Talina in the Tower by Michelle Lovric (Children's, 9 years +)

February 2012, Orion
314 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: alternate history, Venice, wolf like creatures, animals are like humans, people vanishing, a lot of cats with attitude, magic, anger, revenge, destruction, despair, value of friendship, awesome grannies, many sweet things, lost parenta, a little violence and major peril, lots of humour, tissues needed

Summary from Orion

Savage hyena-like creatures threaten Venice - the Ravageurs are on the prowl and seizing men, women and children. On the night of 30 June 1846 Talina's parents disappear and she and her cat, Drusilla, are forced to go and live with her Guardian and his three savage dogs in his lonely tower in the northernmost edge of the city. Here she discovers that she has the ability to change herself into a cat, but changing herself back into a girl isn't quite so easy. As a cat she learns about the Ravageurs and how over the centuries they have become semi magical creatures, visible only to children in the human world, and that they are intent on destroying Venice. She is determined to save the city - it's time for desperate measures - and her adventures are about to begin.

Nayuleska's thoughts
It is unquestionably how Talina looks on the cover - I wanted to know why she was part cat. It's hilarious - and sometimes inconvenient- when Talina turns into whatever she is nearest to when she's angry. At first she is angry all the time, but gradually she gains maturity and is able to remain calm when life is really tough. The style of language and the way magic works for her makes this a 10/10 delightful read.

You can find out more on Michelle's website.

Suggested read

For more adventures in Venice for older readers check out Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould