Check out the cover details:
Deep beneath a modern metropolis lies the Catacombs, the kingdom of remarkable rats of superior intellect. Juniper and his maverick band of rebel rats have been plotting ever since the Bloody Coup turned the Catacombs, a once-peaceful democracy, into a brutal dictatorship ruled by decadent High Minister Killdeer and his vicious henchman, Billycan, a former lab rat with a fondness for butchery. When three young orphan rats--brothers Vincent and Victor and a clever female named Clover--flee the Catacombs in mortal peril and join forces with the rebels, it proves to be the spark that ignites the long-awaited battle to overthrow their oppressors and create a new city--Nightshade City
I've not read a book with animals as the main characters for a while, unless it's to the goddaughter, but Nightshade City reminded me why I loved them growing up. After hearing Hilary talk about the book on her blog I knew it was something different. So when I heard the book had been released early in some places I went online and got it.
My verdict? I love it. I'm still reading, but so far Juniper, Vincent and Victor, even the evil Killdeer (boo) and Billycan (hiss) are so cleverly drawn it's hard not to care what happens to them. Now, you know I never talk spoilers. All I will say is that I love spending time in Nightshade City.
Plus, Rick Riordan recommends this book:
"Expect great adventures in Nightshade City."
Say no more.
The official release date is October 1st 2010, but it's available now on Amazon.com and The Book Depository. Oh, and Hilary will be a special guest over on Operation Awesome towards the end of this month. Squee.
Happy Friday everyone. :)
