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amaldae's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe I didn't remember the details but my overall opinion on this book hasn't changed over the years... even though it's entertaining and funny-ish from time to time and not badly written, it's also a lot slower than it needs to be and occasionally more annoying than entertaining in style (no info-dumping, but all telling mixed with more or less interesting facts). This makes it more boring than I would like, especially when speaking of a book aimed at young readers.
Still, I think the near-future world where the ability to speak with cats is an appreciated, if rare gift is interesting enough to make it a worthy read for kids who are not too afraid of tedious descriptions and lacking plotlines.
(mostly re-read from July 8 to 10, 2014 & reviewed after)
Still, I think the near-future world where the ability to speak with cats is an appreciated, if rare gift is interesting enough to make it a worthy read for kids who are not too afraid of tedious descriptions and lacking plotlines.
(mostly re-read from July 8 to 10, 2014 & reviewed after)
channers24's review
5.0
This book took me by surprise! What a beautifully written book and such great messages for children (and humans of any age really) wrapped in an exciting and riveting adventure/fantasy story! Highly recommend for anyone from 7 years and above!!
crystal_reading's review
3.0
This is a fun fantasy/adventure book with a unique twist-a character that can speak with cats. I am enjoying the adventure and am ready to move on to the second book immediately.
jmyodafriend's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This has the makings of a good story, but I felt it ended too abruptly; even as the first book in a trilogy, there is too much left hanging at the end. I'm sure I bought the book years ago because I was intrigued by the title character's ability to talk to cats in their own language, but even this wasn't fully developed. Charlie (the Lionboy) is a very likeable, brave, and clever young lad, and you do root for him to succeed in his quest. The cats he encounters are each interesting characters on their own, but we don't see enough of them. I enjoyed Charlie's adventure, but I probably won't finish the trilogy.
drizzlybear's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
quirky and unique world building. don’t know that i’m invested enough to track down and read the trilogy, thought i will it i come across the others.
read to satisfy childhood nostalgia
read to satisfy childhood nostalgia
olbque's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
fun plot and I love how it describes a very real dystopia in a way that is accessible for children. I mostly read for nostalgia bc I loved it as a kid. but, on this read I noticed problematic elements: the white author chose an African-coded pen name; very few women or girl characters are given airtime or depth; and fatness is consistently linked to stupidity. overall it has not held up.
peppermintbat's review
4.0
I love love loved this book as a kid.
I got an ARC copy, and I wore that dang thing out with how many times I read it.
As an adult, it's still a charming, delightful story, and it's like visiting an old friend.
It's definitely aimed at a younger audience, but I still find Charlie a smart, plucky hero, with a very unique, exciting ability.
I got an ARC copy, and I wore that dang thing out with how many times I read it.
As an adult, it's still a charming, delightful story, and it's like visiting an old friend.
It's definitely aimed at a younger audience, but I still find Charlie a smart, plucky hero, with a very unique, exciting ability.
finn_evans's review
5.0
Brilliant book! What a nice surprise to see a Bulgarian character in it as well! I do recommend! :)