Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

Canthany Rising by Kenneth Bliss opens right after mankind's fall, shifting the spotlight to the animals of Eden. We follow T’alla, an ordinary cat, who suddenly transforms into a bipedal, talking exile on a bizarre new world. She isn't alone either; six fellow creatures share her banishment. Her new party features a protective dog named M’Kar, a powerful bear named J'gral, a swift hare named K’rillis, a sharp fox named Fillia, a hesitant squirrel named Bikicus, and a fiercely independent lizard named Ziss. They become an unlikely team thrown together into the unknown. They are quickly thrust into a reality governed by role-playing game mechanics, like health points and character progression tiers. To make matters worse, a dangerous fallen angel, Ashtoreth, arrives to claim dominion over them all. T'alla must figure out how to master her new physical form, process unfamiliar human emotions, and get this fractured group of animals to work together. But can a former house cat actually step up to become the leader her companions need to survive this hostile world?

Canthany Rising by Kenneth Bliss is a Christian LitRPG fantasy book that captures the overwhelming shock of transitioning from an innocent animal into a creature capable of human error. I found myself deeply invested in the sheer psychological shock T'alla experiences as she inherits a bipedal body along with an entirely new emotional spectrum filled with anxiety and grief. Bliss does a remarkable job of illustrating that internal change in T'alla; she isn't just learning to swing a staff, she is actively fighting the urge to drop to all fours and sprint away from her problems. The camaraderie that builds among the exiles is completely real because it grows directly out of mutual survival, not just friendship. It felt deeply rewarding to watch this ragtag group stop acting like natural predators and prey. Instead, they are slowly learning to combine their unique awareness and new skills to become a united front. The author’s voice shines brightest when showing how leadership is an agonizing, selfless burden, not just a position of power. I really enjoyed reading this creative take on spiritual warfare and personal growth—and I think you will too. Very highly recommended.