THE CAT MASTER

A stunning cover is the best part of this mediocre animal fantasy. Born an alley cat, Buddy has lived the safe life of an “Indoor” for years. When the dying Cat Master, telepathic guru of the world’s feral felines, attempts to summon Buddy as his chosen successor, the message is disrupted by Buddy’s insanely jealous brother Jett. Jett then lures his rival’s innocent housecat friends “Out,” as a trap to keep Buddy from his destiny. While Jett is irredeemably malevolent, Buddy is always the kindest, wisest, bravest, most wonderfullest cat ever. Secondary characters represent a wide range of species, but are caricatures serving principally to drive an overly complicated plot. A cavalcade of cliffhangers and coincidences (not to mention violence, gore and gratuitous cruelty) provide plenty of excitement, but very little sense. Young readers might not notice the gaping logical holes, and the many coy sexual allusions could sail over their heads; the unnecessary four-letter profanities definitely will not. Those desperate for another cat story may find this more entertaining than reading the back of a pet-food bag—barely. (Fantasy. 10+)