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daphx00's review against another edition
3.0
Let me start out by saying that I was *really* excited to finally read this book. The synopsis of this book was awesome, so I thought I would definitely enjoy reading White Cat. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy reading it all that much.
Now, don't get me wrong, I think the story is great. The storyline and the idea for the story are awesome, and I also love the fact that we have a male main character that we are following around. BUT I had a lot of trouble getting into this book. The first 80 or 90 pages (almost 1/3 of the book!) is only used to describe the world in which Cassel lives and the situation that he is in - the only person in his family who isn't a curse worker. I had SO much trouble getting through this part of the book.
After that, the book picked up some speed, and even though the story developed in a pretty darn nice plot, it didn't make me want to read faster or whatever. It never turned into the pageturner that it's supposed to be for me.
And I have to say that the fact that I didn't really enjoy reading this book had nothing to do with the story itself. I'm just someone who likes it when there's action in the beginning of the book as well - that there's actually something happening when the author is still describing the world/setting/person/whatever needs to be described to give the reader a base for the story. It never got really exciting for me, which is the reason that I didn't really enjoy reading it.
However, the story itself is awesome. I liked Cassel as a character and I liked how Black wrote the characters around him, especially his family. I've heard that Red Glove is better than White Cat, so I might pick that one up eventually. But this one definitely doesn't get the full rating for me.
My overall rating: 3/5
Because it wasn't really for me, but the story was awesome nontheless.
(this review is published on my blog, http://lvngbooks.blogspot.com)
Now, don't get me wrong, I think the story is great. The storyline and the idea for the story are awesome, and I also love the fact that we have a male main character that we are following around. BUT I had a lot of trouble getting into this book. The first 80 or 90 pages (almost 1/3 of the book!) is only used to describe the world in which Cassel lives and the situation that he is in - the only person in his family who isn't a curse worker. I had SO much trouble getting through this part of the book.
After that, the book picked up some speed, and even though the story developed in a pretty darn nice plot, it didn't make me want to read faster or whatever. It never turned into the pageturner that it's supposed to be for me.
And I have to say that the fact that I didn't really enjoy reading this book had nothing to do with the story itself. I'm just someone who likes it when there's action in the beginning of the book as well - that there's actually something happening when the author is still describing the world/setting/person/whatever needs to be described to give the reader a base for the story. It never got really exciting for me, which is the reason that I didn't really enjoy reading it.
However, the story itself is awesome. I liked Cassel as a character and I liked how Black wrote the characters around him, especially his family. I've heard that Red Glove is better than White Cat, so I might pick that one up eventually. But this one definitely doesn't get the full rating for me.
My overall rating: 3/5
Because it wasn't really for me, but the story was awesome nontheless.
(this review is published on my blog, http://lvngbooks.blogspot.com)
sabrinatheghost's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
blurrypetals's review against another edition
5.0
Fun and adventurous, if a little predictable. Not a high recommend, but definitely a recommend.
jgurniak's review against another edition
4.0
In the beginning I thought it was just okay but with each chapter I grew to love it more and more!
lyakimov's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
this book slapped so hard. i had no idea what it was about when I started it, and I was pleasantly surprised about how interesting and entertaining it was.
the plot was really good, and I loved the way it wove throughout the story and the ways everything was revealed. i seriously felt so much for the main character, I felt so many strong emotions going through this book, specifically feeling SO ANGRY at his family. His family is THE WORST!!!
all these characters are so flawed and messed up, and i love the way Holly Black writes flawed characters. she always delivers!! The storytelling was just really great and I always love a good mystery.
this book slapped so hard. i had no idea what it was about when I started it, and I was pleasantly surprised about how interesting and entertaining it was.
the plot was really good, and I loved the way it wove throughout the story and the ways everything was revealed. i seriously felt so much for the main character, I felt so many strong emotions going through this book, specifically feeling SO ANGRY at his family. His family is THE WORST!!!
all these characters are so flawed and messed up, and i love the way Holly Black writes flawed characters. she always delivers!! The storytelling was just really great and I always love a good mystery.
eesh25's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
Okay, what gives? How is this series not more popular? Everyone is going on and on about SJM and all the other shiny new authors, while this masterpiece is being neglected. Why?
This is a very original YA fantasy with such a dark and mysterious tone to it that I couldn't put it down. It follows out main character, Cassel Sharpe, who is from a family of curse workers--people who have the power to change emotions, memories and even break bones, with the touch of a hand. He's the only one in the family who doesn't have magic; but he's a very good con. He's successfully created a normal life for himself outside of his crazy family, until he suddenly started sleep walking and dreaming of a white cat. Now he has to figure out how to get his life back on track while also trying to find out what game his brothers are playing and what part he is, unknowingly, playing in that game.
Cassel is a very good protagonist. His narrative is funny, he's sassy, a good liar and very smart. He keeps the reader interesting. He's also a character that you care about. He was so strong while dealing with everything that was happening to him throughout the novel, while my heart was breaking for him. Holly Black did a great job with him and with all the other characters.
The story was suspenseful and intriguing with a fast pace to boot. I loved the tone of the novel and it was very well written. All aspects were great, but I'm saving my favourite for last.
The world building. I loved it and it was done perfectly.
You see, while the book is set in out world and in current time, curse working has been there for as long as anyone can remember. It's incorporated into everything: history, politics, law, urban legends and even pop culture. It is done in such a brilliant way that it never seems like this world ever existed without curse work. Magic just fits seamlessly into society, and that's done with the help of little things worked into normal life. Like this part:
I loved that! It had me grinning really wide.
Overall, this book was amazing. I do have one complaint but it's nothing big so I don't wanna mention it. I want this review to be all positive when I say that I adored everything about this novel and I highly recommend it. Seriously, go read it. Now.
Okay, what gives? How is this series not more popular? Everyone is going on and on about SJM and all the other shiny new authors, while this masterpiece is being neglected. Why?
This is a very original YA fantasy with such a dark and mysterious tone to it that I couldn't put it down. It follows out main character, Cassel Sharpe, who is from a family of curse workers--people who have the power to change emotions, memories and even break bones, with the touch of a hand. He's the only one in the family who doesn't have magic; but he's a very good con. He's successfully created a normal life for himself outside of his crazy family, until he suddenly started sleep walking and dreaming of a white cat. Now he has to figure out how to get his life back on track while also trying to find out what game his brothers are playing and what part he is, unknowingly, playing in that game.
Cassel is a very good protagonist. His narrative is funny, he's sassy, a good liar and very smart. He keeps the reader interesting. He's also a character that you care about. He was so strong while dealing with everything that was happening to him throughout the novel, while my heart was breaking for him. Holly Black did a great job with him and with all the other characters.
The story was suspenseful and intriguing with a fast pace to boot. I loved the tone of the novel and it was very well written. All aspects were great, but I'm saving my favourite for last.
The world building. I loved it and it was done perfectly.
You see, while the book is set in out world and in current time, curse working has been there for as long as anyone can remember. It's incorporated into everything: history, politics, law, urban legends and even pop culture. It is done in such a brilliant way that it never seems like this world ever existed without curse work. Magic just fits seamlessly into society, and that's done with the help of little things worked into normal life. Like this part:
I turn on the radio and we sit there listening to it as his stomach gurgles. Another song about being worked by love. Like it’s romantic to be brainwashed.
I loved that! It had me grinning really wide.
Overall, this book was amazing. I do have one complaint but it's nothing big so I don't wanna mention it. I want this review to be all positive when I say that I adored everything about this novel and I highly recommend it. Seriously, go read it. Now.
narcissia's review against another edition
4.0
White Cat is everything that I heard it'd be. It's magical, mysterious, and dangerous. It has an amazing cast of characters and a likable hero in Cassel Sharpe.
Cassel is a loner and his mind is always working like that of a conman, something instilled in him by his mother. He doesn't fit in with his family of curse workers, and he holds himself at a distance from his fellow classmates at school. He keeps the secret that he killed his best friend close to himself and he suffers from the partial memory of it. He's clever. He doesn't fit in, but he doesn't bemoan the fact. He has a dark past. And he knows that he's done bad things. He isn't a bad guy, but he worries that he is. And as things start to get weird, he begins uncovering secrets.
This world in which curse workers exist is not so unlike our own, aside from this one bit of magic. The inclusion of the mobster aspect enhances the curse working and reinforces the sinister potential that those with these abilities possess. Combining the curses and the mafia gives the story an edge and a uniqueness that I can appreciate. The plot moves along steadily, fueled by Cassel's curious struggle to uncover the truth, and the conclusion is satisfying.
If you like urban fantasy, mystery, danger, and magic, then you will probably enjoy White Cat.
Cassel is a loner and his mind is always working like that of a conman, something instilled in him by his mother. He doesn't fit in with his family of curse workers, and he holds himself at a distance from his fellow classmates at school. He keeps the secret that he killed his best friend close to himself and he suffers from the partial memory of it. He's clever. He doesn't fit in, but he doesn't bemoan the fact. He has a dark past. And he knows that he's done bad things. He isn't a bad guy, but he worries that he is. And as things start to get weird, he begins uncovering secrets.
This world in which curse workers exist is not so unlike our own, aside from this one bit of magic. The inclusion of the mobster aspect enhances the curse working and reinforces the sinister potential that those with these abilities possess. Combining the curses and the mafia gives the story an edge and a uniqueness that I can appreciate. The plot moves along steadily, fueled by Cassel's curious struggle to uncover the truth, and the conclusion is satisfying.
If you like urban fantasy, mystery, danger, and magic, then you will probably enjoy White Cat.