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How to Survive Your Magical Family
Toby’s family is not an ordinary family.
They are magical, talented, and special.
His father is a twin and works at the hospital. His older sister wants to be a lawyer. But his dad is also a renowned wizard, as is his uncle, and his sister can influence people. His mum was special too, but she had to leave…
Toby isn’t any of those things. They only special thing he can do is pretty useless. Toby can talk with cats.
When Toby and his sister rescue a box of abandoned cats on the side of the road and Toby spots a mysterious silver bangle in the gutter, everything changes.
Mia is Toby’s best friend. She’s not magical either – she doesn’t even know magic exists! But when she watches Toby get on the wrong bus to school and a mad woman bus driver screams away with Toby on board, Mia’s world is about to change too.
How to Survive Your Magical Family is an exciting adventure filled with mystery, cats, friendship, and of course, magic!
They are magical, talented, and special.
His father is a twin and works at the hospital. His older sister wants to be a lawyer. But his dad is also a renowned wizard, as is his uncle, and his sister can influence people. His mum was special too, but she had to leave…
Toby isn’t any of those things. They only special thing he can do is pretty useless. Toby can talk with cats.
When Toby and his sister rescue a box of abandoned cats on the side of the road and Toby spots a mysterious silver bangle in the gutter, everything changes.
Mia is Toby’s best friend. She’s not magical either – she doesn’t even know magic exists! But when she watches Toby get on the wrong bus to school and a mad woman bus driver screams away with Toby on board, Mia’s world is about to change too.
How to Survive Your Magical Family is an exciting adventure filled with mystery, cats, friendship, and of course, magic!
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
210 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2022
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Clare Rhoden
26 books52 followersClare Rhoden started making up stories early and never stopped. She writes sci-fi, fantasy and historical fiction with loveable characters, adventurous plots and awesome world building.
Clare loves books, books, books, dogs, cats, craft and gardening.
Oh, and her husband - forever.
Clare is a writer, editor and reviewer from Melbourne Australia.
Clare loves books, books, books, dogs, cats, craft and gardening.
Oh, and her husband - forever.
Clare is a writer, editor and reviewer from Melbourne Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 15, 2023
Cats! Magic! Action! In the blink of a magical silver bangle, Toby’s family is scrambling to solve a years old mystery.
When we look for a book we consider the cover. This one features a looming mysterious cat-like image and the words, “magical” and “family”. Obviously, we are going to consider this one! The blurb tells us that Toby, who talks to cats, rescues a family of abandoned cats. I like Toby already. Then you dig into the actual reading and are plunged into a kidnapping and a manic bus drive and .. But I'll say no more. Meet this magical family yourself. (Pay particular respect to the Arch-cats, Flax and Katerina.)
When we look for a book we consider the cover. This one features a looming mysterious cat-like image and the words, “magical” and “family”. Obviously, we are going to consider this one! The blurb tells us that Toby, who talks to cats, rescues a family of abandoned cats. I like Toby already. Then you dig into the actual reading and are plunged into a kidnapping and a manic bus drive and .. But I'll say no more. Meet this magical family yourself. (Pay particular respect to the Arch-cats, Flax and Katerina.)
October 10, 2022
A intriguing, magical story about Toby who has the ability to understand and converse with cats. Yes, you read that right….he talks to cats and they talk back to him if they like him.
Toby is not exactly happy that his magic ability is what it is. Talking to cats????? His family are all magical with much better abilities then his.
You will find yourself immersed in magic, mystery, adventure and cats with reading How to Survive Your Magical Family by Clare Rhoden.
I enjoyed the magical ride this book took me on. The story is full of cats, magic, wizards and witches. I do think it would be a great book to introduce to middle school age children.
Thank you to Odessey Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#Shortbookthyme #young-adult #Australianauthor #odesseybooks #how to surviveyourmagicalfamily #clareroden
Toby is not exactly happy that his magic ability is what it is. Talking to cats????? His family are all magical with much better abilities then his.
You will find yourself immersed in magic, mystery, adventure and cats with reading How to Survive Your Magical Family by Clare Rhoden.
I enjoyed the magical ride this book took me on. The story is full of cats, magic, wizards and witches. I do think it would be a great book to introduce to middle school age children.
Thank you to Odessey Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#Shortbookthyme #young-adult #Australianauthor #odesseybooks #how to surviveyourmagicalfamily #clareroden
September 27, 2022
As a cat lover I was interested in this story. I couldn’t wait to see how they talked to cats. I would love to be able to talk to mine.
Toby is from a magical family. He doesn’t really appear to have any magic except he can talk to cats. He’s kidnapped by an evil woman who is trying to find his mother who disappeared years ago. The cats along with Toby’s family and friend Mia help to rescue him.
It’s a quick book and really feels like a Ya book to me. It even sounds like it has the makings of a series.
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy
Toby is from a magical family. He doesn’t really appear to have any magic except he can talk to cats. He’s kidnapped by an evil woman who is trying to find his mother who disappeared years ago. The cats along with Toby’s family and friend Mia help to rescue him.
It’s a quick book and really feels like a Ya book to me. It even sounds like it has the makings of a series.
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy
September 17, 2022
What an incredibly sweet story about a boy, friends, family and a lovable group of cats!
There was adventure (kidnapping), mystery and talking cats!
There was adventure (kidnapping), mystery and talking cats!
October 5, 2022
This is a fun magical story! Really really cool worldbuilding here. I love in general that cats are the “good guys” even though this is a story about cool, sometimes spooky, magic. It’s common in other similar-genre books that cats are coded as “evil” or “conniving,” and I don’t like that. I’m grateful the cats are full, actual characters, and they get lots of personality and dialogue here!
Quick content warning: there’s descriptions of animal abuse, animal death, and cat suffering that can sometimes get a bit detailed. I’m pretty sensitive to this and it’s not…tooooooo graphic; the framing is, a character is describing what they saw happen in the past (so we don’t ‘see it happen.’ But still, it’s easy to imagine the things being described, so heads up if that's a thing for you).
The writing style and description is really pretty. It's easy to get into flow with. The different ‘voices’ of the different POVs are super distinct too. It’s great to see how “different” Mia sounds as a narrator. It’s hard to do that well, and it’s very immersive here. The father character is imposing and interesting, and I like the family dynamic.
The overall exposition is perfectly natural. I never felt bored or info-dumped-on when some magical stuff was just outright explained, because we got to see magic in action plenty too, so it doesn’t feel forced.
If there's anything that might make me want to rate this a 4.5 out of 5, it's the villain -- there are things about her that I really enjoyed, and things that I thought weren't super effective. Overall she’s a fun over-the-top character with good unique dialogue. But I think sometimes she comes off as a bit too childish, which then clashes with the level of threat she’s supposed to be to make the mom’s sacrifice worth it. I find myself wishing we could have seen even more violence and destruction from her. As-is, she does some dangerous things, but it’s not too hard to overcome and avoid her. I think it would still be funny for her to be whiny and over the top and dramatic IF we also saw her hurt a lot of people. I also don't deeply love the descriptions of Orsa as fat and meaty that accompany the times she’s doing bad-guy stuff… it’s not automatically bad to have a fat/big villain (she can change her size and power levels, so it's not, like, LITERAL), but still, it felt like we got 'fat' descriptions WHEN she was doing bad stuff. A few tweaks to her character would have made her more of a threat even if her character is still a bit dramatic.
But overall the plot is easy to follow in a good way, and the suspense is good! I was pretty ready to see what was up with the mom's impact on the villain's plotline, it has good buildup.
A fun halloween-y read, who doesn't want stories about cats and crows around this time of year?
Quick content warning: there’s descriptions of animal abuse, animal death, and cat suffering that can sometimes get a bit detailed. I’m pretty sensitive to this and it’s not…tooooooo graphic; the framing is, a character is describing what they saw happen in the past (so we don’t ‘see it happen.’ But still, it’s easy to imagine the things being described, so heads up if that's a thing for you).
The writing style and description is really pretty. It's easy to get into flow with. The different ‘voices’ of the different POVs are super distinct too. It’s great to see how “different” Mia sounds as a narrator. It’s hard to do that well, and it’s very immersive here. The father character is imposing and interesting, and I like the family dynamic.
The overall exposition is perfectly natural. I never felt bored or info-dumped-on when some magical stuff was just outright explained, because we got to see magic in action plenty too, so it doesn’t feel forced.
If there's anything that might make me want to rate this a 4.5 out of 5, it's the villain -- there are things about her that I really enjoyed, and things that I thought weren't super effective. Overall she’s a fun over-the-top character with good unique dialogue. But I think sometimes she comes off as a bit too childish, which then clashes with the level of threat she’s supposed to be to make the mom’s sacrifice worth it. I find myself wishing we could have seen even more violence and destruction from her. As-is, she does some dangerous things, but it’s not too hard to overcome and avoid her. I think it would still be funny for her to be whiny and over the top and dramatic IF we also saw her hurt a lot of people. I also don't deeply love the descriptions of Orsa as fat and meaty that accompany the times she’s doing bad-guy stuff… it’s not automatically bad to have a fat/big villain (she can change her size and power levels, so it's not, like, LITERAL), but still, it felt like we got 'fat' descriptions WHEN she was doing bad stuff. A few tweaks to her character would have made her more of a threat even if her character is still a bit dramatic.
But overall the plot is easy to follow in a good way, and the suspense is good! I was pretty ready to see what was up with the mom's impact on the villain's plotline, it has good buildup.
A fun halloween-y read, who doesn't want stories about cats and crows around this time of year?
October 8, 2022
I was approached by the publisher for this one, and was so happy I was, this is such a cute and original story! I am not sure if this is intended to be in the middle grade or young adult but I feel like it could fit in anywhere in there.
Our main character has a missing mom and a sort of unknown magic and a sort of not-understanding-about-that family because they are all magical and very obviously so. It’s a ride. I got some castle in the sky vibes a little bit from this, there’s a boy and also a girl and they’re sort of being chased by this red faced angry woman a lot of the time which if you’ve seen castle in the sky, sort of rings a bell, maybe it’s just because I’ve seen that movie so many times, but I kept imagining Orsa as Dola 😂
In any case, I really liked how cute the story was, where it went, the cats, and how they colored the whole story. I feel like there’s a second book in the future. There is not really a cliffhanger, or any thing to indicate that specifically, but I was left with some questions I could see wrapping a second story around and I would absolutely be there to read it.
Thank you Odyssey Books for providing me with an advance review copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Our main character has a missing mom and a sort of unknown magic and a sort of not-understanding-about-that family because they are all magical and very obviously so. It’s a ride. I got some castle in the sky vibes a little bit from this, there’s a boy and also a girl and they’re sort of being chased by this red faced angry woman a lot of the time which if you’ve seen castle in the sky, sort of rings a bell, maybe it’s just because I’ve seen that movie so many times, but I kept imagining Orsa as Dola 😂
In any case, I really liked how cute the story was, where it went, the cats, and how they colored the whole story. I feel like there’s a second book in the future. There is not really a cliffhanger, or any thing to indicate that specifically, but I was left with some questions I could see wrapping a second story around and I would absolutely be there to read it.
Thank you Odyssey Books for providing me with an advance review copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
October 5, 2022
How to Survive Your Magical Family is a coming of age story of Toby as he discovers himself through a life changing adventure when he was kidnapped. He is an easily likeable character and so are most supporting characters. I found the villain rather ridiculous and did not like the reason why they wanted to hurt Toby & his family.
The premise of magic is actually quite interesting especially with the obligation attached to being magical. The story itself moves at fast pace so a very easy read. The ending is somewhat unfinished so high probability that there might be a sequel.
My impression from cover, title, & description of book was that this was going to be such a fun read. And it was! For me, at least. My 8yo started keen especially with protag with his name but as soon as we met the villain, he dnf-ed as he found it a little scary. So I'd say this book will fit older MG/younger YA audience who aren't sensitive to violence. It's really not that violent but villain is a big bully so just beware is all.
My thanks to publisher for gifting me an ecopy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
The premise of magic is actually quite interesting especially with the obligation attached to being magical. The story itself moves at fast pace so a very easy read. The ending is somewhat unfinished so high probability that there might be a sequel.
My impression from cover, title, & description of book was that this was going to be such a fun read. And it was! For me, at least. My 8yo started keen especially with protag with his name but as soon as we met the villain, he dnf-ed as he found it a little scary. So I'd say this book will fit older MG/younger YA audience who aren't sensitive to violence. It's really not that violent but villain is a big bully so just beware is all.
My thanks to publisher for gifting me an ecopy of this book. Thoughts are mine own.
September 21, 2022
Tobias Felix is a dog person, but his inherited magical ability was talking to cats. Yeah, he hears them, name and all. This has always seemed like a somewhat useless magical skill to him relative to all the cool magic his sister, Helen, was capable of. Until one day when the past comes back to haunt the Dartin family.
“Waiting is the hardest thing ever.”
Heart, soul, and adventure; this one has it all. Absolutely a light, fun read.
“Waiting is the hardest thing ever.”
Heart, soul, and adventure; this one has it all. Absolutely a light, fun read.
December 8, 2022
Let's talk about How To Survive Your Magical Family, a super sweet YA Fantasy read by @clarerhodenauthor!
In this coming-of-age story, we meet Toby, a young boy with the best magical ability ever – he can talk to cats. He’s not too pleased about this, though, as his family have been blessed with much more impressive abilities that they utilise in their everyday lives. His father is both medical a medical professional and a powerful wizard, his sister is an aspiring lawyer, and his mother… well, she had to leave when Toby was young, and nobody knows where she is or even if she’s alive. Together with his companion Katkin and his best friend Mia, Toby learns to accept himself and his abilities after getting caught up in his family’s mysterious past.
This book is delightfully light to read – its fast pace and the whimsical world make it perfect for younger readers to pick up. In terms of worldbuilding, Rhoden injects magic into the modern world with ease. The fantasy element feels natural, particularly as we discover magic alongside one of the characters. The main and supporting characters are likeable and easy to get to know, while the villain is portrayed as both destructible and human. She has faults, and swaying emotions and her motive is clear once you discover her backstory. I was impressed by Rhoden’s approach to a child’s view of grief and loss, and how she took Toby through his coming to terms with the story of his mother. Watching his thoughts evolve as his understanding grows is both heart-warming and bittersweet, and Rhoden does a splendid job of navigating the realistic family dynamic here.
All in all, this was a delightful, light-hearted read with a very interesting premise and plenty of magical cats!
Thanks to @odysseybooks for providing me with a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this coming-of-age story, we meet Toby, a young boy with the best magical ability ever – he can talk to cats. He’s not too pleased about this, though, as his family have been blessed with much more impressive abilities that they utilise in their everyday lives. His father is both medical a medical professional and a powerful wizard, his sister is an aspiring lawyer, and his mother… well, she had to leave when Toby was young, and nobody knows where she is or even if she’s alive. Together with his companion Katkin and his best friend Mia, Toby learns to accept himself and his abilities after getting caught up in his family’s mysterious past.
This book is delightfully light to read – its fast pace and the whimsical world make it perfect for younger readers to pick up. In terms of worldbuilding, Rhoden injects magic into the modern world with ease. The fantasy element feels natural, particularly as we discover magic alongside one of the characters. The main and supporting characters are likeable and easy to get to know, while the villain is portrayed as both destructible and human. She has faults, and swaying emotions and her motive is clear once you discover her backstory. I was impressed by Rhoden’s approach to a child’s view of grief and loss, and how she took Toby through his coming to terms with the story of his mother. Watching his thoughts evolve as his understanding grows is both heart-warming and bittersweet, and Rhoden does a splendid job of navigating the realistic family dynamic here.
All in all, this was a delightful, light-hearted read with a very interesting premise and plenty of magical cats!
Thanks to @odysseybooks for providing me with a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
Synopsis: Toby's family is not an ordinary family.
They are magical, talented, and special.
Toby isn't any of those things. They only special thing he can do is pretty useless. Toby can talk with cats.
My review:
Having the magical ability to talk to cats doesn't seem like much, until Toby finds a magical cat named Katkin. With the help of Katkin and a magical bangle Toby hones in on his own magic during a tremulous experience.
Toby is kidnapped by Orsa - an insane woman who will stop at nothing to find Toby's mother who hasn't been seen or heard from in 10 years. Written in the first person and alternating veiwpoints between Toby and his friend Mia (leading a search with his family), readers are taken on an adventure.
My favorite parts of the book were the conversations with the cats, Toby's calm matter-of-fact impersonation of his dad, and the glimpse into Mia's family. I didn't like how over the top and rambling Orsa was in the way she spoke, for how clever she is the dialogue made her come of as a doltish character.
This was an exciting read that would be great for middle-grade youth who enjoy wizards & witches, magic, and (of course) cats.
*I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher, I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.*
They are magical, talented, and special.
Toby isn't any of those things. They only special thing he can do is pretty useless. Toby can talk with cats.
My review:
Having the magical ability to talk to cats doesn't seem like much, until Toby finds a magical cat named Katkin. With the help of Katkin and a magical bangle Toby hones in on his own magic during a tremulous experience.
Toby is kidnapped by Orsa - an insane woman who will stop at nothing to find Toby's mother who hasn't been seen or heard from in 10 years. Written in the first person and alternating veiwpoints between Toby and his friend Mia (leading a search with his family), readers are taken on an adventure.
My favorite parts of the book were the conversations with the cats, Toby's calm matter-of-fact impersonation of his dad, and the glimpse into Mia's family. I didn't like how over the top and rambling Orsa was in the way she spoke, for how clever she is the dialogue made her come of as a doltish character.
This was an exciting read that would be great for middle-grade youth who enjoy wizards & witches, magic, and (of course) cats.
*I received a free copy of this book from the Publisher, I'm leaving an honest review voluntarily.*
October 28, 2022
How to Survive Your Magical Family by Clare Rhoden is a little less about surviving your family and more about believing in oneself.
This book is filled with cats, family, friends, and magic. In How to Survive Your Magical Family, there are those with magic and those without (called "Flats"). Everyone in Toby's family has some kind of magical skill, except him. However, this isn't true because Toby can speak telepathically with cats (which is pretty darn cool!). In spite of that, no one really thinks of Toby as magical like the rest of his family. At some point in the story something bad happens to Toby, and while he is alone, away from his family, he finds his strength. He finds his magical skill.
Overall I found How to Survive Your Magical Family to be encouraging. If you need a pick-me-up as the weather turns dreary, give this story a try.
This book is filled with cats, family, friends, and magic. In How to Survive Your Magical Family, there are those with magic and those without (called "Flats"). Everyone in Toby's family has some kind of magical skill, except him. However, this isn't true because Toby can speak telepathically with cats (which is pretty darn cool!). In spite of that, no one really thinks of Toby as magical like the rest of his family. At some point in the story something bad happens to Toby, and while he is alone, away from his family, he finds his strength. He finds his magical skill.
Overall I found How to Survive Your Magical Family to be encouraging. If you need a pick-me-up as the weather turns dreary, give this story a try.
April 10, 2023
I liked this! It was a very cute story and I loved all the cats in it! Katkin was the best! You knew she had more information than she was letting on, but wanted him to figure things out on his own.
At times it was hard for me to follow, but that was probably because I was reading a majority of the story at work with distractions. Even with this problem, everything was wrapped up and explained at the end!
At times it was hard for me to follow, but that was probably because I was reading a majority of the story at work with distractions. Even with this problem, everything was wrapped up and explained at the end!
dnfed
October 14, 2022I am still currently reading this after being sent it by Odyssey Books in exchange for a review. I am enjoying it very much. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who enjoys Brandon Sanderson's "Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians" series. I am excited to see where it goes!
February 4, 2023
I am a judge for the 2022 Aurealis Awards. This review is my personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinators, or the Aurealis Awards management team.
September 10, 2023
TW// animal abuse
Toby is a Wizardling, and unlike his sister, who inherited a range of magical qualities from their father, Toby has inherited the ability to communicate and bond with all cats. Something he isn't exactly thrilled about, especially being more of a dog person. However, when Helen and Toby come across a black cat with a broken leg whose been left on the road, they both try to coax her and her kittens to the safety of their car. After managing to fix the kitten's leg with his magic, Tobias finds himself bonded to the black cat, Tenner. who lets him know there's still a kitten missing, he scours the area, but only comes across a bracelet with a bangle of a cat, but when he picks up the bracelet it turns into a tabby cat named Katerina, whose been missing for over 40 years. Tobias has unknowingly freed her from the strongest magic known to the world, a bad omen that only appears when something bad is about to happen.
'How to Survive Your Magical Family' is a cute, wholesome and whimsical story, that is just so magical and will make your heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Being able to have conversations with cats is like a dream to me, so I adored this story.
Tobias has been carrying a lot on his shoulders, from struggling to come to terms with his lack of magical abilities, and his mum leaving them, things feel suffocating and overwhelming. You can feel how anchoring his relationship with his sister is for him, someone who understands even to a small extent how he feels. However, he often feels distant from his father, especially when him and his sister talk about magic, it seems like it can be a really isolating and lonely situation to be in. Tobias is a very strong, and resilient young man, who despite his lack of magic, still has immense courage and bravery to face enemies head on, even if the odds aren't in his favour which was really inspiring to read.
Mia was also an interesting character thrown into the mix, as Tobias's best friend, she cares deeply for Tobias. She's an incredibly smart and intelligent young woman who exudes a brave and warming temperament, trying to navigate this world of magic whilst finding her best friend. She was a breathe of fresh air.
The story is very fast-paced, maybe sometimes a little too fast, it felt a little hard to grow attached to the characters, as there wasn't enough time to add complexity and depth to them. I also do wish there was more narrative with the cats. The plot has a lot of potential, I just think it would've added further context and understanding to the intricacies of the magic system if we'd had more interactions between Tobias and the cats, especially as they're so integral to the plot. However, there is a real wholesome and warming feel to the story, everyone rallies around each other, and the care and love they have for each other is palpable.
Overall, it's an easy, fast-paced and quick read, a wonderful little escape from reality. Definitely a great read to get you through a reading slump or a good gate-way story to get you back into reading. It's a story overflowing with love, magic, strong bonds, and talking cats, with a beautiful message about the powerful magic of a mother's love. It's whimsical with a child-like magic and wonder that will empower your inner child, to remind you of the power of having hope and child-like naivety in the darkest of times.
Toby is a Wizardling, and unlike his sister, who inherited a range of magical qualities from their father, Toby has inherited the ability to communicate and bond with all cats. Something he isn't exactly thrilled about, especially being more of a dog person. However, when Helen and Toby come across a black cat with a broken leg whose been left on the road, they both try to coax her and her kittens to the safety of their car. After managing to fix the kitten's leg with his magic, Tobias finds himself bonded to the black cat, Tenner. who lets him know there's still a kitten missing, he scours the area, but only comes across a bracelet with a bangle of a cat, but when he picks up the bracelet it turns into a tabby cat named Katerina, whose been missing for over 40 years. Tobias has unknowingly freed her from the strongest magic known to the world, a bad omen that only appears when something bad is about to happen.
'How to Survive Your Magical Family' is a cute, wholesome and whimsical story, that is just so magical and will make your heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Being able to have conversations with cats is like a dream to me, so I adored this story.
Tobias has been carrying a lot on his shoulders, from struggling to come to terms with his lack of magical abilities, and his mum leaving them, things feel suffocating and overwhelming. You can feel how anchoring his relationship with his sister is for him, someone who understands even to a small extent how he feels. However, he often feels distant from his father, especially when him and his sister talk about magic, it seems like it can be a really isolating and lonely situation to be in. Tobias is a very strong, and resilient young man, who despite his lack of magic, still has immense courage and bravery to face enemies head on, even if the odds aren't in his favour which was really inspiring to read.
Mia was also an interesting character thrown into the mix, as Tobias's best friend, she cares deeply for Tobias. She's an incredibly smart and intelligent young woman who exudes a brave and warming temperament, trying to navigate this world of magic whilst finding her best friend. She was a breathe of fresh air.
The story is very fast-paced, maybe sometimes a little too fast, it felt a little hard to grow attached to the characters, as there wasn't enough time to add complexity and depth to them. I also do wish there was more narrative with the cats. The plot has a lot of potential, I just think it would've added further context and understanding to the intricacies of the magic system if we'd had more interactions between Tobias and the cats, especially as they're so integral to the plot. However, there is a real wholesome and warming feel to the story, everyone rallies around each other, and the care and love they have for each other is palpable.
Overall, it's an easy, fast-paced and quick read, a wonderful little escape from reality. Definitely a great read to get you through a reading slump or a good gate-way story to get you back into reading. It's a story overflowing with love, magic, strong bonds, and talking cats, with a beautiful message about the powerful magic of a mother's love. It's whimsical with a child-like magic and wonder that will empower your inner child, to remind you of the power of having hope and child-like naivety in the darkest of times.
June 3, 2023
I don’t read many young adult fantasy novels but I’m glad I read this one.
Who could resist a magic family who live in a home filled with magical cats?
It begins with fourteen-year-old Toby who lives with his older sister, Helen, and his dad. Poor Toby is the only one in the family who does not seem to have any magical power beyond understanding cats. One night he and his sister find a cat and her litter of kittens. Toby also finds a silver bracelet. What he finds is not ordinary, as a mature cat called Katkin springs out ostensibly from the bracelet she’s been caught in for many years.
And so starts a series of events involving Toby’s kidnapping and the unfolding of secrets his family has kept from him. Stepping in is another character, Toby’s next-door neighbour, Mia who witnesses Toby’s kidnapping and gives chase.
The kidnapper, Orsa is pure evil as you'd expect but the crows and the cats are on the side of good as they help to try to free Toby. The big question is why has he been targeted.
The story is told from Toby’s as well as Mia’s points of view. It moves fast keeping the reader engaged wanting to turn the page to know more. Both of these characters were likeable but the one I loved the most was Katkin. Her story and her personality was quite endearing.
It’s also a coming of age story as Toby realises the importance of his place in his family and the power he truly has. It’s a delightful book. Could there be a sequel? With the ending, I suspect there might be.
Who could resist a magic family who live in a home filled with magical cats?
It begins with fourteen-year-old Toby who lives with his older sister, Helen, and his dad. Poor Toby is the only one in the family who does not seem to have any magical power beyond understanding cats. One night he and his sister find a cat and her litter of kittens. Toby also finds a silver bracelet. What he finds is not ordinary, as a mature cat called Katkin springs out ostensibly from the bracelet she’s been caught in for many years.
And so starts a series of events involving Toby’s kidnapping and the unfolding of secrets his family has kept from him. Stepping in is another character, Toby’s next-door neighbour, Mia who witnesses Toby’s kidnapping and gives chase.
The kidnapper, Orsa is pure evil as you'd expect but the crows and the cats are on the side of good as they help to try to free Toby. The big question is why has he been targeted.
The story is told from Toby’s as well as Mia’s points of view. It moves fast keeping the reader engaged wanting to turn the page to know more. Both of these characters were likeable but the one I loved the most was Katkin. Her story and her personality was quite endearing.
It’s also a coming of age story as Toby realises the importance of his place in his family and the power he truly has. It’s a delightful book. Could there be a sequel? With the ending, I suspect there might be.
October 7, 2022
A fun and entertaining read!
What a great story in How to Survive your Magical Family by Clare Rhoden. This is the first time I've read work from Rhoden before, and I've enjoyed it. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It's an embraceable story. Here, we meet Toby. Toby's family is magical, to say the very least, each with their own special talents. However, Toby doesn't think he is any of those things. He has no powers, well, he has one, he can have conversations with cats. This is a very exciting and entertaining story, and the reader is on a crazy journey with Toby and his best friend, Mia, and of course, all the cats they encounter. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This author is a great storyteller. If you love a great magic plus cats plus friendship book, read this one! How to Survive your Magical Family is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a great story in How to Survive your Magical Family by Clare Rhoden. This is the first time I've read work from Rhoden before, and I've enjoyed it. It is a very well-written plot, and I enjoyed it. It's an embraceable story. Here, we meet Toby. Toby's family is magical, to say the very least, each with their own special talents. However, Toby doesn't think he is any of those things. He has no powers, well, he has one, he can have conversations with cats. This is a very exciting and entertaining story, and the reader is on a crazy journey with Toby and his best friend, Mia, and of course, all the cats they encounter. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This author is a great storyteller. If you love a great magic plus cats plus friendship book, read this one! How to Survive your Magical Family is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
September 5, 2023
Everything you need in a story is between the pages of 'How to Survive Your Magical Family'. Magic, cats, adventure, wizards, witches, and mystery. Add an eclectic family and some brilliant whimsical world building by author Clare Rhoden, and you have an entertaining and exciting read.
Middle graders will love this tale of Toby's very ordinary (!) magical skill that lets him converse with cats. Not so special in his highly talented family, but that's only the beginning. The cats take this story to a whole new level (of course). While I admit to being a cat person, it was refreshing to read cats being on the side of the good guys for a change.
The story skips along with the adventure and cleverly weaves in grief and loss, empathy for villains and real family interactions as Toby learns how to survive and thrive.
A wonderful read.
Middle graders will love this tale of Toby's very ordinary (!) magical skill that lets him converse with cats. Not so special in his highly talented family, but that's only the beginning. The cats take this story to a whole new level (of course). While I admit to being a cat person, it was refreshing to read cats being on the side of the good guys for a change.
The story skips along with the adventure and cleverly weaves in grief and loss, empathy for villains and real family interactions as Toby learns how to survive and thrive.
A wonderful read.
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