Customer Reviews

CAT-A-LYST

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...for me at least. While it is true that Alan Dean Foster has crafted some fine, entertaining adventure stories in his long and distinguished career, Cat-A-Lyst isn't really one of them. Words like cartoonish and juvenile descibe it best, but there is no doubt that this outlandish comedy will offer some fun for the feline fancier, but those looking for a more serious tale better give this one a very wide berth, it's as silly as they can get. It reads as if Foster just jotted down some whimsical ideas while on a Peruvian vacation and then stitched them together with some book ended axe grinding at the movie and television industry (perhaps his stint as a Star Trek writer left him with some scars?). Ostensibly it is the tale of one Jason Carter, a reluctant Hollywood Heartthrob who just wants to be taken seriously as an actor. While filming a Civil War epic Carter finds a computer disc. Said disc contains hints of Peruvian treasure. Thanks to a somewhat enigmatic and salty tongued costume matron (who isn't what she appears to be) and some convoluted research on her part Carter and Company are soon enough in the wilds of Peru, searching for the hinted at treasure and finding something quite different, thanks to a mysterious cat that pops up out of nowhere and tags along. Things go from the comedic to the downright silly in no time flat as alternated dimensions are discovered and intellectual carrots arrive on the scene. Needless to say that, if you are in the mood for frenetically paced, feline focused cartoon fantasyu fun, then check Cat-A-Lyst out, you just might like it. Recommended, believe it or not.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm in the mood for a real "heavy" book which will stimulate thinking and linger in my brain for weeks. Other times, I just want a light and fun book. Cat-A-Lyst started as one of the lighest novels I have ever read: an actor, Jason Carter, goes on a trip to Peru in search of hidden Inca treasure. While there, he encounters interesting characters and strange situations (funny aliens, An Inca colony on another planet which is determined to avenge the demise of their empire done by the Spanish centuries ago, and more). I read two thirds of the book and really had lots of fun - this was exactly what I wanted at the time, very very fun plot - even if it wasn't really a believable one. But then the book became *really* ridiculous.. so I forced myself to finish it just to know how the story ends.
Overall, I think this book would be perfect for times of real boredom (such as a long flight).. but don't get it expecting a masterpiece, because this is nearly the exact opposite.

This is *not* serious sci fi - quite the opposite. I actually really enjoyed it. There's missing Incan civilisations, inter-dimensional energy beings (that look like suspiciously like housecats) battling for Earth, good vs evil, etc, and then there's the odd stuff...

Maybe I'm a bit biased (due to being a mad cat-lover), but I found it quite interesting and funny. Better than Cogerspace, but not as good as Quozl.

I had to write this after reading some reviews here putting this book down. I loved it. Maybe I'm biased because I am a cat-lover, but I also enjoy silliness, so maybe that's why I enjoyed it more than the others who wrote here. I have been known to read Piers Anthony's silly and punny fantasies, and this one ranks up there with or above those. Recommend this if you like those, especially if you like cats, and definitely if you are a fan of Alan Dean Foster's sillier works. Sirius Recommends Book Reviews.

I thought this book was pretty difficult to follow and the plot was very thin. I must admit I gave up half way through as the story bored me to tears. James Monnelly Portsmouth University

This is worse than Power Rangers (oh, you want to know what THOSE are...). If someone brought that up as a storyline, if would take it for a joke.