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Varjak Paw by S. F. Said
Varjak Paw has only known the safe walls of his grand house—until a threat forces him into the city’s wild streets. Guided by the whispered Way of his ancestors, a small cat must learn big courage to protect his family. Varjak Paw is a bold, heart-thumping adventure about finding your strength when the world feels far too large.
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In Varjak Paw, did you enjoy ...
... a scrappy feline coming-of-age with training, battles, and a new family?
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
If you loved watching Varjak leave the Contessa’s house, brave the city, and forge bonds with Holly, Tam, and Cludge, you’ll click with Rusty—an ordinary house cat who joins a forest clan, trains to fight, and builds a new life among warriors. Like Varjak learning the Way from Jalal, Rusty (now Firepaw) must master skills, face rival cats, and choose loyalty when danger closes in.
... a mentor-guided path to power that tests character as much as skill?
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Varjak’s dream-lessons from Jalal echo Ged’s apprenticeship under Ogion and his later training on Roke. If you were drawn to Varjak learning slow-time and shadow-walk to face the Gentleman’s black cats, you’ll appreciate Ged’s journey to master names and balance—hard-won wisdom that matters even more than raw ability.
... mysterious, dreamlike magic that shapes identity and destiny?
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
The Way Jalal teaches Varjak—felt more than explained—has the same enchanting, loosely defined wonder here. As Luna’s powers awaken in unpredictable ways, the story leans into intuition and heart over hard rules, much like Varjak’s instinctive breakthroughs when he needs them most to protect those he loves.
... a fast-paced quest to protect family while uncovering hidden strengths?
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Varjak bolts into danger to save his family from the Gentleman’s threat; Percy races cross-country to stop a war among gods and rescue his mom. If you enjoyed Varjak’s urgent city odyssey—dodging gangs, learning the Way, and staging a rescue with Cludge—you’ll enjoy Percy’s brisk, witty, monster-dodging quest energy.
... forging unlikely bonds and a loyal found family in a dangerous world?
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Varjak’s circle—streetwise Holly, gentle Tam, and steadfast Cludge—feels like the heart of his journey. Similarly, Roz the robot crash-lands alone and slowly builds trust with wary animals, creating a family that stands together when the outside world threatens. If Varjak’s friendships carried the most weight for you, this will, too.
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