First Realm

by Susan Kite

TB is barely grown, smart-alecky, and full of energy in this prequel to Realms of the Cat. He has survived living on the streets, escaped an owl attack, and endured his human’s baby doll dresses, but when his dog-pals, Butch and Spencer, are kidnapped, TB doesn’t hesitate to jump to their rescue. He is horrified when he realizes the kidnappers are dog fighters. They plan on using Butch to fight, Spencer for practice, and TB as bait for the other dogs! Can he figure out a way for all of them to escape? And how will they get back home if they do escape?

189 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2022

About the author

I was an Army brat; which means I grew up everywhere. Didn't begin to settle down until my dad did. I earned two degrees at Utah State University, began dabbling in writing. However, I didn't get serious until my kids were grown. Now it is a contagious disease I don't want cured!
I retired after working as a librarian for 35 years, mostly in Tennessee. I live with my terrific husband and am owned by an opinionated chiweenie-terrier and two manic black cats in Yukon, OK near some of my grandkids.

Reviews

[Tilmer Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

With First Realm, author Susan Kite fills in the backstory for the heroic black cat, TB. We learn a lot about where TB came from, and the harrowing adventure that almost ended his story before it began. You don’t need to know anything about Kite’s other work to get into this story. It’s an origin story, after all, and it moves swiftly, urging the reader to turn the next page, and the next page, and the next, until the story is complete. It’s a book intended for young readers, but it’s a fun read for all ages. The animal characters (cats, dogs, squirrels, possums, etc.) are fleshed out nicely. They each have distinctive personalities that make them real. Bad humans and animals are bad. Good humans and animals are good. Bad things happen. Good things happen. It’s a nice balance that keeps the tension at just the right level to push the story along at a brisk pace. The arc of the story is well-crafted. Kite is a gifted writer who knows how to construct a cohesive and compelling story, whether it is aimed at a young audience (like this book) or adults (like some of her other books). It’s very rare to find an author with a range like Kite’s. I can highly recommend this book to anyone with a youthful reader in their family. If you are new to Susan Kite, don’t stop with this book. Look at her entire body of work. You will soon find that she can provide wonderful additions to the bookshelves of everyone in your family.

[Leoma Gilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this delightful prequel to Realms of the Cat, we find that TB’s life has not been an easy one. Even though he found a forever home, nothing is simple for this adventurous cat. The story is told with drama and humor. The lessons of loyalty and friendship with those different from oneself are clear. It takes discernment to know who to trust and courage to stand with friends who are undergoing difficulties. This is a wonderful book for children and adults.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful read that has just the right amount of action and adventure to keep you turning the pages. This book is sure to please anyone who loves animals.

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

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

TB is alive and well living the city street cat life in his new realm when he learns about realms and past lives and that some cats are given other lives after death. He is informed that his human from his past life is in danger and given the task to save her. After he accepts the task he learns he was tricked and now he not only must save his human from his past life he also will have to save all the dogs in the realm she is taken to when she is kidnapped.