A Sentient Spider Plant Joins 10 Books With Talking Animal Companions Almost as Charming as Princess Donut
A cat helps a reluctant villain
In Starter Villain, Charlie is a divorced substitute teacher who inherits his uncle’s supervillain business. Hera, a hyper-intelligent spy cat who has watched over Charlie, helps him learn how to run it.
Hera takes protecting Charlie seriously, though she considers him something of an idiot. The setup pairs an unlikely new villain with a companion who may be smarter than he is.
A magical corgi and loyal hound
The Blue Moon Cafe & 24-Hour Occult Emporium gives readers Simon, a corgi who is also a powerful magical being. He takes over magic lessons for Talula while her mother is away on urgent magical business.
The Iron Druid Chronicles, a 10-book urban fantasy series beginning with Hounded, features Oberon, an Irish wolfhound connected telepathically to Atticus. Oberon has strong opinions about food, especially bacon, and squirrels, and his bond with the last druid brings humor to the story.
A plant among the companions
Caz is a sentient, talkative spider plant created by a spell and permitted to stay in the Great Library. When political upheaval sends librarian Kiela away from the city, Caz leaves with her.
On an island Kiela once called home, the pair try to avoid trouble while holding onto a possibly illegal collection of books. They end up running an illicit spell shop and experimenting with magic; Caz’s anxious nature and sensible advice make him a warm, relatable companion.
Key points
- Starter Villain pairs Charlie with Hera, a hyper-intelligent spy cat.
- Simon is a magical corgi who helps Talula with her lessons.
- Oberon communicates telepathically with Atticus in The Iron Druid Chronicles.
- Caz, a sentient spider plant, travels with librarian Kiela.