexpensive ebooks, thought the premise looked entertaining, and decided to give it a try. At such a low price it is hard to go wrong.
I'll keep this short... overall I liked this. It did feel a bit more "young" than I usually prefer. When I say young adult I am usually thinking, say... 17ish. In this case though it feels younger. I don't know of that is the author's intention, but it is the end result.
The main character is very likable, and shows (as does the book, ultimately) a respectable tolerance for different types of people- meaning it sets a good example in that sense. Most of the other characters are underexplored, although we see a few tantalizing glimpses here and there.
There are a number of typos, which unfortunately I see frequently with self-published or indie books. While it hurts the reading experience, it isn't enough to ultimately matter much, although it does matter. The writing doesn't have quite the sophistication of some; I see this as another example of a writer with promise, who could benefit from a professional editor.
What I think is most important though, is that it is an interesting and entertaining story. The author has a vivid imagination, and has created a story and world that, while may be reminiscent of others in some aspects, feels original. I did find myself looking forward to reading more each night, and when I just a moment ago finished the book (reaching the ending is a bit of a surprise sometimes with kindle books) I was disappointed it ended.
If there are any follow-up books, I will probably read them (that is probably all this review needed to say!). :-)
I'll keep this short... overall I liked this. It did feel a bit more "young" than I usually prefer. When I say young adult I am usually thinking, say... 17ish. In this case though it feels younger. I don't know of that is the author's intention, but it is the end result.
The main character is very likable, and shows (as does the book, ultimately) a respectable tolerance for different types of people- meaning it sets a good example in that sense. Most of the other characters are underexplored, although we see a few tantalizing glimpses here and there.
There are a number of typos, which unfortunately I see frequently with self-published or indie books. While it hurts the reading experience, it isn't enough to ultimately matter much, although it does matter. The writing doesn't have quite the sophistication of some; I see this as another example of a writer with promise, who could benefit from a professional editor.
What I think is most important though, is that it is an interesting and entertaining story. The author has a vivid imagination, and has created a story and world that, while may be reminiscent of others in some aspects, feels original. I did find myself looking forward to reading more each night, and when I just a moment ago finished the book (reaching the ending is a bit of a surprise sometimes with kindle books) I was disappointed it ended.
If there are any follow-up books, I will probably read them (that is probably all this review needed to say!). :-)
April 1, 2011
The story reminds me of quicksand, in a good way. I was metaphorically wandering along and found myself sucked in and engulfed in the world of the story.
This is her first “published” book but far from the first thing that she has written. I have followed her on Livejornal for several years under a different nom de plume. 95% of her stories are saved on my hard drive for me to savor again and again. The woman can honestly write and is an excellent story-teller.
I like Charlie. I can relate to him. Trying to find a way to deal when your whole world has been rearranged. I don’t know that many people that haven't found themselves in that position. He is multi-faceted and has real strengths and flaws.
I really, really like the “snark”. I devoured it on one late night reading snickering over in the corner.
Buy it. Read it. Snicker in the corner and have a good time.
July 15, 2016
This is one of my favorite books. I like this book so much that every time I try to write a heart felt review I sounds foolish and fan-girly.
Suffice it to say that this book is both action-adventure and fantasy. Charlie is a believable, sympathetic character who you identify with and want to succeed. Honestly once each of the charters are well rounded.
My favorite concept of the book series is that the seven spirit guards live in a world that is between the worlds. That they have to create gates to travel to the other worlds and other times. And they only age in their own world in their own time steam on their own world. Its like a Tardis in which you never age. This give the book series an unlimited story line and ageless characters, who can change and grow but never feel the ravages of age.
Suffice it to say that this book is both action-adventure and fantasy. Charlie is a believable, sympathetic character who you identify with and want to succeed. Honestly once each of the charters are well rounded.
My favorite concept of the book series is that the seven spirit guards live in a world that is between the worlds. That they have to create gates to travel to the other worlds and other times. And they only age in their own world in their own time steam on their own world. Its like a Tardis in which you never age. This give the book series an unlimited story line and ageless characters, who can change and grow but never feel the ravages of age.
April 1, 2015
I loved everything about this book. Natasha has captured my imagination and much of my life over the last couple of days with this book. I could NOT put it down once I started reading often I was up until the wee hours of the morning reading Cat's Call.
Charlie is a remarkable character and his humour and the way his mind works, had me laughing out loud for real, the result - often strange looks from people around me! In stark contrast to Charlie are Alexander and Akari who, along with the other questers muddle their way through this tale.
I hope Natasha is busy working on the next tale in this series as I am dying to know what happens!! Thanks Natasha for a brilliant read!
Charlie is a remarkable character and his humour and the way his mind works, had me laughing out loud for real, the result - often strange looks from people around me! In stark contrast to Charlie are Alexander and Akari who, along with the other questers muddle their way through this tale.
I hope Natasha is busy working on the next tale in this series as I am dying to know what happens!! Thanks Natasha for a brilliant read!
March 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. It has a fresh feel and the main character is fun to watch as he adjusts to his new reality and tries to cultvate friendships with the others on the team. His mentor is enigmatic but very caring and I look forward to learning about him, too.
I have spent far more money on books I liked less than this one and I am absolutely will get the next in the series, too. Many candy bars cost a mere dollar and the pleasure they give is more fleeting than the long evening I spent in Charlie's world.
My only gripe was a few cases where sentences were garbled. Another round of editing should fix those.
I have spent far more money on books I liked less than this one and I am absolutely will get the next in the series, too. Many candy bars cost a mere dollar and the pleasure they give is more fleeting than the long evening I spent in Charlie's world.
My only gripe was a few cases where sentences were garbled. Another round of editing should fix those.
March 15, 2012
It was a really great book, but I'm a little disappointed that the sequel didn't come out in fall of 2011 like promised in the back of the first book.
I just found out that the sequel is comming out at the end of March. So I am really excited and hopeful. I loved this book, especially Alexander because he was so mysterious. I hope that the sequel has more about him. I am very eager to read the sequel and may burst from the excitement!
I just found out that the sequel is comming out at the end of March. So I am really excited and hopeful. I loved this book, especially Alexander because he was so mysterious. I hope that the sequel has more about him. I am very eager to read the sequel and may burst from the excitement!
April 27, 2012
I personally am very picky when it comes to reading. Mostly when it comes to price. I almost never buy lower price books because in my experience they are also lower quality: cliche, poor grammar/spelling, or poor character development. This book was far from it! Something about it called to me (much the way the cat called to Charlie) and said, "Buy me". I am so glad I did it has quickly become one of my favorite books and for this price? It is a steal.
May 16, 2011
so far this book has been amazing. i can hardly put it down to be able to do everything else i need to do! i love it, and it's absolutely thrilling.
ETA: finished it awhile ago, and the end was just as good as the beginning! i was definitely not disappointed with the book, and i look forward to reading more of her work.
ETA: finished it awhile ago, and the end was just as good as the beginning! i was definitely not disappointed with the book, and i look forward to reading more of her work.
June 8, 2013
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF: you get upset finishing a book too quickly, you don't like fantasy and adventure, or you don't like the idea of magic. This is one of those books that keeps you so involved that you won't want to put it down. With plenty of magic, action, comedy, and even some romance to keep the reader involved right to the very end and just begging for the next book.
April 5, 2011
This gripped me from start to finish. The world created here is both believable and wonderfully fantastical. Charlie is a wonderful character and I am anxious to follow his (and that of the other Questors) life and adventures further.
May 23, 2011
Kindle read.
I did really like it and I'm not just saying that because I know the author. Her writing is consistent, she has a knack for setting up a scene and her writing is always well crafted. I look forward to the rest of what she obviously has envisioned as a series.
I did really like it and I'm not just saying that because I know the author. Her writing is consistent, she has a knack for setting up a scene and her writing is always well crafted. I look forward to the rest of what she obviously has envisioned as a series.
July 12, 2011
Review coming soon.
March 28, 2012
loved this book! Cats and magic my two favorite things
June 15, 2013
An awesome start to a great adventure. I really hope it doesnt stop at book 2.
November 20, 2014
The writing isn't very polished, but the premise is entertaining and the characters are engaging.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews