• Eye of the Moonrat

  • The Bowl of Souls, Book 1
  • By: Trevor H. Cooley
  • Narrated by: James Foster
  • Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,504 ratings)

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Eye of the Moonrat  By  cover art

Eye of the Moonrat

By: Trevor H. Cooley
Narrated by: James Foster
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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

What listeners say about Eye of the Moonrat

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    4 out of 5 stars

DRAGON HAIR

THE THICKER THE BEARD ON A DWARVIN WOMAN, THE BETTER
Get ready to meet some orcs, ogres, raptors and a raptor man, trolls, gnomes, goblins, dwarves, elves, wizards, mages, humans, skraeling and squirrels. What I liked most about the book, was that the main character is humble. He achieves a lot through hard work, even when he is the underdog. I was hoping they would stick with this theme and not throw in that he is special due to his bloodline, family, or something similar. I was a little disappointed to find out later that he is born with talents he did not know he had. Talents, others don't have. Having said that it is a very entertaining and intelligent story. Moonrats are a sort of magically genetically altered man size rat.

Weapons Town
The book is YA, meaning that it does not have any sex or foul language. Most of the books I listen to have plenty of that, but I can still enjoy a well written YA book and there is a good chance, I will continue the series. There is a town mentioned where everyone is required to have a weapon on them at all times. The author says this puts an end to crime. Other than that, I don't remember any political remarks.

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34 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Epic Fantasy at It's Best

If you could sum up Eye of the Moonrat in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, Inventive, Action Packed

What did you like best about this story?

It was very fast moving and in stages introduced a world of magic No Spoilers but so many books the character goes from Zero to Hero overnight. In this book he has to work for it.

What about James Foster’s performance did you like?

I felt he was very good at expressing emotions. He did a great job of engaging me.
Excellent differentiation of Voices. He's not one of those deadpan monotone type readers

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes I had a extreme reaction. I went to Kindle Unlimited and read the next 4. I was really upset that only the first book was out on Audible. I was like no I don't want to wait to read the next book.
Later I found that the rest of the series is in print..

Any additional comments?

This is light Epic Fiction, Elements of Humor. The good guys are good and the Bad Guys are really ugly. It throws loops along the way and isn't 100% predictable.

Excellent Book, Excellent Narration this is a winner all the way.
Hope you enjoy.

I'm an avid Fantasy Reader and I consider this to be a top notch series.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Young Adultish feel but entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

I found the ogre's story line surprisingly touching

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book for what I thought it was. I picked it up thinking it would be an easy fun listen without a lot of complexity. It was definitely a good listen and I have to admit it was more complex in some ways then I was expecting. I hope they narrate the second book soon, otherwise I might have to pick this up in print.

If you are looking for dark epic fantasy with complex characters then this probably isn't what you're looking for. It is entertaing if you are looking for something lighter.

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great debut with a powerful narrator!!

Featuring a world conceived with great imagination, Trevor H Cooley's "Eye Of The Moonrat" is an epic fantasy tale sure to delight savvy readers. Once I'd read enough of the story to wrap myself around the world the author had invented, I found myself pleasantly surprised with the pacing of the story and the intense action scenes that unfolded. The deeper into the story I went, the more engaged I was until by the end I was entirely caught up in the plot to see what Justan was in for next and who he would meet! The author's descriptions are sharp and clear, and he displays a keen ability to bring a story to life, weaving together fantasy and mystery and intrigue. I love the character of Justan, one of those characters who you have immediate sympathy for, who continues to fight for what he wants and overcomes the challenges. Overall it is a grand start to the author's writing career, and is worthy entertainment indeed.
This is the first book narrated by James Foster that I've listened to and I'm glad I did! He is an amazing reader and made a great story a true pleasure to listen to!

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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More than i expected

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

Generally not into Fantasy, more of a science fiction fan but this book captured me by the third chapter. The characters are interesting and I found myself caring about them and wanting to see what was going to happen next. well developed story and good narration

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Look at that cover!

Look at that cover! How could anyone say that they didn’t want to know what this story was about after seeing that calm yet creepy cover. As soon as I saw it I needed to know more. Thankfully I am well aware of the narrator, yet the author is new to me, so I had some idea of what I was in for.

This is a total unadulterated fantasy story. Full of all of the creatures one would expect, Ogres, Orcs, Gnomes, Goblins, Elves, Dwarves, and many other fantastical and potentially magical creatures and races. The main focus is on a young man, Justan, who has tried for his entire adult life to get into the prestigious battle academy. Here was a guy that didn’t think he needed to do anything difficult in life and everything should just pan out. This was not working for him. Now this is his last chance to get enrolled and this time he is given a trainer. Here we get to see Justan grow from a cowardly youngster into a brave adult. While some of his dreams are met, others are seemingly taken away from him without reason.

Eye of the Moonrat has a lot going on, many things that seemed disjointed, slowly came together, even though not close enough for me, the nearer I got to the end. As there are several side stories happening at the same time, I think, as Justan’s. They never did merge into one, however I do see that happening in the future.

Trevor H. Cooley did a great job creating a world that, while familiar to fantasy lovers like me, still has an originality to it all. The characters are given space and time to grow and develop. Descriptions of the scenery would make you swear that he has been there.

At first it felt a bit sacrilegious to hear James Foster be anybody other than Adrian Ring. I did eventually get used to this and allowing Foster to lull me into my imagination. He has a certain calming quality to his voice that allowed me to forget that I was in pain, forgive me I listed to most of the audio book while on an epic 30 mile bicycle ride. I think this is the highest amount of characters that Foster has had to deal with in one story. Happy to say he pulled it off very well. I especially like his take on the dwarf Lenny, er, Lenry, whatever.

If you are looking for a fantasy story that tells itself to you, rather than lecture, look no further. While some may say it is juvenile, I would saw that you have to start somewhere and might as well be the beginning. I am looking forward to being able to listen to book two in this fascinating series.

Audiobook provided for for review by the narrator.

Please find this complete review and many others at audiobookreviewer dot com

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I want to hear the other books now.

What did you love best about Eye of the Moonrat?

Character development: I felt I got a good picture of each of the character. Story line: I want to see how they all contribute.

What did you like best about this story?

I love to hate cliffhangers. Can't wait to hear the next books to see how it resolves. The narration helped to set the scene.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Justan was offered the new bow and refused to receive it until later. It showed the honor and integrity he has and the depth of his character.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I felt bad for Justin getting drunk unwittingly. It serves him right for eating more of the spicy meal and then downing the booze.

Any additional comments?

If you liked, The Hobbit, Michael Vey then you will like this book.

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Loved it

Would you consider the audio edition of Eye of the Moonrat to be better than the print version?

It was a different experience. I like reading, but I also like doing other things. Sometimes these two likes are incompatible. Audio books are the perfect solution.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ma'am. Strong female character. She kicks butt and takes no prisoners. What's not to like?

What does James Foster bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He voiced each character differently and added interest to them. In addition, I finally found out how to say those names!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Well, I DID spend 4 1/2 hours in one sitting listening. I finished the book. AND got a lot of knitting done. Win-win situation. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series. I hope James Foster will continue to be the narrator. He is quite good.

Any additional comments?

From my Facebook page: I finished listening to the audible.com version of Trevor Cooley's first book "Eye of the Moonrat." Narrator James Foster did a great job with the book. I've read it twice before and listening to someone else read it was a completely new experience. Spoiler: Reading about Justan's encounter in the Tinny Woods with the Moonrats is gross. HEARING about Justan's encounter with the Moonrats in the Tinny Woods is down-right creepy. It scared the crap out of me and I knew what was going to happen!! I will have nightmares (again) about huge greasy furry things hanging from trees by the arms on their backs with gaping mouths and glowing eyes!

I am looking forward to the next installment. And the next. And the ones after that, too. Keep them coming, Trev. You've got a great thing going.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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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.

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