<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220255020-cat-dragon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Cat Dragon" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1740241575l/220255020._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220255020-cat-dragon">Cat Dragon</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8074660.Samantha_Birch">Samantha Birch</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7695306534">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
this book was amazing! a witchy mild mystery romantasy and by romance i mean very mild romance! this book would be perfect for tweens to adults! i cant wait for the booktok community to dive into this!
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I am super interested in the story and am really enjoying the book!

However i'm a person who can picture things in her head, so very detailed descriptions are hard for me to follow (Similar to how I tried to read the Hobbit). So I think this book just isn't for me!

But from what I read I think the premise is great and hope this does well because it's super cute!

This was such a beautiful and whimsical story! I really had fun reading this cozy novel. It made me feel lighthearted, adventurous and emotional. It had mysterious vibes as well. This also gave me some laughs! It is a medium paced read that includes a witch and a cat dragon. The main characters in this book were strongly devoloped in the story. This has a diverse cast of characters, all lovable! Even the minor characters stood out to me. This also comes with a romantacy and magic! The world building of Tangleroot Valley was cozy and charming. This story came with vivid imagery, a clear thesis and was stylistically unique. This novel is plot driven, as the story follows a witch that struggles to bond with her cat dragon. This book came with everything that I love in a fantasy! The pacing was a little slow at the beginning, but it picked up and I couldn’t put this book down!

“Cat Dragon” is a novel that revolves around a witch in training, named Aloysia. In this cozy story, bonding with your own cat dragon is very important in becoming a witch. Aloysia struggles to bond with her cat dragon. This story starts taking us on a journey with Aloysia and her best friends’ brother named Hollis! They start heading for the mountains and come across dangers, adorable creatures and unexpected feelings for one another. I give this cozy novel a 4 out of 5 stars!

I think fans of Harry Potter and anyone that loves magical worlds would really enjoy reading this book! There are not any content warnings, as this is a very clean book.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Samantha Birch and Harper 360 | One More Chapter for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on September 2, 2025! The publication date may change.

This was beautiful, cozy and made me smile. I loved our main character, but the star was her familiar. Their relationship made me chuckle at times. I thought the magical oops were fun and I loved the setting. Every element in this story was a touch whimsical. I had great fun with this.

A cozy cottagecore fantasy with magical animal friends and found family is what we all need right now.

If you were wanting to get into the Halloween spirit a little bit early then I would suggest reading an arc of Cat Dragon. If you are wondering about the title our wonderful creature in question is half cat and half dragon. I for one think that this is the most cutest combination ever. I honestly thought that this was the most creative work of fiction that I have read up to date so I'm pretty happy that I took the time to read this book.
Our main character is a young witch named Aloysia who is in a deliema of not being matched up with a cat yet. However one day herbluck changes when she encounters a cat dragon like mentioned before is a strange yet exciting combination. Soon afterwards she embarks on a life changing journey.

Cute. YA. Cozy fantasy. Its definetly a cozy adventure. Nice read when you just want something to curl up on the couch with.

Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch is an utterly enchanting cozy fantasy full of warmth, magic, and the softest dragon you’ll ever meet. The tone is gentle, comforting, and hopeful—making it a perfect read for anyone who loves character-driven stories with a whimsical twist.

The book follows a quietly brave main character who ends up caring for a creature that’s part dragon, part cat—curious, fiercely loyal, and hilariously temperamental. Their bond is the heart of the book, and it’s written with such tenderness that I couldn’t stop smiling.

Birch’s prose is clean and immersive, her worldbuilding subtle but effective. This isn’t a high-stakes fantasy—it’s a story about healing, courage, and friendship in unexpected forms. Some might find the pace a bit slower, but for me, it was exactly what a cozy fantasy should be.

Perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Tea Dragon Society, or anyone looking for a sweet escape with a magical creature you’ll wish you could adopt.

4/5 ⭐️

Cute, cozy read. I feel like it took a little long to get to the actual point and that the author brought up the Prattling Pumpkins way more than needed seeing as how they had no purpose to the story. Overall I would recommend if you want something comfy to read especially in the fall.

I want a cat dragon! In a world of witches (“witches help”), Aloysa is a witch who just wants enough power to help. And to get a familiar. But all the times she has tried have not yielded her own cat dragon. Until one day it does... but that doesn’t go quite right. Neither does anything else. And she’s falling for her best friend’s brother. And she has to help the Guardians. Or she loses her wand forever. I thought this was so cute and original. I want more!

Cat Dragon was such a little cozy and adventurous book and I absolutely loved it! All the characters were so lovable and I enjoyed the way they all worked together through their magical quest. Littlewick the cat dragon was so cute and I loved him as Aloysia's familiar. Crow was also an animal favorite and I loved that he talked. From the talking prattling pumpkins to the epic quest to save Tangleroot, this was such a fun, magical and cozy read! I think readers will love this one and it's definitely the perfect Autumn read!

An interesting story of adventure.

Aloysia Papplewick is a witch with out a familiar. Hollis was born into a family of magic with no magic of his own, his claim was to be a shepherd for the Guardian. The Guardian falls gravely ill and it is up to Aloysia with her newly found familiar and Hollis, along with people they meet along the way to figure out what is wrong and fix it or their town will disappear forever.

The story had some slow spots and then would speed up. The story does move along and we learn a lot about the different types of magic and types of towns. I enjoyed the story and the new take on magic. I enjoyed the twists and turns it took at the end.

Well that was adorable! What a sweet, cozy story. I loved getting more and more attached to Aloysia and Hollis, as well as Littlewick and the rest of the crew. The world was great too, and I'd absolutely read more from it!

Such a fun cozy fantasy read it made me feel so many emotions you have world entering stakes and so many different connections to not use people, I definitely want my own cat dragon now after reading this it was a slower read and I took my time but I love the world it creates and invites you into!

Perfect for curl-up-and-read days—welcoming, whimsical, and comforting. Light adventure, quirky magical companions, and a heroine who blossoms into unexpected strength. Cat‑dragon familiar LittleWick is irresistibly adorable. Other side characters help to add charm and humor. Aloysia and her best friend’s brother, Hollis, share a tender, authentic bond that brings a touch of romance without taking the spotlight from the main story. Pacing was a little slow in some early/middle parts but it never derails the warm-hearted adventure.

A charming, cozy fantasy perfect for autumn. There were so many elements to this book I enjoyed. This is a world with talking pumpkins and cat dragons. How could one not be enchanted? I really loved Tangleroot Valley and all the other places we visited on our journey. The world building and magic system were simple but incredibly immersive. I would love to read more from this world the author created. There are so many fun magical creatures and plants that I adored. I definitely could see the world being expanded upon even more. My favorite part of the story was the world and its inhabitants. It was so whimsical and imaginative. There is a slight romance in this that I could have done without. I felt like the characters didn’t get enough actual bonding time together for me to truly believe their relationship. They also felt a little immature to me. The characters are supposed to be in their 30s but they acted more like shy teenagers. If you like childhood friends to lovers you might enjoy it. I also didn’t believe the bad boy image portrayed of the love interest at the beginning. The FMC seemed to be annoyed and disliked him for a good amount of the book but there wasn’t much evidence as to why. I think it was supposed to create tension between the two, but it felt irrational and was very short lived. The story dragged in some parts for me. Though it was only 430 pages, I felt like it could’ve been shorter. The ending was a little confusing and rushed, but ended up making sense in the end. I do think this book could use a better title. Cat dragons are a huge part of this story but I think as a title it’s a bit too simplistic and limiting to what the story is really about. Overall, I enjoyed this. It was a sweet, cozy time that would be perfect for the autumn season.

Cat Dragon takes you on a serious journey. The first third of the book is the set of, the second third is the journey, and the last part is the epic battle. I liked all the interesting creatures, cat dragons, talking crows, ancestor pumpkins, magical plants, plant and animal Guardians, and many, many more. The creatures helped add a bit of whimsy, and fun, some of the times when the book got a little slow they were the saving by grace. I loved that at the beginning there was a pronunciation of Aloysia’s name, it made the story more seamless, instead of me saying the FMC name different each time, I only wish there was a pronunciation guide for all the interesting names and creatures, it would have been very helpful. While there were times the storytelling got a little slow, with the constant introductions to new characters and/creatures, and new places the slowness doesn’t last long. This was a cute little world to live in for a while, and I wish I could have my own cat dragon.

Cat Dragon is a sweet cozy fantasy that reads like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. The story weaves adorable enchantment into everyday life, creating a world that feels comforting and just whimsical enough to spark joy.

The pacing stays steady throughout, never dragging too hard, though the book does feel a bit long in places. Still, the easy prose and charming characters make it worth sticking with. The storyline is simple but surprisingly sweet, with enough heart to carry you all the way through. If you’re in the mood for something magical, low-stakes, and full of charm, Cat Dragon delivers the perfect “curl up and read”experience. I especially think this would be cute for fall.

Thank you to Harper 360 and One More Chapter for sending me an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review. As always, it’s been a pleasure.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is a cozy fantasy book packed with adventure, an inventive magic system, and A LOT of characters. I enjoyed the story and plot of this book but at some point it just felt like it continued on and on. Again, I liked the story but I was expecting more of a cozy fantasy story than a long epic adventure.

I would recommend this book if you like long cozy fantasy books with lots of adventure and swaths of characters.

Cat Dragon is a lovely adventure full of magic, creatures, nature, and friendship. There was a surprising amount of scientific explanation included which really gave the story more depth. The natural and magical causes behind certain behaviors and illnesses of magical creatures was intriguing. I find the different specialties of the witches fascinating. The characters are relatable and lovable. The romance is well thought out and doesn't come out of nowhere.

So this book starts out a little slow, but it does pick up later on. I loved reading this book. What’s better than a cozy witchy adventure with mystical creatures and a little romance thrown in there?!

Dive into the world of Aloysia and the town of Tangleroot. There is magic, Guardians (creatures who create the magic), pumpkins filled with the (judgy) spirit of your ancestors and a host of friends to meet along the way. I loved the characters in this book! They were funny and fun and loyal. The writing was detailed (I had to read each word to be sure I didn't miss anything!) which created a vast world these characters made their way through. I was delighted at the descriptions for each Guardian. Read if you love cozy magic, fun creatures, and side quests. I will read anything Samantha Birch writes from now on and I am hoping there is some character art in store for us in the future!

This is such a cute cover. Caught my attention immediately and add in the witchy element and a cat dragon. I was sold. I loved Littlewick and Crow and all the magical creatures in this story. The journey through different lands and the encounters with the magical creatures and plants was so fun. The sentient plants and earth magic was really enjoyable. This has just enough romance in it for me and I loved the best friend's brother trope. It was cozy yet adventourous and had way more details and plot than I was expecting honestly. I did feel like the story dragged on, I felt like I had been reading it for months by the time I finished. The ending was surprising but also a bit of a let down because I wanted to see a certain character again. I felt like the story just ended on a note that I didn't understand. I feel like I was suppose to have known that ending detail and I sure didn't. Overall this was a really great story. 4 stars.

𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐢 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐨
𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐧é 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝
𝐈 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 2025 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐬
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭

Cat Dragon
By Samantha Birch
One More Chapter - Aug 2025
Fantasy Romance

Aloysia Papplewick was a witch who lived by the witches help adage. She helped her neighbors, created magicobotanical spells, but was also a witch without her familiar. At twenty-five she had long yearned for the bond that could only be made between a witch and cat dragon.

Hollis, her best friend's non-magical brother, was to return to Tanglewood Valley after his year as Shepherd roaming with the Guardian. Even Aloysia could acknowledge Hollis was given a great honor when the Guardian, an ancient magical entity, selected him. She just knew he would be even more insufferable upon their return.

But Hollis arrived frantic. The Guardian was not behaving as it should and appeared to be dying. Aloysia and Hollis would have to set out to find the ingredients for a possible antidote. Along with a young cat-dragon that Aloysia finds, they meet other magical and non-magical people who they hope will help them find the solution to saving the Guardian and their magic.

In Cat Dragon, readers are immersed in a fascinating world full of magic and wonder. The Guardians are mysterious entities, but there are also magical plants, prattling pumpkins, Aloysia’s friend Crow and so much more. It can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning, but the search and if these characters can find the solution will keep readers hooked. There is a romance with Aloysia and Hollis, but it is a minor part of the story. I do wish that there had been an epilogue to see what happened a few years in the future, maybe there will be a sequel.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

The cover and title alone piqued my interest. I love a warm, cozy magical story that combines the real world with the magical realm and Cat Dragon did just that. Aloysia is a witch who still has not bonded with her cat dragon. I mean, I would be a little frustrated as well to not gain a cat dragon when most witches bond with them when starting at age 8. Nonetheless, Aloysia does not have her companion and is thrown into an adventure with her best friend's brother.

The story was fast paced, but a bit hard to follow and the vocabulary was a little difficult for me to understand at times. But, overall I enjoyed the book and the coziness of the romance, magic, and animal companions. The magical world was fun and definitely a place that I wish existed in real life.

As a mood reader, I’m so so happy I got an eARC for this one because it absolutely delivers on the fall vibe. One of the perfect narratives to get you cozied up for the season.

The only reason why I’m deducting a star is because to me it felt like the book was confused on whether it was a cozy fantasy or it wanted to be more… which I’m ALL for, like yes, let’s then the dial up and get a bit more high fantasy, but I think it was marketed a little more as ‘cozy’ and it felt slightly more investing than just the regular cozy fantasies.

I really really want to give it 5 stars, I might even come back to change this, but I do think (as a fantasy reader) that at times it felt a bit like ‘info dump’ because it’s be cozy and chill and then info info info. So a more balance of that would be great!!

A Magical and Cozy Escape
Sometimes, you just need a book that feels like a warm hug. Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch is that book. It’s a wonderfully whimsical and sweet escape, perfect for when you want to get lost in a world that feels both magical and comforting. If you've been waiting for a new cozy fantasy book to explore, this is it.

Reading this story is like the book equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of chamomile tea—soothing, calming, and comforting. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with by the fireplace (or maybe just a YouTube video of one) with your hot tea and beloved animal companion sleeping by your side. The story is a mashup of everything we love about Studio Ghibli and the coziest scenes from Harry Potter, making it feel instantly familiar and beloved.

Birch has created a vibrant world with detailed lore that feels alive and lived-in. Her descriptions of the cat dragons are an absolute treat, and you’ll find yourself wishing you had one of your own. They have the charm of a beloved feline friend and the fantastical wonder of a creature like Buckbeak.

The story is a delightful blend of adventure and whimsy, with magic in every sense of the word. It's definitely a wonderfully nerdy and delightfully geeky read that celebrates the natural world, from its magnificent creatures to its fantastical plants and botany. The story takes its time to build its world, introducing a variety of characters and different cultures, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the magic.

The story is so deeply rooted in its own world that you’re simply invited to jump in and go along for the ride. It’s truly a charming fantasy story that you'll want to get lost in. I can see this being one installment of many more in the future, bringing readers back to the whimsical magic of Tangleroot Valley.

Perfect for Fans of:
📚😻 Cozy fantasy
💕 Studio Ghibli films
✨️ The magical feel of the Harry Potter universe, specifically classes like Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology
💛 Classic fantasy books like the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
❤️ The adventures of Eragon, His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, and Tamora Pierce books

A special thanks to Harper Collins, Harper 360, One More Chapter, NetGalley, and the author, Samantha Birch, for providing an advanced reader copy of this book. Cat Dragon will be published on September 23, 2025 for US readers. I look forward to reading more stories from this author!

Cat Dragon is a fun, cozy adventure with a likeable cast of characters and an interesting world that makes you want to settle down with a warm drink and read. The setting of Tangleroot Valley is a quaint small town, but the plot quickly brings us out of the safe confines of the valley to wider world which various interesting locales and a growing cast of fun characters you're attached to by the end. Aloysia is woman in her 30's still finding herself, and her journey of self-discovery over the book is a nice one to see. One of the world building strengths are the many different creatures that are important to the plot. Of course the cat dragons are adorable, but the Guardians are an interesting mystery to unravel and the lichenthropes (wolves covered poisonous lichen) are just a great pun. If you want fun story with exciting adventure, while still being cozy, I'd recommend Cat Dragon.

Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch was an absolutely enchanting read from the very first page. Honestly, the title alone had me curious, the cover sealed the deal, and then that opening chapter? Hooked. Completely.

This cozy, magical adventure follows witch Aloysia, who finds herself drawn into a quest to save her beloved farm after the village’s guardian falls into mysterious trouble. Alongside her best friend’s brother, Hollis (hello, grumpy & sunshine dynamic) and a cast of delightfully quirky companions, she ventures into a world brimming with new magical creatures, strange plants, and just enough magic gone wrong to keep you on your toes.

The vibes? Immaculate. Imagine curling up with a blanket, tea in hand, and diving into a story with forced proximity, found family, and a gentle slow burn romance woven between moments of high-stakes magic. Oh, and the cat dragons- are you kidding me?! Utterly adorable.

This is the kind of book that feels tailor-made for autumn reading, where you want to lose yourself in cozy vibes and a dash of whimsy. I’m desperately hoping this is only the beginning of more stories in this world.

Releasing September 2nd!
Huge thanks to Net Galley, Samantha Birch and Harper Collins 360 for the digital ARC.

Such fun!! The cover art got me first.. could it be a cuter cover?? And just the thought of creature that is half cuddly cat and half ferocious dragon? Umm, yes please!

As excited as I was to start, the beginning kind of had me confused. A lot happens without a whole lot of explanation. For example, the magic system was quite confusing to me and probably could have used a little more explanation. I was also unsure of just why the main character disliked her friend Ivy's brother, Hollis, so much? And why was everyone mad at her for trying to help? Thats what witches do, they help!

Once I got past that initial stumble, and the true adventure began, I was able to just go with it and enjoy the ride. Do I fully understand the magic system? Not really? Or why Aloyisus was in so much trouble for helping? No, but i was all for the adventure it sent her and Hollis on to fix the problem.

Crow was my favorite character, by far. The setting was absolutely magical. The cat dragons were adorable. The love story was sweet. Cat Dragon was a wonderful read.

What a beautiful, lighthearted, whimsical story!! I had such a good time reading this cozy little novel. It was mysterious, adventurous, emotional, and beautifully paced!! There is also nothing better than witches and cat dragons hahah.

I loved how strongly developed the characters were in this book. The entire cast was so lovable, and even the smallest of characters stood out to me!! This has magic, charm, romance, and was truly so unique! I really appreciated the pacing and how plot driven it was with such beautiful imagery. It honestly was packed with everything I love and I knew it wouldn’t disappoint!! Absolutely LOVED it!! Best cozy read so far for me!!

This story revolves around Aloysia, a small town witch living in a magical fantasy world where pumpkins can talk, and witches can bond and fly on cat dragons. However, most witches bond to a cat dragon as a child. Her her, no such luck. This leaves her out of any big magical uses and makes her feel unworthy. When the Guardian of magic (the 50ft animal that the town draws their magic from) gets ill, magic deteriorates. Aloysia tries to help but makes it worse. Her and Hollis must go on an adventure to find rare ingredients for a spell in order to save magic. And hopefully bond with a potential cat dragon on the way. While this story was lighthearted and cute. It was a bit longer for a typical cozy fantasy. I also had trouble staying engaged, but the ending was worth it to see the unexpected plot twist.

This felt like curling up with a storybook full of pumpkins and soft magic, where even the adventures move at a gentle pace. Aloysia is stubborn and endearing, and her bickering with Hollis slowly shifts into something that feels playful and real. The prattling pumpkins and fiery cat dragon bring charm without tipping into chaos, and the Harvest Festival backdrop makes everything glow with cottagecore coziness. If you are in the mood for a light enemies-to-lovers tale with magic that comforts more than it frightens, this one is a sweet escape.

Thank you so much to Samantha Birch and Harper 360 | One More Chapter for this eARC. It is a clean book, no content warnings, great for YA and Adults. It's a great cozy fall read. It's perfect for fans of The Tea Dragon Society. Great quick read highly recommend.

It was so cute and very perfect to put me in a fall mood. If you’re looking for a cozy light fall fantasy read this is it!

fairly effective and fun romantic fantasy filled with some interesting vibes and some great setting descriptions! would definitely recommend this one. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

'Cat Dragon' is a cozy-adjacent book about a 30-something botanical witch with no familiar. When her villages guardian becomes ill she sets out on a quest for potion ingredients, along with her childhood best friend's annoying (and handsome) brother. Along the way she makes friends, finds faith in herself, and does more than anyone ever expected her to (herself included). It's a sweet book with fall vibes, sentient plants, and lots of magic... plus adorable magical cat dragons! Bonus points for queer backgrounds characters and opinionated pumpkins.

"In the whimsical world of Tangleroot Valley, magic flows like the seasons, and every witch has her cat dragon - except Aloysia Papplewick.

She's far from bonding with her fiery feline familiar, and with her magical farm in chaos, her prattling pumpkin patch meddling in her life and the annual Harvest Festival to prepare for, Aloysia has enough to handle - even before her best friend's insufferable brother, Hollis, brings danger and distraction to her door.

When she and Hollis are whisked away on a quest to a mysterious mountain, Aloysia must contend with magic, mayhem - and a spark she never expected.

Embrace the magic as this delightful tale weaves a cozy spell of adventure, self-discovery, friendship and romance. For fans of Studio Ghibli, Harry Potter, The Spellshop and cottagecore."

But but I want a cat dragon!

Starting off in her whimsical home town, Aloysia enjoys a simple life on her farm trying to make ends meet. Then suddenly, thing go disastrously wrong. She is thrust into a fast paced, grand adventure, filled with many challenges.

This story had characters with a wide range of personalities and traits. Not just the main party but minor characters as well. I felt like so many of them stood out and were intriguing in their own ways!

The world building was unique and thoroughly enjoyed traveling with the characters through this world as the story progressed. The town descriptions are detailed and distinctive.

However, I think this is the first book in a very long time that I was overwhelmed by all the additional information. With so many unique details for each scene, I repeatedly had to go back to re-read sections. It felt like some key points got buried in the extra details.

I loved, loved, loved the prose in this book. It pretty much convinced me to read anything else this author publishes in the future—there was a perfect balance of botanical descriptions and heartwarming characterization, with even the cat dragons and animal companions having just as much of a presence as their human counterparts.

Aloysia is clearly talented and an expert in her field, so it was a bit unfortunate that her townspeople didn't grant her as much grace as she deserved when the conflict happened. I think her inner turmoil, her deep desire to do good and help, was expressed very well. It was rewarding to see her grow into her magic with more confidence thanks to her cat dragon and friends, both old and new. Her arc, along with the danger that threatened all of Tangleroot Valley, wrapped up very nicely, granting her with a found family and a deeper connection to her witchy roots.

My only hesitation is that this story had fairly high stakes, so I'm unsure if it can fully categorize itself as a cozy fantasy. The plants and animals definitely helped with the more whimsical feel, but Aloysia's predicament was quite stressful!

Overall, a fun and adventurous read, perfect for ushering in the fall season.

This is such an adorable cottagecore fantasy! There is a little bit of romance, mystery, and a lot of quirky characters. I felt like I was playing a cute video game, going on whimsical quests and working on my magical garden. I thought the beginning was a bit slow and confusing due to the very long sentences. However, I really got into it once Aloysia (FMC) started on her adventure to save Tangleroot Valley. I loved the animal companions and side characters and enjoyed the elements of self-discovery throughout the quest. Overall, this is a very cozy fantasy and would be a perfect lighthearted read for autumn! 🍂🍁🍄‍🟫

Side note: people who enjoy this book should totally play Fae Farm on Switch 🧚‍♀️

Such a cute and cozy book! I love this series and the theme of dragons throughout. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fall reading.

I was so excited to read Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch.
A delightful tale that weaves a cozy spell of adventure, self-discovery, friendship and romance.
I adored the quaint world of Tangleroot Valley.
The amazing diverse cast of characters were well developed and I loved bring to know them.
A cute cozy fantasy that is absolutely enchanting.,

Thank You NetGalley and One More Chapter for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cat-dragon-samantha-birch/1146420194

Cat Dragon was such a beautiful, whimsical read—I really enjoyed reading this story!

This story is about Aloysia, who is a witch-in-training and lives in the magical little village of Tangleroot Valley. This world is full of charm ~ talking pumpkins, quirky creatures, and of course, cat dragons. Bonding with your own cat dragon is a huge part of becoming a witch, but for Aloysia, it’s not coming easy. Her struggle really pulled me in because it made her feel so relatable, even in this magical setting.

Things really take off when she ends up on a quest with her best friend’s brother. Their dynamic added a fun energy to the story, with just the right sprinkle of romance along the way.

I loved how this story blended whimsy and heart ~ the world feels cozy and enchanting, but the characters also have a lot of depth. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile while reading and leaves you wishing you could step right into Tangleroot Valley yourself.

🐉✨ thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 | One More Chapter for the eARC! ✨🐈‍⬛

Cat Dragon was such an absolute delight to read! Aloysia Papplewick is a heroine you can’t help but root for, and her journey to gather ingredients for a spell turned into such a charming adventure. I loved tagging along as she traveled with her best friend's brother Hollis (a favorite trope of mine!!!) and the descriptions of all the magical lands and creatures was so whimsical and fun. Every stop along the way felt fresh and imaginative, and I never wanted the journey to end.

This book gave me cozy adventure DnD vibes, and is the perfect fun fall read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️
Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch

Step into the whimsical charm of Tangleroot Valley, where magic shifts with the seasons, pumpkins won’t stop gossiping, and every witch bonds with a cat dragon… well, every witch except Aloysia Papplewick.

Between her mischievous pumpkin patch, an uncooperative feline familiar, and the chaos of the upcoming Harvest Festival, Aloysia has her hands full. But when Hollis her best friend’s maddening brother shows up bringing both danger and distraction, she’s swept into an unexpected adventure. Their journey to a mysterious mountain brims with magic, mayhem, and an undeniable spark of romance.

✨ What I Loved
Cozy, autumnal vibes 🍂🎃
Talking pumpkins & magical creatures 🐉🐾
A witchy heroine you can’t help but root for
Slow-burn, reluctant-chemistry romance 💕
Cottagecore whimsy that feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film 🌸

📝 My Thoughts
This book feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a mug of spiced cider. It’s equal parts whimsical adventure, heartfelt friendship, and gentle romance. The world is lush with imagination (cat dragons! pumpkin sass!), and the writing carries a warmth that makes it perfect for fall reading. Fans of The Spellshop or Ghibli-style storytelling will absolutely fall in love with Tangleroot Valley.

📚 Perfect For Readers Who Love:

Studio Ghibli magic ✨
Cozy fantasy + cottage core feels 🏡
Witches, familiars & whimsical quests
A dash of romance without overshadowing the adventure 💫

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This was hands down one of the coziest things I've ever read. I really liked this book. I love the idea of cat dragons being witches' familiars, and this was a well written story and world. I truly hope that the author writes more set in this world as it is intriguing. The Guardians are fascinating, and the characters were fun. I'll definitely be recommending this to all of my book reading friends.

What an incredible take on fall witchy fantasy! Getting to know the fantastical world took some getting used to but it was easy to understand. It read so cosy and inviting. I like how it leaned towards the stereotype of witches being around crows, pumpkins and cat. The cat draggon in this is very reminiscent of an adorable kitten thats extremely protective. The adventure style created a forced proximity that fostered a romantic relationship between a disliked character and our main female lead. Im glad the romance wasnt a big focal point but some subtle hints here and there. It turned was incredibly sweet despite minimal focus. The adventure also expanded on this magical world in a natural way. I love how cosy and cottage core this is. The mystery aspect took so many turns i did not know what to expect in the end! This is the perfect cosy fall fantasy book to read this season

Cat Dragon
Samantha Birch
4.75 ⭐

First of thank you Netgalley for letting me review this book!
This book drew me in immediately by the title. Literally Cat+Dragon, who wouldn't want that?! First off I loved all the characters within this book! Yeah Hollis was annoying at times but he grew on me. Aloysia was a great female lead, I loved her personality and felt an immediate connection to her as a reader. I liked the way the author fleshed out the magjcal system as well as the magical system within her world! I liked the aspect of blending technology within the world (not modern). Crow was funny, and I adored all the Cat Dragons within the story. The jokes were hilarious and found myself laughing quite a bit while reading this!

It's the right amount of action, adventure, and comfy! I wish there was more! Please check this one out! You will not be disappointed!

First off thank you so much net galley & the author Samantha Birch for this read.

Secondly what a lovely read this was. I loved the adventure of friendship, romance and self discovery. Tangleroot Valley is honestly somewhere I’d love to visit often. As this was marketed as a cozy fantasy i felt like it was beautifully written. The magic system was interesting but fell a little short for me as it felt like it needed a little more explaining.

Otherwise I enjoyed this read :)

I love, love, loved this book! The plot locked me in from page one, and spit me out a new person on the last page. The characters became real to me and will live in my brain forever. The setting was tangible and perfect. The pacing was riveting, but not rushed. All coming together to be a book I can't wait to recommend to my friends.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

a cozy and magically adventurous fantasy!

All witch Aloysia Papplewick wants is a quiet life with her plants and her very own cat-dragon familiar. Years after the time that most witches receive their familiar, Aloysia is lacking in that last magical step. One faithful night, her life is turned upside down when Tangleroot Valley's Guardian deity is injured under Hollis's - Aloysia's best friends brother - and Aloysia's care and the entirety of the valley's magic falls on their shoulders as they leave the valley in search of the cure. The silver lining to all of this? Aloysia's cat dragon finally appears to her and helps stir up the budding attraction between Aloysia and Hollis.

this book took so many twists and turns and felt so like an epic quest fantasy like the hobbit or eragon! I loved the world building and how magical everything sounded! And I fell in love with Aloysia's scientific and wondrous views of the flora of the world. The side characters were fun, sassy, and emotional and created a beautiful found family. The romance is sweet and gentle and I can't wait to see if there's a book 2 that expounds on it! Especially with the few open threads left at the end of the story!

if you love coziness, magical worlds, witches, romance, and epic quests, read this book!

Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch is pure cozy fantasy magic. From the very first page, Tangleroot Valley came alive with charm, whimsy, and the kind of enchantment that wraps around you like a warm quilt on a crisp autumn night. Aloysia Papplewick is a heroine I couldn’t help but adore—flawed, funny, and wonderfully relatable as she navigates magical mishaps, meddling pumpkins, and the chaos of her unbonded cat dragon.

The story strikes a perfect balance of heart, humor, and adventure. The Harvest Festival setting brims with cozy seasonal atmosphere, and the quest with Hollis adds just the right spark of tension and slow-burn romance. The world feels both whimsical and deeply lived-in, reminding me of Studio Ghibli’s charm and Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop, while still being completely its own.

I laughed, I sighed, I rooted for every magical twist—and I never wanted it to end. If you love cottagecore vibes, talking pumpkins, and a fantasy that feels like coming home, Cat Dragon is a new favorite. Completely delightful!

3.5 rounded up for the cat dragons!

This is a very cute and cozy fantasy. While not the most compelling or exciting, still a solid story. The characters are interesting . All of the magical creatures are darling. Perfect but of romance. I enjoyed the “world building” especially the town of Tangleroot.

A little more *something* to keep it interesting was needed. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. It was confusing at times and could be difficult to follow. For a fantasy that’s not unusual but I don’t expect that from a cozy fantasy. I kept putting it down rather than getting lost in the story. The vibes were ever so slightly off to make this a 5 star. I’d be interested to read more from this author though, this is a very fun idea.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It is out now!

3.5 stars, rounded up. This book tells the story of a witch named Aloysia who is a magicobotanist in the Tangleroot Valley. Aloysia spends her days tending to her gardens but one thing she has been missing is her cat dragon. In a world where most witchy folk bond with a cat dragon when they are kids, Aloysia is now in her thirties and has yet to find her own. But when she finally does, witchy shenanigans ensue Aloysia and her ragtag team are swept up in a quest to save the valley.

Overall, I think this was a fun, lighthearted read. I think the writing style definitely took time to get used to. The language is pretty verbose with very long sentences that often spanned entire paragraphs ( I did listen to some of this on audio and I do think it's better suited to audio than physical reading, in part because of the language). I was also often confused by the plot. The plot starts to shift part way from witch needs a cat dragon to witch is being blamed (in a way that really didn't make sense) for destroying the valley and goes on a quest to save it. I will say, I did really enjoy the characters (though they felt VERY young for how old they were supposed to be, especially the main leads). The world was very whimsical and I think the world building was very well-done.

I think if you like cozy, whimsical adventures you might like this one. And I highly recommend the audio!

Book review: Cat Dragon by Samantha Birch.
Published by Harper 360 | One More Chapter — thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

Reading Cat Dragon is like stepping into a world where your pumpkins gossip, your farm has opinions, and your most important relationship might be with a creature that is part kitten, part dragon, and fully unimpressed with your life choices. Samantha Birch delivers a charming, whimsical fantasy full of seasonal magic, snarky vegetables, and just the right amount of reluctant romance. It’s a story that cozies up next to you like a warm blanket—if that blanket occasionally caught fire and lectured you about your unfulfilled potential.

The heart of the story is Aloysia Papplewick, a witch in her thirties who has never quite hit her magical stride. While everyone else in Tangleroot Valley has bonded with their cat dragons and settled into their niche, Aloysia is still battling her pumpkin patch, struggling with a prickly little cat-dragon named Littlewick, and trying to make sense of a magical system that seems determined to leave her behind. Her life is messy, frustrating, and funny—and it feels real in a way that’s rare in fantasy. She’s not some chosen one; she’s just trying to do her job, tend her farm, and not get roasted (literally or metaphorically) by her peers.

Then there’s Hollis, the best friend’s brother who shows up like a walking contradiction—helpful and irritating, competent and infuriatingly good-looking. Their banter is crisp, the slow-burn is believable, and the romance builds organically from tension, mutual annoyance, and just the right amount of forced proximity. It’s enemies-to-lovers, cottagecore edition.

The worldbuilding in Cat Dragon is a double-edged wand. On one hand, it’s lush and imaginative—talking pumpkins, oversized magical guardians, a seasonal festival that feels like a mashup of Midsommar and your local harvest fair. The magic is rooted in the natural world and deeply connected to individual personality and practice. It’s cozy without being quaint, and fantastical without being overwhelming… until it is. Birch’s prose is lyrical and dense, sometimes so wrapped up in its own cleverness that it slows the story down. There were passages I had to reread not because I didn’t get it, but because the phrasing was so ornate it distracted me from what was actually happening.

And yet, there’s something undeniably satisfying about how much care went into every sentence. Birch doesn’t phone in a single description. Every flower, every creature, every sarcastic pumpkin line feels intentional. One of my favorite lines? “On the whole, Aloysia Papplewick was proud of this year’s crop of Prattling Pumpkins; but that didn’t mean that they were proud of her.” It’s the kind of opening that tells you exactly what kind of world you’re about to enter—one where nature talks back, nothing is quite as simple as it seems, and magic is less about wand-waving and more about stubborn self-trust.

The story leans heavily into atmosphere, with soft fall energy woven into every page. Think crunchy leaves, glowing lanterns, and a sense that even the shadows are friendly if you give them a name. This isn’t high fantasy with political intrigue or dark magic; it’s magic that hums under your feet and lingers in your tea. That said, don’t be fooled by the cozy exterior—there’s real emotional heft here. Aloysia’s journey isn’t just about fixing a broken Guardian or surviving a magical quest. It’s about letting go of what she’s supposed to be and leaning into who she actually is. The romance is sweet, but it never takes over the plot. Instead, it complements the bigger arc of self-worth and belonging.

The pacing is uneven, especially in the first half, where exposition occasionally weighs down the flow. There are moments where the story feels like it’s meandering more than moving, and some readers may find the prose a bit too self-indulgent. But once the quest kicks in, the book settles into a groove. From mountain caves to magical mishaps, from cryptic visions to surprisingly tender conversations with familiars, the journey is full of small, satisfying moments.

And then there’s Littlewick. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to raise a kitten who breathes fire and judges your every decision with a twitch of its tail, you’ll love this tiny menace. He’s not just a pet—he’s a character with opinions, agendas, and (possibly) a vendetta. The relationship between Aloysia and Littlewick is one of the best parts of the book, starting with mutual frustration and slowly blooming into trust and loyalty. Honestly, if you’re not sold by the end, you might be a prattling pumpkin yourself.

Ultimately, Cat Dragon is a whimsical, slow-burning fantasy about finding your magic, even when the world insists you’ve missed your window. It’s cozy and clever, sentimental without being saccharine, and filled with characters who feel like they wandered in from your favorite fairy tale and stayed for tea. If you like Studio Ghibli vibes, seasonal magic, and fantasy with emotional depth wrapped in whimsy, this is your book.

This story was very beautiful and whimsical. I laughed out loud couple of times throughout the story. The diversity of characters was amazing and they were all lovable. The world building of Tangerloot valley was easy to understand and comprehend. It was a little slow at the beginning but it picks up to make it hard to put down.

4 out of 5 stars! This is such a cute cozy fantasy. It's a perfect mix of The Baby Dragon Cafe with The Spellshop meets The Hedgewitch of Foxhall.
The main character, Aloysia, is a magicobotantist who grows all kinds of magical plants and has had trouble finding her cat dragon familiar. She's now in her thirties and has all but given up finding her familiar when things start happening in her small town.
She's forced to go on a mission, leaving her town for the first time, to find the cure for the towns ancient guardian. Unfortunately, she's stuck with her long time best friend's brother whom she can't stand.
It's well written, exciting and interesting all the way through. It can drag a little bit at times but it's easy to overlook because there's so much cuteness that keeps you wanting more.