Cat Slayer by Douglas N. March Sparks Excitement With Its Unique Mix of Teen Life and Epic Battles

What happens when the first day at a new school leads directly into a supernatural battle? Douglas N. March explores that entertaining possibility in Cat Slayer, the opening installment of the Cat Slayer Saga. Designed as middle-grade fiction, the book brings together teenage friendships, mysterious technology, fantasy powers, and an unusual enemy hiding within an otherwise familiar world.

At the center of the adventure is 15-year-old Anthony Blackburn, whose return to Castle Valley, Utah places him on a path he could never have anticipated.

Secrets Are Waiting in Castle Valley

Anthony has recently returned from Spain after his mother accepts a job opportunity with renowned geneticist Catherine Alley Clysm. Moving means another adjustment for the teenager, including entering a school where nobody quite knows him yet.

Remaining unnoticed seems unlikely. Anthony has sunfire orange eyes that tend to attract attention wherever he goes. He has learned to live with the curiosity, even though he would prefer a quieter experience.

Something far more important soon demands his attention.

Before leaving for school one morning, Anthony overhears his parents discussing an urgent situation. Their conversation includes unfamiliar names and objects, including Cataclysm, the Hammer of Time, the Slayer’s Edge, and the mysterious title of Cat Slayer.

Anthony wonders whether he has stumbled across some elaborate game. The seriousness in his parents’ voices suggests something much bigger.

His father then gives him a peculiar black watch and tells him to keep it on his wrist. Its red face immediately catches Anthony’s attention. Even stranger, the minute hand resembles a sword blade and the hour hand resembles its hilt.

Douglas gives this seemingly simple object an immediate sense of mystery. Anthony carries the unanswered questions with him as he heads toward his first school day.

A Classroom Full of Surprises

Anthony’s arrival at school allows the story to explore his personality before the larger danger emerges. His first-period teacher, Mr. Fardlog, introduces him to the class with considerable enthusiasm. Anthony soon receives another memorable welcome from Van, a boy with an eyepatch who throws a paper airplane directly toward him as a reflex test.

Anthony catches it.

The reaction surprises his classmates and quietly hints at abilities that Anthony himself hasn’t fully recognized.

Another student soon becomes important to him. Tempest has long, wavy black hair and two strikingly different eyes. Anthony is fascinated by her, and the pair quickly find themselves talking comfortably. Their connection leads to plans to meet outside during lunch.

That meeting provides the story with its first dramatic supernatural shift.

Daylight suddenly begins disappearing. The sun drops toward the horizon even though several hours of daytime should remain. Around Anthony and Tempest, other students notice the impossible change as confusion spreads.

Then Anthony’s watch begins glowing.

A message appears around its face, describing a hero in the night who is there to fight. Anthony reads the words aloud, triggering a rush of energy through his body. The watch hands join together, creating the appearance of a complete sword.

Tempest sees the result immediately. Anthony is now wearing armor and a cloak.

Before either teenager has much time to process the transformation, someone spots a giant cat monster in the road.

Anthony’s strange morning has become the beginning of something enormous.

Building a World of Heroes and Feline Enemies

The idea of superheroes fighting evil cats gives Cat Slayer a distinctive foundation. Douglas surrounds that premise with mysteries that create opportunities for the Cat Slayer Saga to expand.

Set in 2035, the story introduces concepts that blend fantasy and futuristic imagination. The Hammer of Time apparently carries the ability to manipulate the transition between day and night. The Slayer’s Edge appears connected to Anthony’s emerging role. His watch also seems capable of recognizing when its wearer is needed.

Anthony brings a youthful perspective to these larger events. He’s curious about his parents’ secrets, interested in Tempest, uncertain about his new surroundings, and suddenly expected to respond when danger appears. His experiences give the superhero elements a personal dimension.

There’s also an important idea surrounding bravery. Anthony’s father describes him as someone with integrity, courage, and skill. Those qualities may prove just as significant as any supernatural ability Anthony develops.

About the Author

Douglas N. March is a 23-year-old writer living in Bozeman, Montana, with his Pitbull named Destiny. He began writing at 18 and enjoys fantasy, mystery, camping, outdoor activities, and stories involving animals, dragons, and cats.

Douglas has Asperger’s and hopes his creative journey can demonstrate that having a disability doesn’t prevent someone from pursuing personal ambitions. His Christian faith is also meaningful to him, and he believes in respecting people regardless of their individual beliefs.

Cat Slayer is available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions on Amazon.

The Adventure Has Only Just Begun

With its teenage hero, mysterious artifacts, budding friendship, and oversized feline threat, Cat Slayer establishes an imaginative starting point for a larger series.

Douglas gives young fantasy readers a world filled with questions waiting to be answered. Anthony has discovered his transformation, yet his journey as the Cat Slayer is only beginning, leaving plenty of mysteries and adventures ahead.