The Wildings

Mara is an inside cat, rescued as a tiny kitten when her mother is killed. But she is more than just a fluffy kitten; Mara is a Sender, one who can transmit thoughts and communicate with the cats of her clan – and in Mara’s case with other animals. But she has no clan and so should be killed as a danger and intruder. However, the question remains – why has such a powerful Sender appeared at this time? Beraal of the Wildings is sure that some danger threatens.

This is an exciting novel that immerses the young reader in the world of the semi-wild cats of Delhi. Though the reader sees the world as the cat characters, Roy ensures that they remain true to their natures. This is no happy Eden where the species live in a Utopian society. They certainly coexist – but also hunt and kill. There is, therefore, a strong foundation of reality on which to build. The cats themselves are distinct, allowing the reader to enter their world and creating the necessary fabric for suspension of disbelief. Roy writes fluently, inhabiting her cat world with an attractive ease. The background, India and the city of Delhi, add richness to the narrative, making this tale of a battle between good and evil – a conventional theme – very satisfying. Young readers will look forward, as I do, to the continuation of Mara’s story…