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The Calatians #1
The Tower and the Fox
For Kip, growing up in shadow of the human men-only Prince George's College of Sorcery has been nineteen years of frustration. Magic comes naturally to him, yet he's not allowed to study sorcery because he's a Calatian--one of a magically created race of animal people. But when a mysterious attack leaves the masters desperate for apprentices, they throw their doors open, giving Kip his chance.
As he fights to prove his worth to the human sorcerers, he encounters other oddities: a voice that speaks only to him, a book that makes people forget he's there, and one of the masters who will only speak to him through a raven. Greater than any of those mysteries or even whether the College's attacker will return to finish the job is the mystery of how Kip and his friends can prove that this place is where they belong…
As he fights to prove his worth to the human sorcerers, he encounters other oddities: a voice that speaks only to him, a book that makes people forget he's there, and one of the masters who will only speak to him through a raven. Greater than any of those mysteries or even whether the College's attacker will return to finish the job is the mystery of how Kip and his friends can prove that this place is where they belong…
265 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2017
21 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 10, 2021
One thing I love as a reader is when the author talks to me in a beautiful, vibrant, but above all, modern prose. Think Roger Zelazny’s Corwin, a sly, wisecracking, chain-smoking prince. Too many fantasy writers are content to hide behind the “thous” and “dosts” and “thees,” as if using archaic language somehow lends them credibility.
I’m happy to report the writing in The Tower is amazing. “Aye,” says an otter born in London slums, and proceeds to suggest he could pull down his pants to prove “he’s a man.” This isn’t your average Rowling-style magic school, folks. Great dialogue and use of slang.
Tim builds his alternate history with sparse strokes that covertly paint the complete picture. Instead of introducing new speculative elements (look, here’s a magical stone! and it’s got a spell on it! and the wizard who’d cast the spell has gone into hiding!), he keeps exploring the ones already there; so you’ve got magic and a magically created race of human/animal hybrids—what are the social ramifications of that? Economical? Theological?
Same as with Lawrence Schoen’s Barsk novels, uplifted animals here talk and behave in a manner that both distinguishes them from humans, but also drives home the point that we’re all alike. It’s the little things that make it work, like shaking paws and sweeping your tail agitatedly and flattening your ears against your head.
Mystery fans will be pleased, too. The Tower talks to the Fox, and the puzzle’s thread loops back, way back, connecting the current events to those long past. History always repeats itself, doesn’t it? And we all keep making the same mistakes.
A brilliant book, a great protagonist, amazing writing. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I’m happy to report the writing in The Tower is amazing. “Aye,” says an otter born in London slums, and proceeds to suggest he could pull down his pants to prove “he’s a man.” This isn’t your average Rowling-style magic school, folks. Great dialogue and use of slang.
Tim builds his alternate history with sparse strokes that covertly paint the complete picture. Instead of introducing new speculative elements (look, here’s a magical stone! and it’s got a spell on it! and the wizard who’d cast the spell has gone into hiding!), he keeps exploring the ones already there; so you’ve got magic and a magically created race of human/animal hybrids—what are the social ramifications of that? Economical? Theological?
Same as with Lawrence Schoen’s Barsk novels, uplifted animals here talk and behave in a manner that both distinguishes them from humans, but also drives home the point that we’re all alike. It’s the little things that make it work, like shaking paws and sweeping your tail agitatedly and flattening your ears against your head.
Mystery fans will be pleased, too. The Tower talks to the Fox, and the puzzle’s thread loops back, way back, connecting the current events to those long past. History always repeats itself, doesn’t it? And we all keep making the same mistakes.
A brilliant book, a great protagonist, amazing writing. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
August 6, 2017
If you squint particularly hard, I suppose you could see a few similarities to the Harry Potter series - a magical school set in a world that parallel's our own, a group of misfit students banding together and becoming friends against the bullying students and teachers - but to say this book is anything like JK Rowling's work would be a disservice to Tim Susman and the original tale he has crafted here.
The Tower and the Fox is a riveting read that grips you with its claws early on, and then slowly feeds you a fascinating world inhabited by some wonderful characters. Some you love, others you love to hate. There are plenty of mysteries there, ones that I am really looking forward to learning about in the sequels.
For any fans of the wizarding school fantasy books, then this will be a fresh and interesting story to read.
The Tower and the Fox is a riveting read that grips you with its claws early on, and then slowly feeds you a fascinating world inhabited by some wonderful characters. Some you love, others you love to hate. There are plenty of mysteries there, ones that I am really looking forward to learning about in the sequels.
For any fans of the wizarding school fantasy books, then this will be a fresh and interesting story to read.
August 31, 2017
I admit, I wasn’t very interested in the premise of this book when I read the blurb. But I felt compelled to give it a chance, mostly in part because of the author, Tim Susman, better known under his pseudonym - Kyell Gold. His work made me fall in love with reading again, and I’ve read a good chunk of his published work, so needless to say I held out hope that his writing could invest me into this world and these characters.
Unfortunately, it did not.
My main problem with the book is that it’s really repetitive, in both its plot and its themes. The book deals with discrimination and its effects on minorities who try to reach equal status, and the consequences this has on their communities. Now this isn’t a bad theme, in fact it’s quite relevant, but this book doesn’t approach this subject with any subtlety or nuance at all. Again, that’s not a bad thing per-se, but when the characters espouse the same points over and over again, not only does this drag the pace out but it makes it feel like a lecture.
The characters themselves are rather one-note, especially the antagonists. The main cast is likeable, but I didn’t find them compelling enough to invest my interest through the predictable story beats. The side characters are interesting though, especially the demons and elementals as well as a white-robed youth, but they don’t get much screen time.
I guess I find myself being more critical to this book because of it’s author. Susman’s other work under his Kyell Gold name have made me care very deeply about them, even if they’re in genres I don’t normally like, so I was hoping he could do the same here. Alas, in the end this book just wasn’t for me.
Unfortunately, it did not.
My main problem with the book is that it’s really repetitive, in both its plot and its themes. The book deals with discrimination and its effects on minorities who try to reach equal status, and the consequences this has on their communities. Now this isn’t a bad theme, in fact it’s quite relevant, but this book doesn’t approach this subject with any subtlety or nuance at all. Again, that’s not a bad thing per-se, but when the characters espouse the same points over and over again, not only does this drag the pace out but it makes it feel like a lecture.
The characters themselves are rather one-note, especially the antagonists. The main cast is likeable, but I didn’t find them compelling enough to invest my interest through the predictable story beats. The side characters are interesting though, especially the demons and elementals as well as a white-robed youth, but they don’t get much screen time.
I guess I find myself being more critical to this book because of it’s author. Susman’s other work under his Kyell Gold name have made me care very deeply about them, even if they’re in genres I don’t normally like, so I was hoping he could do the same here. Alas, in the end this book just wasn’t for me.
June 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this alternate-history colonial America, where magic lives and animals can live alongside humans as Calatians, magical animal people. Kip, a Calatian fox, fights for his chance to attend a sorcery school as the first of his kind, and the fight he is up against is no small thing. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to learning more about them in the next book!
September 10, 2020
~ Get ready for the greatest adventure of your lives my fured apprentices of sorcery ~
This anthropomorphic fantasy novel feels like 'Harry Potter meets Furries' within a most unique thrilling universe that only Tim Susman could bring to life in such an entertaining, exciting fashion that will keep you hooked but unable to put it aside until the very last page!
This anthropomorphic fantasy novel feels like 'Harry Potter meets Furries' within a most unique thrilling universe that only Tim Susman could bring to life in such an entertaining, exciting fashion that will keep you hooked but unable to put it aside until the very last page!
April 3, 2022
The Tower and the Fox by Tim Susman gives every impression that it’s going to be a “boy wizard” story with a furry twist. It has a Harry character, a Ron character, a Hermione, a Draco, a Snape, and even someone who seems like he’ll turn out to be a Cederic Diggery. It has a single tower of a Hogwarts castle, a British boarding-school feel (it’s set in Colonial America when there’s still a lot of British influence), and lots of unfair punishments for the main characters.
That said, it’s clearly not following the boy wizard formula at all. In fact, it feels like author was actively trying to subvert all the things that fans of the boy wizard formula enjoy. Kip’s (Harry’s) days aren’t filled with wonder as he learns new and fantastic things. There’s no moment where Kip is having so much fun that he shouts, “I love magic!” The students are older, people generally know that magic exists, and the students spend more time learning mundane subjects like history than they do anything that the reader would consider fun. In fact, at every turn, the school actively discourages the characters from using or practicing magic.
On the plus side, the author’s skill shines through the words. It’s an easy story to read, the characters are very likeable or detestable, and it’s easy to get immersed in. It has very dramatic passages where the characters are put in danger and feel largely helpless to do much about it. I also really enjoyed the sensory details about the smells that shape Kip’s world but that other characters couldn’t detect. But on the minus side, the story suffers from a glacial pacing and a real lack of fun.
First, the story uses the furries-as-second-class-citizens trope. And though this can lead to solid storytelling, it’s rather cliché in furry fiction. There’s a zillion stories out there where furry characters are treated unfairly simply because they’re not human. And though there’s plenty of suffering for the main characters to share, there’s precious few moments for them to celebrate their triumphs. When they escape from danger, it’s always with a sense of relief not of victory, not of triumph.
Pacing-wise, the story really plods along. Although the book begins with Kip arriving at the school, he doesn’t even finish the application process until the 43% point in the story. In fact, he starts the story already knowing how to cast one spell, and it isn’t until the 61% point before he’s taught any magic at all—and when he is, what spell is it? The one he already knows, of course.
Another thing I found annoying about the tale was that Kip starts the story already engaged in an arranged marriage to a gal that we never really get to know. She’s only in a couple scenes and only has a couple lines. So, when her parents call the engagement off, I was actually quite relieved and excited for Kip as it meant that he’d be free to seek romance with someone the reader actually cared about. But instead, Kip confronts the girl’s father and convinces him to give Kip another chance. I wasn’t happy or relieved for him, just disappointed.
Finally, the story ends with much more of a whimper than a bang. I’m not even sure what the climax was supposed to be—getting accepted as an apprentice, perhaps? It certainly wasn’t Kip using his skills, intellect, or new powers to defeat the bully that had been abusing him since the start of the book.
In short, I found the story disappointing—not that it was bad, simply because it had so much potential and then failed to deliver on it.
That said, it’s clearly not following the boy wizard formula at all. In fact, it feels like author was actively trying to subvert all the things that fans of the boy wizard formula enjoy. Kip’s (Harry’s) days aren’t filled with wonder as he learns new and fantastic things. There’s no moment where Kip is having so much fun that he shouts, “I love magic!” The students are older, people generally know that magic exists, and the students spend more time learning mundane subjects like history than they do anything that the reader would consider fun. In fact, at every turn, the school actively discourages the characters from using or practicing magic.
On the plus side, the author’s skill shines through the words. It’s an easy story to read, the characters are very likeable or detestable, and it’s easy to get immersed in. It has very dramatic passages where the characters are put in danger and feel largely helpless to do much about it. I also really enjoyed the sensory details about the smells that shape Kip’s world but that other characters couldn’t detect. But on the minus side, the story suffers from a glacial pacing and a real lack of fun.
First, the story uses the furries-as-second-class-citizens trope. And though this can lead to solid storytelling, it’s rather cliché in furry fiction. There’s a zillion stories out there where furry characters are treated unfairly simply because they’re not human. And though there’s plenty of suffering for the main characters to share, there’s precious few moments for them to celebrate their triumphs. When they escape from danger, it’s always with a sense of relief not of victory, not of triumph.
Pacing-wise, the story really plods along. Although the book begins with Kip arriving at the school, he doesn’t even finish the application process until the 43% point in the story. In fact, he starts the story already knowing how to cast one spell, and it isn’t until the 61% point before he’s taught any magic at all—and when he is, what spell is it? The one he already knows, of course.
Another thing I found annoying about the tale was that Kip starts the story already engaged in an arranged marriage to a gal that we never really get to know. She’s only in a couple scenes and only has a couple lines. So, when her parents call the engagement off, I was actually quite relieved and excited for Kip as it meant that he’d be free to seek romance with someone the reader actually cared about. But instead, Kip confronts the girl’s father and convinces him to give Kip another chance. I wasn’t happy or relieved for him, just disappointed.
Finally, the story ends with much more of a whimper than a bang. I’m not even sure what the climax was supposed to be—getting accepted as an apprentice, perhaps? It certainly wasn’t Kip using his skills, intellect, or new powers to defeat the bully that had been abusing him since the start of the book.
In short, I found the story disappointing—not that it was bad, simply because it had so much potential and then failed to deliver on it.
December 20, 2020
This book was one of the only times I've read historical fiction and I think I may need to look into the genre more as a result. I did have a hard time getting into it at first. I remember starting to read it a while ago and just didn't get back to it until later this year. I think as well if I had read it during any other year other than 2020, the bits about Kip struggling against the inherently racist structures that keep Calatians from the practice of sorcery would have been easier to read. I shared in Kip's triumphs as he proved his sorcery prowess to the old masters, I think the ongoing current events just made it read a little more hopeless than the author intended in my mind. That being said, I really enjoyed the worldbuilding that was done for the alternate history the story is set in. The world feels like there's a lot going on in it and that our characters are only getting a small piece of the picture. Which, when it comes to book series, is a good thing! Gives space to allow for more of the world and its secrets to come together in the next installment. The characters are developed well throughout and my personal favorite is Malcolm. He has an earnestness about him that made his scenes very enjoyable. The magic system the students are learning seems to be structured in strict rules and very specific applications of spells. I'll be curious to see if there's any wiggle room in the way spells are cast later in the series. This is the first book I've read by Tim Susman, but I've read some of his other work under his pen name. The style is similar in some spots, but by the nature of setting the story in a particular time period, Tim has shifted his style ever so slightly. It's not a huge departure but I did notice the slight shift. I'm excited to read the next installment in the series, but I will probably give myself time before jumping in. If you're a fan of magic schools, talking animals, and fighting back against the system I'd say to give this a shot. It was a slow start for me, but that's not saying it will be for you.
September 25, 2022
This read to me as a perfectly competent magical school narrative, colored by a fairly broad discussion of bigotry. It takes place in what seems to be an alternate America, prior to the Revolutionary War, but with magic and wizards and the things they created. The sorcerers themselves appear to be thoroughly in the pocket of the British Empire (which is to say, anti-revolutionary and pro-colonization), which evidently is tied to their opinion of the protagonist, a fox-boy (Kip) from a brow-beaten humanoid species created some time back through magic. The whole narrative is focused on Kip's struggle to pave a way for himself through bias and bigotry to find a place in a magical school, where he wants to become the first ever "Calatian" sorcerer, as well as the parallel journeys of his otter friend and his two human friends, a woman (equally as brow-beaten, given the era) and an Irishman (likewise).
The way the book handles these issues is certainly more nuanced than your typical magical school fare. Some of the reactions to Kip's efforts presented by the narrative are delightfully counter-intuitive, and generally the subject matter is treated with thought and careful consideration. Certainly I'd recommend this over, say, Harry Potter (if you'll excuse the easy punching bag example) any day of the week.
Still, I personally wasn't able to connect with it much. I think partly it's because while the subject matter is treated in an interesting way, the subject matter itself felt pretty bare-bones. A fair chunk of the story involves Kip dealing with a cartoonishly violent childhood bully, with the added weight of having no institutional support to buffer that. Other than that, and some choices which struck me as a bit silly (like him and his friends being forced to live in the eponymous tower's dusty, cold, insect-ridden basement), Kip has plenty of support to pursue his interests, and this is done primarily by dint of his extraordinary natural ability with magic. That last bit kind of bothered me; assuming this series will result in him leading some type of revolution, which is where it seems to be aiming, this just reeks of the Great Man theory. So we may have on our hands a story about a special individual rising above very boiler-plate and heavy-handed prejudice. My brain, as foolish as this probably sounds, kept comparing this to what's discussed in essays on racism by the likes of James Baldwin and other great thinkers who had/have to suffer prejudice in the real world, and the comparative lack of elegance was putting me off.
But that's completely on me, because I've read quite a few stories like this throughout my life which weren't altogether much different. For those who haven't, it's fantastic, and dare I say one of the best examples of it I've seen.
The way the book handles these issues is certainly more nuanced than your typical magical school fare. Some of the reactions to Kip's efforts presented by the narrative are delightfully counter-intuitive, and generally the subject matter is treated with thought and careful consideration. Certainly I'd recommend this over, say, Harry Potter (if you'll excuse the easy punching bag example) any day of the week.
Still, I personally wasn't able to connect with it much. I think partly it's because while the subject matter is treated in an interesting way, the subject matter itself felt pretty bare-bones. A fair chunk of the story involves Kip dealing with a cartoonishly violent childhood bully, with the added weight of having no institutional support to buffer that. Other than that, and some choices which struck me as a bit silly (like him and his friends being forced to live in the eponymous tower's dusty, cold, insect-ridden basement), Kip has plenty of support to pursue his interests, and this is done primarily by dint of his extraordinary natural ability with magic. That last bit kind of bothered me; assuming this series will result in him leading some type of revolution, which is where it seems to be aiming, this just reeks of the Great Man theory. So we may have on our hands a story about a special individual rising above very boiler-plate and heavy-handed prejudice. My brain, as foolish as this probably sounds, kept comparing this to what's discussed in essays on racism by the likes of James Baldwin and other great thinkers who had/have to suffer prejudice in the real world, and the comparative lack of elegance was putting me off.
But that's completely on me, because I've read quite a few stories like this throughout my life which weren't altogether much different. For those who haven't, it's fantastic, and dare I say one of the best examples of it I've seen.
June 19, 2025
You might like this book if you:
-Are interested in alternate history
-Would love to see how fantasy can meld into alternate history
-Enjoy magical academy stories that aren’t Harry Potter
-Like seeing characters in the minority overcoming oppression
-Use Firefox
The Tower and the Fox was a huge surprise for me. I remember hearing it was a magical academy story and being reluctant to read it, since that subgenre has been rather oversaturated. This book, however, does a lot to distinguish and mature the concept by using clear themes and historical knowledge. It really elevated the story beyond my expectations, and I’m very happy I picked it up.
The story takes place in an alternate version of the American colonies. It’s the 1800s, the Revolution never got off the ground, and real historical events are awash in the involvement of sorcery, demons, and magical animal people. The story follows one of those animal people, a fox “Calation” named Kip. After the local college of sorcery (the titular tower) loses many of its students to a mysterious attack on Kip’s town, they become desperate for new talent and begrudgingly allow Kip, his otter friend, and a woman (*gasp*) to apply for admission. This sets off a series of struggles for Kip and his friends as they attempt to prove themselves in a bigoted environment that’s dead set on seeing them fail.
What really impressed me about the story is how it occurs on a historical backdrop. The book even starts with a letter from John Adams that slowly transitions from real-life historical matters into matters of sorcery and animal people. That got me hooked instantaneously, as did the rest of the historical events in the book. The influence of sorcery is described in the Neapolitan Wars, the growing Revolution, and the Spanish declaration of war against Britain. The historical elements make the world feel more real and the magic provides a wellspring for the reader to imagine how these real-world events must have gone down in this alternate universe. That, I think, is what really distinguishes this book from others of its subgenre. It certainly isn’t the only book to have ever added magic to history, but its application to a magical academy and anthropomorphic animal characters greatly distinguishes it amongst them.
Fans of magical academy stories will enjoy branching out with this book, and fans of alternate history (or history in general) will appreciate the smart ways in which this book applies magic to historical events. It’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I’m jumping into book 2 right away after writing this review.
-Are interested in alternate history
-Would love to see how fantasy can meld into alternate history
-Enjoy magical academy stories that aren’t Harry Potter
-Like seeing characters in the minority overcoming oppression
-Use Firefox
The Tower and the Fox was a huge surprise for me. I remember hearing it was a magical academy story and being reluctant to read it, since that subgenre has been rather oversaturated. This book, however, does a lot to distinguish and mature the concept by using clear themes and historical knowledge. It really elevated the story beyond my expectations, and I’m very happy I picked it up.
The story takes place in an alternate version of the American colonies. It’s the 1800s, the Revolution never got off the ground, and real historical events are awash in the involvement of sorcery, demons, and magical animal people. The story follows one of those animal people, a fox “Calation” named Kip. After the local college of sorcery (the titular tower) loses many of its students to a mysterious attack on Kip’s town, they become desperate for new talent and begrudgingly allow Kip, his otter friend, and a woman (*gasp*) to apply for admission. This sets off a series of struggles for Kip and his friends as they attempt to prove themselves in a bigoted environment that’s dead set on seeing them fail.
What really impressed me about the story is how it occurs on a historical backdrop. The book even starts with a letter from John Adams that slowly transitions from real-life historical matters into matters of sorcery and animal people. That got me hooked instantaneously, as did the rest of the historical events in the book. The influence of sorcery is described in the Neapolitan Wars, the growing Revolution, and the Spanish declaration of war against Britain. The historical elements make the world feel more real and the magic provides a wellspring for the reader to imagine how these real-world events must have gone down in this alternate universe. That, I think, is what really distinguishes this book from others of its subgenre. It certainly isn’t the only book to have ever added magic to history, but its application to a magical academy and anthropomorphic animal characters greatly distinguishes it amongst them.
Fans of magical academy stories will enjoy branching out with this book, and fans of alternate history (or history in general) will appreciate the smart ways in which this book applies magic to historical events. It’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I’m jumping into book 2 right away after writing this review.
August 21, 2017
Great book!
This is set in an alternate magic world during early colonial American times. Kip is part of a part-human species that faces major human discrimination. I was amazed with how the book demonstrated how illogical hate can be, and how various people either accept it or fight it, but at the same time, it was wrapped up in a really great story.
I think this is a great read for anyone who has ever faced discrimination for their differences. I found myself identifying with Kip's struggles to understand & live with people who hate him - not because of anything he did, but because of where he comes from & what he looks like. Kip is a great example of someone who struggles to rise above those who think less of him, even when its his own people, who hate him for trying to better their own lives and bring about change.
Even if you yourself are not part of a minority group, this book is a major eye opener for how our actions affect those who are.
Aside from all that amazingness, (which was written so well, it felt more like a fantasy book than a lecture), this is a great book with a young guy learning cool magic, determining what makes a true friend, and trying to solve a great mystery. If you're not looking for a deep read on feminist or Calatian rights in colonial American times, or a glimpse into American revolutionary times, this is still an awesome magical fantasy.
I highly recommend this to ages 12+ & can't wait for the next one!
This is set in an alternate magic world during early colonial American times. Kip is part of a part-human species that faces major human discrimination. I was amazed with how the book demonstrated how illogical hate can be, and how various people either accept it or fight it, but at the same time, it was wrapped up in a really great story.
I think this is a great read for anyone who has ever faced discrimination for their differences. I found myself identifying with Kip's struggles to understand & live with people who hate him - not because of anything he did, but because of where he comes from & what he looks like. Kip is a great example of someone who struggles to rise above those who think less of him, even when its his own people, who hate him for trying to better their own lives and bring about change.
Even if you yourself are not part of a minority group, this book is a major eye opener for how our actions affect those who are.
Aside from all that amazingness, (which was written so well, it felt more like a fantasy book than a lecture), this is a great book with a young guy learning cool magic, determining what makes a true friend, and trying to solve a great mystery. If you're not looking for a deep read on feminist or Calatian rights in colonial American times, or a glimpse into American revolutionary times, this is still an awesome magical fantasy.
I highly recommend this to ages 12+ & can't wait for the next one!
done-with
June 12, 2018I have tried repeatedly but just simply cannot fall into this story... There's nothing wrong with it per se - I quite enjoyed the beginning, then started gradually losing interest until I finally put it down. Then picked it back up, tried again, and found the exact same thing happening - three times. There is a Harry Potter/Worst Witch/Charlie Bone feel to it - I liked that (it doesn't bother me when books feel like other books, as long as they also have their own merits), but it ultimately was not enough to pull me in to the story. The institutionalized species racism within The Tower/among so many of the human sorcerers (and human bullies) may have been the hiccup for me - the Calatian (i.e., magical animal) vs. human conflict was believable and relatable, that wasn't the issue. It was more that it dragged at the heels of the story for me, rendering it different than I expected it to be and much heavier as a result. I think this is a fine story, just not one for me right now. I have shifted it to my "Come Back To" list, largely on the strength of the characters, several of whom (most notably Emily and Kip and Patris) I quite liked and am curious to see develop further.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
February 1, 2018
Perhaps three stars is a little harsh, but I had high expectations for this book, as I've been impressed with nearly every other book the author (better known under his pseudonym, Kyell Gold) has written.
However, I was a bit let down by this book; the plot was somewhat predictable and the fantasy aspects of the book just weren't really "fresh" or different enough for me to get hooked on the novel. The theme of fighting against discrimination, racism, and sexism - while important particularly in this day and age - also got a little tired and overused in this book.
Highlights of "The Tower and the Fox" include (as always with Kyell/Tim's work) using animal features/abilities to distinguish characters and make them memorable and different. I especially enjoyed the foxes' "scent language," which was a pretty unique idea.
Three stars out of five (more like a 3.5, though) - and I'll check out the next book in the series when it comes out.
However, I was a bit let down by this book; the plot was somewhat predictable and the fantasy aspects of the book just weren't really "fresh" or different enough for me to get hooked on the novel. The theme of fighting against discrimination, racism, and sexism - while important particularly in this day and age - also got a little tired and overused in this book.
Highlights of "The Tower and the Fox" include (as always with Kyell/Tim's work) using animal features/abilities to distinguish characters and make them memorable and different. I especially enjoyed the foxes' "scent language," which was a pretty unique idea.
Three stars out of five (more like a 3.5, though) - and I'll check out the next book in the series when it comes out.
September 1, 2017
OK, so it's a "Harry Potter", but Harry Potter was a "Worst Witch" and that didn't do it any harm at all! Interesting world-building, the concept of magically-mutated animals trying to break through an informal apartheid system adds depth to the plot and characterisation. The central figures are sympathetically depicted, and it's hard not to root for the two young animals trying to break into a human-dominated magical society. I imagine YA readers will love it - I liked it, and I'm 66!
August 17, 2018
First of four-book series about the Calatians (anthropomorphic animals who have magical properties), set in revolutionary-era New England. The protagonist, Kip, a fox Calatian, is the first Calatian to train as a sorcerer. Terrific characters and plotting; the alternative history storyline is inspired and rich--tons of magic and intersectional feminism throughout!
August 12, 2017
Quite well written, the world is excellently constructed and the characters are wonderfully developed. I enjoy the historical setting as well as the social struggle aspects to the story. Very much looking forward to more in this series.
September 3, 2017
What works best in The Tower and the Fox is the author's use of so many creative elements gathered into one story. The book is brimming with imagination. I found this book to be an inviting read, and very enjoyable.
November 29, 2017
Well worth it
Wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, definitely different to a lot other books I read by this author as his pen name, Kyell Gold, but it still kind of has the Kyell Gold feel to it, and I love the mystery in the series! Looking forward to the next book!!
Wasn't sure how I would feel about this book, definitely different to a lot other books I read by this author as his pen name, Kyell Gold, but it still kind of has the Kyell Gold feel to it, and I love the mystery in the series! Looking forward to the next book!!
October 2, 2018
Book 1 of the series. It was recommended on audible, so I decided to give it a shot. I enjoyed the fantasy aspect of the book, and the author does a great job in writing scenes with injustice and bigotry that become so frustrating for the characters to deal with.
November 28, 2018
I feel for Kip and his Catalian folks, discrimination, racism name it they have experienced it. His his determination and resilience remains me of Naruto. While Naruto had nail tail fox inside him Kip is a Fox. Irony. Some masters deserve magical slaps. I can't wait to see what will happen to
October 16, 2018
It's very much "Kingkiller Meets Harry Potter" cliche, but it's well written and interesting enough all the way through. I will buy the next book when it comes out for sure.
June 2, 2021
excellent read!
August 7, 2021
Basically Furry Harry Potter. It really sucked ass
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