Eye of the Moonrat

The Bowl of Souls, Book 1

By: Trevor H. Cooley

Narrated by: James Foster

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Justan was raised on the outskirts of the Dremaldrian Battle Academy. He watched his father ascend the ranks within the academy to become one of the most respected warriors in the kingdom. The only thing he has ever wanted is to become an academy student and follow the path of his father. Unfortunately, only the best can enter the academy and Justan is a horrible fighter. Everyone tells him that he is more suited to scholarly work than swordplay. In desperation he hurls himself into training, eager to overcome the doubters and walk into the academy triumphant, unaware that secretive powers plot to disrupt his plans.

Meanwhile, an evil wizard of immense power is using magic to twist the bodies of the creatures of the land and transform them into monsters. With these creatures and the peoples of the wilds, he is building an army . . .

Ogres and dragons, warriors and wizards are destined to clash, their fates guided by The Bowl of Souls.

©2012-2014 Trevor H. Cooley (P)2014 Trevor H. Cooley

one hell of an opening novel!

Wow....the first chapter or 2 took a while to get going but then it just blasted off from there. I love mr. Cooley's interpretation of sword and sorcery in his novels. There are some elements of Dragonlance, King Arthur and his round table Knights but what an amazing amalgamation of the two. Very well done by the narrator and author.

Don't let the title fool you!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. The title "Eye of the Moonrat" was originally somewhat off putting to me. I'm glad I jumped into this series!

What about James Foster’s performance did you like?

James Foster brings this novel to life. All the characters have interesting accents and dialect that suck you right into the world.

Great start to a series

I love books that draw me in from the beginning and I fall right into their world and forget all the previous books on my mind. This is one of those books. There are a lot of different characters that you follow, many of them non-human, and I am looking forward to seeing how they all get tied together.

The lead character, although likeable and interesting, makes pretty stupid decisions throughout the book. Of course it always turns out ok in the end. Sometimes I enjoy listening to books that are more YA in that sense, so I'm ok with it.

I am starting book 2 right now!

Entertaining story, well paced

This is my first book by Trevor Cooley and was not disappointed. Justan, our young protagonist, deals with the typical angst of the young and untried within this genre. While somewhat predictable, it is a fun story nonetheless. I enjoyed the parallel story lines of three different characters and their exploits knowing at some point their paths must cross. They don't in this book but with the really bad wizard raising an army of really really bad creatures, I am pretty sure they must eventually join forces. How Justan deals with adversity and gains friends during these trials is well done if not heart warming at times. Definitely geared towards YA but a fun read for all ages. Look forward to continuing with the Book of Souls series.

1st person four star

Any additional comments?

I lost interest at book 6 and did not like the change of the protagonist.

A Welcome Addition to the Genre

Any additional comments?

A wonderfully entertaining book.

The most short review is for people who have read both Harry Potter and Name of the Wind. If you are one of those people, this book's setting, characters, and plot are somewhere between those two.

If not, then this is a very creative albeit simply written book. I very much recommend it to just about anyone, but the reason I can't give it a five star rating is because the writing style is just too simple. It isn't a YA book, or even an adult book, more an all ages book, so that can't be used as an excuse. The foreshadowing, mystery laying, and plot device beginnings have all the subtlety of a one hundred pound sledgehammer in a house of mirrors.

That aside, you are presented with a simultaneously egotistical and humble protagonist that has a charismatic pull to him. He goes from just being a smart guy to having serious combat skills in your typical middle ages fantasy setting. These newly earned skills are logically developed. Seriously, if you do something under a master for one year straight and nothing else, you're going to get really good.

Other than that he has these mysterious overpowered powers that are a conflict in and of themselves and come up from time to time. Additionally Cooley, subverts so many of the typical tropes I've come to expect in this type of book. And the ones that he plays straight are done in such a manner that it is just enjoyable to read.

I will continue to read the series, and hope that his writing style becomes more sophisticated. But if not, it should still be a fun ride.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to scratch that fantastical school or fantasy adventure itch.

Post J.R.R. Tolkien Fantasy for the young adult.

Would you listen to Eye of the Moonrat again? Why?

It's a pleasant fantasy tale with monsters, elfs, dwarfs, but no horrific gore and unnecessary sex & violence you too often find in modern-day post J.R.R. Tolkien "adult" fantasy.

What did you like best about this story?

Action, fighting, and adventure with-out the hateful undertones, extreme violence, or ugly views on women, sex, and violence reflected in modern day society.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in which the young hero fights, & fights & fights & fights… better than he ever did before, to win his place in the academy before a cheering crowd and a admiring father.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene in which the retired warrior, turned farmer, thanks the Ogre next door for saving his children.

Any additional comments?

It's a "young adult" fantasy. So, you do have to suffer through a few moments of cringing at the juvenile plot twists and actions of complete stupidity by the young hero.These moments are only sufferable when the hero is told by adult characters how juvenile and stupid his actions are.

Audible hopes you...

"Audible hopes you have enjoyed this program". Oh I did, I did. On to the next one....

Easy to visualize, great pacing

What did you love best about Eye of the Moonrat?

I Love the way that the author is able make you root for a character, you see the characters progress and learn and you feel what they are feeling. It is an extremely satisfying experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eye of the Moonrat?

Justan bonding with Gwyrtha

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

How Powerful do you want to be?

Absolutely Brilliant

Would you listen to Eye of the Moonrat again? Why?

Yes, a thousand times yes. The world and it's characters are beautifully crafted and the history along with the current events are absolutely addictive. But, the main reason I'd enjoy reading this book again is because of the treasure trove of information packed into it. It's defiantly worth another read own it's own.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and their unique and distinctive personalities.

Which character – as performed by James Foster – was your favorite?

I can't say James Foster is my favorite voice actor but.. I think he made a great "Lenui" (Lenny ;) )

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The journey begins

Any additional comments?

I strongly suggest reading this book (listening to it). The voice actor isn't my favorite but he doesn't do to bad a job really and the book itself is magnificent! I know i'll be keeping up with the series!