The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm (The Wildcat Series, 2)

By Author / Illustrator

Lui Sit, illus David Dean

Genre

Environment & Nature

Age range(s)

Publisher

Macmillan Children's Books

ISBN

9781035040346

Format

Paperback

Published

10-09-2026

Synopsis

Join Puffin Lau and wildcat kitten Noma on an exciting adventure in the sequel to Land of the Last Wildcat. 'Full of excitement and jeopardy! A lovely debut novel from an author to watch.' - ReadingZone on Land of the Last Wildcat. Beautifully illustrated throughout in black and white, Lui Sit's The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm is perfect for animal lovers aged 8+.

After successfully taking an endangered wildcat back home to Linger Island, Puffin discovers that she is now guardian of a new baby kuri wildcat! Kuri kitten, Noma, is wilful, excitable and just discovering her mythical powers.

Just as Puffin gets a handle on her new responsibilities, her scientist mother gets into trouble during a research trip - and Puffin, her best friend Lance and Noma have to rush to rescue her. But all is not as it seems . . . Puffin will have to keep her wits about her to protect the ones she loves, and avoid environmental disaster!

Watch author Lui Sit introduce Land of the Last Wildcat and find out more in ReadingZone's indepth Q&A with Lui

Reviews

Louisa

The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm is the second book in the series about Puffin Lau, her best friend Lance and the kuri - a rare species of wildcat with remarkable healing powers. I would recommend reading the books in order, although there is a brief summary at the start of this story supported by a few updates in the form of flashbacks as you continue reading.

Puffin is happily spending the summer holidays at home with Lance and Noma (a mischievous baby kuri) for company, under the guardian eye of Lance's grandfather, Moe. But it seems they will soon be on their own, as Grandad Moe is setting off on honeymoon and Puffin's mum is unable to return from her research trip to the Bluster Peninsula on schedule. In fact, Puffin is convinced her mum is in danger and desperately needs help.

Without thinking too hard about the consequences, Lance and Puffin set off for Bluster, stowing away in a freight container that is carrying an extraordinary new machine. The Suction-Force Anti-Buckle Extraction Apparatus - or Sucka Bucka for short - is designed to suck up and control the extraordinary Bluster winds that have been trapped in a meteorite crater.

This is the least hazardous part of their adventure. When they arrive, they contend with Arctic weather, unpredictable Blusterwinds and uncertainty about who to trust. Gradually, it becomes clear that they are alone, defending the world against forces which threaten catastrophe.

There is plenty of excitement for the reader as a result, and, beneath the adventure lie some interesting themes: the relationship between big business and the environment; bonds between humans and animals; friendship and loyalty; the tension between progress and conservation. Technology plays a bigger part in this book than its predecessor, which will appeal to readers who like space age invention.

The story, however, is not as tightly plotted and I finished it wondering about some of the loose ends which were never fully explained. Nevertheless, as Puffin is still an engaging main character and the kuri is as appealing as ever, those who have enjoyed the first book should enjoy this one too.

256 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher