No One Noticed the Cat

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In an enchanting and sophisticated fairy tale for adults and intelligent children alike, a cat who may be more than a cat guides a young prince through the perils of ruling and loving. After the death of Esphania's wise regent, young Prince Jamas finds that the regent's cat, Niffy, seems to have the ability to cause him to have second thoughts when he considers actions that might lead to war or other unpleasantness. When King Egdril of nearby Mauritia appears to be casting an acquisitive eye on Esphania, Jamas, instead of waging war, invites the monarch on a hunting trip to demonstrate the martial skills of the Esphanian nobility. Egdril turns out to be quite a good fellow; it's not until Jamas falls in love with his niece, Willow, that the prince discovers the real source of evil behind the Mauritian throne. After Jamas and Willow are wed, it takes all of Niffy's cleverness to save them, Jamas's princedom and Willow's relatives. McCaffrey (the Pern chronicles; An Exchange of Gifts) weaves another lively, lightly enjoyable tale, one that's likely to sell well during the holiday season. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

A tale of a young prince's coming-of-age. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

McCaffrey lovers, rejoice, for this small book is a joy to read and lovely to hold. A young prince comes of age after the death of the best regent a young royal could have. Mangan, the regent, has chosen excellent men to assist the prince, he has taught Jamas the ins-and-outs of politics and ruling, and he has introduced into the castle a wondrous cat. Niffy is an out-of-the-ordinary feline who has a grasp on the events in and out of the kingdom. Ruling the beautiful and prosperous land of Esphania, Jamas is aware that King Egdril, Queen Yasmin, and Duchess Fanina would love to have the Kingdom as theirs. When the greedy King Egdril comes to visit, bringing three young ladies of marriageable age and his relations, things become interesting. It seems that a good many of the king's male relatives have recently died, leaving lands and goods to Egdril's family. Lady Willow, one of the young ladies, loves cats and becomes friends with Niffy, but she seems unwilling to love Jamas. As soon as Jamas learns of her fear for his life should they wed, he decides to marry her quickly. Now, evil plotting comes to the fore and Niffy is quite busy, along with the loyal men who protect Jamas from an early and painful demise. Each page of this small, squarish book is beautifully bordered. It would make a great gift. In libraries, it is a must where McCaffrey is popular. In those libraries where she is not, perhaps it could be used as an introduction to her style and class. VOYA Codes: 5Q 4P M J S (Hard to imagine it being any better written, Broad general YA appeal, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

Kirkus Reviews

Romantic fantasy from the author of Freedom's Landing (1995), etc. When wise old Mangan, the Regent of Esphania, dies, many of his skills and qualities seem to have been transferred to his beautiful and intelligent cat, Niffy, who at once attaches herself to the new ruler, Prince Jamas. Egdril, the bluff, hearty king of the neighboring kingdom of Mauritia, seems keen to forge an alliance with Jamas, allowing the prince to marry his niece, Willow—but the real danger is Yasmin, Egdril's wicked wife, who poisons everyone she dislikes or suspects of interfering with her ambitions. So Niffy must guide Jamas through a thicket of difficulties to save the prince and the principality. But by this time Yasmin has murdered Egdril and made her monstrous infant son heir; somehow, Jamas and Niffy must stop her if evil is not to triumph.

Thin and brief but quite appealing; McCaffrey is, as always, pleasant company.