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Tatiana's Reviews > White Cat
White Cat (Curse Workers, #1)
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Well, well, well. Color me surprised. Just when I decided never to read another Holly Black work again (due to our seemingly conflicting ideas about what good writing is), Emily's review of White Cat convinced me to give the author one final try. And, who knew, I really, really liked it. Actually, this book is one of the strongest YA UF novels I've ever read. I am not exactly sure what made Black change her writing style so drastically, but I won't be complaining. Somehow her characters are no longer repulsive and her writing is a lot more polished than before.
As for the story itself, I thought it was fantastic. It is set in an AU America where certain people have magic abilities (they are called "curse workers"). They can manipulate emotions, change memories, bring luck or death. The magic is "worked" through touch. Cassel, the narrator, belongs to a family of curse workers/con artists. He can do cons too, but has no magic abilities. When he finds himself sleepwalking on the roof of his school dorm, haunted by the memories of a dream where a white cat asks for his help, Cassel embarks on a trip to discover mysteries of his past, present and the white cat.
Even though I'd read way too many reviews of White Cat before starting the novel, I still managed to be thoroughly mystified by its plot. I attribute it to the fact that this book has a bit of Memento-esque quality to it, with gradual unraveling of the mysteries tangled up by various cons and curse works. (Or my usual denseness wherever any kind of mystery-solving is involved.)
And can I say Yay for mafia and con artistry? White Cat gave me what All These Things I've Done couldn't - just enough crime, backstabbing and cons to keep me glued to its pages/my iPod.
Can't wait to get my hands on the sequels. Cassel's mom is up to no good. And what will he do about Lila?
I guess the lesson here is Never say never?
Well, well, well. Color me surprised. Just when I decided never to read another Holly Black work again (due to our seemingly conflicting ideas about what good writing is), Emily's review of White Cat convinced me to give the author one final try. And, who knew, I really, really liked it. Actually, this book is one of the strongest YA UF novels I've ever read. I am not exactly sure what made Black change her writing style so drastically, but I won't be complaining. Somehow her characters are no longer repulsive and her writing is a lot more polished than before.
As for the story itself, I thought it was fantastic. It is set in an AU America where certain people have magic abilities (they are called "curse workers"). They can manipulate emotions, change memories, bring luck or death. The magic is "worked" through touch. Cassel, the narrator, belongs to a family of curse workers/con artists. He can do cons too, but has no magic abilities. When he finds himself sleepwalking on the roof of his school dorm, haunted by the memories of a dream where a white cat asks for his help, Cassel embarks on a trip to discover mysteries of his past, present and the white cat.
Even though I'd read way too many reviews of White Cat before starting the novel, I still managed to be thoroughly mystified by its plot. I attribute it to the fact that this book has a bit of Memento-esque quality to it, with gradual unraveling of the mysteries tangled up by various cons and curse works. (Or my usual denseness wherever any kind of mystery-solving is involved.)
And can I say Yay for mafia and con artistry? White Cat gave me what All These Things I've Done couldn't - just enough crime, backstabbing and cons to keep me glued to its pages/my iPod.
Can't wait to get my hands on the sequels. Cassel's mom is up to no good. And what will he do about Lila?
I guess the lesson here is Never say never?
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Reading Progress
November 6, 2011
–
Started Reading
November 6, 2011
– Shelved
November 8, 2011
– Shelved as:
2011
November 8, 2011
– Shelved as:
urban-fantasy
November 8, 2011
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-26 of 26 (26 new)
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Limonessa
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rated it 5 stars
Nov 06, 2011 12:00PM
oh, let's see.
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Yeah:o) I decided to give Black another (last) chance. So far (I am on chapter 2) it's been good.
I can't wait to see your thoughts. Hope you like it. This series is one of my favorites, and I rank White Cat up there among my best reads.
Interesting...I didn't like 'Tithe' but EVERYONE seems to like White Cat. Maybe I, too, should go all second chance on this book :)
During my previous attempts to read her work I was immediately pit off by her language and characters. No so here. At least not yet.
funny, I was just thinking of buying this book. Will wait for your review then ;)
Interested to hear what you think about this. I really liked this book - and liked the next "Red Glove" even more.
I thought this was excellent! She really created an interesting world and of course I loved the main character. Red Glove was actually a bit more fun because it has a murder mystery in it.
Never say never indeed. :D Glad you enjoyed this.
I am glad I read it:)
Great review! I'm definitely giving it a try^^
I bought this at a great deal at my local bookstore because it was closing.I've never been interested in Black's books before. Now, you've made me excited about reading it soon.
I have this on my shelf after I got it at the Borders closing sale. I'll need to give it a read ASAP.
YAYYYYYY! I had the same problem with Holly Black. I started Tithe, couldn't stand it, and decided to give her a pass until Ceilidh and Lucy convinced me to try White Cat. And if you think White Cat was good, Red Glove will blow your mind! Love, love LOVED it! :)
And here I thought you had given up on UF! There is a ton of Holly Black on my TBR, but all I've read is Tithe, which was just meh. Maybe I'll get around to reading this one sooner rather than later :)
So happy you loved it! Red Glove was also fantastic and I am eagerly waiting the third, which I think is going to be called Black Heart.
:) I knew you'd like it.
Great review! I'm so pleased that you liked it :)
This sounds great. Will stay on my list :)How exactly is the writing style different from her other works?
Vinaya wrote: "YAYYYYYY! I had the same problem with Holly Black. I started Tithe, couldn't stand it, and decided to give her a pass until Ceilidh and Lucy convinced me to try White Cat. And if you think White Ca..."Isn't it amazing, Vinaya, that an author could change her writing style so drastically? I never thought it was possible.
Maya wrote: "This sounds great. Will stay on my list :)How exactly is the writing style different from her other works?"
Maya, IMO, her other works seem to be trying to be too edgy, with very weird word choices and appalling characters. This book is somehow more smoothly written. It's hard to explain.
Megan wrote: "And here I thought you had given up on UF! There is a ton of Holly Black on my TBR, but all I've read is Tithe, which was just meh. Maybe I'll get around to reading this one sooner rat..."Megan, if you can, try audio too.
And as for it being UF, trust me, it is very different from everything that's out there.
Perfect review for this book! Glad you liked it too :)
Huh, your review definitely makes me consider putting this on my TBR list. I also *really* disliked the style, tone, and characterization of her faerie books, so I never thought I'd give these a try. Time to reconsider that, I guess!
I've picked up this book several times something about it always made me put it back .....I don't like books with a male narrator usually ...maybe ill look at it again. Her other books withthe fae looked awful so I figured there were other books I could be reading instead.
Tracy wrote: "I've picked up this book several times something about it always made me put it back .....I don't like books with a male narrator usually ...maybe ill look at it again. Her other books withthe fae..."I always encourage people not to struggle with books. You don't like something, there is plenty more out there that you will love.
