From School Library Journal
Grade 4–7—Readers will immediately know that great and evil forces are at work in the world of cats when they meet catling Mati, alone aboard a merchant vessel that docks somewhere in England. His mother was the last Tygrine queen, and on Mati's young and inexperienced shoulders rests the fate of all catkind, as the powerful Sa Mau are determined to obliterate the Tygrine and rule all felines themselves. In this first novel, Iserles has created a rich history for cats, some of it based on ancient Egyptian religion and myths. The intriguing backstory is revealed as Mati attempts to integrate himself into a feral community that has its own customs and traditions—a community that is wary of strangers. As he learns more of the ancient lore, he understands his role and importance to cat society and struggles to block the malevolent ambition of the Sa Mau. Friendship, loyalty, and treachery loom large in this sweeping tale that will be appealing to readers who enjoy animal fantasy, particularly Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series (HarperCollins).—
Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The Queen of the Tygrine Cats sacrifices her life to save that of her son Mati, leaving him aboard a ship bound from Egypt to England. Once there, he finds an unwelcoming clan of feral cats who live in a marketplace. Although most of the cats disdain him, they allow him to stay, and he eventually forges friendships with a trio of other misfits. However, the evil Suzerain, who had Mati’s mother slain and who plots dominion over the earth, senses Mati’s presence (and his awakening powers) and sends the assassin Mithos after him. The fate of the world rests with Mati, who must learn to walk through the perilous dream-wake maze to unlock an ancient feline power that flows within him. Drawing on mythology, first-time novelist Iserles weaves a spellbinding tale of warring feline dynasties replete with spirits, cat seers, and ancient gods and goddesses. Offer this view of a mystical, elaborately developed feline culture to fans of Erin Hunter’s long-running Warriors series. Grades 5-8. --Sally Estes
