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Dragoncat #3
A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom: 5x8 Paperback Edition
Once again, the cat must save the day ...
Ben who rides dragons is twice a hero. He's defeated all kinds of demons and learned how to transform into a chimera. That's powerful stuff for a mere cat.
Oh, how proud his ancestors would be if they saw him today.
Turns out he's far too powerful for Astravar, the mighty warlock and Ben's nemesis, who can't stand the thought of being defeated by a mere moggie. To make matters worse, Astravar has allied with the other warlocks and together they have a plan to destroy the kingdom.
Obviously, when the warlocks attack, everyone's going to turn to the mighty Dragoncat for help. That's the problem with being a hero. When threats loom on the horizon, everyone expects said hero to step up to the plate and save the day.
Alas, war involves giving up a lot of home comforts, and Ben doesn't like that one bit.
A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom is the third book in a much loved series of adventures, where not only humans befriend dragons, but cats too.
Ben who rides dragons is twice a hero. He's defeated all kinds of demons and learned how to transform into a chimera. That's powerful stuff for a mere cat.
Oh, how proud his ancestors would be if they saw him today.
Turns out he's far too powerful for Astravar, the mighty warlock and Ben's nemesis, who can't stand the thought of being defeated by a mere moggie. To make matters worse, Astravar has allied with the other warlocks and together they have a plan to destroy the kingdom.
Obviously, when the warlocks attack, everyone's going to turn to the mighty Dragoncat for help. That's the problem with being a hero. When threats loom on the horizon, everyone expects said hero to step up to the plate and save the day.
Alas, war involves giving up a lot of home comforts, and Ben doesn't like that one bit.
A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom is the third book in a much loved series of adventures, where not only humans befriend dragons, but cats too.
282 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2021
84 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Chris Behrsin
33 books57 followersWhen Chris Behrsin isn’t out exploring the world, he’s behind a keyboard writing tales of dragons and magical lands. He was born into the genre through a steady diet of Terry Pratchett. His fiction fuses a love for fantasy and whimsical plots with philosophy and voyages into the worlds of dreams.
Visit www.chrisbehrsin.com to learn more about him and to download a free novel.
Visit www.chrisbehrsin.com to learn more about him and to download a free novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 23, 2021
Ben, the mighty Bengal is back to save the kingdom! Does he bumble and fumble? Certainly! This is Ben that we are talking about. Does he rely heavily on his friends? Absolutely! Has he learned important lessons? Well, maybe....
This book was back to the fun of the first book and was quite enjoyable! It's a cute series and definitely worth your time if you love cats, admire dragons, and enjoy fantasy! At times it is dark but well done with bits of humor mixed in to lighten the murky purple atmosphere.
This book was back to the fun of the first book and was quite enjoyable! It's a cute series and definitely worth your time if you love cats, admire dragons, and enjoy fantasy! At times it is dark but well done with bits of humor mixed in to lighten the murky purple atmosphere.
August 7, 2021
I was granted eARC access to A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom via the author's ARC team mailing list in exchange for an honest review. Thank you once again, Chris Behrsin! I'm happy to keep reviewing your books and I'm sorry other stuff got in the way of reading this one before pub day.
We're jumping right back into the action with Bengie and the gang and it's time for the ultimate showdown. A prince who thinks he knows best has arrived at the academy and he wants Bengie and Salanraja to go off alone to fetch Bengie's prophecied staff and continue on to finally defeat Astravar. His friends aren't having it, of course, and Bengie sets off on his latest perilous adventure with a bunch of now-fugitive friends at his side.
This book absolutely feels like the culmination of a larger story arc, as I believe it's meant to, but also sets up a new plotline for future novels in this world. I'm so happy and excited about that, because these books have been so much fun!
There's a lot of great character development among Bengie's friends in this one and we start to get glimpses of who these young people and creatures are growing up to be. We get a lot more lore and worldbuilding, too, and learn a lot more about dark magic. My favourite sections were time spent in the ghost realm and any scene with a conversation between Bengie and Tara.
The reason this one isn't a full 5 stars like the previous two books for me is because in the latter third of the book I noticed myself thinking we'd reached the end, felt a nice wrap-up plateau unfolding, and then something else happened and off we went again. I wouldn't say I was disappointed that the story kept going because I never want to be done with these books, but I started to feel a bit toyed with and stopped trusting everything that felt like an ending, so much so that when the book actually ended I actually sat and listened to Kindle's text to speech read out the thank you to readers at the end as well, just to be sure.
If you like clean, absurdist humour in your fantasy novels, this series is absolutely for you! Don't start here, though. Go back to the prequel novella or book one and enjoy them in order!
We're jumping right back into the action with Bengie and the gang and it's time for the ultimate showdown. A prince who thinks he knows best has arrived at the academy and he wants Bengie and Salanraja to go off alone to fetch Bengie's prophecied staff and continue on to finally defeat Astravar. His friends aren't having it, of course, and Bengie sets off on his latest perilous adventure with a bunch of now-fugitive friends at his side.
This book absolutely feels like the culmination of a larger story arc, as I believe it's meant to, but also sets up a new plotline for future novels in this world. I'm so happy and excited about that, because these books have been so much fun!
There's a lot of great character development among Bengie's friends in this one and we start to get glimpses of who these young people and creatures are growing up to be. We get a lot more lore and worldbuilding, too, and learn a lot more about dark magic. My favourite sections were time spent in the ghost realm and any scene with a conversation between Bengie and Tara.
The reason this one isn't a full 5 stars like the previous two books for me is because in the latter third of the book I noticed myself thinking we'd reached the end, felt a nice wrap-up plateau unfolding, and then something else happened and off we went again. I wouldn't say I was disappointed that the story kept going because I never want to be done with these books, but I started to feel a bit toyed with and stopped trusting everything that felt like an ending, so much so that when the book actually ended I actually sat and listened to Kindle's text to speech read out the thank you to readers at the end as well, just to be sure.
If you like clean, absurdist humour in your fantasy novels, this series is absolutely for you! Don't start here, though. Go back to the prequel novella or book one and enjoy them in order!
August 12, 2021
The author has a truly twisted imagination. How did he mix Daniel Potter's Familiars, Bianca D'arc's Dragon Knights and Chris Nuttall's "Schooled in Magic" series and come up with something coherent, let alone original? I was already reeling with the notion of a domestic talking cat (cue Diane Duane's cat wizards) but making said cat a bonded dragonrider? Eeek! On top of his casting, the author also gives us a scrambling, rollicking quest worthy of Harry Potter with all the adolescent angst that students growing up (this includes the cat) are prone to indulge in in the course of said quest. If you want something epically fantastical without being serious yet with serious elements for a teen reader, you may want to point that teen to this book. Your teen might end up learning something about life by accident while laughing his or her head off.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2021
The conclusion of a witty series about a “earth” cat who is transported to another planet. He is able to
communicate with humans and other cats and a dragon through a crystal. He and other dragon riders prepare for the last battle against a evil sorcerer.
This is a fun series as we “see” Ben is one egotistical cat who has adventures aplenty in leading up to this last battle.
I recommend this series to all those who enjoy fantasy adventures with talking cats and dragons. Ben still needs to learn humility and perhaps later on he will but for now it’s still in the future as he is prophesied to be victorious against the dark mage.
This is a great escape from the every day trials we all face. It’s just nice to let our minds be swept away into a world where we can hear talking cats and dragons.
I look forward to hearing more of them in the future!
communicate with humans and other cats and a dragon through a crystal. He and other dragon riders prepare for the last battle against a evil sorcerer.
This is a fun series as we “see” Ben is one egotistical cat who has adventures aplenty in leading up to this last battle.
I recommend this series to all those who enjoy fantasy adventures with talking cats and dragons. Ben still needs to learn humility and perhaps later on he will but for now it’s still in the future as he is prophesied to be victorious against the dark mage.
This is a great escape from the every day trials we all face. It’s just nice to let our minds be swept away into a world where we can hear talking cats and dragons.
I look forward to hearing more of them in the future!
October 19, 2024
*
*
*
Audiobook
Story: C+, Narration: C+
Well, this was an improvement over the first two books, but only marginally. It was so predictable and squandered almost all its opportunities to be something special. For a few minutes, I thought we were heading into the direction of Ben showing real growth...but, no. His treatment of his dragon was inexcusable. He was bonded with a freaking dragon and he was consistently dismissive and casually cruel towards her. Actually, no one showed real growth. Even when the battle was won, I really couldn't bring myself to care. About any of it. And the "twist" at the end was anything but. Seems like more books are planned, but I'm not in, even if they are offered for free.
The narration was better, but it occurred to me that was primarily due to fewer appearances by evel mage Alcazar. The voicing for that character was terrible and his absence a plus.
Borrowed for free from Audible.
*
*
Audiobook
Story: C+, Narration: C+
Well, this was an improvement over the first two books, but only marginally. It was so predictable and squandered almost all its opportunities to be something special. For a few minutes, I thought we were heading into the direction of Ben showing real growth...but, no. His treatment of his dragon was inexcusable. He was bonded with a freaking dragon and he was consistently dismissive and casually cruel towards her. Actually, no one showed real growth. Even when the battle was won, I really couldn't bring myself to care. About any of it. And the "twist" at the end was anything but. Seems like more books are planned, but I'm not in, even if they are offered for free.
The narration was better, but it occurred to me that was primarily due to fewer appearances by evel mage Alcazar. The voicing for that character was terrible and his absence a plus.
Borrowed for free from Audible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2023
Chris Behrsin has written a very creative book. The world building is unique, the characters are fun, the story has many twists and turns, and there is some humor. This is the third book in the series, and I've enjoyed and been entertained by each of the three books. I recommend this book and the series to everyone who loves this genre. I read an ARC copy of this book, and I am happy to post this review.
January 6, 2023
I received a copy of this book at no charge & am leaving an honest review.
You won't run into the experience I did, but reviewer's copies had the wrong book title; so I read this before book 2, but still enjoyed it. You as a reader who purchased the book(s) will NOT have that experience unless you choose to.
Ben the Cat keeps getting more powerful & more entertaining! I'm usually not real into action, but each of these I've read has been better than the previous book.
Apparently (I suspect this is addressed in book 2), Ben the cat who was forcibly brought to this magical universe by an evil wizard) is prophesized to kill the wizard. Will he? Lots of obstacles & the only way to find out it read (no spoilers here!) Like the previous books, this is told solely from the cat's pov. And man, this putty has got a lot of adapting to do!
Learning magic (he has very powerful magic, as it turns out), riding his emotionally bonded dragon, learning to live with his favorite treat (Salmon), & learning a very different lifestyle than what our pampered putties are used to on earth. Oh.. & he falls in love with a Fae turned Putty cat!
All this & more is to be found in this entertaining read.
Now for me, on to book #2!
You won't run into the experience I did, but reviewer's copies had the wrong book title; so I read this before book 2, but still enjoyed it. You as a reader who purchased the book(s) will NOT have that experience unless you choose to.
Ben the Cat keeps getting more powerful & more entertaining! I'm usually not real into action, but each of these I've read has been better than the previous book.
Apparently (I suspect this is addressed in book 2), Ben the cat who was forcibly brought to this magical universe by an evil wizard) is prophesized to kill the wizard. Will he? Lots of obstacles & the only way to find out it read (no spoilers here!) Like the previous books, this is told solely from the cat's pov. And man, this putty has got a lot of adapting to do!
Learning magic (he has very powerful magic, as it turns out), riding his emotionally bonded dragon, learning to live with his favorite treat (Salmon), & learning a very different lifestyle than what our pampered putties are used to on earth. Oh.. & he falls in love with a Fae turned Putty cat!
All this & more is to be found in this entertaining read.
Now for me, on to book #2!
October 10, 2021
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Behrsin has done it again with "A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom: Dragoncat, Book 3". I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As usual the author's world building is richly imagined and easily draws the reader in. The character development by Behrsin is top drawer.
Behrsin does a fine job of balancing humour, drama, and darker themes in the book.
The twist the author put at the end was a surprise to me.
Some questions:
Q: Can Ben gain his staff?
Q: Can Ben overcome being so self centred?
Q: Can Ben defeat Astravar as his crystal foretells?
A: Grab this delightful book and find out!
I look forward to editing and reading/reviewing Dragoncat Book 4.
In the interest of transparency, I was given a copy of this book to edit and review.
I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
Behrsin has done it again with "A Cat's Guide to Saving the Kingdom: Dragoncat, Book 3". I thoroughly enjoyed it.
As usual the author's world building is richly imagined and easily draws the reader in. The character development by Behrsin is top drawer.
Behrsin does a fine job of balancing humour, drama, and darker themes in the book.
The twist the author put at the end was a surprise to me.
Some questions:
Q: Can Ben gain his staff?
Q: Can Ben overcome being so self centred?
Q: Can Ben defeat Astravar as his crystal foretells?
A: Grab this delightful book and find out!
I look forward to editing and reading/reviewing Dragoncat Book 4.
In the interest of transparency, I was given a copy of this book to edit and review.
I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
September 24, 2024
I was happy to receive an ARC of the 3rd part of the Dragoncat series, and even happier to read that Ben the Bengal cat is still a cat through and through. No matter that everyone expects him to continue being a hero and to go on and save the kingdom, Ben is still interested in food (salmon, mostly), sleep and chasing butterflies. He's insulted when his bonded dragon, Salanraja, teases him that he's becoming human, and he can't understand why anyone would wish to be anything other than a cat. Ben is convinced that "cats should enjoy nothing but lives of comfort", but the warlock Astravar is threatening not just the kingdom but also his friends, and so Ben will do his best to live up to his reputation. The best part - we're promised we haven't heard the last of Ben. Yay!
July 5, 2021
This is a cute story. All the characters are well done and the world building is impressive. It is a very exciting, quick read, with lots of action and questing. The magic system is really unique (really, there's no way a cat can carry around a staff, but the author has a very cool fix for that). Clean read for pre-teens. It is a stand-alone; I have not read the first two books. That alone is impressive - that I never felt lost or wondered what had happened in previous books. There's just enough information given that it makes complete sense.
July 8, 2021
A great finish of this Trilogy!
All the twists and turns Ben must go throughout together his much coveted Staff keeps the adventure going to the end. And what an end! Chris Behrsin has written a really enjoyable (Fairy Tale?) which I really loved reading. He's filled his books wt a great collection of characters, both lovable, and not so much. Enough adventure for anyone, and sprinkled throughout words of wisdom which Ben just does not fully get. Oh well, he gets enough -- eventually. I'm happy to see there will be another Ben trilogy sometime in the future.
All the twists and turns Ben must go throughout together his much coveted Staff keeps the adventure going to the end. And what an end! Chris Behrsin has written a really enjoyable (Fairy Tale?) which I really loved reading. He's filled his books wt a great collection of characters, both lovable, and not so much. Enough adventure for anyone, and sprinkled throughout words of wisdom which Ben just does not fully get. Oh well, he gets enough -- eventually. I'm happy to see there will be another Ben trilogy sometime in the future.
May 10, 2022
It was a good book, and I did enjoy it. The biggest problem I felt was the character development. Bengie, the main character, seemed the same cat as he was in the first book. There was very little character development.
There was also the scene where they were having "visions." This felt like nothing more than filler and could have been removed from the book and not really change anything. It did nothing to move the story forward and I felt it only served to slow it down.
Beyond that, it was still a good book, and I did enjoy it.
There was also the scene where they were having "visions." This felt like nothing more than filler and could have been removed from the book and not really change anything. It did nothing to move the story forward and I felt it only served to slow it down.
Beyond that, it was still a good book, and I did enjoy it.
April 4, 2023
Oh, Ben,
Ben the Bengal cat continues his adventures in a land far away ( really far, like the next dimension over) from his South Wales home and the tasty salmon that he often enjoyed for supper. Here he’s not just Ben the pampered house cat but he’s also Dragoncat, a dragon bonded dragon rider and magic user. If only he could stay awake during the lessons.
The story is so well written that it is hard to put down. It’s one of those books that might be written for younger readers but it’s just as fun for older readers too.
Ben the Bengal cat continues his adventures in a land far away ( really far, like the next dimension over) from his South Wales home and the tasty salmon that he often enjoyed for supper. Here he’s not just Ben the pampered house cat but he’s also Dragoncat, a dragon bonded dragon rider and magic user. If only he could stay awake during the lessons.
The story is so well written that it is hard to put down. It’s one of those books that might be written for younger readers but it’s just as fun for older readers too.
May 10, 2022
Still a good read, but...
So far I have I have enjoyed this series. There has been good twist and turns, some development of the other characters, and an interesting ending. However, I can see myself getting tired of the main character. Yes I know he is a cat. But, the constant me, me, me attitude is starting to wear thin. I would hope that there would be more of a change (development) of his personality. One can only hope for the sake of the series.
So far I have I have enjoyed this series. There has been good twist and turns, some development of the other characters, and an interesting ending. However, I can see myself getting tired of the main character. Yes I know he is a cat. But, the constant me, me, me attitude is starting to wear thin. I would hope that there would be more of a change (development) of his personality. One can only hope for the sake of the series.
June 29, 2021
Follow along on Ben’s adventures … will he live up to the prophecies about the Dragoncat? Will he finally get his staff and learn how to use magic, so he can defeat Astravar? Is the final battle coming soon? He has a lot to overcome …. Including his appetite! I received a free copy of this book with no obligation.
July 5, 2021
Ben the cat gets more that he bargains from the beginning...
On the final book of this trilogy Ben the reluctant accidental cat who enters a world of dragons and warlocks come to terms of become a hero and achieving his goal. A funny story full of adventures that made me enjoy it from the start till the end. If you enjoyed the Secicao Blight stories you'll enjoy this one too....
On the final book of this trilogy Ben the reluctant accidental cat who enters a world of dragons and warlocks come to terms of become a hero and achieving his goal. A funny story full of adventures that made me enjoy it from the start till the end. If you enjoyed the Secicao Blight stories you'll enjoy this one too....
July 6, 2021
This book tells how the cute and brave Bengal cat, Ben, gets the staff with which he is destined to defeat the evil wizard, Astravar. I like this book because there is no sex, cursing, or explicit violence. This is is a fun and exciting read that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Looking forward to more adventures of Ben in the future.
July 28, 2021
The end of a trilogy told by a cat
I liked this trilogy a great deal. My biggest complaint would have been that it didn’t really feel like a totally satisfactory end … if I hadn’t read the epilogue. More is to come - we may even find out if Ben can repeat the salmon trick, so he can be really happy.
I’m very much looking forward to it.
I liked this trilogy a great deal. My biggest complaint would have been that it didn’t really feel like a totally satisfactory end … if I hadn’t read the epilogue. More is to come - we may even find out if Ben can repeat the salmon trick, so he can be really happy.
I’m very much looking forward to it.
August 27, 2021
This is a fun book. Lots of magic going on. Tons of dragons and evil Warlocks. And the best is Ben the cat. It's well written and fun. No sexual content but it does have magical fighting. I recommend it for all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series
I have read all 3 of the books now in the series they were very enjoyable. A real page Turner from the very beginning the story is told from the view of Bengie the cat. There are dragons and warlocks who are very evil and lots of other magical creatures. Very good characters very good story line and pace.
I have read all 3 of the books now in the series they were very enjoyable. A real page Turner from the very beginning the story is told from the view of Bengie the cat. There are dragons and warlocks who are very evil and lots of other magical creatures. Very good characters very good story line and pace.
February 15, 2022
Conclusion of trilogy
Ben and his friends go to great lengths to recover his staff and he learns a lot about himself along the way. The Academy prepares for the upcoming battle against Astrovar and the dark war locks and their minions and Ben finally is ready to fulfill his destiny.
Ben and his friends go to great lengths to recover his staff and he learns a lot about himself along the way. The Academy prepares for the upcoming battle against Astrovar and the dark war locks and their minions and Ben finally is ready to fulfill his destiny.
September 20, 2024
Was an interesting series but I became extremely bored with this book and the series in general. Benji has no growth and no other character had any detectable growth. At least any that could cause me to go further. I have decided that this would be the last book I would read in the series. So, a DNF to the series.
September 7, 2021
Fabulous
Chris Behrsin created a world that is completely engrossing. As a cat lover I was amazed how well the cat was depicted. He is a true cat. This series is well e your time. It will help you escape the world for a while and enter a world of fun and adventure.
Chris Behrsin created a world that is completely engrossing. As a cat lover I was amazed how well the cat was depicted. He is a true cat. This series is well e your time. It will help you escape the world for a while and enter a world of fun and adventure.
May 17, 2022
Another great adventure with the Dragoncat!
This may be a series targeting a younger reader, however it was extremely well thought out and enjoyable for any age group. Can't wait for the next instalment.
This may be a series targeting a younger reader, however it was extremely well thought out and enjoyable for any age group. Can't wait for the next instalment.
January 24, 2024
A Fitting "End"
Ben has a twisting route to gain his magical staff and is, finally, starting to realize that having friends watching your back is a good thing. I really don't care for Prince Arran now. Hope he gets what's coming to him.
Ben has a twisting route to gain his magical staff and is, finally, starting to realize that having friends watching your back is a good thing. I really don't care for Prince Arran now. Hope he gets what's coming to him.
April 6, 2024
What a fantastic addition to the series.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is twisty, convoluted, and intense. The world building is superb. I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are wonderful, quirky, and evolving. The plot is twisty, convoluted, and intense. The world building is superb. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 1, 2021
Fun series
Just finished reading the entire series. What a fun read! The author perfectly captured the cat and its thoughts. Dragons, cats and wizards...a perfect book combination!
Just finished reading the entire series. What a fun read! The author perfectly captured the cat and its thoughts. Dragons, cats and wizards...a perfect book combination!
July 1, 2021
A satisfying conclusion to this fantasy adventure trilogy. The end sets up a subsequent trilogy.
August 7, 2021
🎱
🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🏋🏻♀️ 🎽 🛷 🪃 🥍 🍴
🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🥊 🏋🏻♀️ 🎽 🛷 🪃 🥍 🍴
December 12, 2021
Brilliant
It certainly closed the story up well and you were kept on your toes with all the twists and turns in the series, can't wait for the next series to come
It certainly closed the story up well and you were kept on your toes with all the twists and turns in the series, can't wait for the next series to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews