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Upper Kingdom #3
Songs in the Year of the Cat
SONGS IN THE YEAR OF THE CAT is the Third in the Original Series by H. Leighton Dickson and picks up where TO WALK IN THE WAY OF LIONS leaves off. Ancestors are rising in the west and armies are moving from the North and the East. Captain Wynegarde-Grey has only just returned to the capital of the Upper Kingdom and he is immediately pulled into the conflict as cauldrons of oil are burning all along the Great Wall and the drums of war force all soldiers back into duty. But a mysterious woman is changing things, manipulating behind the scenes as Sherah al Shiva, ninjaah and sorceress, slips back into his life with companions that could divide the known world. This is a sweeping post-apocalyptic tale of genetically altered lions and tigers, wolves and dragons in a world that has evolved in the wake of the fall of human civilization. Half feline, half human, their culture blends those of Dynastic China, Ancient India and Feudal Japan where humans are legend and kingdoms have risen in their stead. Fans of Tolkien, GAME OF THRONES, PLANET OF THE APES or Japanese anime will be entertained in these intelligent and beautifully written pages in a blend of science, fantasy and zoological speculation.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2013
29 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
H. Leighton Dickson
15 books345 followersH. Leighton Dickson grew up in the wilds of the Canadian Shield, where her neighbours were wolves, moose, deer and lynx. She studied Zoology at the University of Guelph and worked in the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens in Scotland, where she was chased by lions, wrestled deaf tigers and fed antibiotics to Polar Bears by baby bottle.
A successful indie author, Heather is now repped by D. Ellis Wilson of Looking Glass Literary & Media. She has 10 indie novels including the 'Rise of the Upper Kingdom' series and the Empire of Steam series, as well as the award-winning DRAGON OF ASH & STARS. Her next novel, SHIP OF SPELLS, is published by Red Tower Books and will be available November 4, 2025.
Come join the conversation at http://www.hleightondickson.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HLeightonDickson
A successful indie author, Heather is now repped by D. Ellis Wilson of Looking Glass Literary & Media. She has 10 indie novels including the 'Rise of the Upper Kingdom' series and the Empire of Steam series, as well as the award-winning DRAGON OF ASH & STARS. Her next novel, SHIP OF SPELLS, is published by Red Tower Books and will be available November 4, 2025.
Come join the conversation at http://www.hleightondickson.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HLeightonDickson
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 17, 2016
Oh, what a treat this book was!!!! I started only liking the first book, liking very, very much the second and loving passionately the third!!!
This third book is very, very dark. Where some truly painful memories, moments are shown.
Here all the cards are on the table and everybody must deal with his past and past actions and reactions.
It was really painful reading it. All the whys and all the bacauses are dug up. The very soul of every one is under the microscope. Many things are explained and you finally truly see the characters for what they really are and not how the way of things should make them be.
It is beautiful in a way a labor is beautiful: it’s painful, it’s gory, it’s bloody, but at the end there’s a living child in your arms.
I know that I have written the reviews of the other books in much length, but this book needs to be read to truly understand how beautiful this trilogy is! How the characters change and grow up and mature and shine!
So, if you love Fantasy, you absolutely have to read this 3 book!
I hope the Author will continue this series, because I will definitely want to read what happens next!!!
This third book is very, very dark. Where some truly painful memories, moments are shown.
Here all the cards are on the table and everybody must deal with his past and past actions and reactions.
It was really painful reading it. All the whys and all the bacauses are dug up. The very soul of every one is under the microscope. Many things are explained and you finally truly see the characters for what they really are and not how the way of things should make them be.
It is beautiful in a way a labor is beautiful: it’s painful, it’s gory, it’s bloody, but at the end there’s a living child in your arms.
I know that I have written the reviews of the other books in much length, but this book needs to be read to truly understand how beautiful this trilogy is! How the characters change and grow up and mature and shine!
So, if you love Fantasy, you absolutely have to read this 3 book!
I hope the Author will continue this series, because I will definitely want to read what happens next!!!
January 27, 2015
I can't leave a coherent review right now. It would just literally be a list of names with exclamation marks and a few ohmygods.
Okay. I feel like I can make a proper review now. This book got a higher rating than the other literally because of spelling. I didn't notice mistakes like in the first two.
This is one of the best series I've ever read. The characters are extremely well written. Kerris is my favourite still, hands down. But every one has so much personality. Even the horses.
I found the character development was the best in Kirin. They all have progressed and grown but given what happened to Kirin in book 2, I was impressed with him the most.
I won't lie - I'm scared for the next book. I'm so invested in these characters. I haven't laughed and cried so much while reading in a very long time. But the humans are coming and in our world we have done nothing but fuck everything over for everyone. The bit we've seen of them was as atrocious as we are in our world.
If I've cried this much in the first three books, I don't know if I can handle the fourth.
Okay. I feel like I can make a proper review now. This book got a higher rating than the other literally because of spelling. I didn't notice mistakes like in the first two.
This is one of the best series I've ever read. The characters are extremely well written. Kerris is my favourite still, hands down. But every one has so much personality. Even the horses.
I found the character development was the best in Kirin. They all have progressed and grown but given what happened to Kirin in book 2, I was impressed with him the most.
I won't lie - I'm scared for the next book. I'm so invested in these characters. I haven't laughed and cried so much while reading in a very long time. But the humans are coming and in our world we have done nothing but fuck everything over for everyone. The bit we've seen of them was as atrocious as we are in our world.
If I've cried this much in the first three books, I don't know if I can handle the fourth.
November 29, 2013
I downloaded the first book in this trilogy by chance, in a moment between library book: it was a freebie and it seemed captivating.
I've read it in one long session, and I've downloaded the other two because I was hooked. (This book is the third one, and as yesterday it was a freebie too).
They are a mix of fantasy and SF, with well built characters, a complex society and a story that flowed beautifully from the first to the third book.
I didn't know this author but I'll be surely looking for her books from now on.
I would really like to have half stars to give: because this book is (these books are)for me 4 and 1/2 stars.
Recommended.
I've read it in one long session, and I've downloaded the other two because I was hooked. (This book is the third one, and as yesterday it was a freebie too).
They are a mix of fantasy and SF, with well built characters, a complex society and a story that flowed beautifully from the first to the third book.
I didn't know this author but I'll be surely looking for her books from now on.
I would really like to have half stars to give: because this book is (these books are)for me 4 and 1/2 stars.
Recommended.
November 16, 2013
At about 50% of the book, I had to take a break. I found myself desperately wishing that something, anything, good should happen to the cats. Now. At once, please. The third part of the series becomes so dark, it's hard to read on. One wants to, really, because this is an epic storyline. After reading all three books of the series, I have to say that the fantasy world H. Leighton Dickson built rivals those of (yes, sacrilege!) The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones in beauty and complexity. But...
There are a few "buts".
First of all, in the third book, the editing has been significantly better, but in the first two installments it has been neglected to the point of being aggravating.
The character-development reaches its summit in the second novel, while in the first it's a bit shallow and in the third it's on-and-off.
If one introduces a powerful, dark magic opponent with mysterious and interesting bodily features, why not follow it up with a bit more personality? Like, a motive for what he does, what he wants to accomplish with his actions, and a little history or backstory, maybe? There's a big chance lost in making virtually nothing out of that particular bad guy. He doesn't even seem dangerous most of the time, just incomprehensible.
Also, if the heroes have to fight a powerful magical adversary, and those heroes are from the "Magic" part of the fighters... how would this fight look like? Oh yes, a mind duel - dark necromancy against the powerful white magic of the seer, against the powerful alchemy of Sherah al Shiva. Ahem, well, no. What is applied are mostly martial arts and daggers. And I was so looking forward to the magic duel, because there had been some in the previous novels that were hinted at particularly well. I'd have loved a more detailed one at the show-down.
There are a few more of such shortcomings. Well, one more, because it really weighs on my mind. There's still an awful lot of tragic things happening to the main characters. They get crushed at every turn of the story. Everything they plan turns on them. That's not how a great drama works. Even Frodo in Lord of the Rings gets his lighter moments. Moments of respite. Rivendell or Lothlorien, in spite of the looming Mordor. These cats don't. And if things go really awry in Lord of the Rings, it tends to have consequences. Remember Boromir? Yeah. That, for example. Bad things in this series have mostly only mild and temporary consequences. Except for the red-shirt leopards and other minor characters. Which makes the story a little queasy.
Aside from the negative aspects, there are also many things that make one want to stay in this world, to read on. The wonderful characters of Bo Fujihara, the Chi Chen (monkey) ambassador and Fallon Wynegard-Grey, scholar in the court of the empress. Kirin's love-story (finally!). The complex storyline about the dog girl and oracle and the "yellow cat" Yahn Nevye - his reformation and history. I only wish, he would've played a bigger part in the main storyline, since it is hinted at that he and the dog girl Setse would be very important in the quest.
I did enjoy this series. I do hope there will be more sequels. There are enough loose ends for at least two. ;-)
There are a few "buts".
First of all, in the third book, the editing has been significantly better, but in the first two installments it has been neglected to the point of being aggravating.
The character-development reaches its summit in the second novel, while in the first it's a bit shallow and in the third it's on-and-off.
If one introduces a powerful, dark magic opponent with mysterious and interesting bodily features, why not follow it up with a bit more personality? Like, a motive for what he does, what he wants to accomplish with his actions, and a little history or backstory, maybe? There's a big chance lost in making virtually nothing out of that particular bad guy. He doesn't even seem dangerous most of the time, just incomprehensible.
Also, if the heroes have to fight a powerful magical adversary, and those heroes are from the "Magic" part of the fighters... how would this fight look like? Oh yes, a mind duel - dark necromancy against the powerful white magic of the seer, against the powerful alchemy of Sherah al Shiva. Ahem, well, no. What is applied are mostly martial arts and daggers. And I was so looking forward to the magic duel, because there had been some in the previous novels that were hinted at particularly well. I'd have loved a more detailed one at the show-down.
There are a few more of such shortcomings. Well, one more, because it really weighs on my mind. There's still an awful lot of tragic things happening to the main characters. They get crushed at every turn of the story. Everything they plan turns on them. That's not how a great drama works. Even Frodo in Lord of the Rings gets his lighter moments. Moments of respite. Rivendell or Lothlorien, in spite of the looming Mordor. These cats don't. And if things go really awry in Lord of the Rings, it tends to have consequences. Remember Boromir? Yeah. That, for example. Bad things in this series have mostly only mild and temporary consequences. Except for the red-shirt leopards and other minor characters. Which makes the story a little queasy.
Aside from the negative aspects, there are also many things that make one want to stay in this world, to read on. The wonderful characters of Bo Fujihara, the Chi Chen (monkey) ambassador and Fallon Wynegard-Grey, scholar in the court of the empress. Kirin's love-story (finally!). The complex storyline about the dog girl and oracle and the "yellow cat" Yahn Nevye - his reformation and history. I only wish, he would've played a bigger part in the main storyline, since it is hinted at that he and the dog girl Setse would be very important in the quest.
I did enjoy this series. I do hope there will be more sequels. There are enough loose ends for at least two. ;-)
November 13, 2014
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book to be a really fascinating read. Although it was the third in a series, I still found it really easy to follow and I was pulled really easily into the world and its characters.
The front cover was helpful, because it gave me some idea of what the cat people might look like. I found it quite fascinating that there were different types of of big cats used as the basis. For instance, they weren't all tigers, or leopards, or cheetahs... I would have liked a bit more detail about how it was possible for the different types of big cat to breed together, though.
I was quite intrigued to see that the culture of the cat people had roots in Japanese (and probably Chinese as well) culture. I would have liked to see a bit more detail about how those cultures were formed... as well as what the cultures of the other kingdoms were like.
By the end of the book, I was quite fond of a lot of the characters, even though there were times I got confused by the different names used for them. I really liked Setse and her brother. I would have liked to see a bit more of them together and their history. I also really liked Fallon. Some of what she came out with made me smile.
This book was quite well-written and I could picture a lot of the events happening in my mind. Probably because I came into this world on the third book in, I was very confused about Kirin's relationship with Sherhann, among other things.
The situation with the Ancestors was pretty interesting and I would have liked to see a bit more about how they related to everything.
It was interesting to note the different characteristics that were linked to the animal parts, such as the movement of the tails and the claws. I did notice that there was a lot of, 'For the cats were...' sentences, which I felt was unnecessary, since those sentences were usually preceded by an example of what the cats were. (Superstitious, for instance).
At some point in the future (when I have much less to read), I would like to read the other books in this series. This was an engaging, fascinating world and it would be nice to see where the characters go next.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book to be a really fascinating read. Although it was the third in a series, I still found it really easy to follow and I was pulled really easily into the world and its characters.
The front cover was helpful, because it gave me some idea of what the cat people might look like. I found it quite fascinating that there were different types of of big cats used as the basis. For instance, they weren't all tigers, or leopards, or cheetahs... I would have liked a bit more detail about how it was possible for the different types of big cat to breed together, though.
I was quite intrigued to see that the culture of the cat people had roots in Japanese (and probably Chinese as well) culture. I would have liked to see a bit more detail about how those cultures were formed... as well as what the cultures of the other kingdoms were like.
By the end of the book, I was quite fond of a lot of the characters, even though there were times I got confused by the different names used for them. I really liked Setse and her brother. I would have liked to see a bit more of them together and their history. I also really liked Fallon. Some of what she came out with made me smile.
This book was quite well-written and I could picture a lot of the events happening in my mind. Probably because I came into this world on the third book in, I was very confused about Kirin's relationship with Sherhann, among other things.
The situation with the Ancestors was pretty interesting and I would have liked to see a bit more about how they related to everything.
It was interesting to note the different characteristics that were linked to the animal parts, such as the movement of the tails and the claws. I did notice that there was a lot of, 'For the cats were...' sentences, which I felt was unnecessary, since those sentences were usually preceded by an example of what the cats were. (Superstitious, for instance).
At some point in the future (when I have much less to read), I would like to read the other books in this series. This was an engaging, fascinating world and it would be nice to see where the characters go next.
February 16, 2015
Originally published at West Coast Book Reviews.
Third book in the series, Songs in the Year of the Cat takes grand steps beyond the first two engaging books.
H. Leighton Dickson brings her amazing characters to life for us once again.
Each has grown and changed and although so much has happened to them, Dickson does a great job of keeping them true to their roots.
While we follow the story in the Upper and Lower Kingdoms, the chapters alternate with the telling of Kerris and Fallon's story with the ancestors. I don't know which had me more anxious.
All I could reassure myself with was the fact they made it home. Didn't help. Didn't like what happened to them. If I wasn't so darned attached to those two then Dickson wouldn't have had me in such knots.
Year of the Cat continues to weave many diverse characters, peoples and their tales together while keeping the story focused and very, very engaging.
One of my biggest regrets with this series is I can't read it again for the first time.
Few stories make me feel that way.
This volume fills us with tales of great battles, challenged relationships and reunites the characters separated in book two.
H. Leighton Dickson found new ways to break my heart and give me hope.
Inside her astonishing world, she exposes the prejudices of the cats, dogs and monkeys yet leaves the individuals in the story with the choice to overcome them or not.
Night after night as I read I cheered and cursed, such is the way of this book. In the end, I clapped and I shed a few tears.
Giving a book like this a great rating is easy, saying why is hard. Songs in the Year of the Cat gave me all the feels and pulled me along on a fantastic journey.
Sequel? I'm so glad there is a sequel and hopefully more than one. My dear cats face even bigger trouble and I really, really need to know what happens.
Third book in the series, Songs in the Year of the Cat takes grand steps beyond the first two engaging books.
H. Leighton Dickson brings her amazing characters to life for us once again.
Each has grown and changed and although so much has happened to them, Dickson does a great job of keeping them true to their roots.
While we follow the story in the Upper and Lower Kingdoms, the chapters alternate with the telling of Kerris and Fallon's story with the ancestors. I don't know which had me more anxious.
All I could reassure myself with was the fact they made it home. Didn't help. Didn't like what happened to them. If I wasn't so darned attached to those two then Dickson wouldn't have had me in such knots.
Year of the Cat continues to weave many diverse characters, peoples and their tales together while keeping the story focused and very, very engaging.
One of my biggest regrets with this series is I can't read it again for the first time.
Few stories make me feel that way.
This volume fills us with tales of great battles, challenged relationships and reunites the characters separated in book two.
H. Leighton Dickson found new ways to break my heart and give me hope.
Inside her astonishing world, she exposes the prejudices of the cats, dogs and monkeys yet leaves the individuals in the story with the choice to overcome them or not.
Night after night as I read I cheered and cursed, such is the way of this book. In the end, I clapped and I shed a few tears.
Giving a book like this a great rating is easy, saying why is hard. Songs in the Year of the Cat gave me all the feels and pulled me along on a fantastic journey.
Sequel? I'm so glad there is a sequel and hopefully more than one. My dear cats face even bigger trouble and I really, really need to know what happens.
March 17, 2014
Awesome book. I can't wait for the next book to be released.
November 15, 2018
- Quote: There is more to the making of tea than simply adding leaves to boiling water. Chado is a skill, an art form, a way of life.
- Thoughts: A fantastic story, with an amazing world building, great characters, tragedy and redemption in the third book of this bold poetic sword and sorcery fantasy.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 4/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 5/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 4/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Ending: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Holes: -/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ×
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: There is torture and death
- Tech level: Swords, samurai armor and laser rifles
- Religion level: not much
- Main genre: fantasy
- Subgenre: sword and sorcery
- Point of view: various characters, different timelines
- Aftertaste: fantastic
World
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 5/5 stars
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: -/5 stars
- Real world (Y/N): ×
- Fantasy based on real world (Y/N): ✓
- Journey (Y/N): ✓
- Main scenario: Traveling
Characters
- Total amount: thousands
- Points of view: multiple
- Main characters: ~11
- Secondary: ~20
- Ordinary: thousands
- Overall quality: 5/5 stars
- Main: 5/5 stars
- Secondary: 5/5 stars
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Connection: 5/5 stars
- Dialogs: 5/5 Stars
- Interactions: 5/5 Stars
- Romance ( Y/ N): ✓ but not too much
- Underworld Crew (Y/N): ×
- Training (Y/N): ×
- Notable best characters: Kirin, Kerris, Bo Fugihara, Eyes, the alchemist
- Notable worse characters: Shar
Setting
- Historical importance: 5/5 Stars
- Historical deep: 5/5 Stars
- Historical score: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical importance: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical variety: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical score: 5/5 Stars
- Setting overall score: 5/5 Stars
- Tension: 5/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
- Supernatural (Vampires, werewolves) (Y/N): ×
- Superpowers (√/○): ✓
- Non-human races (Y/N): ✓
- Virtual Reality (Y/N): ×
- Monsters (Y/N): ✓
- Historical relevant period: age of the Ancients
Rules
- Devised system: 5/5 stars
- System complexity: 3/5 stars
- System explanation: 5/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
- Type of Rule: Seers, Necromancy, Alchemists, Geomancers
Series Storyline
These are scored based on the series up to the end of this book:
- Impact of this book in storyline: 5/5 stars
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars poetic fantasy
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 5/5 stars
- Scaryness: 3/5 stars
- Smartness: 5/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 5/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Holes: -/5 negative stars
- Can be read as a standalone (√/○): ×
- Thoughts: A fantastic story, with an amazing world building, great characters, tragedy and redemption in the third book of this bold poetic sword and sorcery fantasy.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 4/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 5/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 4/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Ending: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Holes: -/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ×
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: There is torture and death
- Tech level: Swords, samurai armor and laser rifles
- Religion level: not much
- Main genre: fantasy
- Subgenre: sword and sorcery
- Point of view: various characters, different timelines
- Aftertaste: fantastic
World
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 5/5 stars
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: -/5 stars
- Real world (Y/N): ×
- Fantasy based on real world (Y/N): ✓
- Journey (Y/N): ✓
- Main scenario: Traveling
Characters
- Total amount: thousands
- Points of view: multiple
- Main characters: ~11
- Secondary: ~20
- Ordinary: thousands
- Overall quality: 5/5 stars
- Main: 5/5 stars
- Secondary: 5/5 stars
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Connection: 5/5 stars
- Dialogs: 5/5 Stars
- Interactions: 5/5 Stars
- Romance ( Y/ N): ✓ but not too much
- Underworld Crew (Y/N): ×
- Training (Y/N): ×
- Notable best characters: Kirin, Kerris, Bo Fugihara, Eyes, the alchemist
- Notable worse characters: Shar
Setting
- Historical importance: 5/5 Stars
- Historical deep: 5/5 Stars
- Historical score: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical importance: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical variety: 5/5 Stars
- Geopolitical score: 5/5 Stars
- Setting overall score: 5/5 Stars
- Tension: 5/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
- Supernatural (Vampires, werewolves) (Y/N): ×
- Superpowers (√/○): ✓
- Non-human races (Y/N): ✓
- Virtual Reality (Y/N): ×
- Monsters (Y/N): ✓
- Historical relevant period: age of the Ancients
Rules
- Devised system: 5/5 stars
- System complexity: 3/5 stars
- System explanation: 5/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
- Type of Rule: Seers, Necromancy, Alchemists, Geomancers
Series Storyline
These are scored based on the series up to the end of this book:
- Impact of this book in storyline: 5/5 stars
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars poetic fantasy
- Funnyness: 2/5 stars
- Epicness: 5/5 stars
- Scaryness: 3/5 stars
- Smartness: 5/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 5/5 stars
- Plot twists: 4/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars OR /5 negative stars
- Holes: -/5 negative stars
- Can be read as a standalone (√/○): ×
September 11, 2017
I've said it about the first two books in this series, and I'll repeat it here: This is wide-screen heroic fantasy in the grandest and most soul-stirring tradition. These wonderful "Tails" seem tailor-made for mega-budget films, if not in reality then most certainly in the imagination, which may ultimately be far better.
As always, the heart of this series remains its characters -- that collection of attractive, urbane, witty felines, along with a few canines and others thrown into the mix. They engage in the cleverest banter, and they grow as individuals and in their relationships in ways often unexpected, sometimes heartbreaking, but always satisfying in the end. They're like real people, friends you care for and feel for, mourn with and rejoice with.
And the world-building! Sights, sounds and smells, food and nature, tender moments and visceral battles, patterns of colours, symbols and epithets, all lovingly drawn and woven into a richly imagined tapestry for the mind and senses.
The term "epic" is criminally overused these days, but make no mistake, this is epic stuff in the truest, most soaring sense of the word. And after all, cats are an epic people.
As always, the heart of this series remains its characters -- that collection of attractive, urbane, witty felines, along with a few canines and others thrown into the mix. They engage in the cleverest banter, and they grow as individuals and in their relationships in ways often unexpected, sometimes heartbreaking, but always satisfying in the end. They're like real people, friends you care for and feel for, mourn with and rejoice with.
And the world-building! Sights, sounds and smells, food and nature, tender moments and visceral battles, patterns of colours, symbols and epithets, all lovingly drawn and woven into a richly imagined tapestry for the mind and senses.
The term "epic" is criminally overused these days, but make no mistake, this is epic stuff in the truest, most soaring sense of the word. And after all, cats are an epic people.
September 23, 2018
This is overall quite a good series, and certainly a refreshing twist on what a post-apocalypse world might resemble. The characters are engaging, and definitely pass my test of "would I like to meet this person in the "real" world if it could be done?"
Just a couple of quibbles, however. #1) I don't have reliable Internet where I live, so I can't use the in-Kindle dictionary, and feudal Japan and the other Kingdom worlds aren't my area of expertise. Perhaps an illustrated glossary at the end of each volume could be done? #2) I question the lack of same-sex relations, which I do know existed during Japan's feudal period in both palace and barracks. Mind you, I have nothing against opposite-sex pairings whatsoever, but it's just somewhat surprising to see hetero pairings exclusively in a genre known for being the earliest to show open-mindedness regarding the many facets of desire.
That being said, again, compliments on a good story well told- I'm looking forward to cheering on the Kingdoms in the final showdown with the Ancestors!
Just a couple of quibbles, however. #1) I don't have reliable Internet where I live, so I can't use the in-Kindle dictionary, and feudal Japan and the other Kingdom worlds aren't my area of expertise. Perhaps an illustrated glossary at the end of each volume could be done? #2) I question the lack of same-sex relations, which I do know existed during Japan's feudal period in both palace and barracks. Mind you, I have nothing against opposite-sex pairings whatsoever, but it's just somewhat surprising to see hetero pairings exclusively in a genre known for being the earliest to show open-mindedness regarding the many facets of desire.
That being said, again, compliments on a good story well told- I'm looking forward to cheering on the Kingdoms in the final showdown with the Ancestors!
June 22, 2018
This third book in this series had me running late to work this morning as I had to finish the last 20 pages. WORTH IT. Looking forward to the next installment. It's a captivating story with memorable characters - I can't choose a favorite...they're all unique and feel like family. Definitely adding this series to my "must re-read again". :)
January 16, 2021
Fantasy fiction meets sci fi with mythical twists
I really enjoy the layers the author fill the story with; mystery, culture and magic. First book was good but every book after that just gets better.
I really enjoy the layers the author fill the story with; mystery, culture and magic. First book was good but every book after that just gets better.
November 18, 2017
A good read.
Good to learn about Kirin and Ling. Great start for not star crossed couples. I really enjoys this part of the saga.
Good to learn about Kirin and Ling. Great start for not star crossed couples. I really enjoys this part of the saga.
March 7, 2018
Really enjoyed. Well written and adventurous
October 27, 2018
As I was also saying about the previous book in the series, definitely like the writing style, despite the fact that there are still some typos, the setting remains intriguing, battle scenes are even more thrilling, and by now the characters have really grown into their personalities, each with layers and facets and depth and their own distinctive voice. I'm still particularly drawn to Fallon's, shall we say, unfiltered but well-meaning awkwardness, but all the main ones are fleshed out, believable, to care and to cheer for, and some secondary ones aren't bad at all either.
Unsure how to react to death being not just less of a nuisance than a common cold for any magically-gifted character, but likely even desirable, considering how things play out. But the much bigger issue I'm torn about has to do with the part of the story involving humans and taking place between the previous book and this one. It's necessary, but I don't want to see any of it, so the fact that it's split and scattered throughout the book, quite rushed, especially at the end, and lacking many otherwise necessary details is both reason for complaint and cause for relief.
Definitely still bothered by the postapocalyptic setting, which, while still not at the level you'd expect, is now much harder to ignore or take as merely a backdrop. How much I enjoyed it in spite of this is a testament to how good the book is otherwise, but I so wish all of that would have been eliminated, replaced with something else. And, while perhaps no longer so much of a necessity, would have strongly preferred this book to be at least half again as long as well, adding many more details about characters, events and little things. As for some more specific, "localized" annoyances, all the infuriating and downright nauseating fussing and cooing over babies comes first to mind, but there's also the untranslated speech in other languages. The point may be to show that characters didn't understand it well either, but I was often left hardly understanding anything at all.
Unsure how to react to death being not just less of a nuisance than a common cold for any magically-gifted character, but likely even desirable, considering how things play out. But the much bigger issue I'm torn about has to do with the part of the story involving humans and taking place between the previous book and this one. It's necessary, but I don't want to see any of it, so the fact that it's split and scattered throughout the book, quite rushed, especially at the end, and lacking many otherwise necessary details is both reason for complaint and cause for relief.
Definitely still bothered by the postapocalyptic setting, which, while still not at the level you'd expect, is now much harder to ignore or take as merely a backdrop. How much I enjoyed it in spite of this is a testament to how good the book is otherwise, but I so wish all of that would have been eliminated, replaced with something else. And, while perhaps no longer so much of a necessity, would have strongly preferred this book to be at least half again as long as well, adding many more details about characters, events and little things. As for some more specific, "localized" annoyances, all the infuriating and downright nauseating fussing and cooing over babies comes first to mind, but there's also the untranslated speech in other languages. The point may be to show that characters didn't understand it well either, but I was often left hardly understanding anything at all.
June 2, 2014
I hesitated for a long time about continuing this series. I'm very new to the fantasy genre, and I wanted to leave my first series with a good taste in my mouth, if you will. Finally, I decided to see where book three took everyone.
Songs in the Year of the Cat was a fun continuation, but parts felt forced. The beginning seemed like a lot of pointless setup to get everyone back together again, and even that felt like a lot of retreading. Still, I love all of these characters, and I'm helpless to stop reading their adventures. I have a feeling book four and beyond will have more of a payoff.
Songs in the Year of the Cat was a fun continuation, but parts felt forced. The beginning seemed like a lot of pointless setup to get everyone back together again, and even that felt like a lot of retreading. Still, I love all of these characters, and I'm helpless to stop reading their adventures. I have a feeling book four and beyond will have more of a payoff.
October 16, 2014
I won a free copy of this book through a First Reads giveaway.
I read books 1 and 2 in this series, and I think this series should have ended at the second. I liked the ending. But this book was still good.
The author is clearly growing as a writer throughout these books, but for some reason, I didn't find this one as interesting as the last. I really liked the sci-fi part of the second book, and it wasn't as exciting in this one.
I will most likely still read the next book in this series after it comes out.
I read books 1 and 2 in this series, and I think this series should have ended at the second. I liked the ending. But this book was still good.
The author is clearly growing as a writer throughout these books, but for some reason, I didn't find this one as interesting as the last. I really liked the sci-fi part of the second book, and it wasn't as exciting in this one.
I will most likely still read the next book in this series after it comes out.
October 23, 2016
Phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. By far one the best 3rd book in a series I have read. I enjoyed the slightly darker tone with the characters and the atmosphere of the impending war. The build up to the main climax of story was intriguing and nail biting depicting both sides of opposition and their preparations. The author, Heather Leighton Dickson has outdone herself in this installment of the Upper Kingdom series. Can't wait for the new book Snow in the Year of the Dragon.
May 20, 2014
It was hard to pick a rating for this book. It scores a five for characters, originality, and plot. But it suffers from a sever lack of editing. The kindle version was riddled with simple mistakes, but the biggest problem was the paragraphing. The entire book was like a big run-on sentence. It took away from the pacing, and ultimately the enjoyment of the book.
May 29, 2016
Took a little while to get into, because I hadn't known this was the 3rd, but once I began to figure out who was dog and cat and monkey, I really enjoyed it. Almost a fairy-tale in places, and I love the Eastern flavor of the whole story. Characters are well developed. I probably should go back and read the first two, and I want to continue on.
April 26, 2015
I'm speechless right now. I can't even form a proper review for this. Except for two things. One: Kerris you are a mother fucking BADASS! Two: Kirin you are an asshole. Everyone needs to read this book. It's a must.
April 5, 2017
This is really a review of the 1st 3 books in the Tails series, which I purchased together. The reason I even purchased the series was my experience reading another of this books, Cold Stone and Ivy (it's spectacular and a must read!). As I typically do, when I discover new author, I grab everything he/she had written.
And so, I purchased the first 3 Tails books.
About 2 chapters in, I was seriously thinking, "huh?!" But faith in this author's ability to a whale of a tail (pun intended!) kept me reading. So glad to find my faith was not misplaced.
The first book introduces a lot of info, a lot of characters and some backstory...with little action. But have faith and press on because Books 2 & 3 are amazing. By the time you start book 2, you KNOW these characters. You're invested in them. You care. Suddenly I found myself squeezing in chances to read whenever I could: waiting in line, brushing my teeth, cooking dinner...
I'm not going to try to explain the story. Frankly, I can't even figure out what genre it fits into. What I will tell is that a sweeping, sprawling, phenomenally detailed world filled with amazing people. Read it!
And so, I purchased the first 3 Tails books.
About 2 chapters in, I was seriously thinking, "huh?!" But faith in this author's ability to a whale of a tail (pun intended!) kept me reading. So glad to find my faith was not misplaced.
The first book introduces a lot of info, a lot of characters and some backstory...with little action. But have faith and press on because Books 2 & 3 are amazing. By the time you start book 2, you KNOW these characters. You're invested in them. You care. Suddenly I found myself squeezing in chances to read whenever I could: waiting in line, brushing my teeth, cooking dinner...
I'm not going to try to explain the story. Frankly, I can't even figure out what genre it fits into. What I will tell is that a sweeping, sprawling, phenomenally detailed world filled with amazing people. Read it!
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