Showing posts with label Basil the Bionic cat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basil the Bionic cat. Show all posts

Friday 17 November 2023

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #257 featuring **A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series** by Michael Atamanov **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews Banner ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Hello meautiful library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and this week, I was just trying to get a really cute selfie of myself when this happened! MOL

Amber's Book Reviews #257 ©BionicBasil® Amber's Selfie Fail

Fudge made me jump and this was the result! Oh dear, better luck next week! 

Anyhoo let's look at this week's top book pick.

Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. I always turn up the volume when ___________________________ comes on.
2. I change the radio station when ______________________________comes on.
3. Once I finish _________ I can _________.
4. _________ is a tradition I always follow.

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

1. I always turn up the volume when the '90s and early 2000s dance/rave music comes on.

2. I change the radio station when '60s music comes on.

3. Once I finish Claws of Terror I can start The Purrminator; this is the story of how Melvyn arrived at BBHQ.

4. The 12 Days of Christmas for decorations is a tradition I always follow.

Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

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

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week's top book pick is...

Amber's Book Reviews #257 ©BionicBasil® _ A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1) LitRPG Series by Michael Atamanov
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series

by 

 Michael Atamanov 

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

When our protagonist Andrei discovers that his girlfriend has cheated on him, he finds himself with an unexpected choice to make: a quick death, or a new life in another world he knows absolutely nothing about. Andrei chooses life, and sets off alongside his pet, a ginger cat with a limp, for a primeval world fraught with danger. The trouble is… who is whose pet becomes entirely unclear; the man’s consciousness is split between both creatures, and the little cat gets a far greater share of intelligence and wit than his hulking master. What do you do as a weak little kitty? Abandon the clumsy human who always seems to get into trouble, go in search of a new master?

Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®

I discovered a new genre for me: LitRPG aka Literary Role Playing Game, which is a hybrid style of story combining sci-fi/fantasy and video game playing.

This week I had the pleasure of reading A Cat and His Human: LitRPG Series by Michael Atamanov, the first book in the League of Losers series. From the very first page, I was immediately drawn into the vivid and imaginative world that Atamanov had created. The plot was nothing short of furbulous following the story of a young man named Andrei who then takes on the game name of Sergeant when he becomes trapped in a virtual reality game. As Sergeant navigates the treacherous world of the game, he has an unlikely ally - a talking cat called Whiskers who is also trapped in the game. The dynamic between Sergeant and the cat was truly unique, and their relationship was one of the highlights of this book. But I won't spoil the plot for mew as it is quite quirky. The characters were incredibly well-developed. Sergeant was a protagonist that I couldn't help but root for, and his journey throughout the book was filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. However, it was the cat who really stole the show. His quick wit and sarcastic commentary were simply hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud at many of his one-liners. The world-building in A Cat and His Human was simply superb. Atamanov's attention to detail was evident in every chapter, from the gaming mechanics to the various settings within the game. The author did an excellent job of creating a vibrant and detailed virtual world that felt incredibly real. Overall, A Cat and His Human was an absolutely fantastic read that left me wanting to find out more. I would highly recommend this book to anypawdy who enjoys LitRPGs, cats or anyone who is simply looking for an engaging and entertaining read.

If mew have Kindle Unlimited, this title and the next two in the series are available within your subscription. I listened to the Audible version and thought the narration was brilliant.

Another Totally Top Paw Read!

Paperback:  406 pages
Audio: 11 hours 51 mins
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Ratings Scale
Amber's Rating Scale Orange ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Ratings of:

A Cat and His Human 

Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Rating Scale ©BionicBasil® 5 Paws

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

I always look forward to your company as I share a specially paw-picked book just for my epic readers!

Don't forget if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday 10 November 2023

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #256 featuring **Moments Musicaux with Marchena and Momo** by Lindsay Donat **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews Banner ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Hello meautiful library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and this week I've just been taking it easy. Mew know being 21 is quite the challenge, I sleep even more than I did, and I didn't think that was possible!  I miss the litter tray more often than not, and I yowl at completely random times just to keep things interesting and exciting, but that aside I don't think I'm doing so bad for 21! MOL

Amber's Book Reviews #256 ©BionicBasil® Amber Asking For Snacks

The P.A. keeps coming and checking on me while I'm sleeping, as apparently, I sleep so deeply, sometimes she's not sure if I'm still breathing, that is until I take in a great big snorting, gobbling breath and sound like an ancient tractor on cold start! MOL Oh, and did I mention my hearing isn't what it was, which I find a complete blessing, especially when Parlsey realises I found his credit card and have gone on a little book shopping spree! MOL

Anyhoo let's look at this week's top book pick.

Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. I never know ___________________________.
2. I know I should _____________________________, but I don’t want to.
3. Is it strange that I enjoy _________?
4. _________ is my least favourite chore to do.

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

1. I never know what I'm going to make for the Crafting with Cats posts until I head into the craft room, and then it just all unfolds from there. Occasionally what I start out making doesn't work and I have to go back to the drawing board, but that's ok, it keeps life interesting.

2. I know I should learn lots of stuff, but I don’t want to. Not right now, maybe later.

3. Is it strange that I enjoy multiple hobbies? I don't think it is, but some do. I think it's nice to have many interests as when you do the same one thing all the time, for me it gets boring, if you have a varied selection of things to choose from, nothing gets boring, well that's my philosophy! LOL

4. Emptying the dishwasher is my least favourite chore to do. I really hate emptying the dishwasher, don't ask me why but I find it particularly loathsome and irritating, another thing I don't like is window cleaning, I do it under duress, but at the moment I am unable to do so because I damaged my right collar bone and shoulder last month moving a really heavy sofa. So at least I've escaped window duties for another few weeks! LOL

Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

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

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week's top book pick is...

Amber's Book Reviews #256 ©BionicBasil® Moments Musicaux with Marchena and Momo by Lindsay Donat
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Moments Musicaux with Marchena and Momo: 

A picture book with bass and clarinet accompaniment 


by 

Lindsay Donat

       Here's the book blurb:      

In this whimsical tale, two New York City apartment cats discover the importance of collaboration with a little help from some wise pigeons and a mean cockroach.

A link inside leads to recordings of original compositions performed by Juilliard graduates Raphael Zimmerman (clarinet) and Lindsay Donat (double bass). This multimedia experience is a great way for young readers and beginner / future musicians to engage with classical music and to understand themes useful for learning an instrument, such as teamwork and confidence.

Marchena is a silly, rambunctious cat who loves to show off his ability to jump up high in the air. Momo is a posh, cool and collected cat who is a bit jealous of Marchena's talent. However, when The Flying Cockroach invades the apartment, they must find a way to work together.


Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
**Firstly I have to let mew all know that I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review**

Wow, this is my very first book with a bass and clarinet accompaniment, and what FUN! 

Not only does this book have a supurr cute story about friendship and working together, it is filled with the most ameowzing colour illustrations featuring Marchena and Momo the cats, but mew have the extra option to also go to YouTube and read along, AND listen to the music.

Seriously, this book is genius, and every cat-loving child should have a copy. Classical mewsic and cats go paw in paw, and what better way to introduce a new mewsic medium to younger readers, such an epic idea!

This book would make a great gift for any occasion, I can't recommend it enough, I loved it!

And here's a fun fact about me, that mew don't know: I must admit I am a fan of classical mewsic and often play Strauss or Bach in the library.

Another Totally Top Paw Read & Mewsical Experience!


Thank mew so much to the author, Lindsay Donat, for sending me a copy, I will find a very special place in the Mewton-Clawson library to display it.

Hardback: 30 pages
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Ratings Scale
Amber's Rating Scale Orange ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Ratings of:

Moments Musicaux with Marchena and Momo


Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Rating Scale ©BionicBasil® 5 Paws

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

I always look forward to your company as I share a specially paw-picked book just for my epic readers!

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday 3 November 2023

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #255 featuring **Snowball's Chance in Hex** by Samantha Silver **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins **AND** The Winner of My Birthday Giveaway!

Amber's Book Reviews Banner ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Hello meautiful library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and this week I'm feeling much better post pawty, well it was a big birthday which deserved a big celebration! MOL 

Thank mew all for joining me and Pandora, and let's announce the winner of the giveaway in a moment.

But first, I must say that I'm really enjoying snuggling in the sitting room this week!  

Amber's Book Reviews #255 ©BionicBasil® Amber's Snuggly Selfie

The winner of Amber and Pandora's Birthday Giveaway 

Drumroll purrlease...
And the winner drawn out of the hat* is:


WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

MANY CONCATULATIONS!

If mew can email us your snail mail address at your earliest convenience, that would be epic. 

deardrbasil @ gmail . com

Thank mew to everypawdy else who entered, and don't wurry if mew didn't win this time; there'll be more giveaways in the New Year so stay tuned.

*And just in case mew're wondering how we pick the winner, we type the full list of names from the blog post and Instagram post, then paste them into the random name picker at www.miniwebtool.com, and it automatically picks the winner.

Anyhoo let's look at this week's top book pick.

Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. My November to-do list includes ______________________ and ______________________.
2. I was busy doing _________________________ 20 years ago.
3. _________ is a challenge I often face.
4. I’m proud to say that I overcame _________.

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

1. My November to-do list includes leaf raking, garden tidying and (hopefully) writing the brand new B Team Adventure, Claws of Terror. It has been five years since I wrote a B Team Adventure, as until last week every time I tried (and there have been many, many attempts) it was as if I was facing a huge block - the loss of Basil literally destroyed me inside - without my muse, the dude himself, who would sit on my desk in his in-tray and inspire these stories I have been lost. Yet something shifted last Thursday while I was writing last week's fill-ins, and before I knew it, I had Chapter One done. Which I hope you all enjoyed, and don't panic, Chapter Two is finished, and Chapter Three is underway.

2. I was busy doing pretty much the same as I am today 20 years ago. My life hasn't changed that much, other than getting older, stupid accidents and adding blog writing to my repertoire! LOL 

3. Apathy is a challenge I often face. But I think that's more of a 'time of life' thing with post-menopause. Oh, the joys of mid-life that no one warns you about!

4. I’m proud to say that I overcame most of my falls injuries, although some days I still get twinges in my back, neck and hips. But overall, it's all good.

Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

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

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week's top book pick is...

Amber's Book Reviews #255 ©BionicBasil® Cursing Up A Storm by Samantha Silver
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Snowball's Chance in Hex


Witches Murder Club ~ Book 2

by 

Samantha Silver

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

When bodies start popping up in Golden Hope, Storm Bancroft has a feeling something is wrong. Sure, they’ve been labelled accidents, but a witch has her intuition, and Storm trusts hers. Getting the Witches Murder Club back together, the group begins to investigate and quickly finds that Storm is probably right. These aren’t accidents. They’re murders.

With no chance of getting any help from the police, Storm and her friends set about investigating on their own. But Storm has other questions that need answering. Questions about her past. And as she spends more time with Logan, she starts wondering about her future, too.

Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week I just finished reading Snowball's Chance in Hex by Samantha Silver, and my regular library visitors will know that I've read quite a few of this authors' books already.

Cursing Up A Storm ~ Book 1 Witches Murder Club


This is the second installment in the Witches Murder Club series, and it's a well-crafted blend of mystery, magic, and feline fun that kept me turning those pages. From the very first page, I was drawn into the charming and magical world of Golden Hope, a small town filled with secrets and supernatural happenings.

The best character for me was Jay, (obviously! MOL) the feline companion of the lead character Storm Bancroft. Jay's role in the story was most necessary, as without a cat, mew know I won't read it! MOL

Storm herself was a good protagonist with her magical abilities and unwavering determination, making her a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, the other characters in the book were equally well-developed, each with their own unique personalities that added significant depth to the story.
 
The pacing of the book was spot on, with the plot unfolding at a steady and engaging tempo that kept me reading. The setting of the story, a small town called Golden Hope, is filled with secrets and occasional supernatural happenings. 

Snowball's Chance in Hex is a lighthearted cozy mystery, a little cliched in one or places, though nothing that detracts from the overall enjoyment. I can't wait to read the book three in the series and find out what happens next!  And the really great news is there are 8 books so far, therefore plenty to keep me going, as mew know I love a long series! MOl

Also, if mew have Kindle Unlimited this book is included in your memfurship. Although I will add, that I did prefer the narration on this one, I had the Kindle copy, and it offered me an audio version at a discount price, so I got that too, and the audio is the way to go for sure! MOL

Another Top Paw Read!


Paperback: 157 pages
Audio: 5 hours 10 mins
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Ratings Scale
Amber's Rating Scale Orange ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Ratings of:

Snowball's Chance in Hex

Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Rating Scale ©BionicBasil® 5 Paws

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

I always look forward to your company as I share a specially paw-picked book just for my epic readers!

Don't forget if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com