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Trials and Tribulations
In Dark Clowder Cats, a young cat faces high expectations and comparisons to her father’s success as she finds it within herself to become a leader in her own right. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first book in the Clowder Cats series was a straightforward adventure/fantasy story. From the outset, I intended the Clowder Cats series to be for a young adult audience, and when Bushytail had a kit it was the perfect opportunity to focus in on the trials and tribulations all young adults have as they pass through being a teenager and becoming an adult.
I find your characters to be fascinating. Did any of the characters’ development occur organically throughout the story?
Storm’s dour attitude at the beginning of the story comes as a bit of a shock to readers I think. Being the main character, the reader is expecting that she will develop into a heroic character, but as we all know these things don’t happen quickly. When finally Storm begins to show some more admirable qualities, the editor’s comment was, “Thank goodness!”
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I really enjoyed writing the scene (spoiler alert) where Storm finds stillness through dance. I was inspired by watching someone do martial arts forms at my local gym and the beauty of it. The theme of “stillness” being a state of mind that we all need to bring us peace runs through both books, and Storm is a perfect example of how hard it can be to find that, especially when you are a teenager.
Can you give fans a peek into the next book in the Clowder Cats series?
I am really hoping to have book three out in another 12 months. I have planned four books for this series – one for each of the four clowders: High Clowder, Dark Clowder, Tree Clowder, and River Clowder. Storm is the main character for books 2, 3, and 4. In book three, we also finally get to find out more about Bristle, Brave, and cat magic!
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When the guardians charge her with a mission to help the leader of Dark Clowder she is confused and disappointed. After the harm Brokenear caused she had hoped that Dark Clowder was disbanded for good, but the Guardians insist that all four clowders need to be strong for the Stone to be strong. She dutifully tries to play her part but is filled with doubts about whether or not she is doing the right thing. It is not an easy journey, but along the way she discovers that although she is not good at being still, she has other skills to offer.
In the end she is forced to make hard choices. Does she follow in her father’s footsteps or not?
Dark Clowder Cats
Clowder Cats: Dark Clowder Cats, Book Two, by Ruby Knight, offers readers an intriguing journey through the eyes of Storm, a young kit and the daughter of the legendary Bushytail. The narrative unfolds in a world where her father’s legacy looms large, setting high expectations for Storm as the future leader of High Clowder. When a mysterious illness threatens their community, Storm’s courage and leadership are tested in a compelling tale of adventure and trials.
Storm’s character is a blend of sweetness and spirit, showing remarkable development throughout the story. Her companions, Slash and Rain, are skillfully crafted, each contributing uniquely to the narrative. Additional standout characters include Storm’s brother, Still, and the enigmatic Bristle. Knight excels in character development, ensuring each one evolves meaningfully as the plot progresses. The pacing of the story strikes a delicate balance, neither rushed nor sluggish, and the settings—from the High Clowder territory to the human realms—are vividly portrayed. The action sequences are well-measured, offering enough excitement to captivate fans of animal fiction without overwhelming the story’s other elements. Knight’s world-building is notably detailed and immersive. While the shift in perspective from Bushytail in the first book to Storm in this installment initially surprised me, Storm’s character is engaging enough to carry the story forward effectively.
Dark Clowder Cats, with its blend of light and dark themes, action, and compelling narrative, is a noteworthy contribution to both the series and the broader genre of animal fiction. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and am hopeful for more than three books in this captivating series. Ruby Knight has certainly gained a new admirer in her storytelling.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0CM8TSMR1
That Bushytail Is Fated For Greatness
High Clowder Cats follows a feral tom cat who sets off to find his own territory and start a colony of his own. However, fate has different plans for him. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I guess everyone is really motivated by a sense of wanting to belong and is somewhere on the journey of figuring out how they fit in. Bushytail is no different. The question is, how much of the opportunities one is presented with on our journey through life are due to fate and how much are because of our actions and the consequences of those actions? Bristle does determine that Bushytail is fated for greatness and leads him toward that but on the way Bushytail also has choices to make – the path Bristle laid out for Bushytail isn’t easy and he could have given up – but thank goodness for the readers, he doesn’t.
Bushytail starts out wanting a simple and quite life; what he gets is something much different and harder to adapt to. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
There is a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings that has always stuck with me: “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Bushytail’s choice is much like that. He did not choose to be the hero of the story, but when he had the choice to try and help others or walk away, he decided to stand up for what was right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme is that everyone is a leader and everyone needs to lead by example and be a good citizen. It is easy to feel that you can’t make a difference in the world when faced with enormous issues like global warming but it is up to each of us as individuals to make a difference. In the end, there is no other way to solve the world’s problems except by working together to make the world a better place. The hard problems are a bit easier to discuss through the eyes of cats – it seems to make them a bit more accessible.
What is the next book in the Clowder Cats series about, and when will it be available?
I don’t want to give away any spoilers from book one, but if you have read book one there is a “coming soon” section at the back with some insight into what happens in Book Two: Dark Clowder. The title is a bit of a giveaway! Book 2 is nearly ready for editing at the minute. I will let you know when it will be released on my website http://www.clowdercats.net
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Bushytail wants to find his own territory, but the journey is dangerous. He has to avoid the humans and their noisy machines as well as being on alert for other toms that may want to challenge him. He is used to relying on his wits to survive: he is a cat and a cat walks alone…
…but this time Bushytail realises he is going to need help.
Bushytail joins up with a band of clowderless young toms, where he meets the enigmatic Bristle whom Bushytail reluctantly allows to guide him. Will Bushytail ever master the three rules and the mysterious powers Bristle is trying to teach him?
He needs to—the future of catkind depends on him.
High Clowder Cats
Life as a feral cat is not easy. When you are alone without a colony, surviving is even harder. Bushytail is determined to have a territory and family of his own. So he sets off to find a territory away from humans where he can meet other tom cats. He finds a home with a group of toms, and they have great adventures together. That is until one of the tom cats, Watcher, Bushytail’s friend, meets a tragic end. Bushytail is shocked and sad that his friend has died. He decides to set off for another territory, hoping to start over. On his way, he is joined by Bristle, a wise, secretive, and strong tom cat. This chance meeting is the beginning of a story of hope, love, sacrifice, and adventure.
Ruby Knight has written an incredible fantasy story for teens and young adult readers that will also entertain and captivate adult readers. The protagonist Bushytail is resilient, sweet, and has hidden leadership qualities that are revealed as the story unfolds. He does, however, have some fascinating weaknesses that provide additional depth to his character. Bristle, Bushytail’s mentor, is a medicine cat; he is mysterious and reveals his knowledge and teachings to Bushytail whether he wants these lessons or not. The other characters in the story are detailed and add an additional layer to the overall story as you get to know them. Readers will find themselves cheering for them and frantically turning the pages, wondering what they’ll get up to next.
The pace of the story never lets up; readers are kept on edge, waiting to see what happens next to this band of cats. The drama in the novel is well done and commendable; readers can easily visualize the dynamics between the characters. The story’s setting is well written and makes for a pleasant reading experience as the reader can visualize the environment and feel like they are there with this colony of cats. The world-building is expertly woven with extra attention paid to the small details making for a memorable and immersive experience.
High Clowder Cats by Ruby Knight is a captivating young adult fantasy novel. The storyline is original, interesting, and easy to get lost in. This is a fantastic start to this new series about a group of feral cats and the struggles they face in order to survive.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0B62NSBFB
LITERARY TITAN 