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Of Cats and Dragons #2
Radiation
In their second big adventure, Omen and his giant talking cat Tormy journey to a blighted land to rescue a doomed child. But the fateful quest entwines their lives with an ancient curse. And Omen has to risk everything for the sake of the innocent he refuses to abandon. Aided by his magic-wielding family, the guardian dragons of Melia, and an unexpected friend, Omen must confront cataclysmic evil. But how can anyone stand against the immortal wrath of The Dark Heart?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 22, 2017
Rtc
A great fantasy with cats, dragons, and curses
A great fantasy with cats, dragons, and curses
September 30, 2017
Dark curses, heartbreaking tragedy, glistening dragons and talking cats! What more could you ask for in an epic fantasy? RADIATION is a wonderful follow up to Night’s Gift (Book 1 Of Cats and Dragons). It will have you rolling with laughter even as it tears your heart out.
January 18, 2018
Omen tried to stay out of trouble. Really. But when he and Tormy get the chance, he begs for a quest--and not just any quest, but something huge and important that only he can complete. So Etar, his divine brother, gives him one. Now Omen must hunt down another divine sibling in a world utterly desolate . . .
I liked the second book even better than the first. We get a lot more backstory on Omen, Omen's family, and Templar. I love how the history is so rich that every story brings questions about a dozen more details. I never thought there was a reason behind the names in Omen's family, and now I want to see a story about his parents since their lives were at least as interesting as his. And ouch, poor Templar. No wonder he's always a bit on edge. Although it hasn't stopped his sense of humor.
The friendship between Omen and Templar continues to be one of my favorite parts, even though in this book it took something of a backseat to Omen's "epic quest" and an extended adventure for Lilyth, Omen's sister. Templar and Omen arguing about who exactly is the bad influence on whom was hysterical, as was Templar's succinct summation of Omen's quest (quote below review for those wanting to avoid spoilers).
And the new characters were all compelling. I really liked Etar, a younger god that is more or less Omen's brother. Kyr is just adorable despite his circumstances (and I have to wonder how much Tyrin will be able to influence him, since Tyrin is basically Trouble-capital-T). Tyrin is of course hysterical, especially the "identical twins" routine, or the way he takes things too literally.
Overall this series continues to improve everything I liked about the first book, and I can't wait for a third. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
The quest:
I liked the second book even better than the first. We get a lot more backstory on Omen, Omen's family, and Templar. I love how the history is so rich that every story brings questions about a dozen more details. I never thought there was a reason behind the names in Omen's family, and now I want to see a story about his parents since their lives were at least as interesting as his. And ouch, poor Templar. No wonder he's always a bit on edge. Although it hasn't stopped his sense of humor.
The friendship between Omen and Templar continues to be one of my favorite parts, even though in this book it took something of a backseat to Omen's "epic quest" and an extended adventure for Lilyth, Omen's sister. Templar and Omen arguing about who exactly is the bad influence on whom was hysterical, as was Templar's succinct summation of Omen's quest (quote below review for those wanting to avoid spoilers).
And the new characters were all compelling. I really liked Etar, a younger god that is more or less Omen's brother. Kyr is just adorable despite his circumstances (and I have to wonder how much Tyrin will be able to influence him, since Tyrin is basically Trouble-capital-T). Tyrin is of course hysterical, especially the "identical twins" routine, or the way he takes things too literally.
Overall this series continues to improve everything I liked about the first book, and I can't wait for a third. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
The quest:
November 11, 2018
An epic tale, worthy of praise, but not perfect.
This is another one of those hard–to–review books. On the one hand, Radiation is, without a doubt, an epic story. The world that the two authors have created seems almost infinite in detail, and boundless in scale. Allow me to summarise, just briefly, the pantheon of magical creatures the reader encounters. Firstly, there are the cats. The big, energetic, and wonderfully entertaining Tormy is now paired with a new arrival—another furball with a love of colourful language and sneakiness.
Then there’s Omen’s family, whose history and bloodline is complex, and laced with divine powers. Templar is back too, though his Nightblood is only briefly elucidated. On top of that you have dragons; a tragic, immortal child; and a God.
I am happy to say that the character development has improved significantly compared to the prequel. Omen and Lily—his whole family, really—gain a lot more depth, heart, and soul. Templar feels more realistic too, in a subtle, but convincing way. The entire cast seems a lot less superficial; it’s like a switch has been flipped and the authors’ magic is really being put to bear. My favourite character, though, is Kyr. He speaks very little—yet he is graced by immense vulnerability, pain, and unconditional love. Truly, if you can only bring yourself to care about one among this saga, let it be this helpless, immortal child.
The book is not short of plot, either. Action, magical duels, and terrifying, cataclysmic forces are more than enough to keep the reader entertained. Which begs the question: what don’t I like? Where’s the missing star?
One possible explanation is the pacing and conflict—although there’s plenty going on, the events have a somewhat disjointed, random feel to them. One of the characters is kidnapped and escapes his kidnappers midway through the book; I’m unclear as to what larger purpose the whole event was supposed to serve in the narrative. Still, this is almost like nitpicking. The problem is deeper.
Have you ever read a story and felt that it was too neat, too perfect? The philologist and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once characterised art as divided between two forces: the Apollonian, which invokes feelings of happiness and wonder; and the Dionysian, the dark, unpredictable and wild side. Don’t get me wrong: this book does possess the Dionysian aspect. Yet the Apollonian feels too strong—Omen’s family (even to some extent Templar’s) are too perfect, too good, and too strong. The evil they face is unbeliveably powerful, yet not once does their resolve falter, not once do they doubt themselves. In the end, the Apollonian side prevails utterly.
Radiation is a good book. If the authors want to write a great book, however, they need to make their protagonists less sure of themselves, less divine; they need stop shielding them from the dark touch of loss. At least, not so completely.
Rating: 4/5
This is another one of those hard–to–review books. On the one hand, Radiation is, without a doubt, an epic story. The world that the two authors have created seems almost infinite in detail, and boundless in scale. Allow me to summarise, just briefly, the pantheon of magical creatures the reader encounters. Firstly, there are the cats. The big, energetic, and wonderfully entertaining Tormy is now paired with a new arrival—another furball with a love of colourful language and sneakiness.
Then there’s Omen’s family, whose history and bloodline is complex, and laced with divine powers. Templar is back too, though his Nightblood is only briefly elucidated. On top of that you have dragons; a tragic, immortal child; and a God.
I am happy to say that the character development has improved significantly compared to the prequel. Omen and Lily—his whole family, really—gain a lot more depth, heart, and soul. Templar feels more realistic too, in a subtle, but convincing way. The entire cast seems a lot less superficial; it’s like a switch has been flipped and the authors’ magic is really being put to bear. My favourite character, though, is Kyr. He speaks very little—yet he is graced by immense vulnerability, pain, and unconditional love. Truly, if you can only bring yourself to care about one among this saga, let it be this helpless, immortal child.
The book is not short of plot, either. Action, magical duels, and terrifying, cataclysmic forces are more than enough to keep the reader entertained. Which begs the question: what don’t I like? Where’s the missing star?
One possible explanation is the pacing and conflict—although there’s plenty going on, the events have a somewhat disjointed, random feel to them. One of the characters is kidnapped and escapes his kidnappers midway through the book; I’m unclear as to what larger purpose the whole event was supposed to serve in the narrative. Still, this is almost like nitpicking. The problem is deeper.
Have you ever read a story and felt that it was too neat, too perfect? The philologist and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once characterised art as divided between two forces: the Apollonian, which invokes feelings of happiness and wonder; and the Dionysian, the dark, unpredictable and wild side. Don’t get me wrong: this book does possess the Dionysian aspect. Yet the Apollonian feels too strong—Omen’s family (even to some extent Templar’s) are too perfect, too good, and too strong. The evil they face is unbeliveably powerful, yet not once does their resolve falter, not once do they doubt themselves. In the end, the Apollonian side prevails utterly.
Radiation is a good book. If the authors want to write a great book, however, they need to make their protagonists less sure of themselves, less divine; they need stop shielding them from the dark touch of loss. At least, not so completely.
Rating: 4/5
February 23, 2018
My original Radiation audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This is the further adventures of Omen and his talking cat, Tormy. It is a sequel of sorts, in that some of the characters introduced in the first volume continue and there is some reference to them in the second volume. But far more detail is given to Omen’s family and new characters. It easily stands alone, though you may want to listen to the first volume first to understand the back references better.
Omen is given a quest by his mysterious older brother to rescue their long-forgotten brother in a ruined land. Omen’s magic powers are subdued in this other realm and he has to use his wits, education and Tormy’s help to rescue his god-like brother. Their lost brother has been in this ruined land for many years, perhaps centuries with no one to keep him company but the ghosts he sees and communicates with. His mind may be warped beyond repair and only Omen and Tormy vow to save him regardless of his possible affliction. A whole race of elves may suffer extermination if they can’t.
Radiation is a complicated tale of loyalty and magic. During the story, we get a lot more information about Omen’s family and his place in it. His close friend, the prince of Hex makes an appearance but is mostly out of the story until the battles begin. As with the first book, it is a fun story well suited for a young adult audience, with youthful heroes, magic, talking creatures and exciting, but less-than-frightening battles.
The story is performed by P. J. Ochlan, who is just brilliant. His voice is smooth as silk and infinitely malleable to the many characters. The lighthearted tone of the story comes through just right for the young adult listener, but enjoyable for adults as well. The character voices are all easily differentiated and appropriate for each. Certainly, any listener’s favorite will be the cute, deadly kitten and his identical twin (who is not identical at all) with a Scottish accent. How fun is that?
It is a fun and exciting fantasy novel geared for a young audience, but adults should enjoy it as well. Perhaps not quite as fresh as the first volume; it is still highly entertaining and well worth a listen. The novel stands alone and is only part of a series in the sense that the main characters return for further adventures.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
This is the further adventures of Omen and his talking cat, Tormy. It is a sequel of sorts, in that some of the characters introduced in the first volume continue and there is some reference to them in the second volume. But far more detail is given to Omen’s family and new characters. It easily stands alone, though you may want to listen to the first volume first to understand the back references better.
Omen is given a quest by his mysterious older brother to rescue their long-forgotten brother in a ruined land. Omen’s magic powers are subdued in this other realm and he has to use his wits, education and Tormy’s help to rescue his god-like brother. Their lost brother has been in this ruined land for many years, perhaps centuries with no one to keep him company but the ghosts he sees and communicates with. His mind may be warped beyond repair and only Omen and Tormy vow to save him regardless of his possible affliction. A whole race of elves may suffer extermination if they can’t.
Radiation is a complicated tale of loyalty and magic. During the story, we get a lot more information about Omen’s family and his place in it. His close friend, the prince of Hex makes an appearance but is mostly out of the story until the battles begin. As with the first book, it is a fun story well suited for a young adult audience, with youthful heroes, magic, talking creatures and exciting, but less-than-frightening battles.
The story is performed by P. J. Ochlan, who is just brilliant. His voice is smooth as silk and infinitely malleable to the many characters. The lighthearted tone of the story comes through just right for the young adult listener, but enjoyable for adults as well. The character voices are all easily differentiated and appropriate for each. Certainly, any listener’s favorite will be the cute, deadly kitten and his identical twin (who is not identical at all) with a Scottish accent. How fun is that?
It is a fun and exciting fantasy novel geared for a young audience, but adults should enjoy it as well. Perhaps not quite as fresh as the first volume; it is still highly entertaining and well worth a listen. The novel stands alone and is only part of a series in the sense that the main characters return for further adventures.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
September 7, 2018
Radiation: The Search For The Cursed Child is a wonderful second book in the Of Cats And Dragons world. It is an enchanting tale that is full of charismatic characters, exciting adventure, thrilling magic, loyalty, friendship, and love of family. This is a story that keeps you spellbound from start to finish. It is a world rich with magic, both good and evil. The characters are well-developed and filled with personality. The imagery used in world building, paints a picture that makes it real and dynamic. The magical battles are electrifying, keeping the reader captivated throughout the fray. The fascinating cats, with their enigmatic presence and interesting use of language, are a delightful addition to the book. Loyalty to and love of family and friends are a recurrent theme through the first two books, and are a delightful insight into the marvelous minds of the two authors, Carol E. Leever and Camilla Ochlan. I highly recommend this marvelous book. It can be enjoyed by young and old alike and along with the first book in the series, Night's Gift, would be an excellent addition to anyone's library.
November 12, 2018
It is a rare series when the sequel is as good as the first. This series shines with fresh new adventures, great character evolution, and a growing world for the fantasy setting. We get to know more about the original characters and meet interesting new ones, all in a fast paced adventure of epic proportions!
Omen, to prove his maturity while avoiding trouble, asks his elder brother to send him on an epic quest. He soon finds himself in a dead world searching for the only living thing. He and Tormy discover right away how inhospitable this world can be. How can anything be alive here? What he finds is a broken boy. How long has this child existed here in isolation? How will he react to the people and living things in Omen’s world?
Bringing the child back to his own living, thriving world should have been the end of Omen’s quest. In truth it is just beginning. Kyr, the boy is being hunted by a death curse. It will take all Omen has to give plus assistance from his whole family to protect this vulnerable child!
In the meantime, Omen’s sister ends up on a perilous journey. She sets out in pursuit of a cat of her own, one as awesome as Tormy. What she gets is an adventure to rescue a friend. How will Lily, with so little experience beyond her family’s protection accomplish such a huge feat? Will she survive to be reunited with them?
Will the family be able to fight the curse against Kyr? Grab this book for an epic quest of your own!
Omen, to prove his maturity while avoiding trouble, asks his elder brother to send him on an epic quest. He soon finds himself in a dead world searching for the only living thing. He and Tormy discover right away how inhospitable this world can be. How can anything be alive here? What he finds is a broken boy. How long has this child existed here in isolation? How will he react to the people and living things in Omen’s world?
Bringing the child back to his own living, thriving world should have been the end of Omen’s quest. In truth it is just beginning. Kyr, the boy is being hunted by a death curse. It will take all Omen has to give plus assistance from his whole family to protect this vulnerable child!
In the meantime, Omen’s sister ends up on a perilous journey. She sets out in pursuit of a cat of her own, one as awesome as Tormy. What she gets is an adventure to rescue a friend. How will Lily, with so little experience beyond her family’s protection accomplish such a huge feat? Will she survive to be reunited with them?
Will the family be able to fight the curse against Kyr? Grab this book for an epic quest of your own!
April 17, 2018
I received a free PDF copy of this book after winning the first installment via a Goodreads giveaway.
Omen and his talking cat, Tormy, get sent on a quest that ends up involving an ancient curse. When they find a lonely boy, Omen can't leave him behind, which means risking everything to save him.
I liked this installment even better than the first one. There is more background for Omen and Templar plus you get to know Omen's sister more in this one. Tormy, the talking cat, is hands down my favorite character....so imagine my excitednessness when we get introduced to his "twin" Tyrin. It's cuteness overload mixed with tons of adventure and magic! Who wouldn't want to live in the land of cats and dragons?
Omen and his talking cat, Tormy, get sent on a quest that ends up involving an ancient curse. When they find a lonely boy, Omen can't leave him behind, which means risking everything to save him.
I liked this installment even better than the first one. There is more background for Omen and Templar plus you get to know Omen's sister more in this one. Tormy, the talking cat, is hands down my favorite character....so imagine my excitednessness when we get introduced to his "twin" Tyrin. It's cuteness overload mixed with tons of adventure and magic! Who wouldn't want to live in the land of cats and dragons?
September 25, 2020
Omen and Tormy’s adventures continue in this sequel to Night’s Gift! This time, they’re sent on a quest by Omen’s half brother (and demi-god) Etar, which lands them in a blasted wasteland with some uncanny similarities to our world.
This continues to be such a fun and cozy series, the kind of book that makes me want to curl up with it on a rainy day with a cup of hot cocoa. Radiation builds in an interesting way on the lore of the Elder Gods, Night Dwellers, and other fantastical beings introduced in Night’s Gift, while growing the cast with some immediately likable characters (protect Tyrin at all costs!).
If the central theme of Night’s Gift was friendship, in Radiation it’s the importance of family. Omen learns how precious and vulnerable these bonds are and how far he will go to protect them.
One minor wrong note for me was the side adventure with Templar and Lilyth. It felt like it didn’t quite belong in this book and would maybe have fit better in a different installment of the series. I did love Lilyth’s motive for going to the Night Games though (Tormy came from the Night Games, thus they give out cats there = flawless logic).
Radiation is a fantasy adventure with humor and heart, definitely worth a look for fans of more lighthearted fantasy.
This continues to be such a fun and cozy series, the kind of book that makes me want to curl up with it on a rainy day with a cup of hot cocoa. Radiation builds in an interesting way on the lore of the Elder Gods, Night Dwellers, and other fantastical beings introduced in Night’s Gift, while growing the cast with some immediately likable characters (protect Tyrin at all costs!).
If the central theme of Night’s Gift was friendship, in Radiation it’s the importance of family. Omen learns how precious and vulnerable these bonds are and how far he will go to protect them.
One minor wrong note for me was the side adventure with Templar and Lilyth. It felt like it didn’t quite belong in this book and would maybe have fit better in a different installment of the series. I did love Lilyth’s motive for going to the Night Games though (Tormy came from the Night Games, thus they give out cats there = flawless logic).
Radiation is a fantasy adventure with humor and heart, definitely worth a look for fans of more lighthearted fantasy.
March 25, 2020
The book is in 3 parts.
First: Omen heads out with talking cat Tormy on an "Epic Quest" which results in them finding a God/brother, Kyr - a young child who is only 193 years old.
Second: When talking kitten Tyrin arrives and attaches himself to Kyr, sister Lilyth gets jealous and follows Templar through the portal so that she can find a talking cat of her own. Life gets complicated at this point.
Third: Well, that's the problem when you rescue an abandoned child - his father, a powerful God, may try to get him back.
The cats are very entertaining and the humans aren't bad either.
First: Omen heads out with talking cat Tormy on an "Epic Quest" which results in them finding a God/brother, Kyr - a young child who is only 193 years old.
Second: When talking kitten Tyrin arrives and attaches himself to Kyr, sister Lilyth gets jealous and follows Templar through the portal so that she can find a talking cat of her own. Life gets complicated at this point.
Third: Well, that's the problem when you rescue an abandoned child - his father, a powerful God, may try to get him back.
The cats are very entertaining and the humans aren't bad either.
August 11, 2018
Another enchanting and exciting story about Omen, Tormy and Templar. The rescue of a long lost brother Kyr, and the addition to the household of Tormy's twin brother (identical naturally :P) called Tyrin.
A truly entrancing and marvelous read which I highly recommend! As Tormy and Tyrin would say "It's a fearsomenessness read"
A truly entrancing and marvelous read which I highly recommend! As Tormy and Tyrin would say "It's a fearsomenessness read"
August 5, 2019
Adventure Abounds
Fast paced and action packed story. Lilyth makes a fine main character. Not just the annoying little sister. That girl has some serious power! However, she needs to mature into those powers. Readers will not be disappointed in the turn of events in this book. Stay tuned!!
Fast paced and action packed story. Lilyth makes a fine main character. Not just the annoying little sister. That girl has some serious power! However, she needs to mature into those powers. Readers will not be disappointed in the turn of events in this book. Stay tuned!!
January 11, 2021
There certainly is a lot of magic in Omen's family.
I liked this book better than the first one, probably because the characters were the same and a new cat was added. I think Omen, Lily, and Templar are a gutsy trio, standing up to all the monsters in this book. Now that there is a new family member , Kyr, will be and the new cat be joining the adventures ?
I liked this book better than the first one, probably because the characters were the same and a new cat was added. I think Omen, Lily, and Templar are a gutsy trio, standing up to all the monsters in this book. Now that there is a new family member , Kyr, will be and the new cat be joining the adventures ?
October 8, 2021
Tis Best
It was one of the best stories so far. Loved Tyrin and how he won arguments with Omen’s mother. I do so wish to go and read the smaller stories in between so I don’t miss anything important. But it would be nice if those were in a collection. Oh well… Looking forward to book #3.
It was one of the best stories so far. Loved Tyrin and how he won arguments with Omen’s mother. I do so wish to go and read the smaller stories in between so I don’t miss anything important. But it would be nice if those were in a collection. Oh well… Looking forward to book #3.
December 12, 2018
good reading. Omen and Tormy are sent on aquest to anaother world ny Omen's brother Etar. There they find a boy Kyr and they bring him back to their family. Kyr is pursued by a dark evil and a battle is ensued. Some humor buth will worth the time to read.
January 10, 2021
Amazing
I absolutely love this series. The way Tormy talks makes me chuckle every time. I recommend this series and the little novelettes to everyone. But you have to read them in order or you get real confused real quick.
I absolutely love this series. The way Tormy talks makes me chuckle every time. I recommend this series and the little novelettes to everyone. But you have to read them in order or you get real confused real quick.
August 13, 2021
Epic second novel in the Cats & Dragons series. Very well written and really makes you think. I'm looking forward to the next installation, especially to find out how the 2 big orange tabby cats 🐈 and Omen's younger brother get on.
March 8, 2022
This series is so fun! There were a couple of spots where I wondered why we were making this detour, but the lore is fascinating and the characters loveable (especially the cats!). We even got a couple chapters with dragons this time! Hoping for more as I continue with the series.
February 17, 2025
These books are just so good. The writing and the characters are just absolutely enjoyable. The plot is engaging, and the magic system is unique. The cats add an adorable fun aspect to the story that had me smiling multiple times throughout. Just a well written solid story with likeable characters.
June 11, 2025
This is a fun series. Very interesting world and characters. The cats usually steal the show.
I feel like there are three separate stories in this book. It worked, but the middle section was a different adventure, while the end ties back to the beginning. Still enjoyable though.
I feel like there are three separate stories in this book. It worked, but the middle section was a different adventure, while the end ties back to the beginning. Still enjoyable though.
September 18, 2025
Who doesn't want a fierce fighting cat?
This series has awesome characters. I am glad to see the family grow. I am not sure where the story arc is going but it is quite the adventure.
This series has awesome characters. I am glad to see the family grow. I am not sure where the story arc is going but it is quite the adventure.
May 2, 2018
Great fun
Cats and Dragons, Gods and Godesses. Bad guys. And lots of ridikulus fights. Awesome. Would give it 5 stars but 2 short!
Cats and Dragons, Gods and Godesses. Bad guys. And lots of ridikulus fights. Awesome. Would give it 5 stars but 2 short!
May 29, 2018
Great book
I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Cannot wait to start reading the next one. Great world building and a really exciting story.
I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Cannot wait to start reading the next one. Great world building and a really exciting story.
June 8, 2018
Definitely different
This series is nothing like I expected, but I like it. The teenage angst is real and provides a good flow for the story.
This series is nothing like I expected, but I like it. The teenage angst is real and provides a good flow for the story.
June 21, 2018
Love theses books
I was in the mood for fun an a little lessen magic. This was a great fun read lots of twists an turns. I really like the cat point of view. More please
I was in the mood for fun an a little lessen magic. This was a great fun read lots of twists an turns. I really like the cat point of view. More please
June 23, 2018
Awesome! Such a great book. Perfect for middle grade and young adult readers.
A fantastic and epic quest to rescue a lost brother and save him from a dark curse.
A fantastic and epic quest to rescue a lost brother and save him from a dark curse.
September 26, 2018
Great story
Cats are the rulers of most people, but pay for the respect by enlightening the world around us. Book two is just as lovely as the first
Cats are the rulers of most people, but pay for the respect by enlightening the world around us. Book two is just as lovely as the first
May 24, 2019
Lovesess this!
Are there more? Please let there be more. Very greatlymuchness enjoy these books ! My cat Jasper much approves as well!
Are there more? Please let there be more. Very greatlymuchness enjoy these books ! My cat Jasper much approves as well!
November 5, 2019
Talking cats need I say more. It wasn't has adventurous as the first but was still good and talking cats with a Scottish accent
February 13, 2020
Another kitty!
I really enjoyed this book, just like I enjoyed the first one. I like the humor it has, and I enjoy the characters. I’ll be continuing the series.
I really enjoyed this book, just like I enjoyed the first one. I like the humor it has, and I enjoy the characters. I’ll be continuing the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews