Twisted Familiar

Feline Familiar Society #1

by L.M. Hatchell

This cat is on his last life …

After one too many “misdemeanours” the Feline Familiar Society have had enough of Jeremiah Snufflekins. He’ll play nice with his new charge or they’ll bind his familiar powers for good.

The only problem is Jem doesn’t want to play nice. His new witch’s boyfriend is a knob, and besides, he promised himself long ago never to get attached to another charge.

When an argument leads to him accidentally shrinking his witch he has no choice but to help her navigate the darker side of the magical world if they’re to get the restricted ingredients they need to reverse the spell.

Can Jem learn to be a team player before the next FFS inspection? Or will his witch be the one to pay for his stubbornness …

If you like your cozy urban fantasy with snarky feline familiars, you’ll love Twisted Familiar.

*** Twisted Familiar is a standalone novel in the Feline Familiar Society series. Each book can be read in isolation or in the reading order suggested by the series number. ***

Genres: Fantasy

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2024

About the author

Born and bred in Dublin, L.M. Hatchell is a fully qualified accountant, a health and fitness enthusiast, and mammy to a little girl with a big personality. In the rare minutes of the day when she has peace, you’ll find her with her head buried in a book, lost in a world of magic, intrigue, and suspense.

She started writing at a young age and could often be found passing the pages of her next story around her friends at school. Then life got in the way and she forgot the joy of writing. Until now.

Join her as she rediscovers the imagination buried deep within. A supernatural world is coming to Ireland and things will never be the same again.

Reviews

[Leigh Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely brilliant! Told entirely from the POV of a witches familiar, this was chock full of humor, sass and one hell of a cat. I loved everything about it from the storyline to the characters, and the author captured the idiosyncrasies of the main character purrfectly. This was a fun, easy read that had me giggling most of the way through and I'll definitely be looking out for book 2 when it's out. I think this has become one of my favourite reads.

Jeremiah Snufflekins is in trouble once again. Brought before the Feline Familiar Society (FFS) for blowing up his last witches potions lab, he's now on his last chance to tow the line otherwise his powers will be stripped for good. Having sworn off getting attached to another charge, Jem's plan is to behave just enough to pass inspection. But when a potion mishap shrinks the witch he has been sent to, he has no choice but to help her navigate the black market to get the ingredients needed to reverse the spell. Can Jem get over his mistrust of witches long enough to pass inspection, or will he end up losing his powers once and for all...

Jem is an absolute gem of a character, with oodles of sass and wit, and an attitude that only a cat can pull off with such aplomb. After finding himself in trouble yet again he's sent to Mel, a witch who specialises in training familiars and rehabilitating them. Trouble is Jem doesn't want to have a bond with a witch, and in no way shape or form wants to get attached to one. The banter between him and Mel is hilarious and he finds that Mel isn't the pushover he thinks. He reminded me so much of my old cat Binx, that I couldn't help but fall in love with him.

Mel is kind, caring and just as stubborn as Jem, having successfully trained familiars for over a decade there's not much that can phase her. That is, until the unfortunate shrinking incident. Then she realises that she needs Jem's help, to get the ingredients she needs to turn back to her own size. And with aspirations to join a coven, she will need all the help she can get, even if it is from a snarky cat. Totally loved her.

I can't wait for more adventures with these two, hopefully book 2 won't be long as I need more. If you love the attitude and sass if a cat, shenanigans and magic this is for you. Highly recommend 😁

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, I didn't click with Jem at first. He's selfish, rude, and puts the catnip before all else. But I kept reading for 2 reasons. 1) I trust Hatchell to tell an incredible story; and 2) I couldn't deny that Hatchell nailed "cat-hole" to perfection. So I gave Jem a chance, and I am so happy I did! Mel is a loveable character from the start, and Elena is a precious supporting character. The tension in the story is great, the humour is wonderful, and the ending made me more than a little misty.

This book is about so much more than just a crotchety cat, but, frankly, even if it weren't, wouldn't that in itself be worth it?

I cannot wait to spend more time with these characters/in this world!

[Aighmi* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so much suspense and potential disaster! Jem the cat familiar is narrator of this stay-on-your-toes tale, and is very much how I would imagine a cat's point of view to be. The adventure he has with the witch he is to train with is filled with chaos and surprises and it was hard to tear myself away. Unlikely friendships, found family, and magical chaos make this a story which is hard to resist. I recommend it to fantasy lovers, cat lovers, and anyone who likes a rollicking, magical tale.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun, 4.5 stars

I read this with my 10- and 13-year-old boys. They're already big fans of the author, as am I, so we're a little biased, but it was such a fun read and we can't wait for the next chapter in Jem and Mel's world.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever and amusing tale. I love that we’re seeing this from the POV of the cat familiar rather than the more common perspective of the witch. Jem is a handful and a half and yet it’s from a place of vulnerability rather than selfishness that most assume. Mel is a pip and a wonderful foil to Jem. A fantastically woven tale of magic, mischief and fun!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh lordie, I was ready to wet myself by the time I'd finished the first page! As I started reading this book, the chortles turned into belly laughs, so, bathroom definitely beckoned! The visuals the author evoked so quickly was the culprit. Now I'm sounding just like Jem.... blaming others.... although, let's be real, his catnip WASN'T given to him, so, technically, it wasn't his fault.... and I knew right away, Jem was a cat after my own heart! Arrogant, defensive, snarky, snooty and incorrigible! What's NOT to love??? Besides, pffft, he has the perfect excuse as to WHY the witches he was assigned to kept firing him, it was all THEIR fault, not his, nope, DEFINITELY not his!

Well, after his last, ummm, faux Pas, he finds himself in a tad of a bind, he's in danger of having his magic revoked. Oh, sorry, he's a familiar, or was....anyhoo, he then is thrust upon Melanie Blackwood and boy, impossibly, it get even more fun! When he makes yet another oops, a BIG one this time, hey, not his fault ok???? the lengths he and Mel go through to correct it is, well, on the illegal side...but what did come from this didn't go to plan, go figure 🤣 And Jem is suddenly in even deeper water, trying not to drown! I really REALLY love him! As I do Mel, she's a kind, caring witch, with a goal to be accepted into a coven, but.... Yeah, there are lots of but's in this story, awesome but's, cool but's! The outcome of this adventure didn't end up quite as Jem anticipated, nooooo, it ended up way better!

Although I'm not really a reader who seeks out books where the MC is an animal, I thoroughly enjoy familiars, and it was so cool to "hear" his voice, his perception and his reasoning as to why he is as he is....so much so, I FORGOT that Jem was a cat! He took on all the proportions and characteristics of a fully rounded character, such is the excellence adroitness of this author. Her excellence in bringing characters to life, even kitty cats, her mastery of the storytelling, can only lead me to one conclusion, I WANT MORE of Jem and Mel! And, thank goodness, I'll get it!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun idea for a new book! You have Jem, the catnip addicted familiar, who cannot keep a witch. He is now on his "ninth life" as far as the Feline Familiar Society (FFS) are concerned. After this last screw up, he is given his last chance by being placed back in familiar training. If he is unable to pass and be placed with another witch, he will have his power stripped and have to live as a regular cat. (The horror!) After being placed with Mel, a familiar training witch, he creates enough mischief that they need to visit the black market. And what a fun (for us to read) trip this becomes!
I can't think of any other book I have ever read that is from the point of view of animal. And Jem is absolutely the epitome of cat! He is PURRR-FECT!!!He is snarky, independent, thinks he's better than humans. But he also craves attention and cuddles, whether he realizes it or not. And Mel is such a caring witch, seeing the best in people and animals. She is determined and resourceful, especially when it matters.
I love all the excitement and fun of this book! It is such a quick, easy read and I adored all the characters. I can't wait to read more and maybe find out a bit more about the side characters as well!

[Jilleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet little book!

Jem is now a favorite character and dear to my heart!

The little trouble maker is in classic acting out mode after some unclear trauma. He's been ruining everything he touches until finally, the FFS (which cracked me up every time I saw it) decided he's on his final chance. After that, he'll lose his magic and become a normal cat.

Trust me, Jem is normal. Cats were born little contrary monsters, Jem is just more honest about it. But now he has a last chance witch, and with his magic on the line, will he try this time or just say screw it and cause us much chaos as possible?

It could go either way.

You have to read this little gem (pun intended). It's brilliant, catches the cat persona to perfection, and has tons of action, and all the feels. You don't want to miss it. I can't wait for the rest of the series!

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Jem, a feline familiar who takes mischievous to a whole new level, and Mel, a young witch determined to prove herself. Jem is convinced that he's not meant to be a Furever Familiar after bad past experiences with witches. Mel is more focused on getting in to a coven than finding a familiar. When these two are unexpectedly forced to work together for Jem's "rehabilitation", they immediately test each other. To pass their first evaluation, they embark on a trip to the black market for potion ingredients, but they find more than they set out for. Can these two possibly be what the other needs to heal old wounds? This book was a delight to read from beginning to end and I hope there's more in store for these two

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem has been in trouble one too many times and is on his last chance. Having managed to damage every witch he has been placed with as a familiar he has one chance at rehabilitation. If he fails his magic will be stripped from him.

Mel is a cheerful, strong young witch tasked with helping Jem. She's going to need more than calm and patience to come out of the experience whole.

A delightful, laugh out loud full on adventure following these two larger than life characters. A thoroughly enjoyable fast paced, hilarious, seat of your pants story from a new to me author, but one that I will most definitely be looking out for more from.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem the familiar is on his last chance before facing serious consequences. He meets Mel, who is a witch and familiar trainer but has never had an actual familiar of her own. I absolutely loved Jem and Mel’s characters. Jem is super sarcastic and Mel is super talented and funky. I totally want to be her friend. This book is fast paced and kept me Interested from chapter one. I was giggling out loud at some points and even teared up when Jem and Mel’s pasts are revealed. This is the perfect read for a cozy rainy day. I can’t wait for their next adventure. Highly recommend, you won’t regret it.
Note- I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and am writing a review voluntary.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Twisted Familiar. Jem is such a fantastic character. He's the perfect balance of snark, chaos, aloofness and vulnerability. In other words, for all that he's an extremely powerful magical familiar, he's a cat. Mel is equally well written. The story held my attention from the very first page, and I couldn't put it down. Thankfully, this is a quick read, because I found myself up at 3am trying not to wake the rest of the house up laughing at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more in this series, and I really hope the author comes back to Jem and Mel for more adventures. If you enjoy magical adventures with animal familiars, I highly recommend this one!

[Paula Rule · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very different for me, being told from the point of view of the mc being a cat. That being said, once I got over that I thoroughly enjoyed the antics these two get up to.

Jeremiah Snufflekins (Jem) is sent to a witch for re-training, Melanie Blackwood (Mel). Jem is on his last life/chance of finding his forever home after being re-trained.

Do your self a favour and read this tail, I mean tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this author's work before, but I was thrown for a loop with this one…in a good way! Our main character is Jem, a cat familiar who is a little troublesome. However, he is so much fun. His snarkiness, his addiction to catnip, and his bad attitude cover up something a little dark in his past. The journey to find out what that is, fix his witch’s size problem, and become a real familiar is a well-written, hilarious, action-filled good time. I’m ready to see what more Mel and Jem have in store. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Paula Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

Written from the cat's point of view, which is something I usually cringe at, but this works. Jem is on his last chance to be a witch's familiar. If he fails he will have his magic scrubbed from him. But Jem is ornery and doesn't trust humans. The resulting chaos is a quick, fun read. The author sets up several plot complications that will probably be dealt with later in the series.

[Dawn Filler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Jem changed during story and the ending made me cry! (In a good way!) Mel is a good hearted witch who is what Jem needed. I hope more adventures of Jem & Mel are written about by author! This story was fast paced with lots of action and drama. Scary characters at the black market added to storytelling. I loved how story is from Jem’s perspective. His mischievous nature reminds me of my cats!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is such a quick read with multiple quick-paced events which keep you engaged with the characters and the chaotic adventure that they are in. I ended the book with a smile on my face. What more can you ask for than to be entertained by the characters, their challenges, and their triumphs? Well done!

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful. I think for the first time in my life, I actually felt like I had a crush on the female protagonist of a book, Melanie.

Great characters, & the plot kept me going. And I'm a sucker for anything with kitty cats!

I hope to read the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a first for me from this author. Having a cat familiar as the main character has made for a really unusual and fascinating experience. He is troublesome, entertaining and full of sarcasm. Everyone will have a great time reading this hilarious, action-packed story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jillian K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hands down loved this funny charming entertaining story! As a black cat mom of two, I see so many similarities to my beautiful kitties, and could picture them getting into Jen’s naughty antics. Everything about this story is so funny from the names, to the kitty antics to the plot twists. Highly recommend this fantastic read!!!

[Kirsty Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what a little brat a cat can be. This is a really well written book with plenty of action and suspense. The world building is really good and the many beings we are introduced to keepers my fantasy mind whirling.
Definitely excited for book 2. This is a good read for any fantasy fan.

[Ladnamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun adventure with the type of chaos that only a mischievous cat can bring. The story grips you from the beginning with action, humour and lighthearted moments as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I received an ARC in return for my honest review. For me, this book was an original. I've never read a book from the point of view of the cat, much less a familiar. Both Mel and Jem have some baggage. Can they survive their adventures and overcome their pasts?

[Trevor T. O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. Enjoyed it. Also looking forward to more books soon. Keep up the great writing and I will keep reading and reviewing them. Thanks, Trevor.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained from start to finish. I can't wait for my next adventure with L.M. Hatchell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about a cat and a witch. Both have some emotional issues to overcome. They do that in a spectacular way with lots of mayhem and magic. Who knew that a cat familiar could be so resentful, yet powerful and clever.
And the witches, lol with the unintentional sleep potion. Satisfying end.

[Rosalind Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed it from the cat, Jem's pov.
The adventure he and Mel go on to reverse the potion is fun and fall of twists and turns . They get up to all sorts.
Great fun and a happy ending.. hopefully leading to more from Jem and Mel.

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! A cosy urban fantasy mini-adventure, which I couldn't put down. Told from the perspective of Jem, a snarky, cynical cat familiar who is on his last chance to toe the line or lose his magic forever, this story is witty, tense, sweet and hilarious. I can't wait for more stories from this world, and hopefully more from Jem and Mel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Simply put, a disaster. So bad.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Have you ever wondered what your Familiar is thinking? Well, now you can find out, meet Jem, a snarky cat that really doesn't like being a familiar, he prefers to eat, sleep and take it easy. When he ends up on his last chance he's sent for training with a witch who trains familiars, he decides to try his best to do the minium training possible to get through and pass, when things don't go as planned, when his carefree attitude towards the Witch trainer ends up with a spell going wrong, he decides to embrace being a familiar and help her out so she'll give him a good review when the time comes. This book was so fun to read it's become one of my favourite books so far this year. With a snarky cat, witches, and a lot of laughs, you'll never want the book to end.