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The Last Free Cat
A new revised and illustrated edition of the acclaimed dystopian YA thriller set in a future world where cats are strictly controlled and marketed at huge prices. Written in Cardiff, Wales by the award-winning author of over sixty titles Jon Blake, the novel tells the story of Jade, a law-abiding teenage girl, who finds an unregistered and therefore illegal cat in her back garden, takes it in, and ends up on the run from the law with her feral friend Kris. Rutgers described the book as 'a compelling read' while School Librarian called it 'a very satisfying and brave book that does not go in for easy answers'. Originally published by Hodder in the UK and Albert Whitman in the US, the book was selected by the International Literacy Association for its Young Choices list, and by Bookbag for its top ten teen romances. The new edition also features beautiful artwork by Cardiff illustrator Rebecca Harry.
236 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2008
12 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Jon Blake
95 books43 followersJon Blake (see https://www.youtube.com/@jonblakeauthor) is the author of over sixty books, primarily for children and teenagers: most recently YA novel "Second Quality Dragon" which was featured in a Goodreads giveaway.
"Thimble Monkey Superstar", featuring disabled narrator Jams, based on Jon's son, was shortlisted for the 2017 Laugh Out Loud awards (Lollies): there are three sequels.
Jon was brought up in Southampton and now lives in Cardiff, where he teaches creative writing at http://parkwrite.com. His successes include the picture book “You’re A Hero, Daley B” (ill. Axel Scheffler, worldwide sales of over 500,000) and “Little Stupendo” (shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award).
Other big sellers include “One Girl School” (over 35,000), "Stinky Finger's House of Fun" and literacy hour favourite “Mark Two”.
In 1995 Jon’s TV play ‘Life’ was shortlisted for a Writers Guild Award, while in 2002 he won a BBC Talent award for his adult radio sitcom “Degrees R Us” (series broadcast on BBC Radio Wales). Jon is particularly noted for original and anarchic humour, typified by the “House of Fun” series. However he has also written politically-charged fiction for an older readership.
Born in Mortimer, Berkshire, and living in Southampton between 1960 and 1973, Jon went to Exeter University, but dropped out from his drama course and worked in a furniture shop in Winchester before continuing studies at York University and Bretton Hall. He subsequently became a teacher and community centre warden in Peterborough and Nottingham.
Jon moved to Cardiff, Wales in 1987.
Besides being a writer, Jon has been involved in many community projects and is also an activist, musician and songwriter.
Jon’s critically acclaimed 2008 novel, “The Last Free Cat”, has a website at http://www.feela.wordpress.com. "The Last Free Cat" was selected for the ILA's Young Choices list of 2013 - the very best YA books published in the US.
"Thimble Monkey Superstar", featuring disabled narrator Jams, based on Jon's son, was shortlisted for the 2017 Laugh Out Loud awards (Lollies): there are three sequels.
Jon was brought up in Southampton and now lives in Cardiff, where he teaches creative writing at http://parkwrite.com. His successes include the picture book “You’re A Hero, Daley B” (ill. Axel Scheffler, worldwide sales of over 500,000) and “Little Stupendo” (shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award).
Other big sellers include “One Girl School” (over 35,000), "Stinky Finger's House of Fun" and literacy hour favourite “Mark Two”.
In 1995 Jon’s TV play ‘Life’ was shortlisted for a Writers Guild Award, while in 2002 he won a BBC Talent award for his adult radio sitcom “Degrees R Us” (series broadcast on BBC Radio Wales). Jon is particularly noted for original and anarchic humour, typified by the “House of Fun” series. However he has also written politically-charged fiction for an older readership.
Born in Mortimer, Berkshire, and living in Southampton between 1960 and 1973, Jon went to Exeter University, but dropped out from his drama course and worked in a furniture shop in Winchester before continuing studies at York University and Bretton Hall. He subsequently became a teacher and community centre warden in Peterborough and Nottingham.
Jon moved to Cardiff, Wales in 1987.
Besides being a writer, Jon has been involved in many community projects and is also an activist, musician and songwriter.
Jon’s critically acclaimed 2008 novel, “The Last Free Cat”, has a website at http://www.feela.wordpress.com. "The Last Free Cat" was selected for the ILA's Young Choices list of 2013 - the very best YA books published in the US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 9, 2017
this was the first book i ever loved. i remember getting this out from the library and becoming so invested in it as a child, i could NEVER forget this book n my love for it.
December 3, 2019
This book is such a compelling read and a great addition to the dystopian subgenre.
When I started this book, I had never heard of it but I was intrigued by the concept and right away I was glad that this book had crossed my path. This book was non-stop action and was so hard to predict because of all of the twists and turns throughout. Just as you thought that things were going to get steady for Kris and Jade, something happens. I also enjoyed the back and forth between Kris and Jade. Whenever there is a boy and girl character who are blatantly flirting yet pretend they don't like each other, it makes me want to keep reading to see if they figure it out (and you'll have to read to find out if Kris and Jade do).
I was particularly enthralled with this book because it seemed to be something that could realistically happen in the near future. The idea of killing off animals who spread a disease already happens and the extreme that the book goes to could definitely happen. It actually hurt me to think of a world where people couldn't have cats- the companionship that cats provide is something no other animal can.
Also, I think this is another book that is a great example of "Don't judge a book by its cover" as the cover makes it look so boring! It isn't, I promise.
Read Together: Grades 6 to 12
Read Alone: Grades 7 to 12
Read With: The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson, Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie, The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Snatch of Text: "There was no way she'd let me touch her at first. Trust had to be built up slowly and painfully. I talked to her softly, offered her little treats, and took care not to make any sudden or threatening movements." (p. 10)
"There was one person, however, who found me endlessly fascinating. Kris Delaney. Kris was the bane of my life. It was the entire aim of his existence to test me. I don't know why I interested him so much. It certainly bugged him that I wasn't born in the neighborhood and had lived in a greenhome and, OK, we'd had a boat if only a small one. But Kris was different, too. You'd see him with other lads, kicking a ball about, but you'd see him on his own just as much. There was always a distance between him and his mates." (p. 17)
Mentor Text for: World Building, Conflict, Characterization
Writing Prompts: Jade goes on the run from the authorities to protect Feela. Do you agree with the choice she made? Use text evidence to back up your claim. What is something or someone in your life that you would risk everything for like Jade did for Feela?
Topics Covered: Authority, Companionship, Choices, Death
When I started this book, I had never heard of it but I was intrigued by the concept and right away I was glad that this book had crossed my path. This book was non-stop action and was so hard to predict because of all of the twists and turns throughout. Just as you thought that things were going to get steady for Kris and Jade, something happens. I also enjoyed the back and forth between Kris and Jade. Whenever there is a boy and girl character who are blatantly flirting yet pretend they don't like each other, it makes me want to keep reading to see if they figure it out (and you'll have to read to find out if Kris and Jade do).
I was particularly enthralled with this book because it seemed to be something that could realistically happen in the near future. The idea of killing off animals who spread a disease already happens and the extreme that the book goes to could definitely happen. It actually hurt me to think of a world where people couldn't have cats- the companionship that cats provide is something no other animal can.
Also, I think this is another book that is a great example of "Don't judge a book by its cover" as the cover makes it look so boring! It isn't, I promise.
Read Together: Grades 6 to 12
Read Alone: Grades 7 to 12
Read With: The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson, Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie, The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Snatch of Text: "There was no way she'd let me touch her at first. Trust had to be built up slowly and painfully. I talked to her softly, offered her little treats, and took care not to make any sudden or threatening movements." (p. 10)
"There was one person, however, who found me endlessly fascinating. Kris Delaney. Kris was the bane of my life. It was the entire aim of his existence to test me. I don't know why I interested him so much. It certainly bugged him that I wasn't born in the neighborhood and had lived in a greenhome and, OK, we'd had a boat if only a small one. But Kris was different, too. You'd see him with other lads, kicking a ball about, but you'd see him on his own just as much. There was always a distance between him and his mates." (p. 17)
Mentor Text for: World Building, Conflict, Characterization
Writing Prompts: Jade goes on the run from the authorities to protect Feela. Do you agree with the choice she made? Use text evidence to back up your claim. What is something or someone in your life that you would risk everything for like Jade did for Feela?
Topics Covered: Authority, Companionship, Choices, Death
April 6, 2016
WOW! This really was fucking awesome!
This is probably the first dystopian book I've ever read and it's very likely the reason I love the genre so much today.
There's no shortage of action whatsoever! Plus this is soooo much better than the Matched trilogy and a few other "bestsellers" today. This was one of those books that seems to (like The Hunger Games) have a mixture of genres e.g. Dystopia, Thriller, Romance and so on. I knew I'd like this even before reading it and I wasn't the least bit disappointed!
:
I got into this book right from the start as I've always loved explosive chase books which involve running away from authorities and going against a whole society for what is right and just. The whole plot and characters were very well developed and felt real from the very first page.
I really connected with Jade and her world plus her love of cats partly because (this should be pretty obvious) I'm a cat lover and one of my cats has incurable cat flu.
The style of writing in this book was full of tension and promise of an epic ending. But unlike the Matched trilogy this book actually fulfilled its promise of action and adrenaline with hardly any flaws. This definitely has the potential to go big so.... WHY OH WHY isn't there a sequel????
This is probably the first dystopian book I've ever read and it's very likely the reason I love the genre so much today.
There's no shortage of action whatsoever! Plus this is soooo much better than the Matched trilogy and a few other "bestsellers" today. This was one of those books that seems to (like The Hunger Games) have a mixture of genres e.g. Dystopia, Thriller, Romance and so on. I knew I'd like this even before reading it and I wasn't the least bit disappointed!
:
I got into this book right from the start as I've always loved explosive chase books which involve running away from authorities and going against a whole society for what is right and just. The whole plot and characters were very well developed and felt real from the very first page.
I really connected with Jade and her world plus her love of cats partly because (this should be pretty obvious) I'm a cat lover and one of my cats has incurable cat flu.
The style of writing in this book was full of tension and promise of an epic ending. But unlike the Matched trilogy this book actually fulfilled its promise of action and adrenaline with hardly any flaws. This definitely has the potential to go big so.... WHY OH WHY isn't there a sequel????
August 30, 2014
This book was seriously a disappointment.
Okay, so admittedly, I had gotten this book simply because it involved cats. Being a cat-lover, I was willing to try this out. And the plotline sounded kind of interesting too. I mean, there is an apocalyptic universe where people think cats hold some kind of disease called the Cat Flu. So the government/businesses take away all cats and only the rich and famous are allowed to have these creatures. But it turns out that the cat flu is only a government-produced rumor!
A girl finds one of the last stray cats in the world and decides to illegally harbor it with her mother. But when her mother dies from heart problems, her and a boy who seems to know much more than the Average Joe go on an adventure to find a safe place for her cat all while escaping government forces.
Woah...this sounds kind of interesting doesn't it?! Too bad this book is a boring piece of crap.
Admittedly, I was interested at the beginning. I actually was into the relationship between the girl and her mother. It seemed very real and trusting, and I liked how while the mother was paranoid of what was to come, she put her daughter's happiness over her own. It was nice. And when the Boy Character came in, it seemed like a real conflict. When he arrives, I was thinking he would be a really interesting character and was excited to see more of him.
But when the mother dies, the book immediately goes down.
My first problem with this book is the characters. None of them stand out. I don't even remember the names of Main Girl and Main Boy. They were basically cut outs of all those other boy-girl YA heroes you see in every other book. Eccentric, weird, daring boy who is a bit headstrong mixed with more rational, but confused, argumentive girl. The two bicker with one another, but within their bickering, they find they like each other, yada yada yada.
All the other characters were just personality-less obstacles or stop points for the main characters to talk to for a few chapters before they find the new person. Nothing stood out. Everyone was some kind of cliche.
But while I do consider characters the most important part of the story, there's still the plot to look at. And after all, the plot was what made me want to borrow the book at my library in the first place... but surprisingly enough, that's not even done well.
A lot of plot points you think the author would explain never do get explained. For example, what is the cat flu? I mean, I get that it's a fake illness the government made up so they can get ahold of all the cats of the world... but... why is everyone afraid of it? What are the symptoms? Do you grow hives? Do you turn into a cat yourself? Do you bleed out of every orifice? What exactly happens? What was so terrible that people across the world are terrified of cats?!
How did the rumors even start? Did the government really just say, "Yeah, this is happening" and everyone believed it? In fact, why does the government even want the cats? What benefit do you really earn from cats? It's never explained.
How does Main Boy know so much? How does everyone know all this information?! Do they ever really explain that?
There are so many unanswered questions like this and they really start to add up.
Well, was the writing style interesting?
No, not really. The descriptions were rather bland or boring. They were more like textbook descriptions rather than an actual, detailed description. And even when the book decides to get creative with it's descriptions, they are weird (at one point, as someone else mentioned, they compare one of the character's hands to a squirrel?)
The plot is predictable. The characters are predictable. The writing is boring.
Just an overall boring, generic YA book. I say, skip it.
Okay, so admittedly, I had gotten this book simply because it involved cats. Being a cat-lover, I was willing to try this out. And the plotline sounded kind of interesting too. I mean, there is an apocalyptic universe where people think cats hold some kind of disease called the Cat Flu. So the government/businesses take away all cats and only the rich and famous are allowed to have these creatures. But it turns out that the cat flu is only a government-produced rumor!
A girl finds one of the last stray cats in the world and decides to illegally harbor it with her mother. But when her mother dies from heart problems, her and a boy who seems to know much more than the Average Joe go on an adventure to find a safe place for her cat all while escaping government forces.
Woah...this sounds kind of interesting doesn't it?! Too bad this book is a boring piece of crap.
Admittedly, I was interested at the beginning. I actually was into the relationship between the girl and her mother. It seemed very real and trusting, and I liked how while the mother was paranoid of what was to come, she put her daughter's happiness over her own. It was nice. And when the Boy Character came in, it seemed like a real conflict. When he arrives, I was thinking he would be a really interesting character and was excited to see more of him.
But when the mother dies, the book immediately goes down.
My first problem with this book is the characters. None of them stand out. I don't even remember the names of Main Girl and Main Boy. They were basically cut outs of all those other boy-girl YA heroes you see in every other book. Eccentric, weird, daring boy who is a bit headstrong mixed with more rational, but confused, argumentive girl. The two bicker with one another, but within their bickering, they find they like each other, yada yada yada.
All the other characters were just personality-less obstacles or stop points for the main characters to talk to for a few chapters before they find the new person. Nothing stood out. Everyone was some kind of cliche.
But while I do consider characters the most important part of the story, there's still the plot to look at. And after all, the plot was what made me want to borrow the book at my library in the first place... but surprisingly enough, that's not even done well.
A lot of plot points you think the author would explain never do get explained. For example, what is the cat flu? I mean, I get that it's a fake illness the government made up so they can get ahold of all the cats of the world... but... why is everyone afraid of it? What are the symptoms? Do you grow hives? Do you turn into a cat yourself? Do you bleed out of every orifice? What exactly happens? What was so terrible that people across the world are terrified of cats?!
How did the rumors even start? Did the government really just say, "Yeah, this is happening" and everyone believed it? In fact, why does the government even want the cats? What benefit do you really earn from cats? It's never explained.
How does Main Boy know so much? How does everyone know all this information?! Do they ever really explain that?
There are so many unanswered questions like this and they really start to add up.
Well, was the writing style interesting?
No, not really. The descriptions were rather bland or boring. They were more like textbook descriptions rather than an actual, detailed description. And even when the book decides to get creative with it's descriptions, they are weird (at one point, as someone else mentioned, they compare one of the character's hands to a squirrel?)
The plot is predictable. The characters are predictable. The writing is boring.
Just an overall boring, generic YA book. I say, skip it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2017
While this book had an interesting idea, it was perhaps the most unbelievable book I've ever read.
Set in the near future, the cat flu forced people to kill all wild/feral cats and everyone who owned one had to turn them in to be put down as well. The flu was too dangerous and spread too easily for people to have cats anymore. (Or was it.)
A giant company took over the "business" of cats -- they did all the breeding, neutered every cat they sold, controlled the whole market. Cats sold for 40 million euros or some crazy figure like that. Only the richest people in the world could own a cat.
Then a girl finds one in her garden. There are no free/wild cats left in the world, but one goes strolling into her garden. Though the punishment for having an unregistered cat is death, the mother lets her keep it.
Then the girl tells a kid at school about the cat. A kid she doesn't even like.
The cops find out she has the cat, and that's where the book really goes downhill. She and the boy she told lead a chase that would make the worst movie or TV show look like a masterpiece. These two kids outsmart every adult they meet. In a physical fight, they beat multiple cops. The two kids hitch a ride with a trucker. The boy watches the trucker drive. Five minutes into the trip the trucker stops the truck. The boy physically beats the trucker in a fight and then the two kids drive away in the tractor trailer, able to drive perfectly after watching for five minutes.
And then things get even worse. There's this whole subplot about the Free Cat Movement and it comes out that maybe everyone lied and there was no cat flu to begin with! That somehow the company tricked the entire world into destroying their cats so they could corner the market.
Every single adult was just so stupid in this book. The girl was caught at the end, but someone made a distraction, and all the cops watching her went to check it out, allowing her to just walk away.
I read a lot of young adult books. So many of them are well-written and just as enjoyable for an adult as for younger people. This was not one of those books.
October 12, 2015
I didn't expect that the story would be so adventurous, risky and actually a reality of here and now.
Everyone had gone crazy over a free "illegal" cat. Over a "small" creature and wrong information that everyone believes. And by that, I mean, everyone agrees to be a puppet of its own government and a government to be used by a corporation. Why? Because the authorities says so and money talks.
On a deeper side, this is just like the state of how we live right now. Accept it or not, I think we are all being used by our own government and big corporations. They will make us believe in their lies so they can do whatever they want.
I don't like how Jade ended up but even in reality, that will surely happen. Most of the time, the one who do good are the one who will be placed behind the bars and the rich one will always have the final say.
I wonder what happened to the other "owned" cats of the company. And to Jade's mom, that justice were never served, actually for the both of them. How can a government & big company make someone's life miserable just because of having a cat, a free cat that is owned by no one? Aren't they the one who are supposed to keep us safe? Sometimes, governments are such a big disappointment.
But at least, a very happy ending for Feela, the cat!
And for Kris, thumbs up for the wittiness! And for good realization that creatures/us are owned by no one (other than God, if I may add)
Kudos to the writer!
I consider reading it again next time!
FREE CATS LEAGUE!!!
Everyone had gone crazy over a free "illegal" cat. Over a "small" creature and wrong information that everyone believes. And by that, I mean, everyone agrees to be a puppet of its own government and a government to be used by a corporation. Why? Because the authorities says so and money talks.
On a deeper side, this is just like the state of how we live right now. Accept it or not, I think we are all being used by our own government and big corporations. They will make us believe in their lies so they can do whatever they want.
I don't like how Jade ended up but even in reality, that will surely happen. Most of the time, the one who do good are the one who will be placed behind the bars and the rich one will always have the final say.
I wonder what happened to the other "owned" cats of the company. And to Jade's mom, that justice were never served, actually for the both of them. How can a government & big company make someone's life miserable just because of having a cat, a free cat that is owned by no one? Aren't they the one who are supposed to keep us safe? Sometimes, governments are such a big disappointment.
But at least, a very happy ending for Feela, the cat!
And for Kris, thumbs up for the wittiness! And for good realization that creatures/us are owned by no one (other than God, if I may add)
Kudos to the writer!
I consider reading it again next time!
FREE CATS LEAGUE!!!
January 5, 2023
This book was written for children but being somewhat older than a child I still read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was written in 2008 before we had ever heard of covid 19 but some of the storyline reminded me of a virus going from animal to human……not so long ago…….
This book was very poignant , chilling and heartfelt and I was gripped from the first page….. there’s a new edition out now that is illustrated and I look forward to seeing that edition.
This book was very poignant , chilling and heartfelt and I was gripped from the first page….. there’s a new edition out now that is illustrated and I look forward to seeing that edition.
August 31, 2020
This is the most suiting book I’ve ever read for the quote “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The cover may seem simple and unoriginal, childish even. But, the actual story is really good and interesting. Although maybe a bit predictable at some parts of it.
May 10, 2012
A most unusual dystopian novel with a fast-paced, thrilling narrative and fascinating premise that explores big, dark ideas but also has some nice touches of humor. Gripping and provocative.
July 14, 2014
This made very little impression on me. I read it, enjoyed it well enough at the time, and almost immediately forgot all about it.
I own a copy.
I own a copy.
February 28, 2014
I know others have enjoyed this book, but I would honestly like to know why.
October 8, 2024
I read this book only because the alternative was sheer unadulterated boredom, but god i wish i hadn't. I know it wasn't a book written for me, but it really did feel like the characters were absolute idiots for the majority of the time. The ending was ALMOST interesting, but I feel like it missed the mark more than anything else, and just left me frustrated and feeling like I'd wasted all my time with the rest of the novel.
October 23, 2024
I found this to be the weirdest concept I've ever read. I felt fearful for Feela the whole time. It was strange flu from cats, I understand having an allergy but having a flu be from cats it was strange to me. Jade should've thought this through. I gave it a 3 because I found this to be ok despite issues I've had. Why did Kris lie about Fella being his cat.
September 4, 2017
This book left me yearning for more. For that happy ending we're all expecting. This one seemed bittersweet to me, but also maybe the best choice. I know if this were to happen in our world, I'd be pissed. No one is going to take my cats from me. I ain't afraid to throw hands!!
September 21, 2017
it was really fun and interesting to read i would like to see more of it.
August 13, 2018
A very cute and quick read for most teenagers. :)
July 12, 2019
Started out okay, but then progressively got weirder. Plus there were a few instances of swearing.
July 29, 2019
The beginning was good, but.I didn't like the end.
October 2, 2020
This was an incredibly sweet story, and I am not even a cat person
August 27, 2023
I read this book with my mom and fell in love with it when I was younger. It has a good plot and good idea. SOO GOOD!
May 21, 2012
The Last Free Cat by Jon Blake. Published by Albert Whitman & Company (USA)
The Last Free cat is one of those books that once you start, you can't put it down. The story begins with a mother and her teen daughter, Jade, arguing over a cat that Jade found in their back yard. Seems innocent enough, right? After all, how many parents around the world have at one time argued with their child over adding a pet to the family? But this is where the "normal" part of the story ends and the book dives head-first into a bizarre world where cats are no longer a cute & cuddly house pet, but instead are desired by many but only owned by the very wealthy or are feared as vectors of the deadly cat-flu. Because Jade and her mom are not wealthy, they are suddenly targets of everyone: the government who regulates cat ownership and their neighbors and friends who are terrified of contracting cat-flu. Suddenly, mom and daughter find themselves in hiding in their own home. They know that one wrong move and their house will be invaded by Comprot, short for "Community Protection". Because, you see, in Jades world, owning a cat is very, very expensive. And illegal, you can count on 10 years in prison for owning a non-registered cat. And no-one questions this, it's just the way it is. The government has convinced its people that an unregistered cat will be diseased and give anyone who is near one the deadly cat-flu. And if you, like Jade, come across a cat with no collar and decide to keep it, your life suddenly becomes very, very difficult.
Your story might go something like this: First, you meet a new friend, a homeless kid named Kris that you don't particularly like, but your mom seems to like him, so the next thing you know, he has a key to your house. "For emergencies" you mom tells you. You also have a a new cat, whom you name Feela and you have to trust that Kris is not going to turn you in. And even more annoying, Feela seems to be totally at ease with Kris when it took you weeks of hard work just to get her to sit on your lap. Then an unexpected tragedy hit and the next place you find yourself is on the run. With a cat....and Kris.
There are tons of unexpected situations in this book, which made me enjoy it even more. The ending was good, it tied things up without being too neat and perfect, maybe even leaving room for a sequel. The characters in the book all have their own distinct personalities without sounding fake or "too much". And as you start on the journey with this little group, you'll start to notice that while it seems like everything is normal, something feels a little "off". First the strange cat law. Then the odd types of transportation, some of it familiar, some of it definitely not. And gadgets that are far from what we're used to but can imagine being commonplace in the future.
The author makes it work. He really works hard at creating believable dialogue between Jane and Kris and then, later, Amelie and Raff. He writes in plenty of breathless adventurous, that aren't too far-fetched to believe, these kids are pretty resourceful. And they are determined to do what they feel is right, even if it means they work outside of the law enforcement who are on their tail for the second half of the book.
I think this is a story about a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future, one I hope I never have to live in. It's about breaking rules when someone (or something) needs help, no matter what sacrifice you have to make, It's about being rebellious to get what you think is right. It's about discovering the truth for yourself, rather than having the government tell you what you should be doing/thinking/living, etc. About how, if you have enough people who are strong in their beliefs and willing to carry them out, that good things can happen.
This book falls into the Young Adult category. As a discerning parent, I would be comfortable recommending it to children ages 11 and up. I have two sons who are young teens and they liked it very much and asked me to find more books by this author.
To find more of this outstanding author's work, check out Jon Blake on Goodreads.
The Last Free cat is one of those books that once you start, you can't put it down. The story begins with a mother and her teen daughter, Jade, arguing over a cat that Jade found in their back yard. Seems innocent enough, right? After all, how many parents around the world have at one time argued with their child over adding a pet to the family? But this is where the "normal" part of the story ends and the book dives head-first into a bizarre world where cats are no longer a cute & cuddly house pet, but instead are desired by many but only owned by the very wealthy or are feared as vectors of the deadly cat-flu. Because Jade and her mom are not wealthy, they are suddenly targets of everyone: the government who regulates cat ownership and their neighbors and friends who are terrified of contracting cat-flu. Suddenly, mom and daughter find themselves in hiding in their own home. They know that one wrong move and their house will be invaded by Comprot, short for "Community Protection". Because, you see, in Jades world, owning a cat is very, very expensive. And illegal, you can count on 10 years in prison for owning a non-registered cat. And no-one questions this, it's just the way it is. The government has convinced its people that an unregistered cat will be diseased and give anyone who is near one the deadly cat-flu. And if you, like Jade, come across a cat with no collar and decide to keep it, your life suddenly becomes very, very difficult.
Your story might go something like this: First, you meet a new friend, a homeless kid named Kris that you don't particularly like, but your mom seems to like him, so the next thing you know, he has a key to your house. "For emergencies" you mom tells you. You also have a a new cat, whom you name Feela and you have to trust that Kris is not going to turn you in. And even more annoying, Feela seems to be totally at ease with Kris when it took you weeks of hard work just to get her to sit on your lap. Then an unexpected tragedy hit and the next place you find yourself is on the run. With a cat....and Kris.
There are tons of unexpected situations in this book, which made me enjoy it even more. The ending was good, it tied things up without being too neat and perfect, maybe even leaving room for a sequel. The characters in the book all have their own distinct personalities without sounding fake or "too much". And as you start on the journey with this little group, you'll start to notice that while it seems like everything is normal, something feels a little "off". First the strange cat law. Then the odd types of transportation, some of it familiar, some of it definitely not. And gadgets that are far from what we're used to but can imagine being commonplace in the future.
The author makes it work. He really works hard at creating believable dialogue between Jane and Kris and then, later, Amelie and Raff. He writes in plenty of breathless adventurous, that aren't too far-fetched to believe, these kids are pretty resourceful. And they are determined to do what they feel is right, even if it means they work outside of the law enforcement who are on their tail for the second half of the book.
I think this is a story about a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future, one I hope I never have to live in. It's about breaking rules when someone (or something) needs help, no matter what sacrifice you have to make, It's about being rebellious to get what you think is right. It's about discovering the truth for yourself, rather than having the government tell you what you should be doing/thinking/living, etc. About how, if you have enough people who are strong in their beliefs and willing to carry them out, that good things can happen.
This book falls into the Young Adult category. As a discerning parent, I would be comfortable recommending it to children ages 11 and up. I have two sons who are young teens and they liked it very much and asked me to find more books by this author.
To find more of this outstanding author's work, check out Jon Blake on Goodreads.
April 25, 2013
I picked up this book because I'm a sucker for dystopian novels and cats. How do you make a dystopian novel better? Add cats!
Now let me go on to the actual review. I thought the concept of the novel was great. Jade lives in a corrupted society where you can't even own a free cat. *GASP* I know, what absolute horror so one day she decides to take in a lost cat even though she's technically not allowed to have one cause there's a crazy cat flu epidemic happening.However, she is secretly a freaking rebel so she adopts the cat anyway.
Let me just say the main character is very comical but she also made so many stupid mistakes that I just wanted to weep for the cat humanity. A lot of the problems could have been solved or avoided if she were thinking properly. Use your brain!
And I love cats and all but I thought that Jade's love for the cat was a bit lingering on the eccentric side of FANATIC CAT OBSESSION! I mean, the part where she even statesMade me want to gag. I understand that you appreciate cats but there is no way in hell that I'm going to risk my life for a cat that I just met a few days ago....and when you think about it if Feela was a human she would be described as a homeless hobo who just waltzes into Jade's garden and eats her food.
And another thing, The "romance" seemed kind of forced, like I felt that the author was writing the end of the book and suddenly just thought: "Hmm, this is a Y/A fiction book so I better add some romance in it." That's what it felt like. If there is going to be any romance between the characters then there should at least be some chemistry in it or don't even bother putting the romance.
BUT, overall this was a good book. I liked how the author Blake just threw out all the boring mumbo jumbo about how the dystopian world formed and just let us use our brains to think a little for ourselves. I like the light comical aspects of some of the scenes. Jade was a ditzy goofball but she was kind of funny with her antics. And, I like how there was a cat in there, obviously. I picked this book up because of the cat so yeah, extra star for the cat.
Why?
http://media.catmoji.com/post/01e/meow.jpg
Because cats rule that's way
Now let me go on to the actual review. I thought the concept of the novel was great. Jade lives in a corrupted society where you can't even own a free cat. *GASP* I know, what absolute horror so one day she decides to take in a lost cat even though she's technically not allowed to have one cause there's a crazy cat flu epidemic happening.However, she is secretly a freaking rebel so she adopts the cat anyway.
Let me just say the main character is very comical but she also made so many stupid mistakes that I just wanted to weep for the cat humanity. A lot of the problems could have been solved or avoided if she were thinking properly. Use your brain!
And I love cats and all but I thought that Jade's love for the cat was a bit lingering on the eccentric side of FANATIC CAT OBSESSION! I mean, the part where she even statesMade me want to gag. I understand that you appreciate cats but there is no way in hell that I'm going to risk my life for a cat that I just met a few days ago....and when you think about it if Feela was a human she would be described as a homeless hobo who just waltzes into Jade's garden and eats her food.
And another thing, The "romance" seemed kind of forced, like I felt that the author was writing the end of the book and suddenly just thought: "Hmm, this is a Y/A fiction book so I better add some romance in it." That's what it felt like. If there is going to be any romance between the characters then there should at least be some chemistry in it or don't even bother putting the romance.
BUT, overall this was a good book. I liked how the author Blake just threw out all the boring mumbo jumbo about how the dystopian world formed and just let us use our brains to think a little for ourselves. I like the light comical aspects of some of the scenes. Jade was a ditzy goofball but she was kind of funny with her antics. And, I like how there was a cat in there, obviously. I picked this book up because of the cat so yeah, extra star for the cat.
Why?
http://media.catmoji.com/post/01e/meow.jpg
Because cats rule that's way
April 15, 2012
It is a fantasy,sci-fiction story about the future and the corruption that occurring. Except this author has a genius concept of wrote not how the tyrants not only control the people, the sheep to obey all laws but to not defiant what they believed inor there would be severe consequences. This new order has a madman who is popular, rich and a super celebrity to the masses. He has a scheme to lie to the masses and announced that all cats were a dangerous threat diagnosed with the cat flu which is contagious to humans. Like all threats only the rich who can spend money to possess them can own them. They can take care of them, take them to veterinaries while ill and so on. The working class and poor masses miss out on the joys of being a cat owner.
This author is deep, funny and serious about the threat of corruption, the blind obedience the masses believe in and then makes it more entertaining as he has the rebels come into action to help two young people escape within inches of their lands escaping the corrupted military and police force to protect the almost last free treasure in the world for poor people. This is the beginning of a wakeup call and is explained with British humor yet a serious tone of loss and found love and the fight for freedom and values.
These two young characters, Jade and Kris sacrificed their lives and freedom to save the treasure and run to journey to a free Isle where they can live in peace, except along the way they are met with dangerous situations and close calls of being caught by the corrupted officers working for the rich celebrity. They are chase by the Compers, and sniffing dogs to end up as prisoners, rebels or both, you will have to read this delightful fantasy with some truth in it about how valuable someone or thing is to us until we lose it.
It is a short novella, has true meaning and a delight for all pet owners and readers who like to see the underdog win the victory. The characters, Jade and kris are a winning couple and easy to sympathize with as they get into scrap after scrap saving themselves and the treasure.
This is a work in progress and here in the author's words;
"I went to the window to see half the street gathered below. As usual, they watched sullenly. A lot of them hated Comprot, others went to them all the time, like going to teacher to tell on your classmates. But all of them needed entertainment, anything to break up the boredom of their lives. There were a few jeers as the van moved off, then all eyes turned to me at the window. As you may have noticed, I am a private kind of person, and last thing I wanted was to be the center of attention. I knew they thought I was stuck up, and I knew some of them would be relishing this moment—seeing the posh people from the marina on the wrong side of the law, brought down to earth, getting what they got all the time. Well, they could think what they liked."
To find more of this amazing author’s works you can go to this link;
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
This author is deep, funny and serious about the threat of corruption, the blind obedience the masses believe in and then makes it more entertaining as he has the rebels come into action to help two young people escape within inches of their lands escaping the corrupted military and police force to protect the almost last free treasure in the world for poor people. This is the beginning of a wakeup call and is explained with British humor yet a serious tone of loss and found love and the fight for freedom and values.
These two young characters, Jade and Kris sacrificed their lives and freedom to save the treasure and run to journey to a free Isle where they can live in peace, except along the way they are met with dangerous situations and close calls of being caught by the corrupted officers working for the rich celebrity. They are chase by the Compers, and sniffing dogs to end up as prisoners, rebels or both, you will have to read this delightful fantasy with some truth in it about how valuable someone or thing is to us until we lose it.
It is a short novella, has true meaning and a delight for all pet owners and readers who like to see the underdog win the victory. The characters, Jade and kris are a winning couple and easy to sympathize with as they get into scrap after scrap saving themselves and the treasure.
This is a work in progress and here in the author's words;
"I went to the window to see half the street gathered below. As usual, they watched sullenly. A lot of them hated Comprot, others went to them all the time, like going to teacher to tell on your classmates. But all of them needed entertainment, anything to break up the boredom of their lives. There were a few jeers as the van moved off, then all eyes turned to me at the window. As you may have noticed, I am a private kind of person, and last thing I wanted was to be the center of attention. I knew they thought I was stuck up, and I knew some of them would be relishing this moment—seeing the posh people from the marina on the wrong side of the law, brought down to earth, getting what they got all the time. Well, they could think what they liked."
To find more of this amazing author’s works you can go to this link;
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
August 31, 2012
I think I've made no secret that I love cats so the title and picture intrigued me, right off the bat. As I learned more, I discovered that the future is an awful place. See, a deadly cat flu has caused most cats to disappear and the few that do exist are strictly controlled and available only for the welcome. But who wouldn't welcome an adorable bundle of fur?
Jade sure would and thus, despite the risks, she welcomes a beautiful girl cat into her home and heart, unsure of how this cat is free but pleased to have her. The cat is named Feela and there are some amazing pictures painted about the delight of petting, holding, and loving a cat, sure to thrill cat-lovers. I assume Blake has cats because he captures the experience perfectly.
Unfortunately, this being a dystopia, that's not all there is to the story. The government, which is basically controlled by one mega-corporation that is the only company to breed cats, takes a very harsh view of disobedience, sending Jade on the run with Feela and a surprising companion. Throughout their travails, the number one priority is saving the cat and inspiring hope in those who want free cats again. There is a good mix of fast-paced action and slower resting spots. Although I don't always enjoy books where the main characters are on the run, their love and concern for Feela mingled with mine for a thrill ride.
I especially liked the ending-it feels very British to me, appropriate given the author's nationality, but what I mean is that I don't think an American author would have ended the book like that. If you've read the book, do you agree? It's not how *I* would have chosen to end the book but it's better than some of the alternatives I feared.
Overall: A refreshingly new take on the dystopian world, great for animal lovers.
Cover: Very simple and striking-just the two colors and then the black; I love that the cat is what catches your eye although I, of course, would have preferred a red tabby even if that's not true to the book!
Jade sure would and thus, despite the risks, she welcomes a beautiful girl cat into her home and heart, unsure of how this cat is free but pleased to have her. The cat is named Feela and there are some amazing pictures painted about the delight of petting, holding, and loving a cat, sure to thrill cat-lovers. I assume Blake has cats because he captures the experience perfectly.
Unfortunately, this being a dystopia, that's not all there is to the story. The government, which is basically controlled by one mega-corporation that is the only company to breed cats, takes a very harsh view of disobedience, sending Jade on the run with Feela and a surprising companion. Throughout their travails, the number one priority is saving the cat and inspiring hope in those who want free cats again. There is a good mix of fast-paced action and slower resting spots. Although I don't always enjoy books where the main characters are on the run, their love and concern for Feela mingled with mine for a thrill ride.
I especially liked the ending-it feels very British to me, appropriate given the author's nationality, but what I mean is that I don't think an American author would have ended the book like that. If you've read the book, do you agree? It's not how *I* would have chosen to end the book but it's better than some of the alternatives I feared.
Overall: A refreshingly new take on the dystopian world, great for animal lovers.
Cover: Very simple and striking-just the two colors and then the black; I love that the cat is what catches your eye although I, of course, would have preferred a red tabby even if that's not true to the book!
November 20, 2012
This story is set in a future where corporations rule the country and people are governed by fear. One of the greatest fears is HN51 the deadly cat flu that affects humans. When the epidemic first struck, swift action was taken to ensure our survival. All infected cats were killed and now all cat breeding, vaccinating, registering and selling is done by one big corporation. Cat prices are so expensive that only the rich can afford them. Anyone caught with an unregistered cat is subject to death.
The police, known as Comprot, will search and destroy any home suspected of harboring a dangerous feline. Meanwhile underground cat resistance groups, called Free Catters, fight against the restrictions on cat ownership.
Jade lives alone with her Mum and they’ve scraped together since Dad died. When a lovely calico cat appears in their garden, Jade can’t help but take it inside. Immediately, they both fall in love with Feela. When Jade’s schoolmate, Kris, accidentally finds out about Feela, he forces himself into Jade’s life so he can look after the cat too. After tragedy hits home, Jade is forced to take Feela on the run to keep her safe and she turns to Kris for help. Quickly, the trio are hiding from the police and experiencing dangerous adventures as they try to make it to a safe haven.
Overall this book lacks clarity; the world and characters feel a little fuzzy because they are not fully described. We don’t know the ages of Jade or Kris nor do we know exactly the method of transportation described only as bullet pods. However, this novel’s power is in the emotional connection between Feela and the kids. The love between felines and humans is very powerful and any cat lover will understand the perilous risks taken by Jade and Kris to keep Feela safe. This book will appeal to younger teen readers who probably won’t notice the too-lucky coincidences that benefit Jade and Kris along their journey.
The police, known as Comprot, will search and destroy any home suspected of harboring a dangerous feline. Meanwhile underground cat resistance groups, called Free Catters, fight against the restrictions on cat ownership.
Jade lives alone with her Mum and they’ve scraped together since Dad died. When a lovely calico cat appears in their garden, Jade can’t help but take it inside. Immediately, they both fall in love with Feela. When Jade’s schoolmate, Kris, accidentally finds out about Feela, he forces himself into Jade’s life so he can look after the cat too. After tragedy hits home, Jade is forced to take Feela on the run to keep her safe and she turns to Kris for help. Quickly, the trio are hiding from the police and experiencing dangerous adventures as they try to make it to a safe haven.
Overall this book lacks clarity; the world and characters feel a little fuzzy because they are not fully described. We don’t know the ages of Jade or Kris nor do we know exactly the method of transportation described only as bullet pods. However, this novel’s power is in the emotional connection between Feela and the kids. The love between felines and humans is very powerful and any cat lover will understand the perilous risks taken by Jade and Kris to keep Feela safe. This book will appeal to younger teen readers who probably won’t notice the too-lucky coincidences that benefit Jade and Kris along their journey.
March 27, 2014
I really liked the plot, but there is something big I'd like to be different. I would have preferred if they'd made a bigger difference to the anti-cat issue, I know that they did make a difference but it was just a drop in the bucket. It would have been interesting for them to have gotten the law revoked, or maybe have a sequel involving that. I understand why the author did what they did, because it's based off of the issue with abortion in Ireland and England and it's reflecting on that but I just would have enjoyed this book more. I like at the end when he did the thing with the signs a LOT, but her going to jail sort of seals the ending, because it wouldn't interesting kids to hear about a 24 year old, which is about how old she'd be when she got out of jail. I want to imagine the POSSIBILITY of a sequel, because then I can make it how I want, but this ending makes that almost impossible. I'm guessing that the author isn't in favor of abortion, because he probably imagines the cats as the babies. They don't get a say in abortion, and just because their life MIGHT be difficult, just as the cats MIGHT be sick in the book, doesn't mean they should be killed. It should be up to the person to decide, not people who can't even be sure of what will happen. This was easy for me to interpret because that's how I feel. Something I'm wondering if there ever was a person who was affected by HN51. In another book I read, All These Things I've Done, (It wasn't very good, but it had a good point) chocolate was illegal, but then this character said that it isn't bad, they just had to choose something. I really liked that quote and I'm wondering if it applies here, I mean, there's all sorts of diseases unique to specific animals, so why this? Maybe they were doing it to get money, or scare people, because when people are scared, it's easy for someone to get in power, such as James Viafara.
April 4, 2015
This is another of those books that have been on my ‘I want to Read’ list since October 2012! Although this was a youth fiction, I enjoyed the quick read immensely. I saw in this book an allegory; while this tale was apparently set in the future, it is a tale of what is already occurring around the world today!
In the case of this book, a girl finds a cat in her back yard. While this may seem normal today, during the time of the book cat’s are basically banned, unless of course they have been purchased for a large amount of money (by the wealthy), pre-neutered, with a special collar proving that it was licensed by a single company, whose fear mongering concerning a virus which had supposedly skipped from cats to humans, has an entire population (along with a government which has passed terrorism laws stripping freedom from the population and placing control in the hands of a single, ubber-wealthy individual) cow-towing, frightened and controlled.
Would you give up your rights, sit in jail charged with acts of terrorism due to a cat? Sounds far-fetched don’t it? If you think it sounds like a fantasy, you are one of the people who have been frightened beyond belief, allowing your elected officials to pass laws stripping you of your rights as guaranteed by the Constitution due to a single act of violence and intimidation conducted on American soil. If you are wondering why I write this….then you don’t know much about the history of the United States, because similar feats have occurred in this country nearly since its inception. The home-made bomb that wiped out a building in NY City in the 1800’s, taking over 300 lives was much more devastating population wise (the population of the US at the time was approximately 23 million, today it is 318 million), but no one lost their freedoms due to that terrorist attack!
In the case of this book, a girl finds a cat in her back yard. While this may seem normal today, during the time of the book cat’s are basically banned, unless of course they have been purchased for a large amount of money (by the wealthy), pre-neutered, with a special collar proving that it was licensed by a single company, whose fear mongering concerning a virus which had supposedly skipped from cats to humans, has an entire population (along with a government which has passed terrorism laws stripping freedom from the population and placing control in the hands of a single, ubber-wealthy individual) cow-towing, frightened and controlled.
Would you give up your rights, sit in jail charged with acts of terrorism due to a cat? Sounds far-fetched don’t it? If you think it sounds like a fantasy, you are one of the people who have been frightened beyond belief, allowing your elected officials to pass laws stripping you of your rights as guaranteed by the Constitution due to a single act of violence and intimidation conducted on American soil. If you are wondering why I write this….then you don’t know much about the history of the United States, because similar feats have occurred in this country nearly since its inception. The home-made bomb that wiped out a building in NY City in the 1800’s, taking over 300 lives was much more devastating population wise (the population of the US at the time was approximately 23 million, today it is 318 million), but no one lost their freedoms due to that terrorist attack!
June 19, 2012
http://lostgirlygirl.blogspot.com.br/...
Jade lives in a not particularly pleasant Britain of the near future. Huge corporations are running the show and the population lives in ignorance.
A cat flu epidemic has effectively privatised cats. Breeding is strictly controlled by the Viafara Corporation and cats cost upwards of two million euros - only the rich can afford them. Any cats not bred in this way are potential disease carriers and are put down.
So when Jade finds Feela in her garden and takes in the beautiful cat, she and her mother are taking a huge risk. Comprot troops soon raid the house, looking for the illegal animal, and Jade's mother's failing heart finally gives out. Left alone and determined to protect Feela, Jade has no choice but to go on the run, and no one to turn to except Kris Delaney. And so they try to reach Ireland, where a recent revolution has overthrown the corporations, pursued by vicious government agents.
There are tons of unexpected situations in this book, which made me enjoy it even more. The ending was good, it tied things up without being too neat and perfect.
I think this is a story about a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future, one I hope I never have to live in. It’s about breaking rules when someone (or something) needs help, no matter what sacrifice you have to make, It’s about being rebellious to get what you think is right. It’s about discovering the truth for yourself, rather than having the government tell you what you should be doing or thinking. About how, if you have enough people who are strong in their beliefs and willing to carry them out, that goodthings can happen.
I recommend this book
Jade lives in a not particularly pleasant Britain of the near future. Huge corporations are running the show and the population lives in ignorance.
A cat flu epidemic has effectively privatised cats. Breeding is strictly controlled by the Viafara Corporation and cats cost upwards of two million euros - only the rich can afford them. Any cats not bred in this way are potential disease carriers and are put down.
So when Jade finds Feela in her garden and takes in the beautiful cat, she and her mother are taking a huge risk. Comprot troops soon raid the house, looking for the illegal animal, and Jade's mother's failing heart finally gives out. Left alone and determined to protect Feela, Jade has no choice but to go on the run, and no one to turn to except Kris Delaney. And so they try to reach Ireland, where a recent revolution has overthrown the corporations, pursued by vicious government agents.
There are tons of unexpected situations in this book, which made me enjoy it even more. The ending was good, it tied things up without being too neat and perfect.
I think this is a story about a post-apocalyptic, dystopian future, one I hope I never have to live in. It’s about breaking rules when someone (or something) needs help, no matter what sacrifice you have to make, It’s about being rebellious to get what you think is right. It’s about discovering the truth for yourself, rather than having the government tell you what you should be doing or thinking. About how, if you have enough people who are strong in their beliefs and willing to carry them out, that goodthings can happen.
I recommend this book
September 8, 2016
I love cats, and I love dystopian scifi. If you feel the same, you may want to read this book. Despite the 2 star rating I feel obliged to give it, this book was totally worth the few hours it took to read, as it had me in giggles almost through its entirety.
This is a hilariously bad novel in so many ways. The characters are one dimensional. It fails the Bechdel test. Almost nothing is described or explained well. Their are nearly infinite deus ex machina "lucky breaks" necessary to keep the plot moving forward. As a reader, you will constantly ask, "Why?," "How!?," "What are the chances...?," and "Who cares!?" If there weren't a picture of the author on the back cover, I would swear it had been written by a middle schooler of average intelligence with, to his credit, a very reliable spellchecking system, but no editor whatsoever.
All of this I feel I must admit, as a librarian, a literature major, and a lover of the written word.
However. Good god, this is a funny story. The incredibly over-the-top descriptions of the enchanting beauty of cats could stand alone as decent jokes, but it doesn't hurt that every character's only motivation throughout the text is an extreme love or fear of the very idea of felines. The protagonist is, for example, by the end, thrilled with a string of decisions that lead her to being orphaned, nearly killed on multiple occasions, and finally sentenced to 10 years in prison simply because they allowed for the survival of a cat and four kittens, despite having never met the kittens and known the cat for mere months.
In summary, this novel is delightfully bizarre and terrible and endlessly amusing, but do not go into it looking for a decent read.
This is a hilariously bad novel in so many ways. The characters are one dimensional. It fails the Bechdel test. Almost nothing is described or explained well. Their are nearly infinite deus ex machina "lucky breaks" necessary to keep the plot moving forward. As a reader, you will constantly ask, "Why?," "How!?," "What are the chances...?," and "Who cares!?" If there weren't a picture of the author on the back cover, I would swear it had been written by a middle schooler of average intelligence with, to his credit, a very reliable spellchecking system, but no editor whatsoever.
All of this I feel I must admit, as a librarian, a literature major, and a lover of the written word.
However. Good god, this is a funny story. The incredibly over-the-top descriptions of the enchanting beauty of cats could stand alone as decent jokes, but it doesn't hurt that every character's only motivation throughout the text is an extreme love or fear of the very idea of felines. The protagonist is, for example, by the end, thrilled with a string of decisions that lead her to being orphaned, nearly killed on multiple occasions, and finally sentenced to 10 years in prison simply because they allowed for the survival of a cat and four kittens, despite having never met the kittens and known the cat for mere months.
In summary, this novel is delightfully bizarre and terrible and endlessly amusing, but do not go into it looking for a decent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2012
I loved this book, with all my heart. I wasn't too sure about it, thinking the premise was too contrived and wouldn't be believable. But the whole book is action-packed and very cute.
First of all, Feela. That cat is magical. Put me under her spell from the moment she mewled hello. It was quite tender the way she instantly melted Jade's heart. Second, Jade herself is a great character. Strong, courageous, and independent. She doesn't shy away from adventure, and believes strongly in doing what's right for her beloved Feela. And then there's Kris. He's super intelligent, caring, and best of all, mysterious.
I loved the way the clues and hints unravel throughout the story. Jade has lived a rather sheltered life up until meeting Feela and Kris, and she learns the ways of the street very quickly, mostly from Kris' teachings and from her own experiences. There was a brilliant juxtaposition between what Kris could teach Jade and what Jade could show Kris. It brought a deeper level to their budding relationship.
So many good things about this book. Enjoyable, edge-of-my-seat things. But perhaps my favorite bit was that at it's core, this was a story about rebelling against corporations. A near-future world that looks very similar to our current one. Corporations rule and it is up a small band of warriors to rise up and get to the truth behind what the media is telling them. A good story for all teens to read and discuss.
First of all, Feela. That cat is magical. Put me under her spell from the moment she mewled hello. It was quite tender the way she instantly melted Jade's heart. Second, Jade herself is a great character. Strong, courageous, and independent. She doesn't shy away from adventure, and believes strongly in doing what's right for her beloved Feela. And then there's Kris. He's super intelligent, caring, and best of all, mysterious.
I loved the way the clues and hints unravel throughout the story. Jade has lived a rather sheltered life up until meeting Feela and Kris, and she learns the ways of the street very quickly, mostly from Kris' teachings and from her own experiences. There was a brilliant juxtaposition between what Kris could teach Jade and what Jade could show Kris. It brought a deeper level to their budding relationship.
So many good things about this book. Enjoyable, edge-of-my-seat things. But perhaps my favorite bit was that at it's core, this was a story about rebelling against corporations. A near-future world that looks very similar to our current one. Corporations rule and it is up a small band of warriors to rise up and get to the truth behind what the media is telling them. A good story for all teens to read and discuss.
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