Book Series · 4 Books

The Familiars Books

In order from The Familiars to Palace of Dreams.

Aldwyn the cat joins a blue jay and tree frog as magical animal companions whose quests decide the fate of their young wizards and the queendom of Vastia.

Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated August 13, 2026

Reading order

How to Read The Familiars Books

Read The Familiars, Secrets of the Crown, Circle of Heroes, and Palace of Dreams in numbered order. The heroes' powers, friendships, enemies, and the consequences of each quest continue from one book to the next.

Sources: Adam Jay Epstein's official book archive, Official Palace of Dreams page.

For parents

What Parents Should Know

Talking animal heroes and jokes make the series inviting, but the fantasy stakes are substantial. The books include kidnapped young wizards, curses, imprisonment, magical battles, dangerous creatures, an undead animal army, and threats to both children and animals.

The central animals are sometimes underestimated because of their species or backgrounds. Their loyalty, complementary strengths, and willingness to protect one another carry the series through its darker confrontations.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$674

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

The Familiars

By Adam Jay Epstein, Andrew Jacobson

A street cat must save young wizards from an evil queen using wit and newfound magic.

360 pages· 58,528 words· Est. 8 hour read

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Aldwyn, a clever alley cat, finds himself chosen as a wizard's familiar, thrusting him into a world of magic. To survive, he must convince his fellow familiars, Skylar the blue jay and Gilbert the tree frog, of his supposed powers. But when their wizard companions are captured by a malevolent queen, Aldwyn's street smarts and courage are put to the ultimate test. Can this unlikely hero rescue his new friends and prove his worth in a world where magic and danger intertwine? Adventure awaits in this enchanting tale of bravery and friendship.

In reading order