Plain Kate by Erin Bow
Kate is the just-orphaned daughter of a woodcarver, and she has her own talent, so strong that the townsfolk have always believed it is witchery. After her father's death, Plain Kate struggles to find her place. Eventually a strange albino man named Linay comes to town, and tricks her with his own mysterious witchery, into selling her shadow to him. Thus begins Kate's quest, with her companions Taggle the cat and gypsy girl Drina, to win back her shadow and find out what Linay's real goal is.
I loved this book. While the plot was not particularly unexpected, it was intricate enough that I never felt bored, and the writing was lovely. Plain Kate, Drina, Daj, even the wicked Linay were enjoyable, believable people. Each had their own personality, their own drives and desires, weaknesses and strengths. And the world was believable, as well. While clearly not a modern world, it was no stereotypical medieval-alike magical world, either. It had a feel and character of its own. And I especially enjoyed Taggle the cat. He stands on his own as a cat of distinction among other fantasy cats.
If you enjoy Shannon Hale or Robin McKinley, Pearl North or Nancy Farmer, you'll like this novel, too.
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