Enter Cat's World of Wishes and Choices

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What Readers Are Saying

“☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.”

“Great Read. Didn't want to put it down.”

“Great read. Lots of adventure, magic and spells, mystery, strange creatures, and surprising facts. As the story progresses, the heroes and villains learn about the power of trust and friendship, the dangers of being ruled by revenge, and that appearances can be deceiving. Didn't want to put it down, and didn't want the story to end.” - Reader Review, Barnes & Noble

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“☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.”

“Wonderfully engaging story.”

“Wishes and Choices: Mythral's Wish is a wonderfully engaging story that blends adventure, magic, and meaningful lessons about courage and choice. Middle school readers will love following Kit, a curious and brave teenager, as she trains under Mythral, a powerful yet weary defender, to save their worlds. The unique perspective of the sarcastic cat narrator adds a fun and unexpected twist to the storytelling. With fascinating magical realms, clever puzzles, and plenty of action, this book is a perfect mix of excitement and heart. It’s a must-read for young fantasy fans looking for something fresh and memorable!” - Shannon B., Reader Review, Goodreads

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“☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.”

“Fantastic book. A great pick for young fantasy fans.”

“Wishes and Choices: Mythral's Wish is a fantastic book, perfect for middle schoolers who love magic, adventure, and a bit of humor. The story follows Mythral, a wise and experienced defender, and Kit, a bold teenager, as they navigate exciting challenges and dark magic. The witty cat narrator adds a fun twist, and the world is filled with fascinating creatures like gryphons and dragons. It’s an engaging read that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a great pick for young fantasy fans.” - Jas K., Reader Review, Goodreads

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“☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.”

“The right mix of action, humor, and imagination.”

“My 7-year-old son loved Wishes and Choices: Mythral's Wish! He was completely drawn into the adventure and couldn’t stop talking about the magical creatures, the exciting challenges, and the clever cat narrator. It’s a fun and engaging story with just the right mix of action, humor, and imagination. He found it easy to follow but also loved the little mysteries and puzzles along the way. It’s a great book for kids who enjoy fantasy and want an exciting story to get lost in!” - Al H., Reader Review, Goodreads

Editorial Reviews

Literary Titan Review -April 2025

This book is a wild, layered ride through parallel realms, ancient magic, and the heavy weight of choice. Narrated in part by a clever, time-hopping feline named Cat, the story follows the intertwined destinies of Mythral, a powerful yet emotionally walled-off wizard; Kit, a teenage girl aching for purpose and adventure; and MorKano, a dark wizard with revenge in his veins. The Realms are split into three, each with its own rules, power structures, and secrets, an attempt to keep dark magic in check.

What hooked me right away was the voice of Cat in the prologue. It’s cheeky, philosophical, and just a little smug. But in a good way. The book immediately signals that it’s going to toy with time and ripple effects like they’re ingredients in a magical stew. The nonlinear timeline and concept of the Time-Path was mind-bendy, but the kind of bend I enjoy. It reminded me of those “what if?” moments we all have but raised to a cosmic level. And yet, this isn’t just high-concept fantasy. It’s also deeply human. Mythral’s loneliness, especially his regret over not taking on an apprentice sooner, made him more than just your typical “wise old wizard.” He’s flawed, proud, and sometimes a bit of an idiot, in a good way​.

Kit absolutely stole my heart. She’s smart, a little stubborn, and full of questions that hit home. Her diary entries feel raw and real, like a teen on the cusp of something big, with no idea just how big it’s about to get​. She doesn’t come from magic. She doesn’t know her past. But she walks into this magical bookshop and takes that leap anyway. Her dry wit and fierce independence reminded me a bit of early Hermione Granger, if Hermione had been way more annoyed about not having an adventure yet.

The writing itself has got this whimsical edge to it, like a fairy tale told by someone who’s lived through a few too many of them. There’s a bursty rhythm to the storytelling, jumping between realms and characters, sometimes even doubling back in time. At first, it’s a lot. But once you’re in the flow, it works. One moment you’re reading Mythral brooding in a cold underground chamber, the next you’re watching a blue-gray cat manipulate the fabric of fate with an exasperated sigh​. And MorKano is your classic megalomaniac with daddy issues, and yet there’s a calculated patience to him that makes him genuinely chilling. He’s not the cackling type, he’s the slow-burn villain, the kind who would rather humiliate you before destroying you.

Wishes and Choices is more than just a magical adventure, it’s a meditation on responsibility, consequences, and whether we’re brave enough to make the hard call when it counts. The story dances around the idea of fate and free will, but it doesn’t drown in its own philosophy. Instead, it gently nudges you to ask, “What would I do?”—without giving you the easy answer. I’d recommend this to fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with heart, brains, and a talking cat that may or may not be a god. Especially great for fans of His Dark Materials, A Wrinkle in Time, or early Harry Potter, but with a slightly older, more introspective twist.

BookLife by Publisher’s Weekly

Plot/Idea: Wishes and Choices offers readers genuine wisdom conveyed through a thrilling adventure with its protagonist Mythral, a wizard who must change his destiny to save his world. First, Mythral needs an apprentice—but he harbors doubts about that plan, as he prefers his own company and already has his hands full. From there, Thomas delivers an entertaining, snappy plot, brimming with magic, danger, and the ultimate hero's quest.

Prose: Thomas's worldbuilding is rich, from wizardry to banishment to time travel, though his heavy reliance on the passive voice detracts some from that experience.

Originality: Wizards, dragons, and magic are fantasy staples and offered in spades here; Thomas elevates the fantasy further by prompting reflections on free will and moral choices.

Character/Execution: Mythral is developed mainly through his actions, though Thomas builds some interiority as the novel progresses. Still, he is an intriguing lead, "doomed by his overconfidence" but desperate to change the course of his future.

Date Submitted: July 15, 2024, Booklife Prize