"Transports its young readers into the realms of their imagination..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0CM8TSMR1
• Publisher: ‎ MoshPit Publishing (31 Oct. 2023)
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 231 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Nature & the Natural World Fiction

The BookViral Review:

With the release of High Clowder Cats Ruby Knight gave us a magical narrative; the kind that transported its young readers into the realms of their imagination, and Dark Clowder Cats sees the magic continue.

Once again she finds an equitable balance between elements of plot, characterisation, setting, style and theme to create a compelling story for her young audience. Right from the off the adventure begins as Knight firmly hooks her readers with strong relatable characters and a gripping plot, with the shape of the novel growing and shifting naturally as events unfold and the call of the Stone becomes increasingly harder to hear.

Dark Clowder Cats is Storm’s story as she fights for what she knows to be right and save the High Clowder. First from a mysterious sickness that spreads amongst the cats and then from the murderous intention of the dastardly Dark Clowder cats. Here Knight cleverly taps into the internal conflict of the pre-teen experience by capturing Storm’s inner conflict as she feels the frustration of obedience and compliance, and the new and overwhelming realisation of responsibility.

Character development is one of Knights fortes and Dark Clowder Cats not only sees the return of characters like Bristle and Bushytail but also the introduction of Brokenear’s son Still. A complicated character who at first displays evidence of virtue but later threatens the very existence of the High Clowder clan as old and young find kinship in a shared purpose that finds the leaders of all four clowders coming together.

The interaction between Storm and Still gives her readers a variety of elements to think about, to question and to consider. This encourages the young reader to explore their feelings and concepts of friendship and trust, enabling them to enrich their values, beliefs, imagination and creativity.

With its delightful detail and unique ideas, one cannot help but be reminded of other well-received children’s fantasies which have captured the imaginations of young and old alike. However, Knight’s conceptions are firmly her own and interact to build a magical journey into an imaginary world that is wholly original.

With a lovely twist at the end young readers will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment of this wonderfully imagined series and Dark Clowder Cats is highly recommended.