ISBN: 0-451-45578-9 Order from: Amazon.com
A "fluffy", very short fairy-tale-type fantasy, with a simplistic but slightly enjoyable plot, conventional characters and a supernaturally clever cat.
Reviewed by David on April 04, 1999
Genre: Fantasy (Juvenile, Cat, Romance, Intrigue)
Synopsis: The young prince Jamas inherits a happy, prosperous kingdom. However, even in the secure country of Esphania the impulsive prince is not without perils, as an ambitious neighborhood king and his wife plot to increase their reach. Despite the death of his wise advisor and former regent, the young monarch is not alone, for aside from his friends, the young cat Niffy is set on protecting Jamas and Esphania.
Full Review: The plot of a conventional evil plots and touching young love is quite predictable, suitable for a juvenile audience. The characters rarely deviate from their stereotypes: brave and clever prince, beautiful, shy but courageous baroness, scheming evil queen, and imperious and super-intelligent cat.
The book is quite short, 124 small-format pages. Possibly the perfect example of "fluff", this novelette may make a good gift for fantasy and cat lovers, but is not a particularly satisfying experience for the serious book reader.
Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 4.5; Style: 5; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1996, Penguin Group (Roc), October 1996, Small Format Cloth, 124 pages
ISBN: 0-451-45578-9 Order from: Amazon.com