Varjak Paw, by SF Said

Young Varjak Paw, a Mesopotamian Blue kitten, lives with the rest of his cat clan in an old house high atop a hill, a beloved pet of an elderly woman. Shunned by his siblings for being different, Varjak does his best to keep a low profile. His only solace are the stories his grandfather tells of their ancient ancestor, the great Jalal, the cat who developed The Way, a secret martial arts known only to a chosen few cats.

Then one day the old woman vanishes. In her place are a mysterious Gentleman and his sinister feline companions, and soon Varjak's whole family is in grave danger. 

Fleeing the only home he's ever known and swearing he will get help, Varjak is soon at the mercy of the City and all its dangers. 

It is here he learns Varjak faces his greatest fears and learns he is a very, very special cat--perhaps the only one who can stop the Gentleman's evil plot and save the day.

Varjak Paw by SF Said is one of this year's Battle of the Books selections, and it is well worth your time! --AJB

The Way

If you like cats and Martial Arts, you'll love Varjak Paw by SF Said. Young Varjak, a purebread Mesopotamian Blue cat, lives with his feline family and elderly owner in a large mansion on the outskirts of a great city. Despite his family's closeness, Varjak never felt like he fit in. And he doesn't. One day a mysterious Gentleman and two deadly black cats arrive at the mansion and imprison his family. Varjak narrowly escapes to the city outside. Here, he begins having dreamlike visions of his great ancestor Jalal, who founded an ancient form of feline kung fu called The Way. Varjak is the rare cat Chosen to learn The Way. He must master the Seven Skills, and he must do it soon! Animals throughout the city are disappearing, and Varjak is the only one who can rescue them!

And don't miss the exciting sequel, Outlaw Varjak Paw. The notorious gang leader Sally Bones is invading neutral territories, bullying the cats who live there and causing all the city's cats to live in constant fear. Varjak, along with Holly, Tam, and Cludge, is the only one willing to stand up to Sally and fight for peace. But what if Sally is more experienced in The Way than Varjak?

Both are awesome books! --AJB