Plain Kate is far from plain. She’s the daughter of a woodcarver in a small village at the back of beyond in a land that’s definitely part of a fantasy realm, yet peopled by characters familiar to everyone. After her father suddenly passes away she must fall back on her natural carving skills and try to eke out a living on the fringes of society. When large, unexplained happenings occur, the village turns upon the girl with the gift and she’s forced to flee. Accepting help from a stranger has dire consequences for her and the land as a whole.

When I first picked up this book I thought it would be another fantasy book, great for a bit of escapism but not much else. What I wasn’t expecting was to experience a heroine who is strong and real. A coming of age story that make you look and think twice, it’ll appeal to any girl who feels like she doesn’t quite fit in (i.e. all of them). With a fluid easy writing style, a dab of humour here and there and a true understanding of how it feels to be abandoned both willingly and unwillingly this book will just stick with you. Throw in a talking cat with a fabulous personality and you simply can’t go wrong. I’m thrilled I picked up this book and will be searching out Erin Bow’s complete catalogue.