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lolasreviews's review against another edition
3.0
This sounded like such a cute romance story and I liked the sound of the premise, so I bought a copy of this one. I am glad I got around to reading it, it was a fun and cute story. I have a bit of mixed feelings about this one, parts of it were really good, but other parts didn't quite work for me.
The Curse of the Black Cat is a story that mostly feels like a contemporary read, but there's a big paranormal twist namely the curse. So it's a bit hard to really categorize this one. The story starts when Prince Alrik has to marry a girl, but after kissing one he feels nothing. As he goes to the local witch for help they curse him to spend his life as an immortal cat until he learns to love himself. After a few chapters showing how Alrik does through the ages most of the book takes place in modern day New York were the cat grows close to chef Yuuki.
After the first two chapters I was almost ready to give up on this book. The start was 2 chapters full of telling, telling us al the backstory of Alrik, how be became a cat and how she spend his life since then. It didn't grab my attention and as there was so little showing and emotions it was hard to get into the story. Once in New York the real storyline seemed to begin and the book got a lot better after that. Then toward the end there was a twist I didn't care for and the wrap up felt anti climactic and a bit too easy after all the time Alrik had spend as a cat.
So while the beginning and ending didn't work for me I did actually really enjoyed most of the story between those parts. I liked how the author wrote Alrik as a cat and how he was a typical cat in some ways, but also still Alrik and sentient, which made for some interesting situations. Some of my favorite scenes where seeing how Yuuki took care of Alrik. Yuuki really grew to like the cat and I liked seeing their bond even with Yuuki not knowing his cat was actually a human. And it was touching to see how their relationship grew even without them being able to communicate much.
I am sad to say that I actually liked their relationship as cat and human more than as human and human. It was hard to feel the romance as that part gets condensed into a small part. Also due to the set up and how Alrik knew Yuuki already, but not the other way around, the romance felt a bit rushed on Yuuki's side. There was a hint of drama at the end, which didn't work for me and then it all got wrapped up almost too easily. I also would've liked to see an actual epilogue instead of just hearing they lived happily ever after.
While we're able to get an idea for the emotions and feelings of the character by how they act, at times I would've liked a bit more. The point of view feels kinda distant at times and I think a closer point of view might've worked better to show Alrik's change as now that felt kinda sudden. I also felt that some of the messages are more for the reader than the characters as I didn't realy feel like they realized some of the things.
The fantasy/ paranormal aspect is pretty big in some ways and minor in others. Once Alrik gets cursed he mostly is a sentient cat and there isn't much magic around except for the curse which got him into that form. There is a bit more magic later in the book, but it's pretty minor.
To summarize: this was a cute story. I liked the premise with prince Alrik being stuck as a cat. The beginning was hard to get into for me as it was mostly telling instead of showing to get an overview of Alrik's life for centuries. Once he arrives in New York and the time speeds up mostly disappear it got a lot better. There are some great scenes between Alrik and Yuuki and I liked seeing how Yuuki took such good care of him as a cat. I actually liked their relationship as cat and human more than when they finally meet as two humans. I didn't like a certain twist toward the end and parts felt a bit rushed to me and I didn't fully feel the romance. It also felt a bit too easy how something got resolved and the ending felt a bit abrupt. All in all I had fun reading this one, although the start and beginning didn't really work for me.
The Curse of the Black Cat is a story that mostly feels like a contemporary read, but there's a big paranormal twist namely the curse. So it's a bit hard to really categorize this one. The story starts when Prince Alrik has to marry a girl, but after kissing one he feels nothing. As he goes to the local witch for help they curse him to spend his life as an immortal cat until he learns to love himself. After a few chapters showing how Alrik does through the ages most of the book takes place in modern day New York were the cat grows close to chef Yuuki.
After the first two chapters I was almost ready to give up on this book. The start was 2 chapters full of telling, telling us al the backstory of Alrik, how be became a cat and how she spend his life since then. It didn't grab my attention and as there was so little showing and emotions it was hard to get into the story. Once in New York the real storyline seemed to begin and the book got a lot better after that. Then toward the end there was a twist I didn't care for and the wrap up felt anti climactic and a bit too easy after all the time Alrik had spend as a cat.
So while the beginning and ending didn't work for me I did actually really enjoyed most of the story between those parts. I liked how the author wrote Alrik as a cat and how he was a typical cat in some ways, but also still Alrik and sentient, which made for some interesting situations. Some of my favorite scenes where seeing how Yuuki took care of Alrik. Yuuki really grew to like the cat and I liked seeing their bond even with Yuuki not knowing his cat was actually a human. And it was touching to see how their relationship grew even without them being able to communicate much.
I am sad to say that I actually liked their relationship as cat and human more than as human and human. It was hard to feel the romance as that part gets condensed into a small part. Also due to the set up and how Alrik knew Yuuki already, but not the other way around, the romance felt a bit rushed on Yuuki's side. There was a hint of drama at the end, which didn't work for me and then it all got wrapped up almost too easily. I also would've liked to see an actual epilogue instead of just hearing they lived happily ever after.
While we're able to get an idea for the emotions and feelings of the character by how they act, at times I would've liked a bit more. The point of view feels kinda distant at times and I think a closer point of view might've worked better to show Alrik's change as now that felt kinda sudden. I also felt that some of the messages are more for the reader than the characters as I didn't realy feel like they realized some of the things.
The fantasy/ paranormal aspect is pretty big in some ways and minor in others. Once Alrik gets cursed he mostly is a sentient cat and there isn't much magic around except for the curse which got him into that form. There is a bit more magic later in the book, but it's pretty minor.
To summarize: this was a cute story. I liked the premise with prince Alrik being stuck as a cat. The beginning was hard to get into for me as it was mostly telling instead of showing to get an overview of Alrik's life for centuries. Once he arrives in New York and the time speeds up mostly disappear it got a lot better. There are some great scenes between Alrik and Yuuki and I liked seeing how Yuuki took such good care of him as a cat. I actually liked their relationship as cat and human more than when they finally meet as two humans. I didn't like a certain twist toward the end and parts felt a bit rushed to me and I didn't fully feel the romance. It also felt a bit too easy how something got resolved and the ending felt a bit abrupt. All in all I had fun reading this one, although the start and beginning didn't really work for me.
booksavvyreviews's review against another edition
5.0
This was the perfect afternoon read.
Adorable and heartwarming! Wilham created a warm fuzzy read with an effortless voice. But more than that, an important message in this short story, which is be true to yourself no matter what.
Alrik is a self-loathing individual who must learn an important lesson: love himself. It's just taking a few centuries to do that! He's a complex character, and although the novella centers around him, it's Yuuki who truly steals the spotlight. He compliments Alrik in every way and he's the one who makes the story warm and fuzzy!
And every fantasy story needs a guide, which falls on Gwydion, a positively wonderful witch. They're both sassy and have a heart of gold. For fans of Reverie by Ryan La Sala!
Adorable and heartwarming! Wilham created a warm fuzzy read with an effortless voice. But more than that, an important message in this short story, which is be true to yourself no matter what.
Alrik is a self-loathing individual who must learn an important lesson: love himself. It's just taking a few centuries to do that! He's a complex character, and although the novella centers around him, it's Yuuki who truly steals the spotlight. He compliments Alrik in every way and he's the one who makes the story warm and fuzzy!
And every fantasy story needs a guide, which falls on Gwydion, a positively wonderful witch. They're both sassy and have a heart of gold. For fans of Reverie by Ryan La Sala!
juchan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It is such a cute little romance story. Love it and love rereading it when I need some happy little romantic fairy tail.
zabeishumanish's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Absolutely adorable.
nancyotoole's review against another edition
5.0
Eighteen-year-old Prince Alrik is expected to wed a princess, but he doesn’t like girls. When even the most beautiful of royals doesn’t stir him, he seeks out help from the Witch Gwydion. Now under a curse, Alrik will spend hundreds of years as a black cat. Can he truly learn to love himself and break the spell?
I was really caught off guard by how much I enjoyed The Curse of the Black Cat. While I was just looking for a fast, fun read (which this is), I ended up really falling in love with the story and its characters. The book has a charming, fairy-tale like appeal to it, mixed with a modern-day M/M romance. It was so easy to route for Alrik and Yuuki, the ramen chef he falls for, and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see their HEA. It’s funny, there is a scene in the book where the two of them sit down and watch anime, and reading this novella felt a lot like watching a cute, wholesome, anime series.
If you’re looking for a sweet mixture of love and magic, then The Curse of the Black Cat is a perfect choice. Bonus points if you’re a fan of cats!
I was really caught off guard by how much I enjoyed The Curse of the Black Cat. While I was just looking for a fast, fun read (which this is), I ended up really falling in love with the story and its characters. The book has a charming, fairy-tale like appeal to it, mixed with a modern-day M/M romance. It was so easy to route for Alrik and Yuuki, the ramen chef he falls for, and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see their HEA. It’s funny, there is a scene in the book where the two of them sit down and watch anime, and reading this novella felt a lot like watching a cute, wholesome, anime series.
If you’re looking for a sweet mixture of love and magic, then The Curse of the Black Cat is a perfect choice. Bonus points if you’re a fan of cats!
efrady's review against another edition
5.0
This book was everything I wanted it to be! So positive and so sweet. I finished it in one sitting. If you want something quick that fills you with joy this is the book for you.
We follow Prince Alrik of Edan who finds himself pushed into marrying a lovely princess. Unfortunately, for her, their first kiss sends Alrik running for the hills, literally. Poor Alrik struggles for his feelings for men and his desire to do the right thing for his kingdom so he asks a witch to make him straight. They refuse and curse the prince to save him from himself.
So Alrik spends hundreds of years as a cat meeting good people and bad. Building walls around his heart and never even thinking about his pain, until Yuuki.
This book is so short I don't want to spoil any of it so I'll try to be brief. This was a modern fairytale with some serious, heavy hitting issues coated in a generous layer of sugar. Every moment that could have been dark or harsh was met with such positivity, love, and acceptance that it never felt heavy. It was like the kind of hug your best friend gives when they see the hurt inside of you without you having to say anything.
The characters were well written. I loved them (even the bad guy) because they all were well rounded people with real motivations and feelings. The magic was applied perfectly, in the right quantity. I loved Alrik's perspective as a cat. If this book was just about a lost kitty finding his forever home it would be perfect but that's just a fraction of what Lou Wilham tucked into this beautiful little novel.
If I had any grips I guess even though the ending was perfect the very end felt a tiny bit fast. I wanted to spend a little more time in those moments feeling the feels but that's just me being super picky. I recommend this to everyone because everyone needs to know that they are loved and accepted. And no matter what: Love yourself!
We follow Prince Alrik of Edan who finds himself pushed into marrying a lovely princess. Unfortunately, for her, their first kiss sends Alrik running for the hills, literally. Poor Alrik struggles for his feelings for men and his desire to do the right thing for his kingdom so he asks a witch to make him straight. They refuse and curse the prince to save him from himself.
“I did what I always do—precisely what you needed, my dear prince. A cat you are now, and a cat, you shall stay until you can learn to love yourself.”
So Alrik spends hundreds of years as a cat meeting good people and bad. Building walls around his heart and never even thinking about his pain, until Yuuki.
This book is so short I don't want to spoil any of it so I'll try to be brief. This was a modern fairytale with some serious, heavy hitting issues coated in a generous layer of sugar. Every moment that could have been dark or harsh was met with such positivity, love, and acceptance that it never felt heavy. It was like the kind of hug your best friend gives when they see the hurt inside of you without you having to say anything.
The characters were well written. I loved them (even the bad guy) because they all were well rounded people with real motivations and feelings. The magic was applied perfectly, in the right quantity. I loved Alrik's perspective as a cat. If this book was just about a lost kitty finding his forever home it would be perfect but that's just a fraction of what Lou Wilham tucked into this beautiful little novel.
If I had any grips I guess even though the ending was perfect the very end felt a tiny bit fast. I wanted to spend a little more time in those moments feeling the feels but that's just me being super picky. I recommend this to everyone because everyone needs to know that they are loved and accepted. And no matter what: Love yourself!
crunden's review against another edition
3.0
This is an inherently sweet spin on the classic fairy tale. Prince Alrik of Edan is set to marry Princess Amriah, whom he doesn't, and can't, love. Cos, you know, he fancies the pants off Filip, his valet. He tries to play along and give Amriah a chance, but he can't. He feels nothing for her. Filled with fear of his secret being discovered, Alrik seeks out the witch Gwydion, for help: he wants to be 'cured'. :( It's a very sad moment, but rather than take advantage of him, Gwydion tells him there's nothing wrong with him: I'm afraid there is no cure for such a thing, dear prince. We love who we love, and that is the end of that. No magic can change it, not even mine. Nor would I want it to. I really liked her! She's such a kind person.
Unfortunately, Alrik doesn't take this well and Gwydion turns him into a cat. And she can't change him back cos magic doesn't work like that. A cat you are now, and a cat you shall stay until you can learn to love yourself. It's an interesting twist to say the least. In addition to being a cat, he's now immortal. With no way back to his life as a prince, Alrik watches the world pass him by while trapped as a cat. He travels around, seeking out witches, but to no avail.
One day, centuries later, Alrik finds himself in New York, at a Japanese restaurant. He starts to fall in love with both the food and the chef, Yuuki. Very soon, Yuuki begins taking care of Alrik, and dubs the cat 'Prince'. ADORBS.
What follows is a very sweet, fluffy *pun totally intended* romance. If you're a fan of adorable fantasy tales, this one is totally for you (⌒▽⌒)
Unfortunately, Alrik doesn't take this well and Gwydion turns him into a cat. And she can't change him back cos magic doesn't work like that. A cat you are now, and a cat you shall stay until you can learn to love yourself. It's an interesting twist to say the least. In addition to being a cat, he's now immortal. With no way back to his life as a prince, Alrik watches the world pass him by while trapped as a cat. He travels around, seeking out witches, but to no avail.
One day, centuries later, Alrik finds himself in New York, at a Japanese restaurant. He starts to fall in love with both the food and the chef, Yuuki. Very soon, Yuuki begins taking care of Alrik, and dubs the cat 'Prince'. ADORBS.
What follows is a very sweet, fluffy *pun totally intended* romance. If you're a fan of adorable fantasy tales, this one is totally for you (⌒▽⌒)
whit2ney's review against another edition
5.0
You ought to know that I love a good fairy tale. I love original stories, retellings, whatever I can get my hands on. If I had to pick my favorite trope, it’s things working out thanks to a little bit of magic.
I could see a little bit of Beauty and the Beast here–one character turned into something non-human in order to learn self-acceptance. Every character goes through some growth on accepting who they are so they can become their best selves.
I also loved the LGBTQTIA+ representation. As a straight reader, I’m always looking for representation as a way to expand my library. I feel like the cover possibly gives it away, but the romance is truly charming and you can’t help but root for the grumpy cat.
This tale seems to be appropriate and entertaining for readers of all ages. If you’re looking for diverse characters, some thoughts on mental health, and a friendship to romance plot, then I think you’ll enjoy this story, too.
I could see a little bit of Beauty and the Beast here–one character turned into something non-human in order to learn self-acceptance. Every character goes through some growth on accepting who they are so they can become their best selves.
I also loved the LGBTQTIA+ representation. As a straight reader, I’m always looking for representation as a way to expand my library. I feel like the cover possibly gives it away, but the romance is truly charming and you can’t help but root for the grumpy cat.
This tale seems to be appropriate and entertaining for readers of all ages. If you’re looking for diverse characters, some thoughts on mental health, and a friendship to romance plot, then I think you’ll enjoy this story, too.
fernbell's review against another edition
4.0
Alrik is a kindly prince who has a problem. He is ashamed of who he likes as he realizes that he likes men over women. In the time he was born he couldn’t accept himself or even like himself for this. So this starts the whole cute story. I liked how they show that with the time that go past that he learns about himself and other people. Now some of that isn’t good stuff and he doesn’t have an easy time of it. Yet i think when it comes to the next part it helps him to step up to the plate. I also like how we see things from a cat perspective. Yuuki helps Alrik out as cat and Alrik gets a glimpse of Yuuki life and what happens to him. From there the story unfolds that we get to touch in the life of both of them. The story flows well and makes you feel connected to the characters. Loved the witch in this and how they handle things. It was a fun, quick read. I would read more by this author as i enjoyed this book. I did receive a copy of this book for an honest review.
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