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Shape-Shifting Cats and Human Heroes Join Forces in Compelling New Fantasy Series
Enter of the enthralling world of The Glaring!
There are 500 million cats in the world, but some of them are not all that they seem. Part of a secret order called The Glaring, these mysterious changelings move freely among us, sometimes as common cats, sometimes in more human form, marking our movements as we go about our lives.
An ancient evil known as Jackal has waged an eternal war with The Glaring, threatening the human world that it protects for centuries. In order to defeat Jackal, The Glaring must enlist the aid of two unlikely heroes from the human world:
Sarah, a teenage runaway fleeing a life of horrible abuse; and Kyle, an awkward alcoholic misfit who is reluctantly enlisted as her protector.
Sarah doesn't know it yet, but she possesses a healing light so brilliant that no evil, not even Jackal, can resist it. The only chance the Jackal has to carry out his wicked plans is to keep Sarah in the dark about her power, weakening her spirit until she breaks.
With nothing to protect her but a teenage alcoholic and an army of shape-shifting cats, Jackal's rise to power seems almost assured.
˃˃˃ With a gripping premise and bold narrative, Strays lives up the steadfast reputation that award-wining author Matthew Krause has earned.
The Glaring Chronicles sheds a whole new light on the cat, while paying homage to their intelligence, initiative and ability to integrate well with humans.
˃˃˃ 5% of all book sales will be donated to animal rescue charities.
An avid advocate for animals, Krause has pledged to donate at least 5% of all book sales to animal rescue charities, including Ape Action Africa, MEOW, and The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.
Enter of the enthralling world of The Glaring!
There are 500 million cats in the world, but some of them are not all that they seem. Part of a secret order called The Glaring, these mysterious changelings move freely among us, sometimes as common cats, sometimes in more human form, marking our movements as we go about our lives.
An ancient evil known as Jackal has waged an eternal war with The Glaring, threatening the human world that it protects for centuries. In order to defeat Jackal, The Glaring must enlist the aid of two unlikely heroes from the human world:
Sarah, a teenage runaway fleeing a life of horrible abuse; and Kyle, an awkward alcoholic misfit who is reluctantly enlisted as her protector.
Sarah doesn't know it yet, but she possesses a healing light so brilliant that no evil, not even Jackal, can resist it. The only chance the Jackal has to carry out his wicked plans is to keep Sarah in the dark about her power, weakening her spirit until she breaks.
With nothing to protect her but a teenage alcoholic and an army of shape-shifting cats, Jackal's rise to power seems almost assured.
˃˃˃ With a gripping premise and bold narrative, Strays lives up the steadfast reputation that award-wining author Matthew Krause has earned.
The Glaring Chronicles sheds a whole new light on the cat, while paying homage to their intelligence, initiative and ability to integrate well with humans.
˃˃˃ 5% of all book sales will be donated to animal rescue charities.
An avid advocate for animals, Krause has pledged to donate at least 5% of all book sales to animal rescue charities, including Ape Action Africa, MEOW, and The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2013
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Krause
17 books12 followersWith "Matthew" being one of the top five baby names for over 20 years and "Krause" being the German equivalent of Smith or Jones, it's hard to tell one Matthew Krause from the other on Facebook. This Matthew Krause is an award-winning screenwriter, independent filmmaker, teacher, and mentor. Although he writes in multiple genres, the common theme in all of his work is man's eternal struggle to find those pockets of nobility in a sea of human frailty.
Matthew was raised in the heartland of Kansas, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and a Master’s degree from Kansas State University. He has authored several screenplays, including Radical Evil, which placed in the quarterfinals of the Nicholl Fellowship, Play Action, which placed in the semifinals of the same competition, and Baby’s Breath, which was produced as an independent film. Play Action also earned him a Screenwriting Fellowship with Walt Disney/ABC Studios in 2001. When he’s not living in Kansas, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and five cats.
Matthew was raised in the heartland of Kansas, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and a Master’s degree from Kansas State University. He has authored several screenplays, including Radical Evil, which placed in the quarterfinals of the Nicholl Fellowship, Play Action, which placed in the semifinals of the same competition, and Baby’s Breath, which was produced as an independent film. Play Action also earned him a Screenwriting Fellowship with Walt Disney/ABC Studios in 2001. When he’s not living in Kansas, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and five cats.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 17, 2013
This is an amazingly fast read, rich with detail that makes you feel like you are right there with Sarah on her adventure. Sarah is a 15-year-old runaway being pursued by her abusive stepfather and a few other undesirables. While hiding in the woods, she meets Tom, a charming young man who brings Sarah food and agrees to protect her. What Sarah doesn't know is that Tom is a member of the Glaring, a secret sect of cats that have the power to shape-shift and take on human form. Something evil is coming, and Sarah may be the key, but only if Tom can protect her.
Later, Kyle is introduced, a teenage alcoholic wasting away in a small town who is nevertheless also recruited by The Glaring, specifically an exotic black cat named Molly who turns into the most beautiful girl Kyle has ever seen. As the story bounces back and forth from Sarah to Kyle, as well as check in with a few of the monsters pursuing them, I was swept up in the beginnings of this epic adventure.
Strays is the first book of The Glaring Chronicles, and while it wraps up its story nicely, it left me eager to find out what happens next. I can't wait for the next book and may read this one again while I'm waiting!
Later, Kyle is introduced, a teenage alcoholic wasting away in a small town who is nevertheless also recruited by The Glaring, specifically an exotic black cat named Molly who turns into the most beautiful girl Kyle has ever seen. As the story bounces back and forth from Sarah to Kyle, as well as check in with a few of the monsters pursuing them, I was swept up in the beginnings of this epic adventure.
Strays is the first book of The Glaring Chronicles, and while it wraps up its story nicely, it left me eager to find out what happens next. I can't wait for the next book and may read this one again while I'm waiting!
June 17, 2013
I first heard about this author on twitter. I read his first book "Pitch" and I could not put that book down until I finished because the author's descriptive writing style really makes it feel like I am right there with the characters in the story. When I heard about this book, again on twitter, I thought it sounded very cool. I love cats and fantasy so it seemed like a perfect fit! And it was! The beginning of the story is a bit disturbing because it deals with child abuse. However, I think the author has done a good job of showing the terrible situation Sarah comes from so we can root for her to get out of there.
Fifteen year old Sarah comes from an abusive home in Washington State and she decisdes it is time to get out. She is almost doomed to live life on the streets until she meets a wonderful cat named Tom who can also shapeshift into a young man. Tom helps her escape. He has been enlisted to take her to a farm in Oregon. Something is going on with Sarah and she has a special connection with a group of cats called "The Glaring".
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, specifically Kansas, we meet another would be hero, Kyle. Kyle is graduating from high school and feels lost. He is befriended by Molly who has also been enlisted to bring Kyle to the farm in Oregon. There is an evil force throughout the story trying to stop Sarah and Kyle coming together.
There is great character devlopment, action, and adventure. This was another book I didn't want to put down until I finished. I find myself thinking about the characters even though I'm done with the book. These characters deserve everyone to read about them!
I really enjoyed this book, and I am anxiously waiting for the second book in The Glaring Chronicles!
Fifteen year old Sarah comes from an abusive home in Washington State and she decisdes it is time to get out. She is almost doomed to live life on the streets until she meets a wonderful cat named Tom who can also shapeshift into a young man. Tom helps her escape. He has been enlisted to take her to a farm in Oregon. Something is going on with Sarah and she has a special connection with a group of cats called "The Glaring".
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, specifically Kansas, we meet another would be hero, Kyle. Kyle is graduating from high school and feels lost. He is befriended by Molly who has also been enlisted to bring Kyle to the farm in Oregon. There is an evil force throughout the story trying to stop Sarah and Kyle coming together.
There is great character devlopment, action, and adventure. This was another book I didn't want to put down until I finished. I find myself thinking about the characters even though I'm done with the book. These characters deserve everyone to read about them!
I really enjoyed this book, and I am anxiously waiting for the second book in The Glaring Chronicles!
June 17, 2013
Loved this book, and can't wait for the sequels!
Strays is an engaging and fast read, but with much more depth than your typical modern fantasy novel. It's a story great for young adults and grown-ups, men and women, literary novices and bibliophiles alike.
At the start of the story, we were introduced to Sarah and Kyle, teenagers with very different upbringings, but both struggling with their own demons. I immediately empathized with our characters, wishing them both better lives than the ones they had been living. As the characters worked to make their way to each other and fulfill their destinies, I happily hopped along for the ride.
The author is thoughtful and careful about the information he provides his readers, giving them only bits at a time. This increased the suspense, and made it very difficult to put the book down! Just as everything started to fall into place, our story came to an exciting conclusion. And don't worry: while there's likely so much more to be revealed in the rest of the trilogy, there were no cliffhangers here!
Strays is an exciting and compelling story. It's fantasy that's as accessible and engaging as books like Twilight, with a completely original idea (no vampires or witches!)
Readers will not be disappointed!
Strays is an engaging and fast read, but with much more depth than your typical modern fantasy novel. It's a story great for young adults and grown-ups, men and women, literary novices and bibliophiles alike.
At the start of the story, we were introduced to Sarah and Kyle, teenagers with very different upbringings, but both struggling with their own demons. I immediately empathized with our characters, wishing them both better lives than the ones they had been living. As the characters worked to make their way to each other and fulfill their destinies, I happily hopped along for the ride.
The author is thoughtful and careful about the information he provides his readers, giving them only bits at a time. This increased the suspense, and made it very difficult to put the book down! Just as everything started to fall into place, our story came to an exciting conclusion. And don't worry: while there's likely so much more to be revealed in the rest of the trilogy, there were no cliffhangers here!
Strays is an exciting and compelling story. It's fantasy that's as accessible and engaging as books like Twilight, with a completely original idea (no vampires or witches!)
Readers will not be disappointed!
October 6, 2013
This is a very interesting premise - one I've not encountered before. Some of the cats in our world are much more than just 'cats'. They are members of the Glaring and their purpose seems to be 'looking out for the good guys'. It's presented matter-of-factly and without fanfare, which makes it seem entirely normal. The abused, but not broken, 15 year old, Sarah, is one of those chosen to be cared for by the Glaring. We are never fully told why, how, or by whom she was chosen - or how the Glaring became aware of their task. It becomes pretty apparent that Sarah most likely wouldn't have survived on her own for very long without help from somewhere. She's not weak, but she's 15, attractive, and it can be a cruel world full of predators.
I enjoyed the characters and the premise, but wish more of the backstory was given. I recieved an ARC for review and I will most likely buy the next release in the Glaring Chronicles.
October 22, 2014
Cats and fantasy have always been a fun pairing, and the werecats (for lack of a better term) that make up the Glaring are no exception. It seems their job is to look after human strays, like Sarah and Kyle, and help protect them from the evil in their lives. Matthew Krause takes this premise and makes it plausible. All his characters are well-drawn and believable. He alludes to the abuse Sarah has received, but I appreciate that he does not dwell on the details. Kyle makes a very unlikely hero, which is part of the power of the story. The ending resolves the current conflict as it also leaves loose ends for a sequel. All in all, very well done.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
August 11, 2013
There are 500 million cats in the world, but some of them are not all that they seem. Part of a secret order called The Glaring, these mysterious changelings move freely among us, sometimes as common cats, sometimes in more human form, marking our movements as we go about our lives.
For me, this was an O-Kay story. Could have been better. It took me through half the book to get unconfused as the story jumped around so much and the writing was juvenile. It touched on mystery, adventure and horror but did not engage me. I felt no connection with the characters. [[ASIN:B00DF7U5EQ Strays (Dark Fantasy) (The Glaring Chronicles)]]
For me, this was an O-Kay story. Could have been better. It took me through half the book to get unconfused as the story jumped around so much and the writing was juvenile. It touched on mystery, adventure and horror but did not engage me. I felt no connection with the characters. [[ASIN:B00DF7U5EQ Strays (Dark Fantasy) (The Glaring Chronicles)]]
January 28, 2016
First of all, I must say that the plot is very creative and unlike anything I have read over the past few years. So, for that alone, I commend the author for being able to offer readers something new. I also couldn't help but admire the character of Sarah and I even found her to be quite relatable in a few ways
I suppose I may be a bit biased with this as I have been a major cat-lover my entire life, but I truly did enjoy the book in almost its entirety and found it not only to be clever and unique but also very well-written in a way that does the originality of the plot much-needed justice. Overall, it's a good start to The Glaring Chronicles series and I plan on reading more.
I suppose I may be a bit biased with this as I have been a major cat-lover my entire life, but I truly did enjoy the book in almost its entirety and found it not only to be clever and unique but also very well-written in a way that does the originality of the plot much-needed justice. Overall, it's a good start to The Glaring Chronicles series and I plan on reading more.
September 28, 2013
OK, you should know that I really LOVE cats.
But.
Having an editor who would carefully read the book before publishing helps eliminating little annoying things that kept popping up all the way. Shotgun seat, for example. Mentioning it over and over and over again. Or when Sarah woke up in the late morning, and on the next page it's still night. Or the over-detailed and repeating descriptions of, well, just everything. Cars, roads, clothes...
Otherwise it's a fast read. Found out about it on Twitter.
But.
Having an editor who would carefully read the book before publishing helps eliminating little annoying things that kept popping up all the way. Shotgun seat, for example. Mentioning it over and over and over again. Or when Sarah woke up in the late morning, and on the next page it's still night. Or the over-detailed and repeating descriptions of, well, just everything. Cars, roads, clothes...
Otherwise it's a fast read. Found out about it on Twitter.
June 27, 2013
Something a little different but definitely a great read. Great book for cat lovers out there, they are such interesting creatures. I can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next!
June 18, 2013
Loved it! Can't wait for the next! Very unique story line!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews