Published: May 26, 2011
Words: 52,588 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9780983705406

Short description

In the wrong hands, some books can be dangerous—and some libraries can be positively deadly. A small town library cat and newly appointed Guardian of an ancient mystical book finds otherworldly creatures roaming through the stacks after hours. The young tabby is ill-prepared for the daunting task of safekeeping the magical book of power—as well as the very heart and soul of the library.

Extended description

Cicero, the old library cat is more than he seems -- an elder Guardian charged with protecting an ancient book of power. Buried in a secret chamber, the book is a magnet for attracting the wrong kind of attention. Painfully aware his days are numbered, Cicero is troubled by the fact that he has found no successor.

Marco, a house cat alone in the world for the first time, finds refuge in the public library, a suitable home for an orange tabby gifted with the ability to read. But an unlimited amount of reading time is not young Marco's destiny.

You might think this is just a story about cats, but it's really a story about power. The attraction, addiction and abuse of power. (Read more) Cicero, the old library cat is more than he seems -- an elder Guardian charged with protecting an ancient book of power. Buried in a secret chamber, the book is a magnet for attracting the wrong kind of attention. Painfully aware his days are numbered, Cicero is troubled by the fact that he has found no successor.

Marco, a house cat alone in the world for the first time, finds refuge in the public library, a suitable home for an orange tabby gifted with the ability to read. But an unlimited amount of reading time is not young Marco's destiny.

You might think this is just a story about cats, but it's really a story about power. The attraction, addiction and abuse of power.
It's also about the power of words and ideas.

Conveying these serious themes is a loosely organized fellowship of cats, a magical book, an evil professor, angelic creatures, mythological demons, a hyperactive ferret, and three gangster raccoons.

With the burning of the legendary Library of Alexandria as the story's point of departure, Guardian Cats offers a fictionalized version of this tragic event. Escaping with a bagful of books and an armful of cats, the last librarian places each book in a safe haven… with a cat to guard it.

Guardian Cats, a historical fantasy, can be read on several levels. For ages 9 to adult.

Both entertaining and thought provoking, the story deals with very human concerns about loyalty, courage, and the overwhelming odds against becoming a hero.
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Tags

animals, magic, cats, supernatural, magical, allegory, magical realism, childrens books, historical fantasy, middle grade, childrens fantasy, library, libraries, magical adventure, magical beings, cat fantasy, bibliophile, magical creatures, magical world, rahma krambo, books about books

Available ebook reading formats

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Online Reading (HTML, good for sampling in web browser)	Buy	View sample
Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps)	Buy	Download sample
Epub (Apple iPad/iBooks, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others)	Buy	Download sample
PDF (good for reading on PC, or for home printing)	Buy	No sample available
LRF (Use only for older model Sony Readers that don't support .epub)	Buy	Download sample
Palm Doc (PDB) (for Palm reading devices)	Buy	Download sample

Videos

Book Trailer | Guardian Cats
In the wrong hands, some books can be dangerous—and some libraries can be positively deadly.

Reviews

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Review by: Jemima Pett on March 22, 2012 :
Marco is a cat. And one day Marco discovers he can read. After a devastating change to his home circumstances he leaves, finding his way to the Angel Springs library and meeting Cicero and the rest of the Dead Cats Society. The world Cicero introduces him to leads him to his destiny, but not until after he experiences ancient history through the wonder of time portals and learns enough magic to fight off an evil villain.

There are stories within stories in this book, and I got a wee bit confused about where an early snapshot fitted into the otherwise excellent narrative. Then the whole tale came together into a rocketing roller-coaster of a read that I could no longer put down. I loved the images of Alexandria, so vivid I could almost smell the gardens. An excellent concept and one that I'm sure will be enjoyed by kids of all ages who love books. Liking cats is entirely optional, but you need to be open to sentience in animals.

Looking forward to the next book.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Jennifer Baum on May 31, 2011 :
If you like fantasy adventure stories, this book is for you! Great for the Middle Grade reader or older (adults who like the genre will love it, too). Awesome themes and lessons. Couldn't put it down!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: Jonathan Saville on May 28, 2011 :
A great tale about a cat! Cats are obviously more than they seem, and in this story it turns out that they guard secrets in libraries. I really enjoyed the read and for those that enjoy a good fantasy I would recommend it.
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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