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Pat Frayne, award-winning children's author is the creator of Topaz the Conjure Cat Books. Topaz, a large cat endowed with unique paranormal abilities, lives in a magical kingdom filled with wonder and peril. It's a land inhabited by fairies, elves, and other mystical beings. These fast-paced adventure fantasies are enjoyed by parents, grandparents, and children alike. Retired from a long career in nursing, Frayne devotes herself to her passion for writing and creating new adventures for Topaz and his companions. Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone is the second book in the series. However, because each book is a complete adventure, readers my begin reading any book in the series first.
Frayne's grandchildren are her greatest inspiration for writing. Her love of nature is another powerful influence. A native of Pennsylvania, Frayne now lives in a small town in Arizona with her husband, Ron. Besides writing, her favorite pastimes are long walks, reading, movies, and spying on the local wildlife.
Reviewed by Deepak Menon for Readers' Favorite
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.
