Feline explorers and loyal canine protectors navigate a cosmic power struggle in uncharted space, where allegiances are tested and the line between friend and foe blurs. The space opera adventure combines cosmic curiosity, canine loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of feline explorers in a humorous and action-packed tale.

Reader Review Summary

"Space Cats: Making Enemies" is a delightfully absurd and utterly charming space opera that will captivate both young and adult readers alike. Co-authored by Craig A. Price and his 10th grade son Shayne, this rollicking adventure transports readers to a galaxy where feline explorers and canine soldiers engage in an intergalactic struggle of cosmic proportions.

Right from the clever marketing description, the book shines with a wit and playfulness that immediately sets the tone. The premise alone is pure genius - cats, driven by insatiable curiosity, venturing forth to unveil the secrets of the cosmos, while loyal dogs stand as steadfast guardians determined to protect it. This inherent tension between the feline yearning for exploration and canine instinct for defending provides endless sources of humor and conflict.

The book's real strength lies in how wholeheartedly it leans into its own madcap premise. The authors aren't afraid to dial the ridiculousness up to 11, peppering the narrative with a endless barrage of brilliant cat puns, insights into feline behavior ("Jade really wanted to get this over with so he could take a nap. He'd been awake for nearly forty-five minutes now."), and winking nods to classic sci-fi tropes. Chapter titles like "The Purr-fect Opportunity" and "Clawing Their Way Out" had me grinning from ear to ear.

While certainly aimed at a middle grade audience, there's plenty here for adults to enjoy as well. The fast-paced, action-packed plot seamlessly blends humor and hints at deeper themes of honor, loyalty, and the ethical implications of exploration. The cliffhanger ending also tantalizes with the promise of future installments to explore this wonderfully weird world further.

Some readers may be put off by the somewhat simplistic prose style and lack of descriptive details. But in a book filled with talking cats wielding laser guns, I would argue that such nitpicks miss the point entirely. "Space Cats" wears its lack of pretension as a badge of honor, reveling in imagination and delight over literary sophistication.

In the end, "Space Cats: Making Enemies" is a cosmic litter box of fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. For those looking to lose themselves in a silly, clever space romp where cats and dogs take center stage, this book is purr-fect. Fans of any age who enjoy their sci-fi with a heaping helping of whimsy and charm would do well to join the ranks of the Cat Exploration Corporation. The cosmos of adventure awaits!