Maria P Frino is an author, editor and copywriter. She has written and edited PR, ads, corporate communications, and many newsletters. She works on her self-published fiction books when she is not writing corporate communications or as a Senior Reviewer for the online site, Weekend Notes. Her first published story, The Studio is a short crime story. Xenure Station: A Billion Light Years is her second short story. Her books are available on her website - www.mariapfrino.com.

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She is a committee member of Sydney Authors Inked, a collective of authors who do book and author talks in Sydney. They discuss books, reading, publishing, and all book-related topics. Authors can talk about their books or be part of our interview format - In Conversation with Sydney Authors Inked, where one of our members conducts the interview. Tickets for events are available on Humanitix.

You can follow Maria on X, Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.

Edward's Cat by Maria P Frino

Maria P Frino's young adult trilogy, Edward's Cat, started as a writing prompt from one of her writers' groups. Book One – Edward's Cat. A Magical Tale of Edward, his Twin and a Cat., is in the Top 20 for children's books on Amazon AU and reach the No.1 spot for Children's Fiction in May 2024. Book two – Edward's Cat. The Rise of the Kittens. And a Dog., was published in 2023. Book three – Edward's Cat. Three Cats, a Magical Legacy. And a Dog., was published 24 May 2024.

A wonderful trilogy, Edward's Cat will enthral and captivate readers as the young protagonists fight to rid their school and lives of the awful bullies. There are schoolyard bullies, shapeshifting, friendships, geeks, a magical society, and amazing feats of bravery.

This series is suitable for readers 13 to 18+ and everyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with a touch of magic.

CURATOR'S NOTE

What began as a writing prompt blossomed into a young adult trilogy beloved by readers. Follow Edward, his twin, and their magical cat through adventures that have topped Amazon AU's children's book charts. Maria P. Frino combines her talent for crafting engaging, heartfelt stories with her passion for young adult literature, creating a series that's both magical and deeply human. – Adam Gaffen

 

REVIEWS

  • "You have me captivated as a reader."

    – Reader review

  • "Brilliant, awesome stories. Love them."

    – Reader review

  • "Now there are goblins! Fantastic."

    – Reader review
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

A Brief History of The Magicals.

Jacaranda Trees are well known in Australia with the most common variety being Jacaranda Mimosifolia. Even though many Australians think of Jacarandas as being native to Australia, they are actually native to South America.

So, it is in South America that The Magical's Australian story begins. In 1800, the Rodriguez family sailed to Sydney, Australia. Santiago and Isabella along with their child, Lucas were invited to live in Sydney as Santiago's medical skills were required in this new territory. As a trained doctor, Santiago was able to help at Sydney's hospitals by training Australian doctors with his modern ways of medicating the population. One of which was the use of opium to treat oral conditions and toothache. This, along with his other skills, became valuable to the medical profession of Sydney.

The Rodriguez family found themselves in the top echelons of Sydney's society, living in a sprawling house not far from the hospitals and universities Santiago had to attend. Once the Rodriguez family became established, others from South America followed. Some were family, others were friends. They were all magicals.

Santiago did not need to change his last name to be part of Sydney's elite because of his good reputation, but some of the other South Americans he encouraged to emigrate, did. Santos became, Smith, Cabello became Cabel … many names were changed to Anglo spelling. They wanted to fit into the Sydney high society quickly and progress to the status that was afforded to their friend, Santiago.

With the help of these overseas counterparts, the magicals set up the first Australian magical committee of whom Santiago was the head. He proceeded to appoint members of his family to positions within the committee and two of his good friends as well.

This secret society grew as Sydney grew. They were always wary of not exposing themselves to the non-magicals. Although, there was an incident in 1908 that nearly outed all of them.

As the economies of this new country prospered, so did Santiago and his family. They moved several times to newer and more affluent suburbs, one of which was Glenndale. The house in which Santiago would take his last breath is now a derelict house near the old industrial area of the suburb. This is still the headquarters for The Magicals.