To Visit The Queen

I just finished reading the book about 10 minutes ago! What a great sequel to "Night With Moon"... it carries forward some of the unresolved feelings and events from the first book, and leaves you feeling a bit easier about them. I do disagree with some of the other reviews that found this book too drawn-out or some of the plot points contrived. The book built up slowly but steadily, not with as much action as "Night With Moon" but with more detective work on the part of Rhiow, her team, and their new allies -- more the literary equivalent of a good suspense movie than an action-hero one. And also unlike some other reviews, I didn't think the battle with the Lone One was "tacked on" or unnecessary. In fact, it was almost inevitable after the cats foil Her plans for Queen Victoria. Think about it -- if you were a selfish, vindictive Power who was absolutely sure you were going to win, and suddenly your scheme was stopped in its tracks, wouldn't you be furious and decide to rid yourself of the "obstacles" once and for all? The book even leaves room for another sequel (maybe the further adventures of Arhu and Siffha'h?) and more bliss for cat lovers. I'll be keeping my figurative whiskers attuned for it!

A wonderful follow-up to the fabulous Night With Moon. I wondered at the time how Duane was going to be able to top Night With Moon. She does an excellent job of surpassing herself & the ending of "To Visit The Queen" was surprising. There are sad moments in this one, which make it a slightly more introspective book than the other title, but it has equally rapid plot & strong action plotlines. I loved seeing Arthur Conan Doyle as well. Wouldn't he love to still be starring in our literary achievements? :)

Another reader has stated that they found both books in the series `boooring' in comparison to the books for younger reader based in the same world. I disagree with this statement. The 'Nita and Kit' books were mostly children's books and were written for children and young adults, though I agree they are some of the most amazing books I have ever read, and the fact they were written for children does not in any way hamper my love of them. "To Visit the Queen", (or as it is titled in the UK "On Her Majesty's Wizardly Service"), and the earlier book in this series ' The Book of Night with Moon' are most certainly NOT children's books, they being deeper and on a different level than the series for younger readers. I would heartily recommend both the beautifully written books in this series as well as the 'Nita and Kit' books'. None of them are in any way boring, but I would recommend being sure to read `Book of Night with Moon' before this one: for though it is possible to understand and enjoy it without the history of the pervious book, in may leave the reader somewhat confused in several places.

At Grand Central Station, Rhiow and her feline peers (do not tell Rhiow that they are her peers) guard the magical gate that links worlds through time. Because of a malfunction at the London gate, Rhiow and her associates, Urruah and Arhu, travel together to investigate the problem. They quickly learn that a "timeslide" is moving people back and forth through eternity. Someone deliberately caused the time warp. The Lone One wants nuclear weapons introduced into society long before the twentieth century in an attempt to destroy civilization. The cats accompanied by a young child, Arthur Conan Doyle, must stop the critical focal point from being changed or the alternate time continuum will replace the current time stream. The foursome must simply stop the assassinations of the multiple Queen Victorias who populate the endless worlds that make up the current universe. TO VISIT THE QUEEN, the return to that wacky humorous universe of THE BOOK OF NIGHT WITH MOON, is a winner in its own right. The story line contains non-stop action, jocular interactions, and mounting danger as the very fabric of the universe is shredded. The cats seem real and intelligent, not cute. Diane Duane weaves a terrific tale that canine fantasy lovers will cherish. This is a 14 karat gold collar winner for anyone who loves a good book.Harriet Klausner