Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat

Klawde is the first installment in the Evil Alien Warlord Cat series and is followed by Enemies, The Spacedog Cometh, Target: Earth, and Emperor of the Universe. In Klawde, Johnny Marciano introduces the whimsical setting of Planet Lyttyrboks and explains Klawde’s past rule over the planet, as well as the banishment that sends him to Earth, where Klawde forms an unlikely relationship with Raj, a human boy. The end of the book sees Klawde exiled to Earth for a second time, and in Enemies, Klawde and Raj team up once again as Raj attends his new school and Klawde renews his own efforts to return home and reclaim his throne. 

The Spacedog Cometh brings Barx, an intergalactic canine law officer who is determined to ensure that Klawde causes no more trouble. As with Klawde’s catlike personality, Marciano renders Barx comparable to most dogs, giving him a hyper and loyal personality that contrasts with Klawde’s sternness. In Raj’s life, the unexpected arrival of his grandmother to celebrate his birthday leaves him scrambling to deal with a party that he doesn’t want, and he is also embarrassed by his family.

In Target: Earth, Barx officially joins Raj and Klawde’s crew in time for Klawde’s greatest plan yet—conquering Earth. Because Klawde has not yet managed to return to Lyttyrboks, this plan illustrates his indominable nature and his desire to rule over other beings. By shifting Klawde’s focus to Earth, Marciano shows that Klawde’s baseline personality has not changed. He still thrives on conflict and desires to become the supreme ruler. Banned from his home planet, he targets Earth instead, even though he has come to care for Raj in his own way. The story brings Klawde and Raj together as they try to raise money—Klawde for world domination and Raj for a VR headset. 

Finally, Emperor of the Universe focuses on Klawde’s unsuccessful attempt to conquer Earth, after which, determined to prove himself, he sets his sights on conquering the entire universe. Once again, Barx and Raj team up with Klawde to help bring his plans to fruition, and the author continues to explore the fundamental themes of friendship and teamwork that are present throughout the series.