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Cat Royal Adventures #3
Den of Thieves
Hardcover in very good condition. No jacket. Signed by author on title page. Spine ends are lightly bumped. Binding is intact, contents are clean and clear. AM
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2007
23 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Julia Golding
84 books866 followersMy journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 10, 2021
(پاریس، ۱۷۹۰) بعد از اتفاقات جلد دوم، کَت با ماموریتی جدید روبهرو میشه و مجبوره که به پاریس سفر کنه. در همین حین خاندان سلطنتی فرانسه فرار کردهاند و مردم پاریس علیه حکومت انقلاب کردند. کَت به عنوان یک هنرمند جاسوس وارد قضایا میشود و... 👈 (لندن، ۱۷۹۱)
جلد سوم تا اینجای کار حجیم ترین کتاب این مجموعهست.
حدودا ۴۵۰ صفحه.!!..
و همینطور بین سه کتابی که تا الان خوندم، این جلد داستان جذابتر و قشنگتری داره.
شخصیتهای جدیدی که وارد داستان میشن و اتفاقات بیشتری که رخ میدن و و و همهی اینا باعث شد که به این جلد نمره کامل پنج رو بدم👌😍
بعلاوه، نکات جالب و قابل تاملی هم از روزهای انقلاب فرانسه هم میخونیم که بهنظرم خیلی خوب بودن...
.
اینم از پایان جلد سوم...
پیش به سوی کتاب چهارم✌💚
جلد سوم تا اینجای کار حجیم ترین کتاب این مجموعهست.
حدودا ۴۵۰ صفحه.!!..
و همینطور بین سه کتابی که تا الان خوندم، این جلد داستان جذابتر و قشنگتری داره.
شخصیتهای جدیدی که وارد داستان میشن و اتفاقات بیشتری که رخ میدن و و و همهی اینا باعث شد که به این جلد نمره کامل پنج رو بدم👌😍
بعلاوه، نکات جالب و قابل تاملی هم از روزهای انقلاب فرانسه هم میخونیم که بهنظرم خیلی خوب بودن...
.
اینم از پایان جلد سوم...
پیش به سوی کتاب چهارم✌💚
June 18, 2009
The third installment of the "Cat Royal" series has all the requisite action and humor that I have come to expect, but I found Golding's representation of the French Revolution trite and inaccurate, presenting only a very tiny facet of what was an enormously complex situation. In Cat's eyes, apart from a few stray killings, of which she was almost one, as were her friends the Avons, the Revolution was a jolly old good time, giving freedom and equality to all. This is far too simplistic a take on an historical movement that not only took the lives of thousands, but shaped political thought for the next two hundred years. Whatever one's philosophical views of the tenets that were used to instigate and uphold the Reign of Terror, the death and barbarity that ensued in the years following the fall of the monarchy cannot be so easily ignored or glossed over. And while I certainly do not wish to read about gore and cruelty in this series, nor should it be utterly shunted aside if one chooses to try and accurately portray that time period. See The Red Necklace for a more mature and balanced look at the Revolution.
It was predictable, but fun. Looking forward to the next adventure. I just wish that not every male, excepting dear Pedro, that comes within ten feet of Cat would be attracted to her.
It was predictable, but fun. Looking forward to the next adventure. I just wish that not every male, excepting dear Pedro, that comes within ten feet of Cat would be attracted to her.
December 23, 2021
Still don't ship Cat and Billy.
December 31, 2019
I love that this is my last book for the year. It's such a good one to go out on.
Happy New Year everyone!
Happy New Year everyone!
April 26, 2019
Cat is sooo funny! Had me in stitches!!!!!
July 11, 2023
Volume three of the Cat Royal series sees Cat lose the only home she has ever known at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, when Richard Brinsley Sheridan decides to have it demolished and replaced by a new, better theatre. After being cast adrift on the streets of London she has some adventures with Mr. Tweadle, a bookseller and publisher born without scruples. Luckily Sheridan's conscience is pricked and he finds her again only to send her over to France to act as his personal spy reporting to him on the state of the growing Revolution.
Wisely the author chooses the period of the Revolution before the Terror so bloodshed is kept to a minimum, though Cat and Frank come very close to being hanged from a lamppost. Robespierre has a very brief walk-on role as a disgruntled lawyer but I felt it a pity that Cat didn't meet with M. Guillotin. He could have been pondering on a mechanical device for slicing carrots when she offered him common sense advice on the efficacy of a falling blade. A lightbulb moment ensues. And, yes, I know that Joseph Ignace Guillotin did not invent the guillotine and he disapproved of capital punishment but, come on, it's artistic license.
Cat prowls the streets of Paris while under cover of being a very unconvincing ballerina in training and eventually falls in with one of the criminal gangs of the city controlled by a teenager known as “J-F”. He is perhaps the least likely character in the book, a cross between a juvenile Errol Flynn, Hercules Grytpype-Thynne (a character from The Goon Show) and Fred Astaire. There is a little love affair blooming with Cat which, in this volume, leads only to Cat's escape from France. I found it hard to believe someone as light-weight would not be swallowed up in the bloodiness that was about to descend on France. He was light on his feet and quick-witted but for survival give me M. Ibrahim, the Bishop of the Notre Dame Thieves, any time.
It was a fine historical romp with a lead actor who stands head and shoulders above the supporting cast. Vive le chat!
Wisely the author chooses the period of the Revolution before the Terror so bloodshed is kept to a minimum, though Cat and Frank come very close to being hanged from a lamppost. Robespierre has a very brief walk-on role as a disgruntled lawyer but I felt it a pity that Cat didn't meet with M. Guillotin. He could have been pondering on a mechanical device for slicing carrots when she offered him common sense advice on the efficacy of a falling blade. A lightbulb moment ensues. And, yes, I know that Joseph Ignace Guillotin did not invent the guillotine and he disapproved of capital punishment but, come on, it's artistic license.
Cat prowls the streets of Paris while under cover of being a very unconvincing ballerina in training and eventually falls in with one of the criminal gangs of the city controlled by a teenager known as “J-F”. He is perhaps the least likely character in the book, a cross between a juvenile Errol Flynn, Hercules Grytpype-Thynne (a character from The Goon Show) and Fred Astaire. There is a little love affair blooming with Cat which, in this volume, leads only to Cat's escape from France. I found it hard to believe someone as light-weight would not be swallowed up in the bloodiness that was about to descend on France. He was light on his feet and quick-witted but for survival give me M. Ibrahim, the Bishop of the Notre Dame Thieves, any time.
It was a fine historical romp with a lead actor who stands head and shoulders above the supporting cast. Vive le chat!
February 8, 2014
Cat Royal has grown up as ward of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Now she's growing up and a parting of the ways is necessary, at least temporarily, for Mr. Sheridan has plans to build a bigger and better Theatre Royal. Cat doesn't seem to figure into the plans for the new theater. Too proud to admit she needs help, Cat strikes out on her own. Not quite ready yet to be totally independent, she finds it difficult and nearly falls into the clutches of Billy Shepherd. Then she's sent on a secret spying mission to France, to discover what the French people think of the Revolution and their king. Upon arrival, Cat and her escort get lost, discover the king has fled Paris and nearly lose their heads! Cat discovers that Paris is truly run by a network of thieves and she has to determine whom she can trust to help her and help her friends return to England. This adventure is nearly as breathlessly exciting as the last but for some reason I didn't find it as enchanting as the previous two. There's lots of vulgar language which is amusing but some of the charm of Cat's earlier adventures is missing now that she's on her own and growing up. There's also heavy handed morals and lessons learned spelled out too plainly and I don't care for books that do that. I still liked the book a lot, just not as much as the first two. I look forward to seeing what she gets up to next.
June 17, 2011
Take Jacky Faber off the ocean and stick her in a London theater, and you've got Cat Royal.
It's been about two years since I read the last book in the series, but I was able to pick up exactly where I left off. In Den of Thieves the pint-sized red-head is faced with the destruction of the Drury Lane theater, leaving her homeless, and the French Revolution from the perspective of the Parisian cutthroats and guttersnipes...what fun! Cat's sense of humor and street smarts get her into one scrape after another, and it's a pleasure to see how she gets herself out of trouble. I'd classify this as "escapist" with its wacky plot twists, but it's so lighthearted at the same time! As always, the best part was learning some new slang from Cat's glossary, though further showdowns with Billy Shepherd and the reappearance of Lord Jonathan Fitzroy came in a close second. I can't wait for the next book!
It's been about two years since I read the last book in the series, but I was able to pick up exactly where I left off. In Den of Thieves the pint-sized red-head is faced with the destruction of the Drury Lane theater, leaving her homeless, and the French Revolution from the perspective of the Parisian cutthroats and guttersnipes...what fun! Cat's sense of humor and street smarts get her into one scrape after another, and it's a pleasure to see how she gets herself out of trouble. I'd classify this as "escapist" with its wacky plot twists, but it's so lighthearted at the same time! As always, the best part was learning some new slang from Cat's glossary, though further showdowns with Billy Shepherd and the reappearance of Lord Jonathan Fitzroy came in a close second. I can't wait for the next book!
August 25, 2009
What has happened to our beloved Cat Royal? Gone is our spunky heroine whose optimistic chear and wit gets her in and out of trouble, gone is the self assured young lady who mingles with the poorest of poor, the highest of high, and those in between. Suddenly we have an uncertain, weak, *simpering*, teenager whose hormones seemed to have kicked in!
Though scattered references and sightings of people like Marie Antoinette and Rospierre (sp?) may be amusing, the whole 'glory of the French Revolution' gets annoying.
Old Characters are back and new one shoulder in as well, but it can't save this book from being a huge disapointment.
Though scattered references and sightings of people like Marie Antoinette and Rospierre (sp?) may be amusing, the whole 'glory of the French Revolution' gets annoying.
Old Characters are back and new one shoulder in as well, but it can't save this book from being a huge disapointment.
July 31, 2007
I am a huge fan of Cat Royal. I fell in love with her in the first book, The Diamond of Drury Lane, where she proves to be a tomboy and worthy guardian of the theatre that serves as her home. In the third book in the series, she travels to Paris during the Revolution.
July 12, 2011
Loved it!! Love J-F!! And of course, Johnny. And Frank. And Syd. I LOVE Syd. I actually can't decide who I like best for Cat. I love them all. And Billy is just scary. But, Johnny married, so that narrows it down a bit. She better end up with one of them!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2011
Julia Golding books are always a wonderfully worded to make a world that you feel apart of! Julia Goldind is one of my favourite authors and I would recomened the 'Cat Royal' Series!!!
September 20, 2011
Cat Royal's stories are so exciting! I'm just swept up in all the excitement. I didn't realize that there are already so many books in the series. I've got a lot of catching up to do!
September 30, 2019
i love it.💋💋
April 27, 2018
This is about Cat Royal, child of the Drury Theatre where she was brought up. She becomes a spy and goes to France during the French Revolution and ends up in deeper trouble trying to go between the different factions of aristocracy and thieves. All comes out well in the end. This is a young adult book I picked up at the library, and really enjoyed it.
November 9, 2017
very fast paced and exciting plot. not really for my age range . yet i still enjoyed how the story ended nicely and wasnt rushed
September 1, 2018
I did ship two characters but unfortunately it was not meant to be.
August 20, 2019
I got this out of the library and I read it two times that day
March 17, 2021
Did not enjoy it at all. Was forced to read it for a book club
November 23, 2023
Love it so much!!
July 23, 2024
4.5, I finished this and jumped right into the next one, because I needed more of Cat and Billy.
November 27, 2016
In my quest to re-read this entire series – which was one of my favourites a few years ago – I decided to pick up the third installment in the Cat Royal series. This book had lodged in my brain as my favourite of the entire series – but considering as I love all the books in this series I can only think this was the case because it is set mainly in Paris and I have an obsession with anything remotely Parisian. As per usual, this book was an extremely quick read despite being over 400 pages. The writing is lively and engaging and very easy to read and understand. I adore the dialogue and humour that is weaved through this book because it’s all so witty and humorous and even though some of the events in this book are quite dark and serious, it completely lifted the tone of the book. I can’t wait to carry on my re-read of this series because it’s just so fun.
In Cat Royal’s third thrilling adventure, the Theater Royal is closed for renovations. Cat’s friends plan to spend the summer in France, leaving her homeless and alone. But Mr. Sheridan, the theater owner and Cat’s guardian, commissions Cat to act as his spy in the French Revolution. Disguised as a member of a dance troupe, Cat infiltrates the front lines, but when her friends are captured as traitors, her mission becomes perilous. Will Cat be able to save them all from certain death? Travel with Cat from London to Paris, as she braves dungeons, revolutionaries, ballerinas, and numerous suitors, all in the name of freedom!
Cat Royal is one of those characters that you can’t help but root for and want to win. She’s so strong-willed and determined and quick-thinking as well as being extremely loyal and stubborn. Through this series, you form an extremely strong emotional attachment to her character because of all the things that she goes through in the course of the books. Another character I love is Johnny (I’m borderline obsessed with the man) because he’s just so charming and dedicated and dashing. I also love the character of Frank and, out of everyone, I think he undergoes the most development throughout the course of this book. His world is blown wide open and he experiences things that he’s never even thought about before. I also do love the character of Elizabeth but I also wish that she was given a little more development a chance to see other aspects of her personality as well as some humour.
You guys know that I am an avid fan of historical fiction novels and another thing that I love about this series, and especially this book, is that so much effort is put into making it as historically accurate as possible. The world building is extremely detailed and the writing is so vivid that you can really imagine yourself there and can be completely swept away in the story. I also love that there are some real life figures in this book – and on this reading I had been obsessed with Hamilton for long enough that I could appreciate the Lafayette reference. The pace of this book is incredibly fast but that doesn’t mean there is no tension or suspense in this books because there is. New characters are being introduced all the time as well as new things being discovered so there’s really never a dull moment, even if the scene as a poignant and emotional one.
These books really remind me why I love historical fiction so much and I can remember why this book sticks into my mind as my favourite. I’d give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because it’s so fun and witty and enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the other 3 books in this series.
In Cat Royal’s third thrilling adventure, the Theater Royal is closed for renovations. Cat’s friends plan to spend the summer in France, leaving her homeless and alone. But Mr. Sheridan, the theater owner and Cat’s guardian, commissions Cat to act as his spy in the French Revolution. Disguised as a member of a dance troupe, Cat infiltrates the front lines, but when her friends are captured as traitors, her mission becomes perilous. Will Cat be able to save them all from certain death? Travel with Cat from London to Paris, as she braves dungeons, revolutionaries, ballerinas, and numerous suitors, all in the name of freedom!
Cat Royal is one of those characters that you can’t help but root for and want to win. She’s so strong-willed and determined and quick-thinking as well as being extremely loyal and stubborn. Through this series, you form an extremely strong emotional attachment to her character because of all the things that she goes through in the course of the books. Another character I love is Johnny (I’m borderline obsessed with the man) because he’s just so charming and dedicated and dashing. I also love the character of Frank and, out of everyone, I think he undergoes the most development throughout the course of this book. His world is blown wide open and he experiences things that he’s never even thought about before. I also do love the character of Elizabeth but I also wish that she was given a little more development a chance to see other aspects of her personality as well as some humour.
You guys know that I am an avid fan of historical fiction novels and another thing that I love about this series, and especially this book, is that so much effort is put into making it as historically accurate as possible. The world building is extremely detailed and the writing is so vivid that you can really imagine yourself there and can be completely swept away in the story. I also love that there are some real life figures in this book – and on this reading I had been obsessed with Hamilton for long enough that I could appreciate the Lafayette reference. The pace of this book is incredibly fast but that doesn’t mean there is no tension or suspense in this books because there is. New characters are being introduced all the time as well as new things being discovered so there’s really never a dull moment, even if the scene as a poignant and emotional one.
These books really remind me why I love historical fiction so much and I can remember why this book sticks into my mind as my favourite. I’d give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because it’s so fun and witty and enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the other 3 books in this series.
June 30, 2022
AUTHOR PROJECT
I love these books. They are so cute and so funny. Cat is a total charmer and the world never stops being fun and interesting, but also never stops changing and keeping you on your toes. I also love how every book has a different combo of the friends, sometimes more Pedro and less Frank, sometimes more Johnny and less Syd, sometimes opposite. It makes it feel episodic and serial, like a good tv series. I love how they interact with history, but at the same time have the rich type of world building that comes from the best kind of fantasy. You get this great "this very well COULD have been happening, we will never know" type of vibe from the underworld type of characters and the theater stuff that gives the world the kind of life you could never get from a well-researched book set in court with real figures. I just love them so much!
I'll repeat what I always say about this series: best recc for reluctant historical-fiction readers because they really read like adventure novels set in any good fantasy world. Greatest ever. And they cover so much without feeling plodding. and the pacing is wicked fast. and the dialogue is great. the frame, the acknowledgement of the reader and the maps and cast lists and glossaries of slang just make it so much fun to explore and shakes things up. and Cat is just the best narrator. I love how smart she is and how well she connects with people, and how she is always taking in what is around her but not always looking into her own feelings all that much. She feels believeable as a fourteen year old because of that. She is such a gem, she's honestly one of my all-time favorite protagonists, up there with Percy Jackson.
Any other things I have to say?
I love these books? I love that I had forgotten pretty much everything that happens, just because they are so wild and complicated (but don't feel that way, but definitely are in retrospect once you start thinking about all the story strains that it follows) that there's no way my brain could fill in what is going to happen next so I was always surprised. I'm sure this book couldn't stand up to close re-reads, but it's been years since I read it so I had quite the good time. I can't wait to finally finish this series due to the magic of Inter library Loan because College is Good.
Also, these remind me in a really positive way of the Finishing School books by Gail Carriger that I just read recently. I actually had that thought while reading Cat Royal, that 'hmm, i might have found myself returning to these a little while ago if I hadn't found the Finishing School books that filled that just same hole'
LOVE
.................21 January 2011.......................
Gave five stars ~~
Frank & Johnny & J-F are just cute and I love them.
I love these books. They are so cute and so funny. Cat is a total charmer and the world never stops being fun and interesting, but also never stops changing and keeping you on your toes. I also love how every book has a different combo of the friends, sometimes more Pedro and less Frank, sometimes more Johnny and less Syd, sometimes opposite. It makes it feel episodic and serial, like a good tv series. I love how they interact with history, but at the same time have the rich type of world building that comes from the best kind of fantasy. You get this great "this very well COULD have been happening, we will never know" type of vibe from the underworld type of characters and the theater stuff that gives the world the kind of life you could never get from a well-researched book set in court with real figures. I just love them so much!
I'll repeat what I always say about this series: best recc for reluctant historical-fiction readers because they really read like adventure novels set in any good fantasy world. Greatest ever. And they cover so much without feeling plodding. and the pacing is wicked fast. and the dialogue is great. the frame, the acknowledgement of the reader and the maps and cast lists and glossaries of slang just make it so much fun to explore and shakes things up. and Cat is just the best narrator. I love how smart she is and how well she connects with people, and how she is always taking in what is around her but not always looking into her own feelings all that much. She feels believeable as a fourteen year old because of that. She is such a gem, she's honestly one of my all-time favorite protagonists, up there with Percy Jackson.
Any other things I have to say?
I love these books? I love that I had forgotten pretty much everything that happens, just because they are so wild and complicated (but don't feel that way, but definitely are in retrospect once you start thinking about all the story strains that it follows) that there's no way my brain could fill in what is going to happen next so I was always surprised. I'm sure this book couldn't stand up to close re-reads, but it's been years since I read it so I had quite the good time. I can't wait to finally finish this series due to the magic of Inter library Loan because College is Good.
Also, these remind me in a really positive way of the Finishing School books by Gail Carriger that I just read recently. I actually had that thought while reading Cat Royal, that 'hmm, i might have found myself returning to these a little while ago if I hadn't found the Finishing School books that filled that just same hole'
LOVE
.................21 January 2011.......................
Gave five stars ~~
Frank & Johnny & J-F are just cute and I love them.
October 14, 2019
Yesterday, my life at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, came to the end of its run.
You don't wanna mess with the French, folks. Believe me, they've proven it time and again.
The 1790s, in case you weren't yet aware of this, were a very interesting time to be in France. (And you can choose how to interpret 'interesting' by yourself.) After all, they came right after a small matter some of you may have heard of and which is called 'the French Revolution'.
It really was only a matter of time before Cat would cross the UK border and into another country; she starts off by visiting - dare we mention it? - the predecessor of the EU. Set in 1791, it makes for some very exhilirating parts, only two years after the Storming (and falling) of the Bastille. Golding does an awesome job in painting a picture of Paris divided into all factions, breaking down while at the same time being reinvented. It reminds the reader of everything that's happening in Paris (and France) right now and looking at it like that, Den of Thieves is a very fitting and interesting book to (re-)read.
The part before Cat leaves England is exciting too; everything changes, and something happens to Cat that you're not used to. She's lost and she doesn't land on her feet - to the contrary, she stumbles onward into the dark. Very interesting character development. That development continues in Paris as well; no one can say that Cat isn't intelligent and worldwise, much more than you'd expect even, but her experiences in Paris make her even more so. She finds herself in the midst of an uprising and right between Parisian royalists and republicans and people who don't know what they are... and neither does she. At times, it's clear she's much more sympathetic for the republicans - the citizens, it's a bit of a shame that the author chose not to use citoyen instead, that would have been much more fitting here - and very critical of kings and queens, but she's also smart enough to not be entirely swayed by them. Instead, she takes a step back and sees Paris as it really is: A divided city, and she's just as divided, also understanding that what the Parisian are doing has its negative aspects as well.
It was a bit of a shame that Frank and Lizzie are not that present in this book - and I can't remember if Lizzie will have an important in the later books now that she's left Europe - but, fine, I'll survive.
8.4/10
You don't wanna mess with the French, folks. Believe me, they've proven it time and again.
The 1790s, in case you weren't yet aware of this, were a very interesting time to be in France. (And you can choose how to interpret 'interesting' by yourself.) After all, they came right after a small matter some of you may have heard of and which is called 'the French Revolution'.
It really was only a matter of time before Cat would cross the UK border and into another country; she starts off by visiting - dare we mention it? - the predecessor of the EU. Set in 1791, it makes for some very exhilirating parts, only two years after the Storming (and falling) of the Bastille. Golding does an awesome job in painting a picture of Paris divided into all factions, breaking down while at the same time being reinvented. It reminds the reader of everything that's happening in Paris (and France) right now and looking at it like that, Den of Thieves is a very fitting and interesting book to (re-)read.
The part before Cat leaves England is exciting too; everything changes, and something happens to Cat that you're not used to. She's lost and she doesn't land on her feet - to the contrary, she stumbles onward into the dark. Very interesting character development. That development continues in Paris as well; no one can say that Cat isn't intelligent and worldwise, much more than you'd expect even, but her experiences in Paris make her even more so. She finds herself in the midst of an uprising and right between Parisian royalists and republicans and people who don't know what they are... and neither does she. At times, it's clear she's much more sympathetic for the republicans - the citizens, it's a bit of a shame that the author chose not to use citoyen instead, that would have been much more fitting here - and very critical of kings and queens, but she's also smart enough to not be entirely swayed by them. Instead, she takes a step back and sees Paris as it really is: A divided city, and she's just as divided, also understanding that what the Parisian are doing has its negative aspects as well.
It was a bit of a shame that Frank and Lizzie are not that present in this book - and I can't remember if Lizzie will have an important in the later books now that she's left Europe - but, fine, I'll survive.
8.4/10
February 17, 2017
Such a purely enjoyable read. Julia Golding has writing charisma to spare. (And, it is always a joy to find another engaging female hero in kids' fiction.)
July 21, 2011
I really love this series, these characters. I have to say that my review for this is going to be similar to the last one, though, so a few quick comments:
1. So, same thing: great, hilarious characters (new and old), constant witty comments, and the fun that comes with all of Cat's problems!
2. I did hate the new loss of confidence Cat experienced... hopefully that will be out by the next book!
3. Okay, so you all know that I have to comment on this: there's more romancy stuff in this book! Syd makes a move and I'm waiting for a followup in the next installment. And the new and mysterious JF, whom I have to say I'm a huge fan of. I really hope we'll see more of him in the future...
4. I liked the fact that it was set during the French Revolution - I was always interested in that topic. The facts are accurate, all coming through the amusing perspective of our favorite character!
Anything else? Other than the fact that I REALLY need the next one?? Uh, I think I got the point across - read this, the others, and the ones after! Great for readers who like adventurous and witty heroines who have great friends and get to participate in some excellent stuff!
1. So, same thing: great, hilarious characters (new and old), constant witty comments, and the fun that comes with all of Cat's problems!
2. I did hate the new loss of confidence Cat experienced... hopefully that will be out by the next book!
3. Okay, so you all know that I have to comment on this: there's more romancy stuff in this book! Syd makes a move and I'm waiting for a followup in the next installment. And the new and mysterious JF, whom I have to say I'm a huge fan of. I really hope we'll see more of him in the future...
4. I liked the fact that it was set during the French Revolution - I was always interested in that topic. The facts are accurate, all coming through the amusing perspective of our favorite character!
Anything else? Other than the fact that I REALLY need the next one?? Uh, I think I got the point across - read this, the others, and the ones after! Great for readers who like adventurous and witty heroines who have great friends and get to participate in some excellent stuff!
February 9, 2016
The theme of this third book in the series seems to be CHANGE. Drury Lane theater is the only home our young heroine has ever known, and when it closes for demolition, however strange it sounds, everybody seems to land on their feet but the "Cat". She doesn't know where to turn, and suddenly she understands how miserable her station in life really is, and has always been, a realization leading to anger, bitterness and yealousy - emotions that feels both real and gripping. But no... Her lashing out does not last long. These books are perky and positive, often to a fault, but what the heck. Better than cold and negative, right?
Which leads us to the second change, the change of scenery. Which is a fine thing too. The 1790's London was getting old, if you get my drift, while the post-revolutionary Paris felt a bit more exciting, being a scary place in it self. New winds blowing and often deadly drafts at that, so all in all... Quite a good story, finally with some "growing" and a promising forward momentum that makes you grab for number 4: "Cat O'nine Tails". Sounds like an new and interesting animal, does it not? One with sealegs, one presumes!
Which leads us to the second change, the change of scenery. Which is a fine thing too. The 1790's London was getting old, if you get my drift, while the post-revolutionary Paris felt a bit more exciting, being a scary place in it self. New winds blowing and often deadly drafts at that, so all in all... Quite a good story, finally with some "growing" and a promising forward momentum that makes you grab for number 4: "Cat O'nine Tails". Sounds like an new and interesting animal, does it not? One with sealegs, one presumes!
December 12, 2018
In Cat Royal’s third thrilling adventure, the Theatre Royal is closed for renovation which leaves Cat homeless and alone. But Cat soon finds herself traveling from London to Paris when her guardian commissions her to act as his spy and infiltrate the front line of the French Revolution. Disguised as a ballerina, Cat faces danger head on as she braves suitors, traitors and revolutionaries all in the fight for the freedom and the power of the people!
Cat remains her strong-willed, determined, stubborn self and in this book especially I formed such a strong emotional attachment to her. Julia captures the characteristics of Cat with such wit and wisdom that you can’t help but root, laugh and cry for Cat throughout the series. Cat’s a very special character and one I would definitely invite to my ‘imaginary’ dinner party if I could.
Golding once again masters the setting, especially as she leaves the comfort and boundaries of London to explore the wonders of revolutionary Paris. Golding’s world building is so vivid and detailed that you can really imagine yourself being with Cat on her extraordinary adventures. A must read historical series for all!
Cat remains her strong-willed, determined, stubborn self and in this book especially I formed such a strong emotional attachment to her. Julia captures the characteristics of Cat with such wit and wisdom that you can’t help but root, laugh and cry for Cat throughout the series. Cat’s a very special character and one I would definitely invite to my ‘imaginary’ dinner party if I could.
Golding once again masters the setting, especially as she leaves the comfort and boundaries of London to explore the wonders of revolutionary Paris. Golding’s world building is so vivid and detailed that you can really imagine yourself being with Cat on her extraordinary adventures. A must read historical series for all!
February 19, 2011
This book has Cat and friends heading to France just in time for some revolution. Cat and her friends arrive in Paris the night that Louis XVI and his family flee, and it ends shortly after the king and his family are found. The plot, as seems to be the case with the rest of these books, is a bit unbelievable (seriously...people are going to think a young girl is a spy??), but I enjoy the characters more and more.
Cat is definitely starting to be interested in boys now, and her options seem wide open. Syd loves her, I think Frank loves her, and Billy makes no secret of his love/obsession. There's also the French king of thieves, J-F, who falls for her and asks her to stay with him. Cat herself seems to be leaning more toward Billy than any of the other boys, which, at least right now, I'm not a fan of. He's creepy and has tried to kill her on more than one occasion. I'd like to see her end up with Frank or Syd, but we shall just have to wait and see.
Cat is definitely starting to be interested in boys now, and her options seem wide open. Syd loves her, I think Frank loves her, and Billy makes no secret of his love/obsession. There's also the French king of thieves, J-F, who falls for her and asks her to stay with him. Cat herself seems to be leaning more toward Billy than any of the other boys, which, at least right now, I'm not a fan of. He's creepy and has tried to kill her on more than one occasion. I'd like to see her end up with Frank or Syd, but we shall just have to wait and see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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