"Cat O'Nine Tails" starts off slowly with the story of a street urchin turned aristocrat who always rebels against authority. She thinks her life in high society is the epitome of all that is boring. Suddenly, adventure visits her in the most unpleasant of ways. One night while trying to rescue her dearest friend, Syd, from being kidnapped, Cat and her two protectors, Frank and Pedro, are abducted and taken to work on a ship headed for the Americas. She is forced to dress like a young sailer boy to hide her identity. Fortunately, Syd is on this ship. Cat spends most of her miserable days on the high seas trying to figure out how to escape with her companions. After a series of events that any normal young girl would not be able to bear, Cat uses her wits from living on the streets as an orphan to help her escape after they dock in the Americas. She comes across a tribe of Native Americans who are willing to protect her from the Englishmen attempting to re-imprison her. Eventually Cat finds her escape and her revenge.
This book may seem overly long at first glance, but the face pace of its plot makes it interesting. Cat and her collection of friends are totally engaging, and they never seem to tire of their adventures together. "Cat O'Nine Tails" is an endearing piece of work that I would recommend to any young adult reader.
The plot of this book moved along in a way that was so fluid I hardly even recognized how quickly I was turning the pages. Cat and her friends are people I would love to have accompany me on any adventure. Cat's wisdom and knowledge of how to get herself out of sticky situations is something rarely found in today's modern, comfortable society. It is refreshing to read of a fourteen year old girl who is embarking on adventures (whether forced or voluntarily) that many adults might not appreciate. This book will most definitely be added to my list of favorite novels.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Cary, NC USA
