Review of High Clowder Cats
Posted: 08 Jul 2025, 12:07
[Following is a volunteer review of "High Clowder Cats" by Ruby Knight.]
I am going to start this review by explaining the title because it will make things easier to understand. A clowder is a collective noun used to describe a group of cats. In Ruby Knight's book, all the cats are feral, and the various clowders are given specific names, mostly based on the territory they claim. The High Clowder felines, for example, claim an area that is elevated, and the River Clowder claims an area by the river.
Knight's inspiration for writing High Clowder Cats is attributed to one of her students, who refused to read anything that wasn't cat-related. Although this animal fantasy isn't as obvious an allegory as Animal Farm or Watership Down, it does promote principles such as honor, empathy, and justice. The tale has a true hero, Bushytail, and a selfish villain, Brokenear. A huge cast of other cats have been given names appropriate for their unique characteristics, such as Stealth, Sleek, and Stretch. One cat, who was first known as Crooked, undergoes a name change to Brave after his courageous adventure.
Bushytail is the protagonist in this coming-of-age story. He begins life being cast out by his mother, becoming a clowderless tomcat, embarking on a journey to unknown territory, and finally achieving his goal of leadership and fatherhood.
The author's creative writing skills made me forget that I was reading about cats. Many of the conflicts have human counterparts. Bushytail's fur is a different color, which causes him some difficulties with acceptance. Male leadership dominance is challenged by the she-cats, who work towards equality. Even the trials of single parenthood are addressed.
I was pleased that the magical aspects of this YA novel are subtle. One character, Bristle, is a type of healer who introduces some special cats to the power found in a mystical stone, and the mention of a higher power is implied. The Stone promotes adherence to three specific rules in order to attain inner peace.
My rating for this book is five out of five stars. It is appropriate for young teens because it encourages perseverance, friendship, and the importance of family. There are no reasons for any star deductions.
******
High Clowder Cats
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
I am going to start this review by explaining the title because it will make things easier to understand. A clowder is a collective noun used to describe a group of cats. In Ruby Knight's book, all the cats are feral, and the various clowders are given specific names, mostly based on the territory they claim. The High Clowder felines, for example, claim an area that is elevated, and the River Clowder claims an area by the river.
Knight's inspiration for writing High Clowder Cats is attributed to one of her students, who refused to read anything that wasn't cat-related. Although this animal fantasy isn't as obvious an allegory as Animal Farm or Watership Down, it does promote principles such as honor, empathy, and justice. The tale has a true hero, Bushytail, and a selfish villain, Brokenear. A huge cast of other cats have been given names appropriate for their unique characteristics, such as Stealth, Sleek, and Stretch. One cat, who was first known as Crooked, undergoes a name change to Brave after his courageous adventure.
Bushytail is the protagonist in this coming-of-age story. He begins life being cast out by his mother, becoming a clowderless tomcat, embarking on a journey to unknown territory, and finally achieving his goal of leadership and fatherhood.
The author's creative writing skills made me forget that I was reading about cats. Many of the conflicts have human counterparts. Bushytail's fur is a different color, which causes him some difficulties with acceptance. Male leadership dominance is challenged by the she-cats, who work towards equality. Even the trials of single parenthood are addressed.
I was pleased that the magical aspects of this YA novel are subtle. One character, Bristle, is a type of healer who introduces some special cats to the power found in a mystical stone, and the mention of a higher power is implied. The Stone promotes adherence to three specific rules in order to attain inner peace.
My rating for this book is five out of five stars. It is appropriate for young teens because it encourages perseverance, friendship, and the importance of family. There are no reasons for any star deductions.
******
High Clowder Cats
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords