Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria

by Rahma Krambo

When the Library of Alexandria was reduced to ashes by men who feared the power of words and ideas, Akeel, the Master Librarian risked his life to save a handful of rare mystical books. To protect them from falling into the hands of those who would destroy or misuse them, Akeel appointed the library cats, the very ones who followed him out of the burning building, to guard the ancient books of power. Centuries later, successors of these literary felines faithfully remain at their posts.

This is the story of two cats, one elder Guardian, painfully aware his days are numbered-- troubled he’s not found a worthy heir. And Marco, an intrepid young house cat out on his own for the first time, who finds refuge in the public library.

A contemporary setting with a trip back in time to the Library of Alexandria, this is a tale of an unlikely hero who faces very human dilemmas and insurmountable odds.

Historical fantasy
Alternate history
Ages 8 to Adult

Genres: Fantasy, Cats, Animals, Young Adult, Adventure, Fiction, Books About Books

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2011

About the author

Author of Guardian Cats and the Lost Books of Alexandria, a blend of magical realism and legendary events. Guardian Cats is a book about the dangers of power, with two unlikely feline protagonists in the battle of good vs. evil.

Reviews

[Karen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the "teaser" the author posted online I was hooked. This book had a combination of some of my favorite elements.
cats (who can read) Alexandria, libraries, the importance of reading and thinking; good vs. evil, magical powers

Guardian Cats: The Lost Books of Alexandria was a fun read, which I knew I would like from the first few pages. This book has echoes of the Harry Potter books and the Michael Scott's Nicholas Flammel series; two sets of books I have in Hardback and don't plan on giving away. (at the current time Guardian Cats is only available as an e-book)

Marco is a young cat who suddenly discovers that he can read books and he dives right into them. Through unfortunate circumstances, though a beloved pet, he ends up on the streets and finally ends up at the library where he meets a very old and very wise cat, Cicero. (Like his namesake Cicero, loves to give speeches). Marco gets to visit the ancient library of Alexandria and discovers some of the terrible things that happened to the books there. In the course of his adventures he makes friends with a ferret named Polo (Marco Polo) whose life he safes.

The Dead Cats Society is a group of reading cats who end up having to battle some bullying raccoons who are anxious to obtain a special book, saved from the destruction in Alexandria. With Polo's quick wit and the aid of one of the Dead Cats' relatives, the raccoons are driven away from the library.

In addition to being a wonderful adventure story, sure to entertain children the lesson is stressed: Books are important because they contain ideas and ideas make people think. The evil Professor Chin reminds me of the quote "Power corrupts and Absolute Power corrupts absolutely." This is a man who wants the secret book to gain more power and will do anything necessary to obtain it. (and of course he hates cats!) It is the story of a group of cats (and a ferret) who believe in bravery and loyalty and fighting for what you believe in, even if it means risking your life. And fight Marco does, to save his friends, the modern day library which appears to be destroyed by the forces of evil, but mostly to save the secret book, so that ideas and free thinking can continue in the human world.

Marco is an endearing, warm and loving hero who rarely thinks of his own well being or his own success, but reaches out to help others when he is needed.
He has integrity and serves as a good role model for all of those who are quietly serving, doing the best they can to protect human rights. Guardian
Cats is about a lot more than cats who can read. It is about the respecting and protecting the dignity and rights of all creatures.

[Jemima Pett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco is a cat. And one day Marco discovers he can read. After a devastating change to his home circumstances he leaves, finding his way to the Angel Springs library and meeting Cicero and the rest of the Dead Cats Society. The world Cicero introduces him to leads him to his destiny, but not until after he experiences ancient history through the wonder of time portals and learns enough magic to fight off an evil villain.

There are stories within stories in this book, and I got a wee bit confused about where an early snapshot fitted into the otherwise excellent narrative. Then the whole tale came together into a rocketing roller-coaster of a read that I could no longer put down. I loved the images of Alexandria, so vivid I could almost smell the gardens. An excellent concept and one that I'm sure will be enjoyed by kids of all ages who love books. Liking cats is entirely optional, but you need to be open to sentience in animals.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun and imaginative book. If you are a cat lover, this book is for you. It follows the story of Marco, a domestic cat, who becomes homeless. He comes across tough alley cats, ruthless racoons, befriends a ferret and finds his way to a library where he meets Cicero and a society of cats who read. Who knew cats could read. Cicero takes on Marco as his trainee to become the new protector of a special book. Of course, there is someone after the book and Marco is not fully trained when he has to step in as the protector. It is a very enjoyable read. It would be a great book to read with children.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully creative story! Written for children but equally interesting to adults, it's got an exciting plot, based on the hero's journey of classics like Lord of the Rings and Homer's Odyssey. The main characters are cats who can read; the main setting is that of the ancient Library at Alexandria. The author's website at guardiancats.com offers videos of Alexandria and its library (narrated by Carl Sagan), information on this independently published author, and ideas to aid emerging writers. The book is out for e-readers and in paperback. A delightful first book!

[Fathima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book!I am still reading it. Transports me into a different world. Helps me to focus on the Now.Never realised the authenticity of a Cat's world.Wish for more by this Author!!!

Finished reading this book,more than a month ago.Had the ebook.Bought the paper back for my grand daughter aged 8. She finished reading it and gave it five stars!
Her Review:- Guadian cats, is a good book, because it is knowledgable and mythical, adventerous and AWESOME!!!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book kept your interest.

This book has a setting in an imaginary world and books are the ultimate source of power. Journey with Marco as he tries to become a guardian cat of these books.

[Debra Diggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very young adult book. Or more like children up to young adult. The story was a so-so read for an older adult.

[Lara Vehar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one. It seemed right up my alley and something I'd enjoy a lot- but it felt so disappointing. There were too many things happening and I feel like this should be a series because the book felt too rushed.

We meet Marco, we then jump into the library where he meets Cicero, he is suddenly in the past, then the raccoons happen, the raccoons are beaten really fast, oh but wait there is dead cat society and Polo and then suddenly Cicero dies, Bait suddenly turns on Marco and tries to kill him but is killed by Cicero and bam we suddenly have this epic final battle between The Professor and Marco, Marco turns into a lion and wins and there is suddenly a queen controlling all the book characters... 15 pages before the end of the book and she is suddenly defeated really fast... there were too many things going down at once, there were too many characters and I didn't care for romance betwen Lily and Marco because it felt super forced.

I do think that I would've loved this book if it was a series though becaue it had a lot of potential to be great.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, the idea of this book got me to buy it and give it a shot. And hey, at $0.99 and less than 3 hours to read, it was a deal.

This book has decent bones to build on. Cats guarding books is a fun idea. And readers will read and enjoy anything about the Library of Alexandria. But, overall, this book was lacking cohesiveness. There were so many little details scattered about that were, in and of themselves, a lot of fun. But they were very random and were abandoned as quickly as they appeared. (The cat could hear the characters in books talking! So cool!)

This book is definitely more for the young reader than the adult. They will forgive the leaps in plot and time and the gaps in plot.

I didn't hate it. Like I said, so many good/fun ideas to play with here. I think either Krambo could springboard this into a series, or just a rewrite into something longer, or someone else could run with it and really make these ideas into a strong novel.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost moved this one to the Didn't-Finish shelf, but I persevered. A rather rambling plot with characters that are mostly caricatures. The last 30 pages or so were probably the best, although the ending is a bit contrived (and abrupt.) I doubt that I'll read any more of these, if it is indeed a series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable young adult fantasy novel; nothing life changing, but a solid story with strong appeal for cat and book lovers. I like the fallibility of the mentor character; unusual for these sorts of stories and therefore refreshing. I would definitely recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spellbinding fantasy about cats, books, and ancient magic. What more could you want?

[Frederick Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Marco discovered he could read, his troubles began. Before his discovery, he was a happy cat who curled beside his friend Lucy in the library and enjoyed hearing her read to him. Her voice delighted him and caused him to love her stories.

In Guardian Cats & the Lost Books of Alexandria, Rahma Krambo introduces her readers to a cast of cats that drags them into an amazing story that is part fable, part magic, part history, and all-absorbing.

As Marco becomes entranced by the stories he read and the worlds he enters with each tale, he’s hooked. He’s a cat who can read, and he realizes that “book were no longer the unique property of humans.”

One night, Lucy and her grandmother’s house catches fire, and they flee as firemen extinguish the blaze. Marco is suddenly alone in the great house and the library!

In the meantime, Professor Leo Chin enters the story. He is a seeker of rare books, and he will eventually become Marco’s nemesis. Marco, now homeless and wondering, and after a nasty encounter with some feral cats, he finds himself in a musty old library where the books talk! Fond of The Three Musketeers, he takes down a copy from a shelf and begins to read, losing himself to the point of forgetting he is a cat. D’Artagnan is his favorite musketeer, and he delights in following his hero as he saves maidens and rights wrongs.

Disturbed by a tinkling sound, Marco explores the library, coming suddenly upon an old cat hunched over tome that he is reading intently and surrounded by other volumes that seem scientific . Not wanting to disturb the old cat, Marco turns to leave when the elder feline asks him what he wants. It is Cicero, and without knowing, Marco begins his destiny.

Cicero is a Guardian cat, and as the story continues, we find that Cicero is guarding a book, entitled The Book of Motion, that is a rescue from the great fire that destroyed the Library of Alexandria.

It isn’t long until Marco makes friends with a ferret named Polo and follows Cicero and a light-being named Alaniah to a cave under the library, on through a mirror, and into the past. He watches in horror as people who believe books are dangerous burn the Library. Some of the shocked observers save a few volumes of which them is the Book of Motion, a manual of magic. Years later when the human guardians die, guardianship is given to cats.

Marco finds that Professor Chin covets the Book and will do anything to get it.

Krambo skillfully weave he story with magic, shape-shifting, time travel, and heroics of the cats who are all sentinels looking after books in the musty library that is Cicero’s home. Cicero, however, Guardian of the Book, realizes he is old and needs a successor. Marco seems to fit the bill, but Cicero tests him to make sure.

I love stories in which animals represent human archetypes. In Marco we have the warrior reluctantly going into battle to save the Book, with Cicero his mentor. Professor Chin is his adversary and Polo joins the ranks of warriors’ sidekicks such a Sancho Panza or Robin Hood’s Merry Men. In truth, it is a tale of human beings dressed in animal suits doing what humans might not want others humans to see.

The plot includes a gang of raccoons that threaten Marco and his friends. The armies draw battle lines and engage.

This novel is completely engaging and well written. It had me from the opening paragraph and held me to the last.

I hope this is a first in a series about Marco, the Guardian cat, because it’s hard for me to believe Professor Chin was the only one who wanted the Book; indeed, lurking in the shadows of that wonderful old library are surely others obsessed with stealing the Book.

This review found at http://www.frederickfuller.com. See Reviews, Kitty Kriteeks

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guardian Cats and the Lost Book of Alexandria
By Rahma Krambo
272 pages – ages 9+
Published by Reflected Light Books on July 15, 2011

Marco the cat’s owner Lucy read books out loud to him all the time. One night Marco walked by a book that was lying open and he realized he could read the words! Through some unfortunate events, Marco finds himself living on the streets as a stray. Marco found shelter in a library and when he was exploring it he met Cicero, the library cat. Cicero told Marco that he is the guardian of a magical book. A book so powerful that if it fell into the wrong hands, horrible things would happen! Cicero asks Marco to be his apprentice and take the responsibility of being the Guardian. Marco begins his training but he doesn’t get far when an evil cat (Bait) comes around and will stop at nothing to get The Book and Bait isn’t the only bad guy after The Book! Cicero and Marco find themselves in horrible danger as they try to protect The Book and survive.

Don’t let the name and cover of the book fool you into thinking it is like the Warrior Cat series, it isn’t. The story is totally different. Speaking of the cover, I really liked the cover art! I really liked the plot of the book. I thought it was very interesting. I thought it was cool that the cats could read and lived in a library and they were guarding an ancient magical book (my kind of story!). I liked the tons of action and excitement in it and it wasn’t too graphic or violent for younger readers. Marco was a good main character, but I liked Cicero the best because I felt like I knew him better in the story. I would have liked to have more information about the story in a couple of places, like where they go back in time to meet Akeel (the original librarian in the Library of Alexandria) and in some of the flash-backs that the characters have. Overall, I thought the story was intriguing and fun to read.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted so badly to like this book. The summary itself sounded great, definitely a book I would regularly enjoy. Talking cats who love to read and have dedicated themselves to protecting books? Great! The five-star reviews surely got my hopes up as well. Saw a one-star with the simple review of "ugh.." I understand now.
The story wasn't all bad, don't get me wrong. The theme, or message, of the book is good: reading is fun, reading is an adventure, books should be treasured and protected. That's pretty much where the pros end. The execution of this once-promising storyline fell short in many areas. The plot was full of holes, the pacing was strange, and I found the dialogue to be mediocre. The magical aspects were a bit difficult to follow, and the main Book of Motion was never explained well. I couldn't tell if it was meant for time travel, or for shape-shifting... or both, for that matter. I never felt connected with any of the characters, since they lacked definition. Marco, the main cat, was the best set up, but he was still very puppet-like. And don't get me started on the racoons.
The ending... ugh. *Spoiler* I give props to the idea of having characters extracted from their stories, and then having them piled as corpses after the library burns. HOWEVER, that was one page of goodness. The rest was a mishmash of ideas that did not sync. Also, if the library were set on fire, people would notice... come on. An entire evening passes while things burn, animals run crazy, and nobody in the nearby houses calls for help? Even some of the cats ran off to find someone to help, and then the idea is forgotten.
Finally, as a librarian, I feel the actual librarian in the story was not represented well (the "now" librarian, not the one in Alexandria when the cats go back in time). Sure, it's the cats' story, not her's, but some description fell back on stereotypes.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco, a young cat, loved to listen to his young human, Lily, read books aloud. When Lily’s grandmother gets ill suddenly and is taken to the hospital, young Marco goes out an open door into the outside world looking for food. He finds himself in a strange place which is not the safe, caring atmosphere he knows. In a search for safety and food, Marco enters the town library; there, he finds that he can read himself. He also meets Cicero who becomes his mentor. Cicero is a guardian cat – guarding mystical books from the los Library of Alexandria. He takes Marco on a journey to the past showing him what happened to the Library of Alexandria and how the guardian cats were formed. He also introduces Marco to other cats in The Dead Cats Society; they’re not dead but they get together to befriend each other and listen to tales of guardian cats. Join Marco in an adventure where he befriends a ferret, Polo, and they, along with the Dead Cats Society members fight rogue cats and the evil Professor who is trying to steal the Book of Motion, one of the secret books of mystical powers from the Library of Alexandria and who tries to destroy the library. An enjoyable adventure formed around delightful cat, and one ferret, characters; if you like cats, all age groups will enjoy reading about Marco and his friends.
A First Reads book I won.

[Eve]

I truly enjoyed it, but it was sad that my mind did not welcome me to read it a second time.

[Michelle Zercher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for free on my iphone using ibooks. I really just wanted something to read while I was bored at work or just to have at the palm of my hand. I wasn't expecting much from this book however I must say, I really really enjoyed this read. It's short and to the point. I didn't find it drug and I enjoyed the story from the perception of a cat. I felt myself becoming the cat in the story. I thought it was the pefect mix of fantasy, magic, and feline fantasticness. I don't like to talk much about the book in my reviews because I don't want to spoil anything but I think this short read should be picked up by everyone, especially cat lovers. :)

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fantasy blend for book lovers and cat lovers alike. I liked the themes and characters, but some of the plot points just seemed to drift off in the last quarter of the book and were left unresolved. Some things were left to readers' assumption, and I would have preferred to have things wrapped up a little neater at the end. But overall, I liked it, and if further books about the other rescued books and guardian cats are forthcoming, I'll give them a try.

[Danielle Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, enjoyable read. Way less cutesy/juvenile than I had been expecting. There were some sections where I felt like the writing could have used a good polishing from a professional editor, but they didn't take away from the story. Overall, the story is pretty solid and one I would recommend to others.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, mildly spooky. Special cats are the guardians for ancient powerful books from the library of Alexandria. The books are now scattered to make them harder to find. An evil professor wants them to use their power to build a tyrannical society.

[Becky Arundale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun escapist fantasy fiction about the secret lives of cats.

[Trisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh...

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

i hate books told from animal perspective but read this thru to the end because the storyline had some interesting twists

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light reading, odd mix of fantasy and history.

[Betsy]

Maybe it's because this was written for a YA (MG?) audience, but I just couldn't get into this book.

[roxanne wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book

A must read excellent lessons tobe learned. Great for teens and adults be also prepared to cry , sadly death

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+\4-