This is not the cheeriest of stories, but I found it fascinating enough to keep reading. Kate has two strikes against her from the beginning: she's an orphan and people think she may be a witch. The story focuses on how Kate survives on her wits and her skills as a carver. She can't seem to catch a break. Just when she thinks she's found a family and a new way of life, events conspire against her once again.

In spite of her hard life, the one light in her tunnel is Taggle, a cat who can talk. He becomes her trusted companion on her journey and the one who turns out to be her truest friend. Taggle's focus on food and what he will eat next provides enough humor to get readers through the sadder events.

This story is well written and held my interest to the worthwhile and satisfying end. ( )

I thought this was absolutely wonderful, even in the sad parts. Taggle, the cat, may have been the most perfectly written cat I have ever encountered. ( )

This book suffers from bad cover-itis. This is a malady that makes you think the book is going to be a lighthearted romp when in actuality it is dark and grim and sad. Great writing, slow pace, not at all what I expected. The cat character is one of the best written cats in all of fantasy literature in my opinion. ( )

This was really gorgeous. I loved the voice almost as much as I loved Kate. And Taggle. And OTHER THINGS. Today is not my day for reviews, but this is a fantastic book. It has this mood that's a bit quiet and spare, but with lovely language. I am doing a TERRIBLE job with this review. Pretend it's better and go read this book. ( )

Beautiful writing. Well...... I cried....... so the author must have done something right. ( )