Book Review: Protectors of the Emerald by Barbara Laban (The Midnight Cats #2)

 

 Note: The title of this book has been translated into English by me for the reading comprehension of this blog's viewers as the book itself isn't available in English (yet). The original title reads Mitternachtskatzen #2: Die Hüter der Smaragdsterns.

I did actually read book one of this series but never ended up doing a review of it. Oh, well, I'm not going back to do one now. Because quite frankly I didn't care much for book one. Will I like book two better? Spoilers ahead.

The Felidix (cat-whisperers and protectors) Nova and Henry are tasked with keeping safe a special emerald when the Scottish cat king intends to take the throne for himself. Meanwhile, games are being held to decide the next generation of Midnight Cats (the royal cat guard).

While I thought book one of this series was only so-and-so, I was surprisingly into this book. Yeah, honestly this is a pretty solid read and I had fun with it. It's not amazing or anything and can be a bit generic at times, but it's at the same time a pretty fun and neat story. And it was also something I was really in the mood for when reading this, because I'd just read a few heavier books earlier and also got sick.

The plot is simple (we need to find and guard the emerald + new Midnight Cats are being selected) but the book honestly balances both subplots really well. There's also plenty of mystery as in the background Nova is slowly learning more and more about her mother, who vanished without a trace when she was very young.

The characters honestly I quite like. Sure, they're not the most amazing or anything, and a bit generic and basic, but I still genuinely like these guys and want to see them succeed. Nova and Henry make for good leads and I enjoy their friendship. Edison is also a nice ally, and adorable little Pablo also gets his time to shine in this book.

If I do have a criticism of this book, it's that I'm honestly not sure if I like the portrayal of the Scottish cats in this book. Basically, all Scottish cats are seen as mean barbarians who want to take over the cat kingdoms in Great Britain. Which would be fine if it was just some Scottish cats who are like this, but basically they get completely generalized into being all bad and ruffians. There is one, one offhand mention of a Scottish character shifting allegiances to join the English cats. But it's so minor it could easily go over someone's head. I just am not sure if I like this "all Scottish cats are ruffians and barbarians who want to rule the kingdoms" stereotype this book has going on. It feels too generalized and a bit offensive.

But despite that, I did have a good time reading this book. It's fun, it's mysterious, it's just a solid read.

Rating: 4/5