Tailchaser's Song, by Tad Williams

Today's blog is a bit of a throwback, despite it being Friday and not Thursday, the day typically reserved for such things. 

I found Tad Williams' amazing adventure story, Tailchaser's Song, deep down a Literary Rabbit Hole. I'd heard of the book, of course. I've often glanced curiously it while weeding or shelf-straightening. And once, many years ago, it was recommended to me as a read-alike for Warriors, a series I used to enjoy reading. But as with many recommendations, I thanked the person, but ignored it. I'm that way when it comes to reading: If I am to enjoy a book, I have to come to it in my own time.

Such was the case with Tailchaser's Song. I devoured it as happily and as shamelessly as Growler (dog) faced with a Prime Rib dinner.  

Fritti Tailchaser is a young ginger tom who makes his home at the edge of the Old Woods forest, near a human settlement. Tailchaser is smitten with Hushpad, a indoor-outdoor cat who lives in a M'an home nearby. Tailchaser hopes to make Hushpad his mate someday soon, but then she vanishes without a trace. This is not the first disappearance as of late, something Tailchaser learns at a meeting of local cats. Fearing the worst, he vows to go on a quest to find his missing friend and rescue her from whatever peril stole her away. Tailchaser sets off, accompanied by Pouncequick, a kitten who hero-worships him. They travel to the Court of Cats to get more information on the disappearances and are soon joined in their quest by Eatbugs, a mysterious and loony old feral, and Roofshadow, a female about the same age as Tailchaser. The foursome soon learns of the terrible evil that threatens not only cats, but all creatures. And Tailchaser, with his foretold destiny, is the only one who can save the day. 

Tailchaser's Song did, indeed, remind me a bit of early Warriors. Its characters were of the feline variety, it was loaded with mythology, and its plot hinged on the successful quest of a Chosen One. However, that's where the similarities end. Tailchaser's Song was much more detailed and much more well-written than I remember the Warriors books being. Although I hate to put labels on beloved books, fearing it will limit the expectations of others, I would say Tailchaser's Song is a mashup of Warriors and Alison Croggon's Books of Pellinor series. But more too.

Although I absolutely consider myself a Cat Person, Tailchaser's Song was not my usual fare. So I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story and how attached I became to its characters. In short: I loved this book. And I know I now have a new story to add to my All Time Favorites list. If you are a fan of fantasy and cats and just a great story, consider giving Tailchaser's Song a read. If not right now, than I hope you discover it in your own time (like I did). 

--AJB