Where to Start Carol E. Leever's Books
If you are looking to dive into the fantasy worlds of Carol E. Leever, the absolute best place to start is with Night's Gift, the first book in the Of Cats and Dragons series. Co-authored with her lifelong creative partner Camilla Ochlan, this novel introduces readers to Omen Daenoth—a young bard burdened with highly volatile, dangerous magical abilities—and Tormy, a giant, talking cat with a sharp wit and fierce loyalty. Starting here ensures you understand the core magic system, the whimsical tone of the world, and the foundational relationship between the two main companions.
While some readers might be tempted to skip around due to the episodic nature of certain adventures, the character growth, evolving prophecies, and overarching world-threatening stakes are best experienced in order. The series represents the culmination of over thirty years of collaborative storytelling between Leever and Ochlan, originating from their high school tabletop role-playing games, giving the universe a deeply lived-in and structured feel.
Of Cats and Dragons Recommended Reading Order
The core series consists of full-length novels interspersed with solstice tales and companion novellas. For the most rewarding narrative experience, readers should follow the chronological order of Omen and Tormy's journey, which aligns closely with how the books were published. Below is the recommended pathway through the series:
- Book 1: Night's Gift (2017) – The essential starting point. Omen Daenoth and his giant talking cat, Tormy, embark on a quest through a blighted, dangerous land to rescue a doomed child and survive a deadly curse.
- Book 1.5: Winter Tithe (2019) – A winter solstice novella. While published later, this short tale takes place chronologically between the first and second novels, offering a festive but dangerous interlude for Omen and Tormy.
- Book 2: Radiation (2017) – The second full-length novel, which picks up after the events of the debut. Omen's volatile magic is tested further as the duo faces new threats and emerging prophecies.
- Book 3: Summer's Fall (2018) – The opening chapter of the Quest for the Autumn King trilogy, shifting the landscape and raising the political and magical stakes.
- Book 4: Hollow Season (2018) – Part two of the central trilogy, deepening the mysteries surrounding the seasonal courts and Omen's destiny.
- Book 5: Autumn King (2018) – The conclusion of the seasonal trilogy, resolving major plotlines and cementing Omen's role in the fate of the realm.
- Book 6: Ven'tarian Silence (2020) – Also subtitled The Secret of the Longest Night. The companions travel to the magical city of Ven'taria, where they must uncover the source of its power before endless night falls.
- Book 7: Wyldwood Fate (2021) – Subtitled Song of the Sleeping Shadows. Omen attempts to find peace in the Blue Wilds, only to be drawn into a family curse and a mysterious plague.
- Book 8: Battle For The Blue Wilds (2022) – A companion novella set within the Blue Wilds that provides additional lore and adventures with the local magical fauna.
- Book 9: Shattered Road (2023) – The latest full-length installment, bringing new revelations to Omen's long journey.
Sub-Arcs, Collections, and Companion Stories
For readers who prefer to consume their fantasy in thematic blocks or collections, the authors have structured the series into distinct phases:
The Quest for the Autumn King Trilogy
Books 3, 4, and 5 (Summer's Fall, Hollow Season, and Autumn King) form a self-contained story arc often referred to or collected as the Quest for the Autumn King. If you want a focused, high-stakes trilogy within the larger universe, this block is the narrative centerpiece of Omen's early adventures.
The Origins Collection
If you are looking for a convenient entry point, the authors released a special bundle titled Origins. This volume collects the first two novels—Night's Gift and Radiation—along with two exclusive feline-focused short stories: Tormy's Journey and Tyrin's Trek. This collection is highly recommended for readers who want to experience the start of the adventure along with deeper insights into the talking cats of the universe.
Standalone Novellas and Tales
Stories like Embers, Winter Tithe, and Battle for the Blue Wilds serve as supplemental tales. While they are not strictly mandatory to understand the plot of the main numbered novels, they expand the lore of the world and are highly recommended for fans who enjoy the cozy, whimsical interactions between Omen and Tormy.
What to Know Before You Start
The tone of the Of Cats and Dragons series is often described by the authors as a heroic fantasy with a touch of whimsy, or playfully as "A Game of Thrones without the naughty bits." It combines classic high-fantasy tropes—prophecies, magic bards, and ancient dragons—with lighthearted humor and character-driven warmth. A major draw is the presence of talking animal companions, especially the cats, which reflects Carol E. Leever's personal love for felines.
Leever's background as a computer science professor for over twenty years at American River College and her skills as a painter (she created many of the book covers herself) heavily influenced the structured yet highly imaginative nature of the series. Following her passing in late 2023 after a long battle with cancer, her co-author Camilla Ochlan continues to preserve and promote their collaborative legacy. The books are also widely popular in audiobook format, narrated by P. J. Ochlan, which fans highly recommend for capturing Tormy's dry, sarcastic wit.