What do you think?
Rate this book
The Familiars #4
Palace of Dreams
The heroes of Vastia are back in action.
Peace has finally returned to Vastia. The familiars Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert have defeated the evil Paksahara, and the Council is throwing Queen Loranella a birthday party to celebrate. But when the queen falls victim to a terrible curse, the familiars find themselves the prime suspects.
Narrowly escaping the palace dungeons, Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert set out on a quest to prove their innocence and find a cure for the queen. Their journey will reunite them with old friends and even older enemies, and it will take them from the far fields of Vastia to the magical Dreamworld. But nothing can prepare them for the puzzles and perils that await them there.
With all the action, humor, and friendship that have made the familiars so well loved, plus a mystery that will take all their wits to unravel, palace of dreams is the familiars' most thrilling adventure yet.
Peace has finally returned to Vastia. The familiars Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert have defeated the evil Paksahara, and the Council is throwing Queen Loranella a birthday party to celebrate. But when the queen falls victim to a terrible curse, the familiars find themselves the prime suspects.
Narrowly escaping the palace dungeons, Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert set out on a quest to prove their innocence and find a cure for the queen. Their journey will reunite them with old friends and even older enemies, and it will take them from the far fields of Vastia to the magical Dreamworld. But nothing can prepare them for the puzzles and perils that await them there.
With all the action, humor, and friendship that have made the familiars so well loved, plus a mystery that will take all their wits to unravel, palace of dreams is the familiars' most thrilling adventure yet.
323 pages, Hardcover
First published December 23, 2013
96 people are currently reading
1386 people want to read
About the author
Adam Jay Epstein
23 books345 followersI grew up in Great Neck, NY loving all things fantasy and science fiction - from Dungeons and Dragons and the Legend of Zelda to Star Wars and Dr. Strange. I created and imagined new worlds and stories from an early age but never knew that I had the talent to be a writer until seventh grade, when my English teacher assigned our class to write the first ten pages of a sequel to The Good Earth. After that, I was hooked.
I now live in Los Angeles with my wife, two children and a black and white alley cat with a bite out of his ear. I write with a partner, Andrew Jacobson, who is a much better typist than I will ever be.
I now live in Los Angeles with my wife, two children and a black and white alley cat with a bite out of his ear. I write with a partner, Andrew Jacobson, who is a much better typist than I will ever be.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 9, 2014
I won this book in a good reads giveaway.
First off, I noticed that I had won the fourth book in the series so I did what any reader would do. Get the first three books and read those so I would know what was going on.
As one probably noticed by the ratings I have been posting up for the past couple of days, these books are a fast read.
Which is not really surprising since the books are aimed at children and the font is pretty big. However, even though these books are aimed at children, this is the kind of series that keeps me reading books aimed at children in the first place. This book series is really good and it shows that you don't need an overly complicated plot with characters everywhere in order to make a good story.
The pacing is great and the main trio are very distinct from each other and have great characterization. I also love how the books keep bringing stuff back that happened in the previous ones(ex: the armor, Tammy the cat from book 1, ect.)
Now, it looks like I'm getting off topic here as I am talking about the books as a whole so I guess I will more or less focus my review now on just the book I am supposed to be reviewing.
Now, the Palace of Dreams picks up right where the previous one lets off and it brings in a whole new set of problems for the main trio(as the previous three books could be said to be one whole "arc"). The book expertly sets up a new plotline and new adventures for Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert with a new villain.
Other than the plot(which I won't spoil anything of since it is a pretty quick read), I loved the development of the main trio. Since I was reading the books one right after the other, I could see how much they had developed in terms of personality as well as powers since the first book. I can't wait to see where the books go next and wrap up the smaller plot threads(ex: Skylar's sister).
The only sad thing is that the copy I won was an uncorrected proof so the illustrations that I have come to enjoy in the previous books were not there.
First off, I noticed that I had won the fourth book in the series so I did what any reader would do. Get the first three books and read those so I would know what was going on.
As one probably noticed by the ratings I have been posting up for the past couple of days, these books are a fast read.
Which is not really surprising since the books are aimed at children and the font is pretty big. However, even though these books are aimed at children, this is the kind of series that keeps me reading books aimed at children in the first place. This book series is really good and it shows that you don't need an overly complicated plot with characters everywhere in order to make a good story.
The pacing is great and the main trio are very distinct from each other and have great characterization. I also love how the books keep bringing stuff back that happened in the previous ones(ex: the armor, Tammy the cat from book 1, ect.)
Now, it looks like I'm getting off topic here as I am talking about the books as a whole so I guess I will more or less focus my review now on just the book I am supposed to be reviewing.
Now, the Palace of Dreams picks up right where the previous one lets off and it brings in a whole new set of problems for the main trio(as the previous three books could be said to be one whole "arc"). The book expertly sets up a new plotline and new adventures for Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert with a new villain.
Other than the plot(which I won't spoil anything of since it is a pretty quick read), I loved the development of the main trio. Since I was reading the books one right after the other, I could see how much they had developed in terms of personality as well as powers since the first book. I can't wait to see where the books go next and wrap up the smaller plot threads(ex: Skylar's sister).
The only sad thing is that the copy I won was an uncorrected proof so the illustrations that I have come to enjoy in the previous books were not there.
January 17, 2015
SUCH A SUSPENSEFUL ENDING!!!
July 21, 2014
2.5 stars
The Familiars return for a fourth book, filled with animal sorcery and perilous adventures. But this time...they're the queendom's most-wanted.
This book disappointed me. Because, overall, the past three books had been captivating and with good stories...and this one did not.
In "Palace of Dreams", the story in very weak, and the dream palace mentioned in the title is actually just a small factor at the end.
I liked the characters, but not as much as the first book. What I didn't like is that there wasn't a subplot. In the previous books, Aldwyn was suspicious about Skylar. But now that dilemma is gone, and the only thing in the story is a few magical places.
Something is seriously wrong with Vastia. I don't remember the details because I read the 3rd book a year ago, but wasn't there something like "Animals and humans should leave in harmony"? Well, in this book, they do. And it practically ruins this entire fictional world.
All of the sudden, humans can talk to animals. I thought only loyals could talk to their familiars! Animals are being treated like humans! When the authors described the Night-something Battalion, they mentioned that it consisted of men, women, and animals. Animals? That is just way too hard to picture. Animals, in my way of thinking, simply cannot rise up to human stature.
It was a weird book, and my least favorite of the series. Sorrrrrrry.
Alternate rating: D+
The Familiars return for a fourth book, filled with animal sorcery and perilous adventures. But this time...they're the queendom's most-wanted.
This book disappointed me. Because, overall, the past three books had been captivating and with good stories...and this one did not.
In "Palace of Dreams", the story in very weak, and the dream palace mentioned in the title is actually just a small factor at the end.
I liked the characters, but not as much as the first book. What I didn't like is that there wasn't a subplot. In the previous books, Aldwyn was suspicious about Skylar. But now that dilemma is gone, and the only thing in the story is a few magical places.
Something is seriously wrong with Vastia. I don't remember the details because I read the 3rd book a year ago, but wasn't there something like "Animals and humans should leave in harmony"? Well, in this book, they do. And it practically ruins this entire fictional world.
All of the sudden, humans can talk to animals. I thought only loyals could talk to their familiars! Animals are being treated like humans! When the authors described the Night-something Battalion, they mentioned that it consisted of men, women, and animals. Animals? That is just way too hard to picture. Animals, in my way of thinking, simply cannot rise up to human stature.
It was a weird book, and my least favorite of the series. Sorrrrrrry.
Alternate rating: D+
June 4, 2014
While not as good as the previous three, this book seemed to at least hold its own. I expected a standalone-- my mistake-- but I got the beginning of what's likely to be another trilogy. It was a quest novel, as its predecessors were, and while I enjoyed its differences, I wasn't thrilled. Perhaps I wasn't in the mood for a middle grade animal fantasy, but it didn't strike me the same way as the original trilogy.
The book did many things correctly. They led into the next book extremely well, the plot twists were surprising and well done, and while their goal for part of the book was identical to that of a previous book, they managed to take a different path and show off a different part of the world. Even with all that, however, the book lacked suspense-- things seemed too easy, despite their struggles.
Other than that, I think it was well done. The humor was perfect, the worldbuilding interesting (but not integral to the plot, as I loved in the first three books), and the characters well motivated. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't as good as the first three. I will, however, watch for the next few, however many there happen to be.
The book did many things correctly. They led into the next book extremely well, the plot twists were surprising and well done, and while their goal for part of the book was identical to that of a previous book, they managed to take a different path and show off a different part of the world. Even with all that, however, the book lacked suspense-- things seemed too easy, despite their struggles.
Other than that, I think it was well done. The humor was perfect, the worldbuilding interesting (but not integral to the plot, as I loved in the first three books), and the characters well motivated. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't as good as the first three. I will, however, watch for the next few, however many there happen to be.
May 9, 2022
3 stars
I went in curious as to how the series would continue when the last book felt like a good end to a trilogy. I wish I had left it at that. This starts a whole new adventure and there seems to be no sign of book 5 which makes me sad as I was enjoying the series.
I went in curious as to how the series would continue when the last book felt like a good end to a trilogy. I wish I had left it at that. This starts a whole new adventure and there seems to be no sign of book 5 which makes me sad as I was enjoying the series.
December 25, 2024
Sembra che la pace sia tornata a Vastia e che i tre della profezia, i famigli di piccoli maghi, che hanno scoperto essere i tre personaggi più importanti del regno - Aldwyn, Skylar e Gilbert - si apprestano a festeggiare il compleanno della regina Loranella. Purtroppo, scoprono che il loro dono speciale per la regina, una collana, è stato manipolato per diventarle nocivo. La regina entra in un sopore quasi mortale da cui nessuno sa come farla uscire e i tre famigli vengono imprigionati. Per fortuna, grazie alla loro magia, riescono a fuggire e ad andare alla ricerca di un rimedio per salvare Loranella, tra mille peripezie e percorsi magici che toccano anche il mondo dei sogni.
October 23, 2021
Se penso che ho preso questa saga solo perché era tra le scontate e perciò non compresa nella mia lista di libri da comprare, mi viene quasi da ridere.
Posso dire orgogliosamente di essere soddisfatta di averla scelta tra le tante scontate.
Nella versione che ho acquistato io (4 in 1) c'è scritto "la saga completa". Ma in realtà completa non è perché la fine lascia trapelare in modo cristallino che ci sarà sicuramente un seguito.
In questo quarto libro la pace è finalmente tornata su Vastia e tutti sono in fermento per la festa a sorpresa alla regina.
Ma può mai filare tutto liscio?
E no, il regalo che i tre famigli (ormai tre eroi della Profezia) fanno alla regina scaglia su di lei un maleficio e loro vengono accusati di tentato omicidio a quest'ultima. Così si ritrovano costretti a essere dei fuggitivi di Vastia e a partire in cerca della pozione curativa per salvarla e provare così la loro innocenza.
Anche questa volta è stato meraviglioso vivere quest'avventura.
Ho gratito tantissimo la scena iniziale con Jack e Aldwynin cerca della sorella gemella di quest'ultimo. Aspettavo da tre libri più scene tra i famigli e i loro leali come anche la ricerca della gemella scontatamente complessa, ma non per questo meno interessante.
La cosa che più mi piace di questi libri è che ti trasportano abilmente dentro le loro pagine facendoti cadere nel loro mondo pieno d'incanto.
Meravigliose le illustrazioni e il Mondo dei sogni ideato in modo davvero originale e impeccabile.
Un quinto libro ci sarà sicuramente e non vedo l'ora di leggerlo perché so che troverò tutte le scene che ho più aspettato, ma chissà a quando.
A parte che poi io ho sempre pensato che il quarto non poteva essere il definitivo della saga. Ci sono ancora troppe cose lasciate in sospeso e che devono essere risolte e queste necessitano sicuramente di un altro libro per essere risolte.
Ho letto anche che stanno lavorando a un film 3D di animazione , ma anche di quello non sono più trapelate altre notizie.
Mi piacerebbe tantissimo vederlo perché se rimangono fedeli ai romanzi ne viene fuori uno eccezionalmente fantastico e singolare.
I libri di The familiars sono dei libri che colpiscono per la loro semplicità mai scontata e le tanti morali inserite al suo interno che ho individuato e apprezzato tantissimo.
Consigliato a chi ama i libri fantasy traboccanti di magia e crede indissolubilmente al valore dell'amicizia e la famiglia.
Beh, dopo aver detto tutto, non mi resta altro che rimanere in attesa sia del film, che il quinto libro.
Posso dire orgogliosamente di essere soddisfatta di averla scelta tra le tante scontate.
Nella versione che ho acquistato io (4 in 1) c'è scritto "la saga completa". Ma in realtà completa non è perché la fine lascia trapelare in modo cristallino che ci sarà sicuramente un seguito.
In questo quarto libro la pace è finalmente tornata su Vastia e tutti sono in fermento per la festa a sorpresa alla regina.
Ma può mai filare tutto liscio?
E no, il regalo che i tre famigli (ormai tre eroi della Profezia) fanno alla regina scaglia su di lei un maleficio e loro vengono accusati di tentato omicidio a quest'ultima. Così si ritrovano costretti a essere dei fuggitivi di Vastia e a partire in cerca della pozione curativa per salvarla e provare così la loro innocenza.
Anche questa volta è stato meraviglioso vivere quest'avventura.
Ho gratito tantissimo la scena iniziale con Jack e Aldwynin cerca della sorella gemella di quest'ultimo. Aspettavo da tre libri più scene tra i famigli e i loro leali come anche la ricerca della gemella scontatamente complessa, ma non per questo meno interessante.
La cosa che più mi piace di questi libri è che ti trasportano abilmente dentro le loro pagine facendoti cadere nel loro mondo pieno d'incanto.
Meravigliose le illustrazioni e il Mondo dei sogni ideato in modo davvero originale e impeccabile.
Un quinto libro ci sarà sicuramente e non vedo l'ora di leggerlo perché so che troverò tutte le scene che ho più aspettato, ma chissà a quando.
A parte che poi io ho sempre pensato che il quarto non poteva essere il definitivo della saga. Ci sono ancora troppe cose lasciate in sospeso e che devono essere risolte e queste necessitano sicuramente di un altro libro per essere risolte.
Ho letto anche che stanno lavorando a un film 3D di animazione , ma anche di quello non sono più trapelate altre notizie.
Mi piacerebbe tantissimo vederlo perché se rimangono fedeli ai romanzi ne viene fuori uno eccezionalmente fantastico e singolare.
I libri di The familiars sono dei libri che colpiscono per la loro semplicità mai scontata e le tanti morali inserite al suo interno che ho individuato e apprezzato tantissimo.
Consigliato a chi ama i libri fantasy traboccanti di magia e crede indissolubilmente al valore dell'amicizia e la famiglia.
Beh, dopo aver detto tutto, non mi resta altro che rimanere in attesa sia del film, che il quinto libro.
January 13, 2017
I enjoyed the previous books in this series more than this one. The plot in Palace of Dreams is weak and the main characters didn't develop beyond their skills in the previous book. Overall, Palace of Dreams felt rushed. It ends with a clear path to the quest in the next (yet to be released) book in the series.
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:
✱ The Dark Portal
✱ The Shadows
✱ Fly by Night
✱ Here, There Be Dragons
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:
✱ The Dark Portal
✱ The Shadows
✱ Fly by Night
✱ Here, There Be Dragons
March 31, 2021
Aldwin é un gatto di strada che, per un caso fortuito, si ritrova a diventare il famiglio del maghetto Jack. Arrivato alla piccola scuola di magia del suo leale, il gatto fa amicizia con i famigli degli altri allievi: Skylar la ghiandaia e Gilbert la rana. Una sera però i loro maghetti verranno rapiti da un terribile nemico e toccherà ai 3 famigli salvarli...
La saga é carina, super adatta ai bambini dai 6 anni in su. Gli animaletti sono dolcissimi e con un carattere proprio e abbastanza definito. La scrittura é semplice e lineare. La struttura dei capitoli é giusta, in episodi quasi tutti autoconclusivi tutti collegati, in modo tale da poter frammentare nel modo giusto la lettura (cosa fondamentale per un bimbo) . Dobbiamo trovare per forza dei difetti? Se volessimo cercare il pelo nell'uovo si. Il world building non è così chiaro e definito (anche se un bimbo non ha bisogno di una struttura così dettagliata) ed é pieno di cliché propri del genere fantasy (un bambino però non conosce questi cliché, quindi non se ne accorge). Non é una saga perfetta, ma la considero di buona qualità. Unica vera pecca è che é stata bruscamente interrotta al quarto libro, peccato!
La saga é carina, super adatta ai bambini dai 6 anni in su. Gli animaletti sono dolcissimi e con un carattere proprio e abbastanza definito. La scrittura é semplice e lineare. La struttura dei capitoli é giusta, in episodi quasi tutti autoconclusivi tutti collegati, in modo tale da poter frammentare nel modo giusto la lettura (cosa fondamentale per un bimbo) . Dobbiamo trovare per forza dei difetti? Se volessimo cercare il pelo nell'uovo si. Il world building non è così chiaro e definito (anche se un bimbo non ha bisogno di una struttura così dettagliata) ed é pieno di cliché propri del genere fantasy (un bambino però non conosce questi cliché, quindi non se ne accorge). Non é una saga perfetta, ma la considero di buona qualità. Unica vera pecca è che é stata bruscamente interrotta al quarto libro, peccato!
November 5, 2018
Lots of magic, and I can’t belive that some people thought they poisoned the queen! I’ve always wanted to go into dreams and I think it would be really cool. I think they should really make another book in the series because it’s awesome! Recommended to people who like Harry Potter AND Warriors. Great Series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
It was amazing and I can't wait for their next adventure!
February 25, 2014
this book is really good. if you like some of the harry potter books then you would like this. It is also hilarious
May 20, 2018
Ecco, ora sono incavolata nera!
Probabilmente gli autori avevano in mente un'altra trilogia per i tre famigli, ma ad oggi non esiste un quinto libro, quindi questa quarta avventura ha due scopi per Aldwyn e Co., uno viene raggiunto, mentre l'altro no.Insomma la storia non termina affatto(non si fa però così, da lettrice mi sento un pochino presa in giro).
Peccato perché quest'avventura,dove gli eroi diventano improvvisamente tutti traditori,è stata veramente carina, soprattutto la parte finale nel mondo dei sogni.
Il personaggio che più salta all'occhio in tutta la serie non è il gatto Aldwyn, ma la raganella supersimpatica e pasticciona Gilbert, che poi è anche quella caratterizzata meglio.
Nel complesso, mi sono rilassata abbastanza con questa serie veloce per ragazzini, mi sono piaciuti molto gli elementi e le creature fantasy inserite nella storia e sarebbe bello che la ricerca di qualcuno di così speciale per Aldwyn potesse giungere a termine.
Probabilmente gli autori avevano in mente un'altra trilogia per i tre famigli, ma ad oggi non esiste un quinto libro, quindi questa quarta avventura ha due scopi per Aldwyn e Co., uno viene raggiunto, mentre l'altro no.Insomma la storia non termina affatto(non si fa però così, da lettrice mi sento un pochino presa in giro).
Peccato perché quest'avventura,dove gli eroi diventano improvvisamente tutti traditori,è stata veramente carina, soprattutto la parte finale nel mondo dei sogni.
Il personaggio che più salta all'occhio in tutta la serie non è il gatto Aldwyn, ma la raganella supersimpatica e pasticciona Gilbert, che poi è anche quella caratterizzata meglio.
Nel complesso, mi sono rilassata abbastanza con questa serie veloce per ragazzini, mi sono piaciuti molto gli elementi e le creature fantasy inserite nella storia e sarebbe bello che la ricerca di qualcuno di così speciale per Aldwyn potesse giungere a termine.
August 8, 2021
Aldwyn the cat, Skylar the blue jay, and Gilbert the tree frog are the Prophesized Three, part of the Circle of Heroes that saved the queendom of Vastia. Now they're on the run, accused of attempting to kill Queen Loranella with a poisoned, parasitic necklace. They have been framed by an unknown enemy, and they are trying desperately to find the antidote to the poison and save the queen. But can they do it before time runs out, and before they are caught?
This book ends on a cliffhanger (Aldwyn is still trying to find his sister, and one of the Storm Diamonds is missing), which leads me to believe the author intended to write more in this series. But, since this was published in 2014, I doubt we'll ever know how the story was supposed to turn out. :-(
This book ends on a cliffhanger (Aldwyn is still trying to find his sister, and one of the Storm Diamonds is missing), which leads me to believe the author intended to write more in this series. But, since this was published in 2014, I doubt we'll ever know how the story was supposed to turn out. :-(
September 27, 2019
I love a reversal: when the protagonists are suddenly seen as the bad guys and forced to prove themselves. That’s exactly what Palace of Dreams was! Yet again, the Three had to travel across Vastia, this time to find a cure for the queen, whose poisoning was blamed on them. The shifting expanse of the Dreamworld was weird and chaotic. I wonder which of my nightmares would plague me if I went there. Also, the art improved tenfold! My favorite quote from this book was a simple one, and I couldn’t tell you why I liked it: “Aldwyn telekinetically flung the iron wedge far enough up the beach so that its metal points embedded themselves deep in the sand.”
April 3, 2022
I can't wait for the next book!!!!!!!! (That ending is such a cliffhanger...)
It all starts at a happy wonderful party. But we know something so good can't be the start of a book. I can't believe everyone, even their friends, automatically turns on them. It's so sad. But it does add an extra twist, running and hiding from the Nightfall Battalion. Don't you just hate it when someone is given a (sometimes second) chance and they use it for bad? They should be happy they have a chance and prove the world wrong instead of right. Add in some murder/murder attempts plus some battles and a trip to the dream world for the perfect story!
It all starts at a happy wonderful party. But we know something so good can't be the start of a book. I can't believe everyone, even their friends, automatically turns on them. It's so sad. But it does add an extra twist, running and hiding from the Nightfall Battalion. Don't you just hate it when someone is given a (sometimes second) chance and they use it for bad? They should be happy they have a chance and prove the world wrong instead of right. Add in some murder/murder attempts plus some battles and a trip to the dream world for the perfect story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
This series was overall amazing. I enjoyed the adventure of them trying to defeat the evil rabbit Paksahara, and finding out tons of other secrets along the way.
My only complaint is that this...this whole entire amazing adventure ends with a total cliffhanger. And then many years later, they announce the 5th book is coming out in 2024. It's currently 2024, and all I can do Is hope that they come out with it this year. Or maybe 2025. Because this year is so close to ending. It's really disappointing that I sat in my bed, reading, and reading, only for it to end this way. Amazing story and adventure, disappointing cliffhanger.
My only complaint is that this...this whole entire amazing adventure ends with a total cliffhanger. And then many years later, they announce the 5th book is coming out in 2024. It's currently 2024, and all I can do Is hope that they come out with it this year. Or maybe 2025. Because this year is so close to ending. It's really disappointing that I sat in my bed, reading, and reading, only for it to end this way. Amazing story and adventure, disappointing cliffhanger.
December 13, 2017
Even though it ends with an OBVIOUS set up for book 5 ("and this time we'll go with our loyals!") there hasn't been another one in the last 3+ years. So...yeah?
As for this story- another fun and various adventure of our favorite critters as they save the country (what on earth did Vaslia do before these three showed up? :P)
Fun, lighthearted, and rather straightforward it's perfectly in tune with the others of the series :)
Enjoy!
As for this story- another fun and various adventure of our favorite critters as they save the country (what on earth did Vaslia do before these three showed up? :P)
Fun, lighthearted, and rather straightforward it's perfectly in tune with the others of the series :)
Enjoy!
May 4, 2018
Quarto episodio delle avventure di Aldwyn, Skylar e Gilbert, stavolta accusati di tentato omicidio della regina e costretti a fuggire alla ricerca di una pozione che possa salvarla.
Ancora più avventurosa e divertente delle precedenti, non saprei che altro aggiungere. L'unica delusione è che si capisce che c'è un seguito, che credo non sia ancora stato scritto. Spero vivamente di non dover aspettare troppo!
Ancora più avventurosa e divertente delle precedenti, non saprei che altro aggiungere. L'unica delusione è che si capisce che c'è un seguito, che credo non sia ancora stato scritto. Spero vivamente di non dover aspettare troppo!
August 17, 2017
Talk about a plot twist! When I was a kid I loved these books so much! Now that I am older and I am an author myself I realize that this was a feeble attempt to continue on a dying set of books. Still pretty decent though. Action packed... and I still felt compelled to turn the pages even with the recognition that it was in fact... already dead.
April 7, 2019
My favorite part was when the three managed to save Queen Loranella and figure out who had poisoned her in the first place. My least favorite part was when they did not find Yeardley, because as of right now there is not another book after this one. i like how Kalstaff and Tammy were back in this book, and some of the creatures from the circle of heroes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
to akurat pamiętam że byłam mega wciągnięta i na kilka długich posiedzeń przeczytałam ale DLACZEGO TO SIĘ TAK URYWA, ZAKOŃCZENIE NIE BYŁO SATISFYING AT ALL DLACZEGO NIE BYŁO KONTYNUACJI😭😭 poza tym pamiętam jedną scenę że snami i z jakimś pałacem i że aldwyn tam świat normalnie ratował więc jak pamiętam cokolwiek po tylu latach (6-7, ironically) to naprawdę było zajebiste dla małej mnie
August 2, 2017
My six-year-old and I enjoyed all four books of this series, but the ending of this fourth book does seem to promise a fifth and I can't find any information on a fifth book. Does anyone have any leads on a fifth? We need to find Yeardly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
It's kind of annoying that they didn't finish this series. They left it open with a lot unsolved. I don't think another book is coming out since this was published in 2014. Still, I am glad I read The Familiars, I just wish I was younger.
December 5, 2020
This book was a huge hit with my eight year old. He couldn’t read it fast enough. Fast paced and exciting, love the animal heroes. Anything this book lacks in depth it more than makes up for in fun and action packed quests to save the world. Highly recommend it for the 6-12 year olds.
January 8, 2021
Brings in many people, places, names. Jay Skyler - illusion spell memory, cat Aldwyn - telekinesis, comic tree frog Gilbert wield magic, brains, brawn to find poison cure for dying Queen, across mountains, dreams.
March 4, 2017
It's really good! I can't wait to read the next book!
June 28, 2017
Mystical,magical, and very exciting!!! I can't wait to read the other three!
May 12, 2018
EXCUSE ME WHAT?! Copyright date 2014, cliffhanger ending, no other published books, and one very alive author. I want an ending!
July 13, 2018
Another great addition to the Familars. I love how you can watch all 3 animals grow. I really hope that there is another book coming to tie up the loose ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews