A mysterious watch, an unexpected transformation, and an army of dangerous felines set the stage for Cat Slayer by Douglas N. March. Created for middle-grade readers, the novel combines superhero fiction, fantasy, friendship, and mystery within a lively world where a teenager suddenly discovers that his future carries extraordinary responsibilities.
As the first book in the Cat Slayer Saga, the story follows 15-year-old Anthony Blackburn as an ordinary return to Castle Valley, Utah develops into something far more unusual.
When an Ordinary Morning Changes Everything
Anthony has recently moved back to the United States from Spain after his mother accepts a position with renowned geneticist Catherine Alley Clysm. Starting school again should already give him enough to think about. His distinctive sunfire orange eyes make staying unnoticed difficult, and Anthony would prefer to avoid becoming the center of attention.
Before his school day even begins, however, he overhears a conversation between his parents that raises several troubling questions.
They speak about Cataclysm, something called the Hammer of Time, the Slayer’s Edge, and a Cat Slayer. Their serious tone tells Anthony that the conversation carries real significance.
Then his father presents him with a black watch and insists that he wear it at all times.
The watch immediately stands out. Its face is red, while its hands resemble parts of a sword. Anthony accepts it without understanding why it matters, although his curiosity grows throughout the morning.
Douglas builds suspense through these unanswered questions and allows readers to discover the strange circumstances alongside Anthony. Each new detail adds another piece to a mystery that clearly extends beyond the teenager’s first day at school.
New Friends and a Strange Turn of Events
School introduces Anthony to a colorful group of characters. Mr. Fardlog welcomes him enthusiastically to class, and Anthony soon meets Van, a student known for testing the reflexes of newcomers with paper airplanes.
Anthony catches Van’s airplane only inches from his face. His impressive reaction surprises the class and offers an early suggestion that there may be more to him than anyone realizes.
His attention soon turns toward Tempest, a girl with long black hair and remarkable eyes. One is gray like a storm cloud, while the other is blue. Anthony and Tempest quickly become comfortable talking with each other and arrange to meet during lunch.
Their meeting becomes a major turning point.
While they’re outside, daylight begins disappearing at an impossible speed. The sun appears to be setting several hours early, leaving students confused about what’s happening.
Anthony’s watch starts glowing.
Words appear around its face, revealing a short message about a hero in the night who is ready to fight. After Anthony reads the words aloud, energy moves through his body and the hands of the watch connect to create a sword shape.
Tempest realizes that Anthony is suddenly wearing armor and a cloak.
Moments later, a scream announces the arrival of a huge cat monster in the road. Anthony’s questions about his parents, the watch, and the mysterious Cat Slayer suddenly become much more urgent.
A Superhero Story With a Feline Twist
The central idea behind Cat Slayer gives the novel an unusual identity. Anthony is entering a world where superheroes face an evil race of cats, and his newly awakened abilities appear connected to a much larger history.
The story is set in 2035, allowing Douglas to combine futuristic elements with fantasy concepts. Objects such as the Hammer of Time introduce unusual possibilities, while Anthony’s transformation suggests that the Slayer’s Edge and Cat Slayer legacy have secrets still waiting to be revealed.
Anthony remains relatable throughout these extraordinary developments. He worries about school, feels nervous around someone he likes, wonders about his family’s secrets, and tries to understand circumstances that suddenly seem impossible.
His developing friendship with Tempest also brings warmth to the adventure. She witnesses his transformation and quickly recognizes that the mysterious message on his watch may describe Anthony himself.
Courage becomes an important theme as the story progresses. Anthony hasn’t spent years preparing for the events unfolding around him. He has to discover what his abilities mean while confronting the responsibilities that arrive with them.
About the Author
Douglas N. March is a 23-year-old author who lives in Bozeman, Montana, with his Pitbull, Destiny. He started writing at 18 and has a strong interest in fantasy and mystery. He also enjoys camping, the outdoors, and stories involving cats, dragons, and other animals.
Douglas has Asperger’s and created his story partly to show that people with disabilities can continue pursuing meaningful ambitions and creative dreams. His Christian faith is important to him, and he believes people should be treated respectfully regardless of their beliefs.
Cat Slayer is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions.
Stepping Into the Cat Slayer Saga
Cat Slayer gives middle-grade fantasy readers a distinctive combination of superhero action, mysterious artifacts, young friendship, and oversized feline danger. The first installment establishes Anthony’s world while leaving plenty for future adventures to explore.
With Anthony’s heroic identity beginning to emerge, Douglas has opened the door to a saga where courage, imagination, and an unexpected enemy can turn one teenager’s everyday life into an extraordinary adventure.
