Sunday, November 4, 2007

Reserved for the Cat by Mercedes Lackey


Reserved for the Cat
Elemental Masters, Book 5
Mercedes Lackey
DAW Books
October 30, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0362-1

Growing up with only her mother in Montmartre, there were few options open for Ninette Dupond’s future, and ballet was one of the best places to be seen. At her mother’s encouragement, Ninette became a soloist ballet dancer. Her goal was not of becoming a star; it was merely that of capturing the notice of a rich older gentleman. When an act of jealousy destroys her chances in the ballets of Paris, Ninette find herself in desperate need of employment.

Thomas, an Elemental Master in the form of a cat, comes to Ninette’s rescue when he whisks her away to Blackpool, England to start anew. It’s soon apparent that Ninette is in jeopardy, but discovering the source of the threat is more than Thomas can handle on his own. Only with the help of other Elemental Masters do they stand a chance against the menacing danger that has set its sights on the young woman they’ve all vowed to protect.

Reserved for the Cat is the fifth installment in the Elemental Masters series. With a push in the right direction, Ninette has the strength to stand up and face whatever is thrown her way. Ms. Lackey is a master in fantasy, and this visit to an alternate historical England is no exception. Vivid characterization and believable surroundings are flawlessly joined in a well-detailed world. Though part of a series, Reserved for the Cat can easily be read as a stand alone.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never read anything by Mercedes Lackey before. I've seen her books on ebay a lot. Is her writing style, like really in fantasy land?

Kimberly Swan said...

If you mean fantasy like a whole other world, then no, it's more that some people are born with magic in varying degrees . The best of them become Elemental Masters. She's really an excellent writer, and this is the very mild end of fantasy in respect to the world around the characters. :)

Anonymous said...

This book is part of historical fantasy novels sort of alternate history in that in this version of history magic and psychic abilities exist.

Lackey has written 'hard' fantasy as well where all the action occurs in a totaly invented world. The Valdemar series, Bardic Choices, and several others are like that.

She is a very prolific writer so if you don't care for one series you may love another. If you don't care for dark fantasy or horror I would not recomend her Diana Tregarde series, Obsidion Trilogy or Heirs of Alexandria series.

Kimberly Swan said...

Great explanation, thank you! :)