Tomas Kemp has two successful novels to his name and the true belief that a successful sequel is only a matter of a little inspiration. When Tomas meets a mysterious stranger under the branches of an old oak tree, he feels compelled to tell him about a book he holds dear and the sequel he wants to read. But Cathal doesn't share that deep belief that the sequel Tomas seeks ends happily. Cathal has seen enough of a world where stories are real to know that happy ever after is sometimes the dream that won't come true. But stories have never let Tomas down, and as he follows Cathal across the reality shift between their worlds, he learns that Cathal is right: Happy ever after is never just given—but sometimes, it can be fought for and won.
Review
Cat’s Quill was a great story. Anne Barwell takes us on a journey of discovery, one where the protagonist, Tomas, is in search of several things. First, he is a writer and needs to find his muse, or a different one, as he fights the story that he feels is in him. He also needs to get his third story done, as his contract stipulates. And, he’s on a quest. He has read a book that he isn’t happy with the ending and so sure is he that there is a sequel. He travels to a quaint, remote country inn to find some answers. He is now living in a small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing is really private. When he happens to meet Cathal under a large oak tree in the middle of a field, strange things begin to happen and he finds more riddles than answers.
This story reminds me of several books/movies. It is a fantasy where there is travel between worlds. Where there is an evil cast of characters who are making life difficult for Cathal and his people. Where Tomas travels to find the man he has finally acknowledged that he loves. Problem is, he has no way out and back to his own world; no plan of attack against and enemy far stronger and ready for battle. There is an army and an evil Lady who wants Cathal to fulfill her own planned destiny and she is willing to sacrifice Tomas to get what she wants. It is suspenseful, thrilling and exciting as you discover all of the underlying plots of the tale. Who will be the savior? Who will risk what to make sure that there is some semblance of happy ending? Read, my friends. And enjoy!
