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The Chimera's Apprentice

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Can Kyra control the mythical chimera or will it control her?

Kyra has lost her family. Her mother has been snatched by the rat people, and her estranged dad is too busy fighting them to help. The reluctant princess of Antiica, Kyra, 13, goes against her father’s wishes and sets out on a dangerous journey to rescue her mom.

She meets Coyne, a teen who deserted the army, and rescues Mercy, an enslaved rat girl. The trio of unlikely companions must put aside their differences and brave the unknown reaches of a strange land.

But Kyra’s life is changed completely when she’s forced to bond with the ancient Chimera, a magical creature that can read her mind and transport her across the land. Will Kyra learn how to control the chimera in time to save her mother?

In the tradition of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass, The Chimera’s Apprentice transports the reader to a magical world of adventure.

The Chimera’s Apprentice is the story of a girl, an ancient power, and a desperate search for her family.

222 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2020

5 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Roslyn Muir

6 books121 followers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777283906/

Muir is a middle-grade and non- fiction author, a screenwriter. She loves fantasy adventure novels and primarily watches sci-fi and crime drama shows. Born in Scotland and now living in Vancouver, Canada, she often uses the similar landscapes of both countries in her stories.

Roslyn has another life as an award winning screenwriter who writes YA stories, family drama and thrillers. She was a writer on the Global/CBS one hour drama, Ransom, created by Frank Spotnitz. Roslyn has also written several movies that have aired around the world: Washed Away, Stranger in the House, and Reluctant Witness to name a few. Roslyn also wrote and produced the dramatic feature film, The Birdwatcher, directed by Siobhan Devine. She also has several TV series and feature film projects in development, and teaches writing at local film schools and universities.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
231 reviews24 followers
October 15, 2020
Kyra is my kind of heroine. First of all... pink hair! Second... she is so active. She really makes stuff happen which I love about a heroine in a middle grade or young adult novel (any heroine, really). This great quality of Kyra's comes from her creator's background as a screenwriter. Plus, Kyra's not all super-emo about everything which I also love (I'm looking at you, Katniss).

The story itself is also engaging. Now, I'm not gonna lie, at first I wasn't sure about the whole rat thing. But by the end of the book, I loved them and the world that Muir created. She's really gone deep into rat lore, culture, ritual, etc - the world that she has created is amazing.

I was very much drawn into the story of Kyra trying to find her mom. It's a great adventure story filled with fun, danger, secrets, tragedy and redemption. Kyra's compatriots, Mercy and Coyne, are great supporting characters - I particularly love Mercy. Kyra's parents are very interesting. I think there are some teachable moments here and will perhaps raise questions for young readers about just wars, colonialism, etc. Nothing painful or heavy handed, just an interesting undercurrent.

I really enjoyed The Chimera's Apprentice and am excited for the next book!

Many thanks to the author who sent me an ARC.
Profile Image for Belles Middle Grade Library.
863 reviews
November 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this! Such a fast read-fast paced page turner. Full of so much danger, action, & suspense. Kyra is a strong female main character..she got on my nerves sometimes, but only b/c she was an angry, hurt, confused girl w/a TON of secrets & danger, etc dropped on her all at once. She had no idea where her dad had been all these years, who they truly were as a family, or where they were from. Then all of a sudden her mom is attacked & taken by a walking talking rat king to another world. Another world she is also transported to, where she finds her dad, who she hasn’t seen in years, who is head of an army against the rat people. They’re also royalty there, so she also learns she is basically a princess lol She also has become bonded w/Chimera, a magical creature that travels through stone. It’s a lot for a girl. Lol Some things happen, that lead her make the choice to leave her dad & set out on her own to rescue her mom. She meets a boy Coyne along the way who helps her, & Mercy, who is a teen rat that used to be a childhood friend. She learns many things along the journey, about the rat people, their king, the chimera,& about her own family. It’s an amazing adventure, full of so many amazing things. I pictured this world perfectly. Really looking forward to the next book in the series, which according to the back of the book, will be out Spring of next year. Can’t wait!💜💜
Profile Image for R.K. Emery.
1,203 reviews53 followers
November 20, 2020
Wow! I just finished this action packed fantasy! I was on the edge of my seat as Kyra and Coyne and the Chimera navigated their journey and the war with the rat people.
It was filled with adventures and magical creatures. I loved getting to know all of the characters and watching them develop as they learned to use their superpowers to battle together.
This is a great story of friendship, teamwork and good vs. evil. I loved every minute of it
Can't wait to see what she has in store for the gang in her next novel!
Profile Image for Jude Klassen.
Author 1 book5 followers
October 17, 2020
Muir’s fantasy world is rich with cool characters and exciting landscapes. Despite the talking animals (rats, crows), it never feels juvenile. Lots of twists and turns to keep a young reader riveted. Feels like a series! Looking forward to the next one — almost as much as the kids in my life.
Profile Image for Laura Stegman.
Author 9 books34 followers
December 7, 2020
One day, 11-year-old Kyra is giving a school presentation (about rats, but hold on to that for a moment). The next, she finds herself transported to a dangerous world where her long-missing father rules, not so benevolently, and her mother is being held captive by -- wait for it -- giant rats. To survive, rescue her mother, and fulfill her destiny, she must decide who are her friends and who are her enemies (turns it, it's NOT the rats, most of them, anyway). Before I started this fast-paced, high-energy, middle grade coming of age story, I must admit I was reluctant to read a book involving, well, giant rats. But author Roslyn Muir does such a good job of character development on all levels that one learns to root for Kyra and her friends, human and otherwise. The Chimera's Apprentice is a well-written, dramatic, exciting adventure story full of themes ranging from courage to teamwork. Check it out!
31 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2020
Roslyn Muir has hit all the right notes in this debut fantasy. Kyra is a fully formed, likable character and we're drawn into her life right away. The new world Kyra enters is well crafted and fully imagined, and I love how the author introduces us to many types of inhabitants and gives us a peek into both sides of the conflict that's happening. This book may appeal to fans of the Gregor the Overlander series with its human sized talking rats, but it is otherwise quite distinct. I highly recommend this book for you or the young reader in your life. I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for C. Gonzales.
1,083 reviews53 followers
December 18, 2020
I love the vibrancy and fun a middle-grade fantasy brings. It's always such a vivid and wild ride and The Chimera's Apprentice is no different. Roslyn Muir brings us an amazing cast of characters who battle both real life young issues while also battling the unknown and crazy.
Wonderful world building and plot pacing. It really flows so effortlessly from chapter to chapter.
The start of a wonderful trilogy.
Profile Image for Victoria Smith.
Author 4 books9 followers
February 20, 2021
A whole new world to escape to!

Mythical creatures, fantasy worlds, war and peace battles, and the strength of friendship and family ties abound in this transportational story that sees an ordinary schoolgirl struggling to fit in, become part of a fantastical prophecy. Older children and teenagers especially will enjoy this whole new world.
Profile Image for Meeshelle Neal.
Author 5 books18 followers
October 8, 2020
This book was a fun and exciting read. Muir has created a rich and fantastical world. I don't want to go too in depth because I don't want to give anything away. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Joy Llewellyn.
Author 4 books9 followers
September 30, 2020
Who knew the adventures that turning 13 could bring? Kyra’s birthday gift from her mother is a bracelet that turns out to bond her to a Chimera, a mythical, three-headed creature who sends her unexpectedly to another world. Antiica couldn’t be more different from Earth. Kyra has landed in the the middle of a war lead by her father against the Raturro, rat-like creatures who want to take over as rulers and kill all humans. She’s forced to use strengths she never knew she had in order to rescue her kidnapped mother and keep her new friends—both rat and human—safe. This story is a page-turner, filled with unique characters and story twists. The author’s background as a screenwriter is quickly obvious. This is a very visual story, one that would make a great film. My only complaint is now I have to wait until 2021 for the second book in this series. Recommended!
Profile Image for Vesta Giles.
Author 8 books7 followers
February 20, 2021
I'm a writer and library branch head and I was looking forward to reading Roslyn Muir's book for many reasons - I'm a mythology nerd and I love well written juvenile fiction. This book had me and I stayed up way too late finishing it last night. Great storytelling, some surprises I wasn't expecting, and a fascinating world.

Can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books229 followers
December 14, 2020
This is a fast paced novel, which leads to an intriguing world of rats, magic and more.

Kyra might have taken things to far with her school project, when she brought live rats along. But her suspension from school is the least of her problems. Her father left years before, and although her mother insists there's no way to reach out to him, Kyra still wishes he'd come home. When a very strange encounter in the laundry room is followed by an attack on her mother, Kyra's father does finally return...but it's not in the way she'd always hoped for. He's there to take her to her true home—a realm where magic exists, and a horrible war rages against the rats. To make matters more complicated, thanks to a bracelet her mom gave her, she's now expected to take over the throne. But Kyra is determined to free her mother from the rats. Even with two friends on her side, it's a bigger adventure than she could have ever dreamed.

When I started reading this one, it reminded me a bit of Gregor the Overlander. The first scene grabs with the ridiculous situation of bringing live rats to school as an extra to a project (the main character wanted to leave an impression). The excitement takes off from there and doesn't stop from until the last page. It's an edge-of-the-seat race the whole way through. Kyra barely has a second to breathe as she finds herself in the middle of a war in a realm, which she's supposedly to rule. Being told it's her true home doesn't make anything easier. It's a lot for her to wrap her head around, but she doesn't even get time to do that as danger and evil wait at every bend.

Kyra is an interesting girl, who shows her quirks even during the first chapter. She deals with things as best she can, has tons of loyalty, and despite mistakes, has a heart of gold. She's a heroine to root for, and doesn't have to go things alone, either, thanks to her friends. It's a fun tale, which lets kids' imaginations take flight, while letting the adrenaline flow.

I enjoyed this read quite a bit and found the combination of magic and rats intriguing and refreshing. I do wish the author had spent a bit more time bringing the world to life as well as setting the stage for Kyra's 'normal' life a little more first. Still, this one grabs and races forward from the fist sentence and misses out on that end more than once. But action fans (me) will adore it because it's definitely a fun read.
I received a complimentary copy and loved the pacing in this tale.
Profile Image for C.M. Rushi.
Author 2 books6 followers
October 19, 2020
Book Review: The Chimera's Apprentice - Roslyn Muir

*Disclaimer: the author gave me a free copy of this book but did not ask for a review. The review is my own. I don't review books I wouldn't otherwise read.

Quality 4.5/5 ⸙ Readability 4/5 ⸙ Entertainment 5/5 ⸙ Concept 4.5/5 ⸙ Character 4.5/5 ⸙ Recommend 5/5

What a unique story! Roslyn Muir depicts a fantastical world where humans and a rat race called the Raturro are at war. Enter Kyra Murch, a thirteen-year-old girl who embarks on a mission to rescue her captured mother with the aid of her two friends; a fellow human and a Raturro girl. While on her rescue mission, Kyra learns about her hidden family history and realizes that not everyone is who she thought they were. Not even her own family.

⸙ ⸙ § ⸙ ⸙

While the story was unique, I felt the world could have been built out a bit more to drive home the fantastical elements. I also would have liked the story to show what was happening rather than telling, as it would have breathed life into this unique tale and made it even more unique and engaging. The pacing and clarity were good, the story was easy to follow, and I thought the premise was unique and fun. A great debut.

QRECCR Review Breakdown (see https://cmrushi.wordpress.com/2020/06... for rating system.)

QUALITY 4.5/5
• Structure 4/5
• Fluff 5/5
• Errors 5/5

READABILITY 4/5
• Pacing 5/5
• Wording 3/5
• Clarity 5/5

ENTERTAINMENT 5/5
• Entertaining 5/5

CONCEPT 4.5/5
• Quality 4/5
• Novelty 5/5
• Interesting 5/5

CHARACTER 4.5/5
• Investment 4/5
• Sympathize 5/5
• Likability 5/5

RECOMMEND 5/5
• Recommended
• Middle Grade
• Animal Stories
Profile Image for W..
Author 6 books5 followers
October 15, 2020
13 year old Kyra just wants to finish her rat project and for her father to come home at long last. A venture to the laundry room of their apartment building is the beginning of a story she can barely believe and the start of her bonding to the Chimera. After her mothers kidnapping by the Ratuuro she is whisked away by her father who has returned to take her to Antiica to keep her safe from Majellan, the leader of the Ratuuro and his enemy. Kyra's mind is full in learning that she is heir to the throne and that the monster she initially sees the Chimera as is a part of her and that it will teach her all she must know to understand and command it.
After overhearing her father and his soldiers talking Kyra steals away to find her mother who is said to be a prisoner at Murch City. Along the way she meets a Plains boy, Coyne, and her beloved childhood stuffed rodent Mercy, who assist her in rescuing her mother. Hard truths are brought to light in Kyra discovering that it was her father who had begun the war between the two societies and that before then he and Majellan had been great friends. The trio, with help of a few members of the Ratuuro race, are successful in their venture with lessons learned by all in trusting those you were trained to hate for the greater good. In the end Kyra has accepted her birthright and vows to end the wars that has torn her homeland apart.
The writer has spun an interesting tale that holds the readers attention and while it delivers no climatic ending it does leave them with the sense that the story does not end there with the assumed tasks Kyra must take on to keep her promise. I would recommend it as a good read for its targeted age group.
-To The Author- Your characters, especially the Ratuuro, were endearing in their roles.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,283 reviews44 followers
November 10, 2020
From mythical creatures to an epic journey, The Chimera’s Apprentice has many aspects of a good fantasy. Roslyn Muir has created a believable fantasy world (well if you believe in mythical creatures anyway). With a main character who is turning 13, The Chimera’s Apprentice is perfect for older elementary and middle school fantasy lovers. The story starts with Kyra’s fascination with rats - you (and she) find out later in the story where the fascination comes from. Her father has been gone on a mysterious mission for most of Kyra’s life. When Kyra meets talking rat-like creatures and her mom disappears, things get weird. Kyra adapts well to the changes and proves she is up to the task before her.
The Chimera’s Apprentice was a book I couldn’t put down. There is enough mystery and action to engage reluctant readers.
I would not have a problem placing this middle grade fantasy in a K-12 Christian school library. This is one title I’d like to see win some awards.
I received a complimentary copy of The Chimera’s Apprentice. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for M. Doyle.
Author 23 books
November 12, 2020
Anything with people getting transported to other worlds is right up my alley, and The Chimera’s Apprentice doesn’t disappoint.

The world of Antiica is wonderfully crafted and Muir does a great job in giving you just enough world history to keep you wanting more. The Ratuuro are well developed and by far my favorite part of the story and I hope the next books in the series delve deeper into their culture.

The main protagonist, Kyra Murch, adapts believably to everything thrown her way and supporting characters Coyne and Mercy—who are also very well developed—add a nice dynamic to the group on their adventure.

Overall it’s a great debut novel and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for N.M. McGregor.
Author 6 books28 followers
November 6, 2020
This exciting storyline and great characters create a new masterpiece in writing. I loved it, and expect more great reads from the author, Roslyn Muir. I read this new novel in two days, and totally connected with the journey and the climate created, and why the main character makes the choices to do what she does. Lovely heroine! The world the author created is vibrant and very visual. I am looking forward to more great literature from Roslyn Muir.
Profile Image for Erika.
26 reviews
October 31, 2020
I don't usually read kids books but I absolutely loved this book so much. Kyra, Mercy, and Coyne are wonderful characters to be following through the story. Such a magical and exciting read. Can't wait for the next book!!
2 reviews1 follower
Read
January 17, 2021
This book was a real treat - as an adult reader! I loved the world, the characters and the non stop plot and action. The Raturro are fascinating as a society and Kyra and Mercy's bond and friendship gives the story a wonderful depth and resonance. I am very excited to read the sequel and hope there are more after that!
Author 1 book5 followers
August 27, 2021
The Chimera’s Apprentice contains many key ingredients that make a good fantasy novel. The main protagonist is aged 13 and so young teens can relate to this and has enough action and adventure which will be able to engage the most reluctant of reader. Readers will love Kyra and being able to join her on her adventure. Indeed all of the characters are well developed and the readers is drawn into the story. A great read for young teens who love fantasy.
Profile Image for Paige V.
304 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2022
Review from daughter Paige, who is 12 yo.

Her summary: Kyra Murch, a typical almost thirteen-year-old, is presenting a project about rats at school. By accident, the boxes that held two Norwegian brown rats fell off. The school suspended Kyra as a result. Her mom is disappointed. When Kyra was doing the laundry, a walking-talking rat suddenly appeared. The rat's name is Shale, and he has come to warn her that they are coming after her. Kyra is confused. For her birthday, Kyra's mom gave her a strange bracelet. After that, Kyra gets a vision of her mom getting kidnapped. She was right, her mom disappeared, and her dad whisked her away to a land named Antiica. It's up to Kyra, who has control of the Chimera, and she must save her mom.

Her thoughts: Thank you to Ms. Roslyn Muir for letting me read this fantastic book. I received this book from a book giveaway.
Be ready to be transported to a completely different new world: Antiica. The story is unique, adventurous, and suspenseful. The worldbuilding of the landscape, the characters (the good and the bad ones), and the fast flow of the story were fantastic.
Kyra is my favorite character; she is courageous, strong, and loyal. With Chimera and her friends, Kyra can succeed! Controlling the Chimera sounded cool! I loved imagining the possibilities you can do with it. The rats were a bit scary, but some of them were sweet.
I can't wait to read the second book!
Profile Image for Terresa Augustine.
1 review
Read
July 27, 2022
Following her mother's abduction from Earth by Majellan, leader of the Raturro, Kyra is transported to Murch where she discovers her father's role in a war that is destroying her homeland. Befriended by Coyne and Mercy along with some sympathetic country and city raturros and finally the Corvies, Kyra faces a prophecy written long ago - The Last Murch will return to end the war between humans and raturros and bring peace and harmony back to the kingdom.

The Chimera's Apprentice by Roslyn Muir (roslynmuir.com), is a fantastical and harrowing journey for thirteen-year-old Krya Murch and a delightful read that engages from start to finish. The nearer I came to the final page, the greater my want for more Krya and her companions. I was pleased to read this is the first in a series.

A well-written and engaging middle grade novel. - Terresa Augustine, Managing Director, TaLedi Publishing, a division of TaLedi Enterprise Development Inc. (2003).
Profile Image for Cori Cooper.
Author 17 books157 followers
May 5, 2022
This book throws you right into the action with Kyra and her cohorts. It's a super fun fantasy adventure for middle grade readers. I am not a middle grader reader, but I really enjoyed the story, too! It took me a few chapters to figure out who was good and who was bad and even then, I didn't have it exactly right, which is exactly how I like to read. It's fun to discover things as the character does. I thought Roslyn did a super job of constructing her story in a way that made me want to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Peter Servidio.
Author 83 books11 followers
July 23, 2022
Imaginative, well-paced, and enjoyable!

I originally picked up The Chimera’s Apprentice for my daughter to read, but when I told her I had gotten it she said her tbr list was already too long. Wow! I am glad she did because I decided to read it instead. I immediately fell in love with Muir’s writing and her ability to create immersive scenes and believable characters. The story flowed smoothly throughout. I do not want to give too much away, but if you enjoy a well thought out and written fantasy, this is a book for you.
Profile Image for Julie Mannino.
Author 56 books138 followers
September 6, 2022
Kyra was awesome. She had a lot dumped on her. It's not everyday you find out that your the princess of a new land, and your Mum and Dad are the King and Queen. And don't forget the talking rats to start with.
There was a lot of action and things to find out that kept me turning the page. I also really like the cover because the Chimera is cool.
2 reviews
April 16, 2022
So original! I fell in love with all the characters and cannot wait for book two!
2 reviews
March 27, 2022
The action is original and starts write away! I was hooked after reading the first paragraph!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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