If you’ve ever looked at your cat and thought, “This little furball is up to something,” then Angel of the Dark Ages by L.S. Tucker is the perfect book for you. It’s a charming fantasy about two Siamese cats, Angel and Skittish, who find themselves pulled from their quiet suburban life into medieval England to save Millie, a kind healer falsely accused of witchcraft. Armed with the ability to see human auras, the cats face corrupt officials, rally allies, and learn what it means to be true heroes.
First off, the premise is just fun. Time-traveling cats as the main characters? Sign me up! Tucker clearly knows and loves cats—Angel and Skittish are written with such personality that you can’t help but root for them. Angel’s courage and Skittish’s suspicious nature make their sibling bond feel real and relatable. Plus, who doesn’t want to imagine cats taking on medieval villains?
That said, the book has a few hiccups. The dialogue, which tries to capture a medieval tone, doesn’t always hit the mark and sometimes feels awkward. The pacing also drags a bit in places. Certain details about the cats’ powers or their insights into human intentions felt like they were repeated more than necessary. These moments pulled me out of the story just when I was getting into the groove.
Still, there’s a lot to like here. The themes of loyalty, courage, and the special connection between humans and animals shine through. Tucker’s writing is at its best when showing the world through the cats’ eyes—their instincts, their cleverness, and their emotional depth all feel authentic.
I’d recommend Angel of the Dark Ages to middle grades animal lovers—especially cat enthusiasts—who enjoy cozy, feel-good fantasy with a touch of adventure. If you are a fan of the Warriors Series by Erin Hunter or The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, then Angel of the Dark Ages is a good pick for you. This is a solid 3-star read that might just have you wondering what your own pets are secretly capable of.