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No One Noticed the Cat
After the death of wise old Mangan, the Regent of Esphania, many of the regent's skills and qualities seem to have been transferred to his beautiful and intelligent cat, Niffy, who at once attaches herself to the new ruler, Prince Jamas. When the king of a neighboring kingdom seems keen to forge an alliance with Jamas by allowing the prince to marry his niece, the real danger is Yasmin, the wicked queen wife, who poisons everyone she dislikes or suspects of interfering with her ambitions. Now, Niffy must guide Jamas through a thicket of difficulties to save the Prince Jamas from a horrible fate!
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
217 people are currently reading
1983 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,761 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
October 11, 2024
A cute little fairy tale featuring a cat, which Anne McCaffrey apparently wrote for her granddaughter. It’s a fairy tale. With a cat. And it’s cute. I’m a sucker for a story with a cat. It has an evil stepmother, and royalty and nobility, and they all get into a bit of trouble, but it works out in the end, and nothing particularly surprising happens. Oh, and it’s very short, so I read it while I was waiting for a delayed flight - and I’m glad that I did. It’s a fairy tale. Did I mention that it has a cat?
March 8, 2012
The key to appreciating this book is to imagine it is a bedtime story someone is making up on the fly for a child. By those standards, it is an excellent story. It was in the adult sci fi section at the library, but its length (124 half-size pages) and content would be perfectly suitable for any child with a decent attention span. The story's simplicity was especially obvious -- and not altogether unwelcome -- considering that I read this at the same time as A Game of Thrones, which seems to have essentially the same plot at about 10 times the length.
Consider (mild spoilers ahead):
A Game of Thrones: "'If the queen had a role in this, or, gods forbid the king himself...no. I will not believe that.' ... 'Most likely the king did not know.'"
No One Noticed the Cat: "'Come now Willow. He can't be such a schemer.' 'Oh, he is not, but the queen is!'"
A Game of Thrones: "I've heard it said that poison is a woman's weapon."
No One Noticed the Cat: "'Poison is often the tool of females.'"
A Game of Thrones: "Bran's wolf had saved the boy's life, he thought dully. What was it that Jon had said when they found the pups in the snow? Your children were meant to have these pups, my lord."
No One Noticed the Cat: "What was obvious was that Niffy had saved his life."
Consider (mild spoilers ahead):
A Game of Thrones: "'If the queen had a role in this, or, gods forbid the king himself...no. I will not believe that.' ... 'Most likely the king did not know.'"
No One Noticed the Cat: "'Come now Willow. He can't be such a schemer.' 'Oh, he is not, but the queen is!'"
A Game of Thrones: "I've heard it said that poison is a woman's weapon."
No One Noticed the Cat: "'Poison is often the tool of females.'"
A Game of Thrones: "Bran's wolf had saved the boy's life, he thought dully. What was it that Jon had said when they found the pups in the snow? Your children were meant to have these pups, my lord."
No One Noticed the Cat: "What was obvious was that Niffy had saved his life."
August 7, 2020
A dear friend gave me this little book quite a while ago and it (as so often is the case) got lost in my TBR pile.
It is a sweet little fairy tale where the all-knowing, protective cat is the hero of the story who saves the day. Just as it should be.
It is a sweet little fairy tale where the all-knowing, protective cat is the hero of the story who saves the day. Just as it should be.
March 18, 2010
No One Noticed the Cat
By Anne McCaffrey
This is a pleasant, gentle Fantasy story that is suitable for third-graders but would be best suited to the fifth-grade class. Prince Jamas has just lost his friend and Regent, and is still just short of achieving his majority so that he can rule the country of Esphania. Fortunately for him, the recently departed Mangan had seen the need approaching, and had surrounded the Prince with trustworthy and discrete advisors and protectors, among them the cat Niffy, who soon makes herself an indispensible asset of Jamas’. During the next year, Jamas falls in love and marries, thwarts attempts on his life, and (with Niffy’s help), returns a rightful heir to the throne of a neighboring country while ensuring the safety of his extended family and friends.
Major Characters:
Mangan: The wise, foresighted guardian-regent to the Prince of Esphania.
Jamas: Prince of Esphania, a young man with a desire to act first and think later who is learning patience and gaining diplomatic skill with the assistance of Niffy and his courtiers.
Grenejon Klanto, Baron Illify: One of Jamas’ best friends and his favorite equerry. Not too many years older than the Prince, Grenejon is nonetheless more cautious and even-tempered.
Frenery: Jamas’ secretary, an older man who capably handles all of the duties Jamas asks of him.
Willow: the Lady Willow was the ward of Edrigl, the neighboring King of the country of Mauritia; Princess Willow is the beautiful bride of Prince Jamas. She is a strong, caring , courageous and loving young woman.
Laurel: Willow’s younger sister, Lady Laurel was also a ward of King Edrigl until she became the Baroness Illify. Like her sister, Laurel is beautiful and strong. She is also a courageous and caring young lady, too.
Salinah: Also a ward of King Edrigl’s, the Baroness Salinah has her heart set on marrying a Prince. But the young woman is too haughty and proud for Jamas’ taste, and besides, she doesn’t like cats.
Geroge}: Sons of King Edrigl, they are the natural heirs to his throne.
Mavron}
Countess Solesne: ‘Sollie’ was the friend and chaperone of the young ladies when they came to Esphania for Willow’s wedding, but she was their friend and a courageous ally for years.
Queen Yasmin: Edrigl’s new wife. A scheming woman of strong ambition, Yasmin has plans for herself that require the ‘disposal’ of people she perceives to be in her way.
Niffy: A smoky grey cat, Niffy is the silent counselor, advisor and protector of Prince Jamas. Niffy has a supernatural understanding, and an exceptional ability to know what is the best course of action in a particular situation.
By Anne McCaffrey
This is a pleasant, gentle Fantasy story that is suitable for third-graders but would be best suited to the fifth-grade class. Prince Jamas has just lost his friend and Regent, and is still just short of achieving his majority so that he can rule the country of Esphania. Fortunately for him, the recently departed Mangan had seen the need approaching, and had surrounded the Prince with trustworthy and discrete advisors and protectors, among them the cat Niffy, who soon makes herself an indispensible asset of Jamas’. During the next year, Jamas falls in love and marries, thwarts attempts on his life, and (with Niffy’s help), returns a rightful heir to the throne of a neighboring country while ensuring the safety of his extended family and friends.
Major Characters:
Mangan: The wise, foresighted guardian-regent to the Prince of Esphania.
Jamas: Prince of Esphania, a young man with a desire to act first and think later who is learning patience and gaining diplomatic skill with the assistance of Niffy and his courtiers.
Grenejon Klanto, Baron Illify: One of Jamas’ best friends and his favorite equerry. Not too many years older than the Prince, Grenejon is nonetheless more cautious and even-tempered.
Frenery: Jamas’ secretary, an older man who capably handles all of the duties Jamas asks of him.
Willow: the Lady Willow was the ward of Edrigl, the neighboring King of the country of Mauritia; Princess Willow is the beautiful bride of Prince Jamas. She is a strong, caring , courageous and loving young woman.
Laurel: Willow’s younger sister, Lady Laurel was also a ward of King Edrigl until she became the Baroness Illify. Like her sister, Laurel is beautiful and strong. She is also a courageous and caring young lady, too.
Salinah: Also a ward of King Edrigl’s, the Baroness Salinah has her heart set on marrying a Prince. But the young woman is too haughty and proud for Jamas’ taste, and besides, she doesn’t like cats.
Geroge}: Sons of King Edrigl, they are the natural heirs to his throne.
Mavron}
Countess Solesne: ‘Sollie’ was the friend and chaperone of the young ladies when they came to Esphania for Willow’s wedding, but she was their friend and a courageous ally for years.
Queen Yasmin: Edrigl’s new wife. A scheming woman of strong ambition, Yasmin has plans for herself that require the ‘disposal’ of people she perceives to be in her way.
Niffy: A smoky grey cat, Niffy is the silent counselor, advisor and protector of Prince Jamas. Niffy has a supernatural understanding, and an exceptional ability to know what is the best course of action in a particular situation.
September 12, 2022
I just couldn't get into it. Usually I enjoy McCaffrey, but this one bored me. The cats were enjoyable but the story was meh. 2.5 ⭐.
March 11, 2022
This is a charming fantasy novel about prince Jamas and his cat Niffy. The prince had a wise regent during his youth, but now the prince is an adult and the advisor has died. But the advisor’s cat adopts Jamas, sleeping on his pillow at night. Jamas finds much comfort in petting Niffy. The cat has very cat-like behavior, but Niffy tends to show up in unexpected places (like saving the prince’s life on a hunting trip, after stowing away in saddle bags). There is a hulking neighbor country whose king would like to acquire the princedom, and the evil wife of the king who has been poisoning people left and right to help acquire new land. There is romance, but mostly there is plotting and scheming to avoid being poisoned and to keep the princedom separate from its powerful neighbor. (As I write, Russia has just invaded Ukraine and the parallels are uncanny). Niffy is very helpful, in a cat sort of way. Niffy doesn’t speak or telepathically communicate, but rather indicates approval or of plans by purring. The tone of this fairytale is light, with a happy ending.
October 9, 2013
This is a fairy tale that Anne McCaffrey wrote for her granddaughter, apparently, which I just found out and now makes total sense. It's a sweet, short book, with all the fairy tale points, with heroes, love at first sight and an evil stepmother. The cat is the cutest, most adorable and awesomest kickass part of the story, obviously. Because cats always are... Niffy, the cat, is super intelligente, and almost predicts the future to help out Jamas, her prince.
It's short, cute, sweet, and a fun story! I recommend it as a quick interlude between more complex stories, or even to read to a kid each night! There are some old fashioned words which may not be in their vocabulary yet, but that's just a bonus, isn't it? :)
Very different than Anne McCaffrey's usual style though, so if you're a diehard fan of Anne, like me, don't expect more of the same, it's very different.
It's short, cute, sweet, and a fun story! I recommend it as a quick interlude between more complex stories, or even to read to a kid each night! There are some old fashioned words which may not be in their vocabulary yet, but that's just a bonus, isn't it? :)
Very different than Anne McCaffrey's usual style though, so if you're a diehard fan of Anne, like me, don't expect more of the same, it's very different.
August 28, 2010
I've read Anne McCaffery's books for almost 40 years. Many of them are in my library. In my desire to improve my writing skills, I decided to read all of her books again, starting with No One Noticed the Cat.
The story is a fairy tale written for her granddaughter, Amelia. As in all fairy tales, it has exciting action, danger, and an evil queen. It has four deaths, two marriages, and characters who change and grow as the plot evolves. Characterization is one of Ms. McCaffery's most formidable writing skills. In a short paragraph, she can bring even a minor character off the page and into the reader's imagination.
I reccomend reading this story out loud to your children, grandchildren, or neighbors. If none of them are around, then read it for your own pleasure.
The story is a fairy tale written for her granddaughter, Amelia. As in all fairy tales, it has exciting action, danger, and an evil queen. It has four deaths, two marriages, and characters who change and grow as the plot evolves. Characterization is one of Ms. McCaffery's most formidable writing skills. In a short paragraph, she can bring even a minor character off the page and into the reader's imagination.
I reccomend reading this story out loud to your children, grandchildren, or neighbors. If none of them are around, then read it for your own pleasure.
September 29, 2015
Short, but sweet and fun, even though there were no dragons! :(
This was a cute children's fairy tale that can be enjoyed by adults as well. Even though I much prefer dogs over cats, Niffy charmed me with her intelligence, cleverness and fierce loyalty to Prince Jamas.
The plot was uncomplicated and somewhat predictable and the book was perhaps a little too short for in-depth world building and characterization, but it still enthralled me. It was filled with political intrigue, royal court shenanigans, murder and, fortunately, implicit sex, which still might be considered unsuitable for very young children.
Although Anne McCaffrey's dragons will always remain my favourite, this little story was nevertheless a pleasure to read.
This was a cute children's fairy tale that can be enjoyed by adults as well. Even though I much prefer dogs over cats, Niffy charmed me with her intelligence, cleverness and fierce loyalty to Prince Jamas.
The plot was uncomplicated and somewhat predictable and the book was perhaps a little too short for in-depth world building and characterization, but it still enthralled me. It was filled with political intrigue, royal court shenanigans, murder and, fortunately, implicit sex, which still might be considered unsuitable for very young children.
Although Anne McCaffrey's dragons will always remain my favourite, this little story was nevertheless a pleasure to read.
April 26, 2017
This book was boring. And annoying. The characters fairly empty, the story too rushed along to its end to feel any connection anywhere. There could be a story of interest here, but it would need a Lot of fleshing out.
November 30, 2021
With the death of the wise regent of Esphania, young Prince Jamas must keep his reign safe from a scheming and murderous queen in a neighboring kingdom. Fortunately, Regen Mangan left a special advisor to help guide the Prince: A cat named Niffy.
This is a quick read, and a feel-good story with likeable and super-competent characters that have an easy camaraderie. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to flavor the setting, and the political intrigue splashed with a bit of romance that makes up most of the plot is entertaining.
The resolution feels a bit too easy, and the role of the title character is inconsistent. Niffy has a few good moments, but not as many as you might expect in a cat-focused book. And pretty much everyone notices her, so I'm not sure what's up with that title.
This is an enjoyable bit of light fantasy with good attention to detail, and a few bits that cat-lovers will appreciate.
This is a quick read, and a feel-good story with likeable and super-competent characters that have an easy camaraderie. The worldbuilding is detailed enough to flavor the setting, and the political intrigue splashed with a bit of romance that makes up most of the plot is entertaining.
The resolution feels a bit too easy, and the role of the title character is inconsistent. Niffy has a few good moments, but not as many as you might expect in a cat-focused book. And pretty much everyone notices her, so I'm not sure what's up with that title.
This is an enjoyable bit of light fantasy with good attention to detail, and a few bits that cat-lovers will appreciate.
July 22, 2021
Clever and delightful.
Mangan was the advisor for young, impetuous Prince Jamas. He was a wise regent who understood the tools of statecraft: “War is the last resort and the most expensive one.” He also valued his clever feline friend, Niffy. “A cat has the wisdom to remain independent of humans and is always able to provide for itself . . . Yet it is faithful and recognizes that there are times when we poor humans are in need of the companionship only a cat can provide.”
The story is fun and fast-paced, with an unusual cat heroine. There’s one distinct, power-hungry villain. The prince is quite likeable, stepping up to solve problems and resolve unexpected dangers. Niffy is ably paired with Prince Jamas as the plot unfolds, with abundant intrigue and a satisfying ending. Well done!
Mangan was the advisor for young, impetuous Prince Jamas. He was a wise regent who understood the tools of statecraft: “War is the last resort and the most expensive one.” He also valued his clever feline friend, Niffy. “A cat has the wisdom to remain independent of humans and is always able to provide for itself . . . Yet it is faithful and recognizes that there are times when we poor humans are in need of the companionship only a cat can provide.”
The story is fun and fast-paced, with an unusual cat heroine. There’s one distinct, power-hungry villain. The prince is quite likeable, stepping up to solve problems and resolve unexpected dangers. Niffy is ably paired with Prince Jamas as the plot unfolds, with abundant intrigue and a satisfying ending. Well done!
Want to read
July 7, 2024MY FAVORITE LITE READ! I have probably read this book over 10 times because I get that same thrill every time I delve into the story Anne McCaffrey has created. I am a cat lover and the fact that this story centers around a feline made it a must in my collection. Miffy is a cat/person in her own right and takes us along for the ride as she plays her part in this royal adventure and love story that never fails to deliver all the feels that make it a grand read that does not require hours of dedication but will satisfy that craving for a good story well told.
October 8, 2020
Delightful.
March 17, 2022
Moderately entertaining
November 30, 2025
Fun and quick little read that got me out of my reading funk.
Read
March 2, 2024Quick and cute bedtime read!
August 1, 2015
It could be that I'm getting too old--or too deep in my history of fiction read--to sufficiently appreciate standard fantasy. This story is a lovely little thing in its way, especially for cat persons. My sense of it, however, is that much of it has been done many times before. It is, after all, an example of what we lump into the category "fairy tales". The writing is deft enough, if not in any way inspired or inspiring. Never mind; that is a lot to expect of a fairy tale. There is enough color, light and chiaroscuro for a fast read, the characters are engaging in a more individualistic way than in most folk tales, and the end is satisfying.
My copy is from a library withdrawal and clearance sale. It was classified "Adult Fiction", according to its spine label, but might as well be Young Adult or even 5th-6th grade fantasy. Because it merely hints at events on the wedding night (there is a partially secret double wedding included as part of the plot), most parents would likely be all right with that classification. Those familiar with Anne McCaffrey's work will know what to expect, though there are--sadly!--no dragons in this one. The possibly supernatural, loyal, and very likeable feline character is a quite good enough substitute. Royals, murderous plotters, a woodland hunt with some good old dog-and-horse action, and a love story are all a part of this traditional fable.
My copy is from a library withdrawal and clearance sale. It was classified "Adult Fiction", according to its spine label, but might as well be Young Adult or even 5th-6th grade fantasy. Because it merely hints at events on the wedding night (there is a partially secret double wedding included as part of the plot), most parents would likely be all right with that classification. Those familiar with Anne McCaffrey's work will know what to expect, though there are--sadly!--no dragons in this one. The possibly supernatural, loyal, and very likeable feline character is a quite good enough substitute. Royals, murderous plotters, a woodland hunt with some good old dog-and-horse action, and a love story are all a part of this traditional fable.
March 7, 2022
McCaffrey, Ann. No One Noticed the Cat. 1996. Leisure Books, 2007.
No One Noticed the Cat was marketed as a children’s novella, and I suppose it is. But Ann McCaffrey does not write down to children. She adopts the somewhat formal tone of a fable, and while there is no overt sexuality or vulgar language, the plot is not overly simple, nor are the diction and syntax. Consider this sample: “Not a painting, portrait, or object d’art but wasn’t draped in sable. Their footsteps echoed through corridors totally devoid of petitioners and minor officials.” In fact, this novella could as easily have been marketed as a young adult or an adult fantasy. Here is the premise: When Prince Jamas comes of age, his wise old regent dies but is immediately reincarnated into the body of a cat named Niffy. Without language, the cat continues to offer advice, which Jamas is wise enough to take. When he is courted by a princess from a neighboring kingdom, he must deal with the evil queen bent on assassination. She is as evil as any baddie ever created by the Grimm brothers, but Jamas and his cat think things through and act with the ingenuity and audacity of the best of the jack tales. 4 stars.
No One Noticed the Cat was marketed as a children’s novella, and I suppose it is. But Ann McCaffrey does not write down to children. She adopts the somewhat formal tone of a fable, and while there is no overt sexuality or vulgar language, the plot is not overly simple, nor are the diction and syntax. Consider this sample: “Not a painting, portrait, or object d’art but wasn’t draped in sable. Their footsteps echoed through corridors totally devoid of petitioners and minor officials.” In fact, this novella could as easily have been marketed as a young adult or an adult fantasy. Here is the premise: When Prince Jamas comes of age, his wise old regent dies but is immediately reincarnated into the body of a cat named Niffy. Without language, the cat continues to offer advice, which Jamas is wise enough to take. When he is courted by a princess from a neighboring kingdom, he must deal with the evil queen bent on assassination. She is as evil as any baddie ever created by the Grimm brothers, but Jamas and his cat think things through and act with the ingenuity and audacity of the best of the jack tales. 4 stars.
December 16, 2012
This book is a book about Jamas; a prince who has just lost his regent, Mangan. He has to deal with the king of a neighboring kingdom, Egdril, and his ambitious wife, Yasmin, who trys to kill him once her daughter has married him. He knows that as soon as he marries the princes willow she will try to kill him but he still marries her. The cat on the cover is the main assistant that the dead regent left. The cat is the one who eventually kills the queen and is never seen while doing so. That is why it is called no one noticed the cat.
This is a very fast read, I finished it in about 4 hrs worth of time. It is well written with very large breaks in between each 2-4 page chapter. It doesn't match the cover very well though. The cat is noticed by his side all the time and is sometimes even the focus of the attention.
I would advise people who want a quick read or like cats to read this. It would also be good for those who like fantasy or stuff that has to do with perspective of royalty. This was an overall pleasing book that is fun to read.
This is a very fast read, I finished it in about 4 hrs worth of time. It is well written with very large breaks in between each 2-4 page chapter. It doesn't match the cover very well though. The cat is noticed by his side all the time and is sometimes even the focus of the attention.
I would advise people who want a quick read or like cats to read this. It would also be good for those who like fantasy or stuff that has to do with perspective of royalty. This was an overall pleasing book that is fun to read.
July 4, 2025
I am a 39 year old (almost) grown up, and I enjoyed this story very much. I am on a quest to read more of Anne McCaffrey's stories this year. I first fell in love with her Dragonriders of Pern series when I was younger, and I also really like the Catteni books.
I know this is a children's story, but it is really well written in true McCaffrey fashion.
I know this is a children's story, but it is really well written in true McCaffrey fashion.
September 19, 2015
Probably a 3.5, but I expect more of McCaffrey, though her shorter novelettes might not allow the character development needed. A sweet story about a cat that befriends a new young ruler and helps him avoid war and get rid of the evil queen in a neighboring kingdom.
March 30, 2010
Reccomended by a friend in math class as her absolute favorite McCaffrey. Read in a day. Loved? Probably forever. I'm a sucker for the felines, and McCaffrey's writing is so fun.
April 20, 2013
Short, fun story about a cat who might be just a little bit more helping to keep her kingdom safe from the intrigues of a nearby evil queen. Perfect length for a read-a-thon!
November 10, 2021
Utterly delightful. How can you not like a book where the smartest person in the room is a cat?
April 1, 2025
This was a fairly good book.
It wasn't a great book, but neither was it a terrible book. It was a fairly good book.
I enjoyed reading it. The story was fine, the characters were decent and the writing style was nice (though at times some phrases were confusing). There were a few sentences and descriptions which I really liked.
The story could have been a little more interesting, perhaps, but it was still pretty good.
One thing I didn't like was how when the king is at his niece's castle for her wedding, it says something about him having his eye on a lady there, and she is fine with this even though the king is MARRIED. I mean, sure, the king is obviously not a paragon of virtue, but sheesh. The book says something along the lines of "The pretty dame was certainly more appealing then the king's moody and pregnant wife." It was a throw-away line which is never mentioned again and has no bearing on the rest of the plot, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I liked the relationship the main prince had with his friend, and thought their characters were written well.
I think that the cat should have done a bit more sneaking and going unnoticed for the book to warrant it's title, but aside from that the cat was enjoyable to read about.
I still don't know what the point was of the cat's "secret name", but her secret name is "Magnificat". Now, the Magnificat is the title of Mary's prayer in the Gospel of Luke in which she praises God. While it may not have been intentional, I thought that the cat's magical secret name being Magnificat is leaning towards disrespectful. I didn't like it anyway.
Also the part where the countess tries to poison the prince by having poison on her hands while she's dancing with him made no sense to me. If she has enough poison on her hands to actually do any amount of harm to him in the short time frame he's touching her hands, then shouldn't the countess be affected by having poison slathered all over her hands for an extended period of time?
Plus, the prince (aware of what she was up to) wore gloves for the dance, then dropped the gloves in a potted plant. The plant dies because of the poison that was on the gloves, which would have been minute compared to on the countess's hands, so I say once again, how the heck is the countess still alive?
So that didn't make sense, but overall the story was pretty coherent.
So this was a decent book, and I liked it pretty well.
It wasn't a great book, but neither was it a terrible book. It was a fairly good book.
I enjoyed reading it. The story was fine, the characters were decent and the writing style was nice (though at times some phrases were confusing). There were a few sentences and descriptions which I really liked.
The story could have been a little more interesting, perhaps, but it was still pretty good.
One thing I didn't like was how when the king is at his niece's castle for her wedding, it says something about him having his eye on a lady there, and she is fine with this even though the king is MARRIED. I mean, sure, the king is obviously not a paragon of virtue, but sheesh. The book says something along the lines of "The pretty dame was certainly more appealing then the king's moody and pregnant wife." It was a throw-away line which is never mentioned again and has no bearing on the rest of the plot, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I liked the relationship the main prince had with his friend, and thought their characters were written well.
I think that the cat should have done a bit more sneaking and going unnoticed for the book to warrant it's title, but aside from that the cat was enjoyable to read about.
I still don't know what the point was of the cat's "secret name", but her secret name is "Magnificat". Now, the Magnificat is the title of Mary's prayer in the Gospel of Luke in which she praises God. While it may not have been intentional, I thought that the cat's magical secret name being Magnificat is leaning towards disrespectful. I didn't like it anyway.
Also the part where the countess tries to poison the prince by having poison on her hands while she's dancing with him made no sense to me. If she has enough poison on her hands to actually do any amount of harm to him in the short time frame he's touching her hands, then shouldn't the countess be affected by having poison slathered all over her hands for an extended period of time?
Plus, the prince (aware of what she was up to) wore gloves for the dance, then dropped the gloves in a potted plant. The plant dies because of the poison that was on the gloves, which would have been minute compared to on the countess's hands, so I say once again, how the heck is the countess still alive?
So that didn't make sense, but overall the story was pretty coherent.
So this was a decent book, and I liked it pretty well.
August 20, 2021
I read this book for the Worldsmyths book club in August 2021. I had never heard of the book before it was chosen as the book of the month, but with a title like that, it had to be interesting, right? I'm a cat lover so that definitely grabbed my attention.
The cat in question is Niffy. She was trained by Esphania's regent Mangan to help Prince Jamas rule his nation wisely. No one understands why the prince likes this cat, why the cat always accompanies him, and reads over the documents he writes. No one understands the importance of this cat.
The story follows Prince Jamas as he befriends the king of a neighboring kingdom, falls in love with one of his wards, and then has to fight off the subtle assassination attempts by Yasmin, the king's wife. Niffy is always there in the background, watching the prince, saving him, and giving her input as though she were a regular member of his council. And, in the end, it is the cat who saves them all.
It's a small book that you can definitely read in a single afternoon. Despite its small size, the book is packed with worldbuilding and you get a good sense of the castle built high on the mountains and the relations between the two nations. There was something in Jamas and Willow's love story that reminded me of medieval romances, sudden and subtle and deep, which I really enjoyed. In fact, the entire book reminded me of those tales by Chretien de Troyes, about knights who fight for good and who fall in love. There is enough there for the reader to understand the story, the events, and the implications, but it's not as developed as modern stories are (duh, not really an option considering the length of the book).
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and wouldn't have minded if there was more to the story. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a quick fantasy read either to get out of a reading slump or to finish their reading challenge of the year.
The cat in question is Niffy. She was trained by Esphania's regent Mangan to help Prince Jamas rule his nation wisely. No one understands why the prince likes this cat, why the cat always accompanies him, and reads over the documents he writes. No one understands the importance of this cat.
The story follows Prince Jamas as he befriends the king of a neighboring kingdom, falls in love with one of his wards, and then has to fight off the subtle assassination attempts by Yasmin, the king's wife. Niffy is always there in the background, watching the prince, saving him, and giving her input as though she were a regular member of his council. And, in the end, it is the cat who saves them all.
It's a small book that you can definitely read in a single afternoon. Despite its small size, the book is packed with worldbuilding and you get a good sense of the castle built high on the mountains and the relations between the two nations. There was something in Jamas and Willow's love story that reminded me of medieval romances, sudden and subtle and deep, which I really enjoyed. In fact, the entire book reminded me of those tales by Chretien de Troyes, about knights who fight for good and who fall in love. There is enough there for the reader to understand the story, the events, and the implications, but it's not as developed as modern stories are (duh, not really an option considering the length of the book).
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and wouldn't have minded if there was more to the story. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a quick fantasy read either to get out of a reading slump or to finish their reading challenge of the year.
January 19, 2024
This story has a classic fairy tale feel to it with a highly intelligent cat having the biggest affect on the storyline. I really like how the Prince treats the cat and realizes that the she has outstanding senses to recognize when things are right or wrong. He also uses the cat as a way of judging people too. It's a short novella that one can read in one evening and makes for a great escapist read.
Young Prince Jamas of Esphania was orphaned as a child. Thankfully, a good and intelligent regent, Mangan, helped rear him and make sure the kingdom was well run and the child well taught. Mangan had a particular cat whose kittens were highly regarded with one, Niffy, always in attendance. Niffy went on to become Jamas' cat once Mangan passed and he recognized that she accurate senses that could pinpoint when something was right or wrong. Now the neighboring King has become an "acquirer" of other countries after his 2nd marriage and Jamas wants to nip that desire in the bud. He invites this king to a hunting party and through many interactions he is able to prevent an war and invasion through marrying one of the man's wards. However, his new wife tells him that he's in danger and that many people have died. Now Prince Jamas with occasional insight prompted by Niffy's reactions must plan a way to not only save himself but those he's come to love and their families from the villainous Queen that wishes to rule over everyone.
Young Prince Jamas of Esphania was orphaned as a child. Thankfully, a good and intelligent regent, Mangan, helped rear him and make sure the kingdom was well run and the child well taught. Mangan had a particular cat whose kittens were highly regarded with one, Niffy, always in attendance. Niffy went on to become Jamas' cat once Mangan passed and he recognized that she accurate senses that could pinpoint when something was right or wrong. Now the neighboring King has become an "acquirer" of other countries after his 2nd marriage and Jamas wants to nip that desire in the bud. He invites this king to a hunting party and through many interactions he is able to prevent an war and invasion through marrying one of the man's wards. However, his new wife tells him that he's in danger and that many people have died. Now Prince Jamas with occasional insight prompted by Niffy's reactions must plan a way to not only save himself but those he's come to love and their families from the villainous Queen that wishes to rule over everyone.
January 11, 2023
No One Noticed the Cat is a lightweight fantasy novella from Anne McCaffrey. It seems to have been inspired by the idea of creating an extended pun on the word 'Magnificat.' In the kingdom of Euphania, the wise but elderly regent Mangan Tighe is holding the kingdom for Prince Jamas, who is almost of age to assume the throne. But Mangan is dying. In his last days, he adopts (or is he adopted by?) a cat he names Niffy. When Jamas becomes the ruler, he finds Niffy almost constantly at his side. A neighboring ruler, Egdril, pays a visit, bringing with him three eligible young women, his nieces. Although Egdril transparently has ulterior motives, Prince Jamas falls for and marries one of the nieces. Soon his life is in danger. Can the unnoticed Niffy foil the plot?
I'm giving this book three stars, though I'd prefer two and a half. I've enjoyed many of Ms. McCaffrey's books, but this one is not a good example of the usual quality of her writing.
I'm giving this book three stars, though I'd prefer two and a half. I've enjoyed many of Ms. McCaffrey's books, but this one is not a good example of the usual quality of her writing.
June 1, 2022
As a simple, short fantasy story it was really enjoyable. There's some fantasy politics going on and it leans heavily enough on a European style medieval setting to not need too much world building. James grows as a character surprisingly well throughout the story, and even though McCaffrey's women villains feel like they reflect her views on what makes 'good' women I enjoy them immensely.
I think a lot of the reviews are conflating simple narration with childish narration. It's not a complicated narrative and the writing is fairly simple, it has a fairytale cadence to it in the beginning that makes it feel simple to start, and there's nothing explicit in it (other than a few sexual references that wouldn't stop a kid from enjoying the overall story) but personally I don't think this is a children's story. Is it suitable for children? Definitely. I just don't know if that was the target audience, especially compared with the children's stories of McCaffrey's that I have read.
I think a lot of the reviews are conflating simple narration with childish narration. It's not a complicated narrative and the writing is fairly simple, it has a fairytale cadence to it in the beginning that makes it feel simple to start, and there's nothing explicit in it (other than a few sexual references that wouldn't stop a kid from enjoying the overall story) but personally I don't think this is a children's story. Is it suitable for children? Definitely. I just don't know if that was the target audience, especially compared with the children's stories of McCaffrey's that I have read.
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