Edward’s Cat by Maria P Frino is a young adult (YA) novella about a teenage boy who can shapeshift into a cat.

Even though his twin sister had the power before she died and was able to control it, Edward has no control over how or when he transforms. When Milly, Edward’s twin, passes away, her power is bestowed onto her brother.

This is a magical realism tale of growing up, learning about yourself and becoming the person you want to be.

See how Edward and his mother deal with their grief and how Edward uses the power of Milly the Cat to exact revenge against his bullies at school. Edward has a twin sister, or rather had until cancer took Milly away from him. Edward lives with his mother, Vanessa. His father was also taken by cancer when he and Milly were young. His mother had returned to work and was beginning a life without her husband when Milly was diagnosed. She and Edward know about grief and their sadness was compounded because Milly was only ten when she passed.

Milly had a magical power, she was able to shapeshift into a cat.

This power was inherited by Edward, although he isn’t able to control when he transforms, Milly didn’t concede all her powers to her twin. However, Edward finds a way to use his power as Milly the Cat to help kids at his school who are being bullied, which includes him.

During Year 6, Edward is terrorized by Chase and his cronies, but thankfully they don’t follow him to his new high school.

But this isn’t the end of being bullied, Buster and his gang are waiting for the geeks who arrive at Redman High in Year 7. Edward enlists the help of other geeks like him, and along with his friend Trudi and another unexpected helper, they give back as much as they receive. Edward, as Milly the Cat and along with all the geeks, does his best to stop the bullies and teach others how to stand up to this abuse.

Edward’s Cat is suitable for readers 13 to 18+ and everyone who enjoys coming of age stories with a touch of magic. It will suit readers who are inspired by underdog stories and fall in love with characters who do good.

Edward’s Cat is not a standalone, I’m writing Book Two now – Edward’s Cat. The Rise of the Kittens. And a Dog. There will be a Book Three as well. Possibly more.

The inspiration for this book came from a writing prompt given at my writing group.

Write on Water – https://writeonwater.weebly.com/ The prompt was to write a hook in the first few paragraphs, something that would keep a reader turning pages. This one-page story has now become Edward’s Cat, the original title was Milly’s Adventures, his sister. As the story 12 July 2023. Authors’ Lounge – [email protected] progressed, I knew the story was more about Edward and his friends rather than Milly, hence the change in title.

I write in a few genres other than young adult. I write contemporary, sagas, and science fantasy. I seem to be settling more on contemporary and young adult right now.

As part of many author groups, including Selfpub Australia – https://selfpub.com.au/ and the Australian Society of Authors – https://www.asauthors.org, I am well-entrenched in the writing community. My latest venture is with a collective of local authors who will give their time doing free author talks – Sydney Authors Inked – [email protected].

These talks will be held in Summer Hill, Sydney and the first event is on Sunday 10 September 2023 from 10am to 12noon. Tickets will be available from Humantix in early August. Numbers will be limited. I’m a excited about this new venture that will be both social and educational for the people who attend.

I have a day job, I am a Brand and Communications Specialist for a utility company. Writing has been part of my life since I was in my teens, even though I only published my own work in 2019. Something I now wish I had done sooner, it is very fulfilling.