Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: No One Noticed the Cat
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Publisher: The Wildside Press
Format: Hardcover
Copyright Date: 1996

What can an impetuous prince, Jamas the Fifth of Esphania, last of a long line of impetuous rulers, do against the dark ambitions of a queen from a neighbooring principality, Yasmin of Mauritia, a cruel and conniving woman who will stop at nearly nothing to attain what she sets her eyes on, namely Esphania? By himself and under normal circumstances, next to nothing. With assistance from beyond the grave? The impossible. It's all because No One Noticed the Cat

Mangan Tighe was once the regent of Prince Jamas--had been since the death of his impetuous parents made the young prince an orphan--and undertook to raise up a less foolish ruler than the father had been. Under his careful regency the princedom flourishes and prospers. His death is a terrible blow to the prince and his administration, and sparks the interest of an eager king. Howver, Mangan left in place numerous safeguards, and none more potent than his cat, Niffy. No one realizes the true importance of the cat, but she goes to impressive lengths to ensure the continuation of the land of her late master.

Despite the grimness of the subjects--death, murder, poisoning--it is easy to laugh and smile while reading this short (95 pages, hardcover) work from one of the best sci-fi writers in the business. Careful turns of phrases and subtle innuendoes open the story up to humor and amusement while casually dropped words and quiet inflections cause the reader to smile and shake his or her head. Hidden weddings and secret passages add interesting facets to an already intriguing plot, but every scene with Niffy is sure to be fascinating and captivating.

Anne McCaffrey--probably best known for her numerous bestselling science fiction series, The Dragonriders of Pern--opts for a new setting where magic, not science, is the motivating factor, and even then magic plays a background role. She creates a charming tale of a cat's import to the safe running of a princedom. Long-time fans of McCaffrey will find No One Noticed the Cat a welcome addition to their collections.

Rating: Thumbs up! Fantasy lovers--and soon-to-be fans of Anne McCaffrey--this is a must read!

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