Catfantastic IV

Catfantastic

by Andre Norton (Co-editor/Contributor), Martin H. Greenberg (Co-editor), Janet Pack (Contributor)

This latest volume of 17 new cat stories offers both familiar characters returning for further adventures as well as new furry friends to capture your heart. Meet wizards' four-footed helpers, who are often brighter than their so-called masters, a real cool cat who's the ultimate jazz connoisseur, and other terrific tabbies sure to make you purr with delight.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Anthologies, Cats, Fiction, Science Fiction, Animals

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Andre Norton, born Alice Mary Norton, was a pioneering American author of science fiction and fantasy, widely regarded as the Grande Dame of those genres. She also wrote historical and contemporary fiction, publishing under the pen names Andre Alice Norton, Andrew North, and Allen Weston. She launched her career in 1934 with The Prince Commands, adopting the name “Andre” to appeal to a male readership. After working for the Cleveland Library System and the Library of Congress, she began publishing science fiction under “Andrew North” and fantasy under her own name. She became a full-time writer in 1958 and was known for her prolific output, including Star Man’s Son, 2250 A.D. and Witch World, the latter spawning a long-running series and shared universe. Norton was a founding member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America and authored Quag Keep, the first novel based on the Dungeons & Dragons game. She influenced generations of writers, including Lois McMaster Bujold and Mercedes Lackey. Among her many honors were being the first woman named Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy and SFWA Grand Master. In her later years, she established the High Hallack Library to support research in genre fiction. Her legacy continues with the Andre Norton Award for young adult science fiction and fantasy.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Multi author anthology of cat inspired stories - multiple genres.

[David Brawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually give it 3.5 stars. While none of the stories were really amazing, they were all pretty solid, and I can't think of one that I didn't like.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good anthology. "Met" some new authors.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is purr-fectly meow-valous. I promise that's the only bad joke I will make in this review.

In Catfantastic IV, we are treated to 18 charming fantasy/science fiction short stories, which all feature cats, sometimes as the main characters.

Among my favorites are "Tybalt's Tale," by India Edghill, in which Tybalt, the Prince of Cats, goes for a stroll at night in the Lands of Men. While he is out and about, he saves a girl named Cathy from a robber. Even though he is the Prince of Cats, he continues to visit her. '"I am a cat and all places are alike to me," said Tybalt, Prince of Cats. 'But some places are more alike than others.'"

"Arrows," by Jane Hamilton, features a couple of jinn, Kip and Key, who are enjoying some mischief one night and stumble upon a cat who is not well. The manage to manipulate a man into taking in the cat, without ever revealing their existence.

In "Professor Purr's Guaranteed Allergy Cure," by Brad Linaweaver and Dana Fredsti, the world has been taken over by cats. The only humans remaining are those who truly love cats. No dogs are left, either. There is one exception. A human male, the boyfriend of one female cat-lover, was spared at the request of the lead cat in the story. By the end of the story, he is cured of his "allergy," in a most unique way.

"Noble Warrior, Teller of Fortunes," by Andre Norton, tells the tale of a unique cat who can, indeed, tell fortunes. He manages to rescue a young boy, and, in doing so, is recognized and united with his family.

"One With Jazz," by Janet Pack, features a cat, "Satchmo," who has a knack for knowing good music. He helps his human win a unique bet, gaining him a great job, and possibly a girlfriend.

[Marysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a neighborhood Little Free Library. It's a good thing they don't have due dates as it took me quite a while to get through this, reading a story here and there and then putting it down for a while.

This is a collection of fantasy and scifi stories all of which are about cats! I guess there are 5 of these books, though I don't remember seeing them before, as well as some other themes like Horse Fantastic. I am a cat lover, so enjoyed the theme of this anthology. I liked most of the stories. The only one I stopped reading was "Totem Cat" as it had some BAD stereotyping/racist attitudes towards Native Americans.

I will keep an eye out for the other books in this series at used bookstore.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Catfantastic I, II, and III. Catfantastic IV continues the adventures of some favorite characters, like SKitty, II want to reincarnate as SCat) Noble Warrior, and the Dravencats. Really, a sweet afternoon is a combination of Earl Grey and Amaretto, a cat purring in my lap, reading a book about cats in fantasy and science fiction.

[Michelle Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good collection of cat stories a few continuing from the last Catfantastic book.

[Maria Spalding · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few very engaging stories and a couple not so much. All in all a solid compilation and cats are always win!