**FRIDAY FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #315 featuring **Onyx Storm** by Rebecca Yarros **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins + Photo Fails Blog Hop **Starring Parsley**

Hello furbulous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and just before mew dive into this week's post, just look what I found in the BBHQ Photo Archive. All the way from April 7th 2007, like eons ago, but don't I look so cute and utterly furbulous?

Anyhoo, I know that mew're all waiting for the next installment in the Prudence saga. If mew weren't here last week, click here to catch up on all the gossip.

So, last week, in a brief recap, Prudence headed off Down Under to go pursue a sheep farmer from Woolmaroo called Bonza. Now, Bonza has actually lured her there to save poor Melvyn from her rather evil mittens, and they are truly evil mittens, I'm not making it up.

Erin gave me an update the other night at our weekly Zoom Bridge Game, and apparently, Prudence arrived in OZ and hastily made her way to Woolmaroo by train, where, upon arriving, Bonza had gone off on a walkabout with a flock of sheep.

Thereby leaving Prudence at the empty sheep station with two of the farm hands, who are now placating her while she acclimatises to the inferno heat. They have given her a room above the wool shed, so she's being well looked after.

And then Hissy Furrton came into the library yesterday, and she'd just bumped into Clawdia Von Meowson and Melody Fluffworth at the Nip and Nom Tea Shoppe between Mewton-Clawson and Fuskerton.

"Mew'll never believe what I just heard!" Hissy said as she barged into the library, carrying two cups of lavender catnip tea and two rather large slices of Marjorie Tufts' epic chocolate brownies with catnip sprinkles.

"What?" I replied as I continued to stamp books.

"Is there anywhere a little more private," Hissy whispered conspiratorially. 

"Just give me a minute to process these returns, and we'll go to my private reading room," I said.

Hissy wandered off down the 'F' aisle, and I waved Oswald over to me. "Oswald sweetie, can mew take over the library desk for me while I go and have a quick word with Hissy?"

The chief library mouse nodded. "Sure thing, Amber. I'll get Chedds to come and help me, if that's ok?"

"Of course," I replied. " And don't forget to add a few extra cheese cubes to your wages for the day as my way of saying thank mew."

"Mew are the best boss ever!" Oswald beamed as he tapped his radio and said. "Chedds, please can mew come to the front desk."

I wandered off down aisle F and found Hissy holding a new book called Feline Furbulousness in Five Foolproof Steps by Furrlista Pawter ex-supurr-meowdel.

"Oh my, I think I'll have to borrow this later," Hissy grinned. "At my age, I need all the help I can get!"

I nodded, took the book from her, placed it in her basket and headed for my private reading room, closing the door once Hissy was inside.

"Now then," I smirked. "What's the gossip on the street?"

Hissy sat down on my plush velvet sofa and placed the drinks and brownies on the low table in front of us.

Passing me one of the drinks, I flipped the lid off and took a sip as Hissy gathered her rampaging thoughts, corralled them and put them in order. "Well, I couldn't believe my ears at the Nip and Nom just now," she began. "Clawdia and Melody are horrified!"

I broke a piece of the brownie off and popped the chocolaty deliciousness in my mouth, savouring the explosion of flavours.

"It seems that Prudence arrived at the sheep station and that hunky ozzie man cat had gone on a walkabout," Hissy said. "And the worse thing was, she'd only missed him by a day. Apparently, it's an annual thing and happens every year!"

"Oh dear," I replied. Obviously, I couldn't let on that Erin and I had come up with this rather devious plan.

"Yes, and the farm hands don't know how long he will be," Hissy added. "And when Prudence asked what the duration of the walkabout was, the reply she got from Buzz the chief shearer was. How long is a piece of string?"

"Oh my!" I feigned mock horror. "That's not good."

"No," Hissy said, taking a sip of her lavender catnip tea.

"What's Prudence going to do now?" I enquired, stuffing more brownie into my mouth.

"Well, Clawdia told Prudence to come home immediately."

"And?"

"Prudence said no, because she will look stupid chasing halfway around the world for love."

"Oh my!" I replied, trying to keep my face as neutral as possible.

"Then Melody said fluff what anypawdy thinks, just come home."

"And what happened next?" I asked, silently praying that she wasn't going to come back and make a play for young Melvyn again. His therapy bills were costing me a fortune!

"Clawdia then said that Prudence had seen a flyer on the train advertising a dating cruise for senior cats, called This Ship has Sailed, Last Chance Dating Extravaganza. Which is leaving Cairns in about a week, and Prudence has booked a ticket for the three-week dating pageant with the proviso that if mew don't meet your true love onboard, there's a full refund!"

"No way!" I breathed a sigh of relief as I reached down the side of the sofa and pulled my iPaw tablet out. Quickly typing in Mewgle's search engine, I discovered the cruise. It was at the top of the page and offered guaranteed true love to all those onboard.

"WOW! It says, Create cat-tastic connections in far-flung foreign climes, get lost in love and find your twin flame or your money back. That's how confident we are at Feline Forchoone Furbulously Flashy Vacations!" I chuckled as I clicked through the link and began to read. "It also says the ship is called Furr-tastic Flurrtations, and it looks pretty plush. It says here that all travellers need to have a full medical before boarding and that full travel insurance for the duration of the trip can be offered at an extra cost just in case of piracy, abductions or any other hostile event which may occur while they cruise around the seas. Oh, and further insurance is required in case of unforeseen weather anomalies, being washed overboard and subsequent retrieval by local authorities to get mew back onboard the ship. Or if they are out at sea, retrieval by onboard staff."

"That doesn't sound good," Hissy said, taking a bite of her brownie.

"Sounds fluffing dangerous to me," I replied, taking a sip of my tea. Then added. "But it sounds purrfect for Prudence; may she have the time of her life!"

Hissy and I clinked our cups together and toasted Prudence bon voyage, all the while I was thinking, I can't wait to tell Erin! MOL

So that's this week's update: Melvyn is still free, and I'm praying that Prudence finds true love on the cruise. I'll update mew more next week.

Anyhoo, let's dive into this week's post.

 

The P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. I like to pretend _____________________.

2. Why anyone wants to _________________ is beyond me?

3. I have a lot in common with _________.

4. I tend to be optimistic about _________ but pessimistic when it comes to _________.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. I like to pretend the world I create at BBHQ is real when I'm writing the adventure stories. I see all the action and events unfolding in my mind's eye like a movie as I'm writing. It's great fun! LOL

2. Why anyone wants to participate in adrenanlin rush sports is beyond me? I'm more of a feet firmly on the ground type of person; the thoughts of bungy jumping and the like, fills my mind with visions of snapped bungy cords, failing parachutes and a very swift plummet to solid ground etc... each to their own, and if that is what floats your boat I'm thrilled for you, it's just not for me.

3. I have a lot in common with anyone who loves cats as much as I do, and I know many of you visit BBHQ very regularly, and I can't thank you enough! Have I told you lately how epically epic you all are? Yes, readers here at BBHQ are officially EPICALLY EPIC! 

4. I tend to be optimistic about life in general but pessimistic when it comes to reading about world events. I try to minimise and limit my exposure to bad news or news in general.

As it's the last Friday of the month, we're also joining in the furbulous...

Do stop by Mudpie's supurr meowvellous blog at www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com to join in.

Parsley couldn't take the pace way back in 2018 when we'd just harvested the catnip crop. 

This photo does make us laugh, and laugh and laugh!

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Onyx Storm

Empyrean Book Three

by 

Rebecca Yarros

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Today, as it's Fiction on Friday, it's my NON-CAT book choice of the month.

Mew may remember back in November I reviewed Fourth Wing by Recca Yarros, and I must admit I was so smitten with it, so much so, that I got my own fluffing dragon, yep it's true. His name is Maximus Inferno the Sixth, but I just call him M.I.6. for short.

We make a great team! MOL

If mew want to see the epically epic video of my dragon riding and lightning wielding skills, I've got the proof! MOL

Check it out on your favourite social media channel:

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

I reviewed book two, Iron Flame, at the end of last month, so if mew missed it, click here to catch up.

Anhoo let's finish the series so far...

If mew're looking for a book that combines thrilling battles, heart-wrenching secrets, and a dash of dragon magic, then look no further than Onyx Storm! This third installment in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros is an absolute whirlwind, and believe me when I say, it will have mew gripping the edge of your seat from the very first page! Violet Sorrengail has come a long way from her days of struggling through lessons at Basgiath War College. With the battle horns blaring and enemies appearing from every shadow, our fierce heroine is thrust into a world where trust is a luxury and danger lurks in the most familiar faces. Talk about being thrown into the deep end! But Violet is no ordinary protagonist; she’s got strength, quick wit, and a determination that could rival the fiercest of dragons—quite literally, as she’s out to save her beloved dragons, family, and, of course, that certain someone special. As Violet sets off on her journey beyond the Aretian wards, the story spins an enchanting tale of courage and resilience. The vivid landscapes of unfamiliar lands bring an exciting freshness to the narrative, and the stakes literally increase with every wing beat. We’re treated to an array of new characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, and just when mew think mew have it all figured out, a curveball comes hurtling your way. Violet’s quest for allies isn’t just a physical journey; it’s also an emotional rollercoaster that challenges her beliefs and convictions. Plus, let’s not forget the pulsating magic that flows throughout the story, adding layers of intrigue and excitement! Onyx Storm is a must-read for anypawdy who loves a good fantasy filled with action, secrets, and enough heart-stopping moments to keep mew flipping pages long into the night.

A Totally Top Paw Read!

The only downside is that we've got a long wait for book four to arrive!

Paperback:  544 pages

Audio:  23 hours 52 minutes

My Rating Scale

Ratings of:

Onyx Storm

Overall Enjoyment

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday          

I really hope mew enjoy the book if mew choose to read it.

It's time for me to say BFN or bye-for-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just for mew, and don't forget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

**THE PURRMINATOR** **A BRAND NEW B TEAM ADVENTURE FOR 2025** **CHAPTER TWENTY**

The Purrminator is an action-packed experience that takes mew on a journey through a world of perilous danger with oodles of excitement, though sometimes in a scary way. With depictions of spine-tingling encounters, the story draws mew in, making mew feel as though mew are right there with young Melvyn, fighting for survival as he's relentlessly hunted by the evil cyborg machines, known as Purrminators, as he tries to find his Great Uncle Basil through time and space. Oh my Cod, will he make it?

HOLD ON TIGHT, GUYS; THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE WILD, FLUFFING ADVENTURE!!!

If mew missed the start of this brand-new adventure, click the links below:

Chapter One    Chapter Two    Chapter Three     Chapter Four     Chapter Five

 Chapter Six     Chapter Seven     Chapter Eight      Chapter Nine     Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven      Chapter Twelve     Chapter Thirteen      Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen     Chapter Sixteen     Chapter Seventeen     Chapter Eighteen     Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Tea and Biscuits

            Titan and Havoc sat watching the necro in the crate. Melvyn was safe inside the pretty cottage, with Vera 5.0 keeping him company while Nitro and Viper patrolled the inside of the small property as they waited for their squad mates to reappear.

The whine of the charging blaster pierced the air, and the necro screamed as he squirmed inside the tiny box.

“How long until Bomber and everyone else returns?” Titan asked.

Havoc checked his chronosync and said. “We’ve got about twelve minutes left.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. We should have passed on that cup of tea; then we’d have more time,” Titan replied as he kicked the crate with steel-toed boots.

“Yeah, but that cup of tea was something else!” Havoc laughed. "And we haven't really had anything in days. And I get sick of those ration packets; it's like drinking sludge and eating cardboard. "

“True,” Titan smirked. “Are we ready, then?”

“Very much so,” Havoc said, aiming his blaster at the crate. Something caught his eye, and he glanced at the cottage and saw Nitro waving through the window. “Wait a minute. I think Nitro needs something.”

They walked across the pretty garden, and Viper swung the front door open and stepped into the little rose-covered porch. He was holding a tray. “Guys, I found some stuff in the kitchen cupboards,” he grinned. “These are biscuits, actual biscuits. Do you want to try some?”

“Fluff me,” Titan said, looking at the plate piled high with all manner of sweet perfection, and he took three. “Do you even need to ask? We are starving.”

Havoc took four, and then Nitro appeared, grabbed a pawful and headed back inside to share them with Melvyn.

“These are the best!” Viper said, stuffing a Custard Cream, followed by a Bourbon, a Jammie Dodger, and then a Chocolate Digestive into his mouth and chomping noisily.

“Oh My COD!” Nitro beamed. “I’ve never tasted anything like it. Are there more?”

Viper nodded as he stuffed a Fruit Shortcake in his mouth. “I think we need some more tea. I read that dunking biscuits in tea is like the next level. Hold the plate; I’ll be right back!”

Titan and Havoc weren't going to miss out on anything and promptly followed Viper into the tiny cottage and straight into the kitchen. A cream AGA sat in a stone nook, and Viper placed a kettle on the hotplate.

A few minutes later, the kettle whistled for a second time, and Viper poured boiling water into the bright red teapot again. The three cats continued to look in the cupboards as the tea brewed, and they found a veritable stash of biscuits and snacks.

Placing several of the unopened packets into his rucksack, Viper then scribbled a thank you note on a small pad on the kitchen counter and left a small clear crystal with the letter. “That should cover any costs,” he murmured, then said. “Right. Who wants tea with biscuits?”

            In the garden, the necro was going berserk. The confinement of the anti-magic crate was beyond debilitating. The crate was leaching the magic from his very soul; the longer he stayed in there, the weaker he became. And as the technology made it impossible for him to use his magic, he was well and truly stuffed.

Then, through the small barred window, he spied movement in the long grass. Somebody was watching him.

“Hey,” he whisper-hissed. “Come here and let me out, and I’ll give you this pretty jewel.” He dangled the red crystal at the barred window; the suns rays hit the jewel, and red beams of light shot everywhere.

The long grass swished, and he heard footsteps running away.

“Don’t worry, when I get out of here, I’ll find you and suck your soul dry!” he spat, and then he saw something else, something he’d been praying for, and he laughed louder and louder.

            Commander Basil drove back to BBHQ like a cat out of hell. He screeched into the courtyard, gravel flying everywhere, abandoned the hummer and ran to the T.T.T.B.

“Astrid!” he called as he opened the T.T.T.B. door and darted inside.

Rushing to the console in the centre of the vast space, he opened the piece of paper with the coordinates on and started to input the figures. “Astrid!” he shouted. “Wake the fluff up, this is an emergency!”

A few more seconds of silence followed, and Commander Basil was losing patience fast.

“Commander Basil,” Astrid’s voice suddenly trilled joyfully through the comms system. “How lovely to see today, and most unexpected, I might add!”

“Astrid, activate jump procedure. We have to get my nephew, stat.”

There was another brief silence, and then Astrid said. “Nephew, but you don’t have any living relatives. How is that possible?”

Commander Basil sucked in a gulp of air and replied. “Long story short. He’s from a different timeline, one where my sister survived, and he’s in terrible danger. We have to go and get him now.”

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Astrid chirped. “Hit that red button!”

            Bomber and Shadow ran as fast as they could across the meadow towards the woodland between Fuskerton and Mewton-Clawson. Arriving back at the T.T.T.B., they piled inside and were relieved to find Ice and Smoke waiting for them with Astrid 7.0.

“How did it go?” Smoke asked.

Still trying to catch their breath, Bomber and Shadow gave the paws up signal, then Bomber pointed at the console and the red button, gasping. “Let’s go!”

“It’s on you magnificent Maine Coons!” Astrid 7.0 chuckled and smacked her paw down on the red button. "Here we go, hold onto your tails!"

            Commander Basil hit the red button. The T.T.T.B.’s central fusion core rose up and down, blue light crackled, and the Time Travelling Telephone Box disappeared.

Next, he headed to a cupboard just off the T.T.T.B. bridge and grabbed two Uzis a bag full of clips and then he spied one of Humphrey’s miniaturising ray guns and slipped it into his front pocket.

An exceedingly hinky feeling started creeping all over his body, making his fur twitch in all manner of disconcerting ways. He knew this feeling so well. He’d experienced it so many times before, right when all hell and fluff were about to break loose, and not in a good way.

“Astrid, I’m not sure what I’m walking into, but be prepared for an emergency exit. Input the home coordinates for ten minutes after we just left,” he calmly instructed. “Keep your scanners on, and let me know about anything that doesn’t look, seem, or appear correct. My headset is on comms channel three.”

“On it, Commander,” Astrid replied cheerily. “We are landing in three, two, one. Hold on to your weapons; it might be bumpy!”

The T.T.T.B. landed with a thwump. “Scanning immediate vicinity,” she said efficiently. “Hold steady, Commander. Don’t open the door just yet, as another T.T.T.B. has just materialised right next to us.”

“Astrid, they’re the dudes from the future who’ve been helping Melvyn stay alive. They’re on our side.”

“Thank Cod for that!” Astrid quipped. “There’s a lot of muscle and hunky man cats emerging out of the door!” She then mumbled something incoherent, and the centre console glowed a soft shade of embarrassment red.

“What was that?” Commander Basil asked as he gripped the door handle.

“Oh, nothing,” Astrid rambled.

Basil knew what she meant, and he smirked just a little bit. The T.T.T.B. A.I. was getting more sentient and self-aware every day.

Gathering herself together and realigning her circuits, Astrid said. “Commander, it’s all clear. You’re good to go. And I’ll be right here waiting to evac you on your imminent return. Now go get your nephew.”

Pushing the door open, Commander Basil stepped into the rear garden of a pretty cottage.

He scanned the garden, spied the unusual crate sitting on the lawn, and then the screaming began.

**AND CUT**

Guys, mew know how we roll; so many apologies once again for cutting it right there.

If mew would like to read Chapter Twenty-One, let us know in the comments. And if luck is on our side, we may get the next chapter ready for Caturday... maybe... MOL

Don't forget to check out yesterday's pawesome book review.

In the meantime...

Wing Commander Basil & The B Team 

Click Here to go to Chapter 21 - LINK COMING LATER

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All characters, people, places, and names of businesses are fictitious, and any resemblance to real people, alive or dead, is purely coincidental. 

 

Graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

The Purrminator character created with Ai Arta