Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is a pretty but straightforward juvenile fantasy.

When Lilian is bitten by a snake in the forest, the wild cats she has befriended turn her into a kitten to save her life. When Lilian wakes up and realizes what has happened, she immediately starts searching for a way to become human again -- and not a dying human. The solution she eventually finds seems ideal, but actions have consequences, sometimes ones that are not easily foreseen, and Lilian's choice turns out to be one she can't live with. Once again, she sets out on a quest to change her destiny.

This is a nicely written book, and the illustrations by Charles Vess are simply gorgeous. I'm not sure why it didn't knock my socks off. Perhaps, on another day, it would have done so. Or maybe if I were more of a cat person . . . at any rate, I enjoyed this book well enough, but it's not one I see myself revisiting. I will, however, certainly recommend it to young fantasy fans who visit my library, as well as any readers here who find fantasy and cats, plus beautiful full-color illustrations, an irresistible combination.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)

1 comment:

  1. Misti-- Did you get your RIF package for the 48 Hour Book Challenge? If not, could you e mail me your mailing information at msyingling(at)yahoo(dot)com? Thanks.

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