Review
Reviewed by Deepak Menon for Readers' Favorite May 2, 2017
Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone begins with the last of the Conjure Cats, Topaz, taking the oath to succeed his friend, the King of Knownotten. Knownotten is a wonderful fantasy land inhabited by a variety of unforgettable beings. There are Elves, Fawns, Raccoons, Gnomes, Witches, Ogres and many more wondrous creatures never even imagined before, who exist in strange lands around Knownotten - like the North Fortress, the land named Strang, and others. A most kind and noble Great Horned Owl named Otis is a close friend of the chief protagonist, Topaz the Conjure Cat, and his small group of special friends. One morning, when Dooley the Raccoon visits Otis, the owl reveals that he has suddenly become blind. Topaz and his friends immediately guide him down from the tree and, building a cart, they set off to the North Castle where Gnomes with healing powers live. The journey is not only arduous, it is beset with great dangers. Nothing on the way is what it may seem to be. The little group has no idea what terrible dangers will threaten them en route. Without spoilers, I can say no more than that Pat Frayne has added new dimensions to the traditional fairy tales and this book is an unforgettable read.
The formatting of the book is excellent. The cover of the book is very attractive to young as well as older readers. The flow of the story is excellent, despite the numerous scenarios it negotiates and the variety of creatures that emerge from time to time. The book length seems just right to me and I personally feel that I too will sit one day and read this book out to my grandchildren as and when they come to brighten our lives. I am asking my grown children to get a copy for themselves too. Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone: Tales of Topaz the Conjure Cat is not a book to be ignored, because it also has a wonderful current of goodness and nobility running through it which will surely strengthen the characters of young readers. A 5-star read and recommended for the bookshelf in a reader's living room.
Review from Cat CHAT Blog: December 16, 2012
It isn't often that a book that is geared to those who are ages 8-12 would captivate me and have me enthralled, engrossed as well as enchanted, from Page One. Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone by Pat Frayne accomplished this feat and then some!
I learned in short order that it is book isn't just for ages 8-12. It is for parents, grandparents, children and Anyone who enjoys mystical fantasy and adventure!
AnglesareforKidsandFurKids
This was an absolutely fantastic continuation of the adventures of Topaz! I love, love, loved it!!! It was just as fast paced and packed full of adventures as the first one and more. The characters were just as lovable and wonderful as the last book too. Some of them continued to grow and develop in this book and new characters came along too, to add even more to the story. The underlying message in the book is great too. This is a genuinely cute and wholesome read.
This ebook which is aimed at the age group 8 to about 12 is in fact perfectly enjoyable for adults too, as we discovered on reading it (and I am about as adult as you can get at 70 years of age!).
This ebook is written with a calm mastery of storytelling by Pat Frayne and is told in such a manner that all the various characters, both good and evil are totally believable, and her descriptions of landscapes is superb - even the evil witch ends up being an individual one can feel affection for surprisingly enough.
Tony ebookanoid.com
From the Author
I love writing about my hero, Topaz, the Yellow Conjure Cat, and I was looking forward to creating another adventure. In fact, I had already promised my granddaughter, Caitlin that I would have it finished by Christmas, our next visit. But, shortly after I began to write it I developed writers block. My idea just didn't seem to be working. Feeling discouraged, I put the story aside. A day or two later I received a note in the mail from Cait. It was one paragraph. Cait had typed it out on her mom's computer and posted it to me herself. She wanted to know if I would write a story about the situation she had described in her short letter, and she had added a new character, a fawn, named Daisy. And that's how the second book began. Cait was age nine at the time.
From the Back Cover
About the Series:
These cleverly woven and original tales of a mystical cat, his friends, and the magical land they live in will truly captivate anyone who loves mystical stories of high adventure. The reader is drawn into the amazing Kingdom of Knownotten and introduced to unforgettable characters. The classic fight of good vs. evil is waged in a world inhabited by Fairies, Elves, Gnomes, wizards and talking animals. All of these creatures coexist in a complex and beautiful land of peril and wonder. The author has crafted a truly well-rounded and enchanting story, rich with suspense, humor and tenderness.
About the Author
Pat Frayne, grandmother, writer, and retired registered nurse, lives in a small town in Arizona with her husband, Ron and their black lab, Charlie. The inspiration for this story, and the character, Daisy, came from their nine year old granddaughter, Caitlin. Pat and Cait alike share a love for cats and fairies and all things fantasy.
