The Last Free Cat

The Last Free Cat by Jon Blake
4/5 stars
Albert Whitman and Company
270 pages
YA Dystopia

Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think I've made no secret that I love cats so the title and picture intrigued me, right off the bat. As I learned more, I discovered that the future is an awful place. See, a deadly cat flu has caused most cats to disappear and the few that do exist are strictly controlled and available only for the welcome. But who wouldn't welcome an adorable bundle of fur?

Jade sure would and thus, despite the risks, she welcomes a beautiful girl cat into her home and heart, unsure of how this cat is free but pleased to have her. The cat is named Feela and there are some amazing pictures painted about the delight of petting, holding, and loving a cat, sure to thrill cat-lovers. I assume Blake has cats because he captures the experience perfectly.

Unfortunately, this being a dystopia, that's not all there is to the story. The government, which is basically controlled by one mega-corporation that is the only company to breed cats, takes a very harsh view of disobedience, sending Jade on the run with Feela and a surprising companion. Throughout their travails, the number one priority is saving the cat and inspiring hope in those who want free cats again. There is a good mix of fast-paced action and slower resting spots. Although I don't always enjoy books where the main characters are on the run, their love and concern for Feela mingled with mine for a thrill ride.

I especially liked the ending-it feels very British to me, appropriate given the author's nationality, but what I mean is that I don't think an American author would have ended the book like that. If you've read the book, do you agree? It's not how *I* would have chosen to end the book but it's better than some of the alternatives I feared.

Overall: A refreshingly new take on the dystopian world, great for animal lovers.

Cover: Very simple and striking-just the two colors and then the black; I love that the cat is what catches your eye although I, of course, would have preferred a red tabby even if that's not true to the book!