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Hellkitten Chronicles #1
Soul Casting 101
Imara needs a familiar, but what she ends up with is the toughest kitten in the magical world.
Imara has lived a life separate from her family. She wasn’t shunned, just never acknowledged. The seventh child of a seventh child, she had had the bad taste to be born a girl. Her father’s family had no use for a girl, so she was sent to a city where the populace didn’t use magic.
Now that she is grown and entering college, she has chosen the best magical college in the country. It just happens to be located in her birth city.
When family begins to encroach on her education and someone threatens her life, can her new familiar do as he promised and keep her safe, or will Imara have to use what little magic she has learned to keep herself alive? Either way, things are going to be unpleasant.
Imara has lived a life separate from her family. She wasn’t shunned, just never acknowledged. The seventh child of a seventh child, she had had the bad taste to be born a girl. Her father’s family had no use for a girl, so she was sent to a city where the populace didn’t use magic.
Now that she is grown and entering college, she has chosen the best magical college in the country. It just happens to be located in her birth city.
When family begins to encroach on her education and someone threatens her life, can her new familiar do as he promised and keep her safe, or will Imara have to use what little magic she has learned to keep herself alive? Either way, things are going to be unpleasant.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2017
56 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 8, 2019
Let's start with the obvious: this is one of the most shitty covers. Ever.
But I do like kittens. And the series title is the best part of the book.
Thus far, this book has no tension. The MC does not struggle. Things are handed to her on a silver plate. She may have had a difficult childhood but if so, its not in the story. It's very...pleasant.
But there is a kitten. So I'll finish reading it.
ETA: FINISHED.
It ended as I expected: there is nothing but happy goody-goody niceness and Mary Sue-ness going on here. There's very little to dislike...but there's not much to like, either. It has none of the hallmarks of a good story but it does have a shitton of wish fulfillment. It's also waaaaaaay to expensive considering its like a children's bedtime story. I'll not finish this series.
But I do like kittens. And the series title is the best part of the book.
Thus far, this book has no tension. The MC does not struggle. Things are handed to her on a silver plate. She may have had a difficult childhood but if so, its not in the story. It's very...pleasant.
But there is a kitten. So I'll finish reading it.
ETA: FINISHED.
It ended as I expected: there is nothing but happy goody-goody niceness and Mary Sue-ness going on here. There's very little to dislike...but there's not much to like, either. It has none of the hallmarks of a good story but it does have a shitton of wish fulfillment. It's also waaaaaaay to expensive considering its like a children's bedtime story. I'll not finish this series.
February 13, 2017
I had to read it! It had a hellkitten!!! Short, but I enjoyed the fuzzy adorableness.
December 8, 2017
I enjoyed the story and the world that Viola has created. I would like to read more however this brings me to my main complaint.
The book is far too short to be even called a novel. By the time you are done the 2 page prologue you have finished reading 2% of the book. You could consider it a serialized novel in five pieces with only the first 3 parts currently published.
This is where my problem really comes in. Each of these mini-books (80 -90 pages) costs between $6 and $7 dollars Canadian in Kindle. A full blown novel (300 - 500 pages) costs $13.99 Canadian. So buying the first 3 books, which ends up at approximately 240 pages costs $18 and worse still buying all 5 parts of the series (assuming a similar pattern of length) you are talking 400 pages and $30 for what is effectively a single novel.
The book is far too short to be even called a novel. By the time you are done the 2 page prologue you have finished reading 2% of the book. You could consider it a serialized novel in five pieces with only the first 3 parts currently published.
This is where my problem really comes in. Each of these mini-books (80 -90 pages) costs between $6 and $7 dollars Canadian in Kindle. A full blown novel (300 - 500 pages) costs $13.99 Canadian. So buying the first 3 books, which ends up at approximately 240 pages costs $18 and worse still buying all 5 parts of the series (assuming a similar pattern of length) you are talking 400 pages and $30 for what is effectively a single novel.
July 15, 2018
The kitten has arrived!
Terrific! A young witch starting college needs a familiar. What does she get! A big bad mage wrapped in a cute black kitten body. A humorous book with great magic and some mystery thrown in. It is very short but a really good read.
Terrific! A young witch starting college needs a familiar. What does she get! A big bad mage wrapped in a cute black kitten body. A humorous book with great magic and some mystery thrown in. It is very short but a really good read.
February 8, 2017
cute story but it was too short. Looking forward to the next 4 books in the series. Hope the next book is longer
July 7, 2018
Loved it
Set in the Obscure Magic universe. Imara is a twim, the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and seventh son. Her father had no use for a daughter, so she was separated from her family and raised in care under her mother's family's distant but watchful eye.
An apprentice death keeper, in high school, Imara heads off to college to study magic. Her dorm is the least desired on campus, just her, Bara a third year student and her advisor and the eccentric Spector who the hall is named for.
Imara learns a little more of her family history. She gains a familiar, a powerful mage doing time for past crimes against her family, Mr E, who takes the form of an adorable black kitten. If class weren't hard enough, it appears that someone is trying to killer.
Great story, loved Imara and Mr E. There is a great collection of secondary characters.
Set in the Obscure Magic universe. Imara is a twim, the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and seventh son. Her father had no use for a daughter, so she was separated from her family and raised in care under her mother's family's distant but watchful eye.
An apprentice death keeper, in high school, Imara heads off to college to study magic. Her dorm is the least desired on campus, just her, Bara a third year student and her advisor and the eccentric Spector who the hall is named for.
Imara learns a little more of her family history. She gains a familiar, a powerful mage doing time for past crimes against her family, Mr E, who takes the form of an adorable black kitten. If class weren't hard enough, it appears that someone is trying to killer.
Great story, loved Imara and Mr E. There is a great collection of secondary characters.
May 30, 2017
A delight to read, and a wish for more.
Having a limited budget means I must try to find books that are both very good and re-readable. This one fits the bill nicely. Viola has created a world with plenty of potential and a story that I believe will continue to provide the things I look for in what I read. I will recommend this series to any one that reads. Being as this is the first story I have read from this author, I now have yet another name to track and find reading material from.
Having a limited budget means I must try to find books that are both very good and re-readable. This one fits the bill nicely. Viola has created a world with plenty of potential and a story that I believe will continue to provide the things I look for in what I read. I will recommend this series to any one that reads. Being as this is the first story I have read from this author, I now have yet another name to track and find reading material from.
January 27, 2018
Interesting, but shallow
Kind of Mary Sue, in that good things happen to our main character. The one bad incident never really feels perilous. Secondary characters have background but no agency.
But, the world has some depth.
One spelling error grabbed my attention: ‘bass’ not ‘base’ when referring to a musical instrument, please. Grammar was good, otherwise.
I may get the next book. Depends on price.
Kind of Mary Sue, in that good things happen to our main character. The one bad incident never really feels perilous. Secondary characters have background but no agency.
But, the world has some depth.
One spelling error grabbed my attention: ‘bass’ not ‘base’ when referring to a musical instrument, please. Grammar was good, otherwise.
I may get the next book. Depends on price.
December 8, 2017
So freaking cute!
Decided to read this on a whim and immediately became addicted. As a voracious reader, it takes a great story and a good author how to make a book stand out and me want to read the rest of the series. Love the characters and the storyline. Can't wait to read it all.
Decided to read this on a whim and immediately became addicted. As a voracious reader, it takes a great story and a good author how to make a book stand out and me want to read the rest of the series. Love the characters and the storyline. Can't wait to read it all.
February 7, 2017
Good story
I loved it. Fun exciting. Only reason I didn't give it more stars is it is way to short especially for the price. I would love to follow imara further but probably won't. Make it 3-4 times as long and drop the price I'll buy every one that comes out
I loved it. Fun exciting. Only reason I didn't give it more stars is it is way to short especially for the price. I would love to follow imara further but probably won't. Make it 3-4 times as long and drop the price I'll buy every one that comes out
July 24, 2018
Loved it
I loved this story. The characters were entertaining and interesting and the storyline was intriguing. The interactions between characters was great. Definitely hooked and want to read more.
I loved this story. The characters were entertaining and interesting and the storyline was intriguing. The interactions between characters was great. Definitely hooked and want to read more.
July 29, 2018
Loved it but it was over so quickly
This was an excellent light quick read that was very enjoyable and when I was finished it left a taste for more - you know, like when you have lost a half cup of coffee and can't find it and want another sip.
This was an excellent light quick read that was very enjoyable and when I was finished it left a taste for more - you know, like when you have lost a half cup of coffee and can't find it and want another sip.
August 14, 2025
Very good book
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me interested in the story, the characters are well defined. My only
concern is that the book isn't long enough. I want to know about her college career and her future.
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me interested in the story, the characters are well defined. My only
concern is that the book isn't long enough. I want to know about her college career and her future.
May 20, 2017
The author has created spectacular story, it does have a sequel but could be read alone. But since I enjoyed the first book I bought the second, too.
February 2, 2018
Nice Read
The story was a little short for my taste (I like 280 or more words) but it was a very nice read.
The story was a little short for my taste (I like 280 or more words) but it was a very nice read.
March 15, 2018
Love Mr. E!!
Was wondering where is was going when I first started reading and I am so glad o did!!! Great story and can’t wait to read more!!!
Was wondering where is was going when I first started reading and I am so glad o did!!! Great story and can’t wait to read more!!!
July 1, 2020
Awesome book
Great story, great author. So glad I took a chance on this book. Who doesn't love kittens...I can't wait for the next book in this series
Great story, great author. So glad I took a chance on this book. Who doesn't love kittens...I can't wait for the next book in this series
December 4, 2022
Love those story.
Our girl is smart, talented and lucky. I love Mr.E !!! I look forward to the rest of college. If possible, please show me her future in even more books! 😇😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Our girl is smart, talented and lucky. I love Mr.E !!! I look forward to the rest of college. If possible, please show me her future in even more books! 😇😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
August 24, 2023
Newly Mage
Imara is an awesome mage, learning to become even stronger. Fun reading with quirky dialogue and even more interesting characters. I should have read this book ages ago!
Imara is an awesome mage, learning to become even stronger. Fun reading with quirky dialogue and even more interesting characters. I should have read this book ages ago!
July 12, 2024
Fun read, but a little too lacking in substance- feels like an appetiser not a meal.
May 8, 2025
As much as I enjoyed the first two books, I can't afford the series. Short stories at book prices.
September 25, 2020
Just finished the series
I wanted to wait until I finished the series before leaving a review.
First, I don't understand why the author didn't place these on KU and call it good. Each book is a novella, and they're cute. You can run through them all after dinner in a work night, the nights in a row, and get plenty out sleep. They are not worth the $23.50 it costs to do it. At all. Under any circumstances. So even though I'm curious about the series they tie into, I won't be continuing. It's like paying $5 for a Snickers bar at a movie theatre. Ok, maybe a few times a year, but then you have to get real. There is NO way Imara would have bought her own books at this price.
The kitten is cute. Imara is interesting when her dialogue isn't super awkward because she almost never uses contractions. I enjoyed the first two more than the last three.
I wanted to wait until I finished the series before leaving a review.
First, I don't understand why the author didn't place these on KU and call it good. Each book is a novella, and they're cute. You can run through them all after dinner in a work night, the nights in a row, and get plenty out sleep. They are not worth the $23.50 it costs to do it. At all. Under any circumstances. So even though I'm curious about the series they tie into, I won't be continuing. It's like paying $5 for a Snickers bar at a movie theatre. Ok, maybe a few times a year, but then you have to get real. There is NO way Imara would have bought her own books at this price.
The kitten is cute. Imara is interesting when her dialogue isn't super awkward because she almost never uses contractions. I enjoyed the first two more than the last three.
February 20, 2017
Short , funny, and sweet
I enjoyed this story immensely. It had a very good opening that hooked this reader quickly. No drama from the heroine, the secondary characters were enjoyable and when I finished it had me hoping that the second book in the series Shape Shifting 201 was already out. I am looking forward to reading more about this mage and her familiar.
I enjoyed this story immensely. It had a very good opening that hooked this reader quickly. No drama from the heroine, the secondary characters were enjoyable and when I finished it had me hoping that the second book in the series Shape Shifting 201 was already out. I am looking forward to reading more about this mage and her familiar.
April 12, 2017
Excellent beginning
Writer sets up the world and characters well. Not a huge amount of story visible so far but with the rest, it is worth reading and I'm looking forward to book 2.
Writer sets up the world and characters well. Not a huge amount of story visible so far but with the rest, it is worth reading and I'm looking forward to book 2.
February 6, 2017
"Soul Casting 101" is a short wish-fulfillment fantasy. It is placed in the same world as "An Obscure Magic", which is to say that it is virtually identical to ours even though half the population consists of spell-casters or shape-changers or undead or demons or what-have-you.
(Viola Grace writes short wish-fulfillment fantasy/romances. The protagonist is generally an extraordinarily-capable female who leaves protagonist-sized holes in whatever or whoever gets in her way, so there's usually not much narrative tension. No love interest appears in SC101, but it's the first of five books; give it time.)
This protagonist is a spell-caster. She is the seventh child of two seventh children, so she is extraordinarily powerful - with a particular knack for light necromancy. This book is introduction and setup: Imara starts magical college, makes some friends, meets some relatives for the first time, and acquires a familiar:
"He had been wolves, lions, a unicorn, and even a small dragon. He wondered what magnificent incarnation he would take on next." Well, the series title (and the cover art) gives that away.
This book was an enjoyable Guilty Pleasure.
(Viola Grace writes short wish-fulfillment fantasy/romances. The protagonist is generally an extraordinarily-capable female who leaves protagonist-sized holes in whatever or whoever gets in her way, so there's usually not much narrative tension. No love interest appears in SC101, but it's the first of five books; give it time.)
This protagonist is a spell-caster. She is the seventh child of two seventh children, so she is extraordinarily powerful - with a particular knack for light necromancy. This book is introduction and setup: Imara starts magical college, makes some friends, meets some relatives for the first time, and acquires a familiar:
"He had been wolves, lions, a unicorn, and even a small dragon. He wondered what magnificent incarnation he would take on next." Well, the series title (and the cover art) gives that away.
This book was an enjoyable Guilty Pleasure.
September 18, 2018
Soul Casting is the first in a series of books about a young woman who begins at the Mages Collage with only the clothes on her back and a goal to get through her two year training as fast as she can so she can become a consultant for the dead. Well, not ghosts as such, just the impression of mages and their magic that are carefully cultivated until their families let them go. She is a Death Keeper, and the only Death Keeper in a hundred miles around that can turn the spectures into fully realised beings.
Ending up in a college hall with its own specture in residence is just the icing on the cake for the start of a fantastic and crazy college career.
This series is a great set of stories about Imara Mirrin as she encounters new friends, newly met family including her twin brother and her long awaited mother. A handsome XIA agent, a fantastic hall mate and lets not forget her familiar, a little black kitten named Mr E.
A fun magical read.
Ending up in a college hall with its own specture in residence is just the icing on the cake for the start of a fantastic and crazy college career.
This series is a great set of stories about Imara Mirrin as she encounters new friends, newly met family including her twin brother and her long awaited mother. A handsome XIA agent, a fantastic hall mate and lets not forget her familiar, a little black kitten named Mr E.
A fun magical read.
November 16, 2017
Really good length for this author. Some of her recent stories have been kinda short and they don't do her creativity justice. I liked this length - it was steadily paced from start to finish and didn't skimp on atmosphere.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I've enjoyed almost everything this author has published, but this is an interesting departure from her usual. Still in the magic genre instead of aliens, but a series focusing on one main character is not this author's norm. Reminds me a bit of the Nexus Chronicles, which I adored and loathed to see end. So I'm pretty pumped here.
I hope we don't have to wait long for the next book, but with like 6 different series running at once, I never know what to expect next.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I've enjoyed almost everything this author has published, but this is an interesting departure from her usual. Still in the magic genre instead of aliens, but a series focusing on one main character is not this author's norm. Reminds me a bit of the Nexus Chronicles, which I adored and loathed to see end. So I'm pretty pumped here.
I hope we don't have to wait long for the next book, but with like 6 different series running at once, I never know what to expect next.
August 25, 2022
A cute story, and I'm looking forward to more in the series. I enjoyed the An Obscure Magic series, and I'm enjoying this one which is set in the same universe.
I do wish she wrote longer books, however. Most of her books are about novella length, if not short stories, which means I just get a chance to enjoy them, and the story is over.
However Imra is a great character so far... and the Hellkitten? Mr. E is awesome. Especially when he's making big kitten eyes.
These books are perfect when you need something light to read. The characters are very Mary Sue, and nothing very bad happens to them, at least not for long, so they make great palate cleansers.
I do wish she wrote longer books, however. Most of her books are about novella length, if not short stories, which means I just get a chance to enjoy them, and the story is over.
However Imra is a great character so far... and the Hellkitten? Mr. E is awesome. Especially when he's making big kitten eyes.
These books are perfect when you need something light to read. The characters are very Mary Sue, and nothing very bad happens to them, at least not for long, so they make great palate cleansers.
August 14, 2019
I really liked the world, and the premise of this book. I liked all of the characters-especially the familiar. However, I took off one star because the lack of contractions seriously bothered me. She was young-surrounded by youth-and not one character used contractions. This is probably a holdover from the author’s school days, but it seemed contrived. Despite that, I loved the book and can’t wait to read more. It’s a neat world with contract marriages, seventh sons and daughters, adorable familiars and cool roommates.
Some people complained about the cover-but I think it’s adorable! It’s the main reason I read the book, so to each their own, I guess.
Some people complained about the cover-but I think it’s adorable! It’s the main reason I read the book, so to each their own, I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews