"There's something to this one."
Today's title is a cat lover's dream. Written by Tad Williams, Tailchaser's Song documents Fritti Tailchaser's quest to rescue his heart-friend Hushpad, who has disappeared without a trace from the Meeting Wall Clan. Fritti, who had hoped to Join with her at that night's Meeting, is incredibly worried. A search of the M'an nest where she stays brings about a horrifying discovery: Hushpad, and the Big Ones who lived in the nest, are gone. Now Fritti must embark on a journey to rescue his heart-friend, crossing plains and valleys and venturing into territories no cat has dared go near for centuries. This undertaking will gain him unexpected allies, lifelong friendships, and terrifying new enemies, but, most importantly, he also discovers more about himself than he could ever have imagined.
Tailchaser's Song does not read like an over-the-top fantasy story. It isn't full of politics and fantasy races, and there are no glorious battles between Race A and Race B, but that doesn't mean it lacks excitement or energy. It is the simple story, or "song", of a young cat on a mission to rescue the fela he loves, and readers can feel Fritti's passion through the writing. The Folk, as cats are called, are a distinct race of creatures with their own language, the Higher Singing, along with a fleshed-out history and distinct rituals and habits. Everything, from cleaning to Meetings, is described in such a way as to make it seem natural. If a word is not explained, it can usually be worked out by context.
The characters in this novel fit their roles well. Each cat in the Meeting Wall Clan is distinct and fun to read, and, although there are far too many for each to be very rounded, they have just enough depth to seem realistic. Fritti is joined in his journey by Pouncequick, a lively kitten with a thirst for adventure, and the half-crazed tomcat Eatbugs. Both companions are well-rounded and full of depth, and the three balance each other out well. They are also full of life and add a great deal to the story. Readers may find themselves attached to Pounce, and Eatbugs' ramblings are simply fun to read.
There is more to Tailchaser's Song than one might think. From felas to Rikchikchik to a monster straight out of the songs of the elders, Tailchaser and his friends encounter more than their fair share of trouble. Each encounter is met differently as Fritti and Pouncequick gradually mature. The bond these two share is also quite lovely, and, from their playful banter to the concern Fritti shows over his young charge's safety, it is easy to tell just how much these two care about each other. By the middle of the story, the two cats have made incredible changes, and by song's end it is impossible to reconcile the characters with their earlier selves.
As this is a tale about cats, it follows that characters do not curse, but that is not to say it is appropriate for kids. Although much of the violence is simple and clean, there are times when even strong-stomached readers may pale. The animal kingdom is a violent thing, and there are instances of gore that, while not over the top, are rather unsettling.
I would recommend Tailchaser's Song to anyone looking for a story about self-discovery and epic journeys, or who just loves cats. While there are a few mildly gruesome scenes, the world is effortlessly built and very well structured, and the characters are beautifully dynamic. Each cat is realistic and distinctly feline, and the non-Folk who dot the landscape of the story are cleverly designed. Tad Williams has created a great story with Tailchaser's Song, which easily earns five stars.
Tailchaser's Song does not read like an over-the-top fantasy story. It isn't full of politics and fantasy races, and there are no glorious battles between Race A and Race B, but that doesn't mean it lacks excitement or energy. It is the simple story, or "song", of a young cat on a mission to rescue the fela he loves, and readers can feel Fritti's passion through the writing. The Folk, as cats are called, are a distinct race of creatures with their own language, the Higher Singing, along with a fleshed-out history and distinct rituals and habits. Everything, from cleaning to Meetings, is described in such a way as to make it seem natural. If a word is not explained, it can usually be worked out by context.
The characters in this novel fit their roles well. Each cat in the Meeting Wall Clan is distinct and fun to read, and, although there are far too many for each to be very rounded, they have just enough depth to seem realistic. Fritti is joined in his journey by Pouncequick, a lively kitten with a thirst for adventure, and the half-crazed tomcat Eatbugs. Both companions are well-rounded and full of depth, and the three balance each other out well. They are also full of life and add a great deal to the story. Readers may find themselves attached to Pounce, and Eatbugs' ramblings are simply fun to read.
There is more to Tailchaser's Song than one might think. From felas to Rikchikchik to a monster straight out of the songs of the elders, Tailchaser and his friends encounter more than their fair share of trouble. Each encounter is met differently as Fritti and Pouncequick gradually mature. The bond these two share is also quite lovely, and, from their playful banter to the concern Fritti shows over his young charge's safety, it is easy to tell just how much these two care about each other. By the middle of the story, the two cats have made incredible changes, and by song's end it is impossible to reconcile the characters with their earlier selves.
As this is a tale about cats, it follows that characters do not curse, but that is not to say it is appropriate for kids. Although much of the violence is simple and clean, there are times when even strong-stomached readers may pale. The animal kingdom is a violent thing, and there are instances of gore that, while not over the top, are rather unsettling.
I would recommend Tailchaser's Song to anyone looking for a story about self-discovery and epic journeys, or who just loves cats. While there are a few mildly gruesome scenes, the world is effortlessly built and very well structured, and the characters are beautifully dynamic. Each cat is realistic and distinctly feline, and the non-Folk who dot the landscape of the story are cleverly designed. Tad Williams has created a great story with Tailchaser's Song, which easily earns five stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment