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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.
reader4evr's review against another edition
3.0
Another book I had high hopes for but just thought it was ok. Cassel was kind of a jerk but you can tell he doesn't have the greatest roles models in his life (brothers that are jerks, mothers in jail, etc). I know this is the first book in a new series by Holly Black but I don't think I will read on.
smolcrown's review against another edition
2.0
Spoiler
I really enjoyed this story overall. I felt that even though the main character isn't really a great guy, you still end up rooting for him and that speaks to the author's abilities with character development and building but the ending left a really sour taste in my mouth. I wish it had ended in any other way.ec_newman's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Holly Black has always been a hit or miss for me as she likes to go really dark, but this was much more original than any YA paranormal I've read in a long while and it sucked me in. I read it in a few days and it's been forever since I've been sucked in by a book. So yes, read it. Can't wait for the next one.
mjai13's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
elfbread's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t think there was anything bad with this book, but for some reason, I just wasn’t as into this book as I normally am with Holly Black’s books. I think I’m just a little burned out, so I’ll be taking a break from her work for a bit.
It was strange to read a book from Holly that didn’t have Fae, but this did have magic so that was close enough for me!
It was strange to read a book from Holly that didn’t have Fae, but this did have magic so that was close enough for me!
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the idea of Curse Workers, very original. I didn't particularly like Jesse Eisenberg as the narrator because I kept thinking Cassel looked like him instead of the black haired guy on the cover. But I slowly got used to his voice and found myself being sucked into the story. I'm intrigued to know where this story is going to go next.
stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
This was my third Holly Black book, and the second one I was able to finish. Out of the ones I've read, White cat is definitely my favorite. It has a certain darkness and humor to it that made it unique and entertaining. The main character Cassel is surprisingly relatable and I found myself growing slightly attached to him. There's also a refreshing, although a little hard to grasp, magic system, a mysterious childhood friend and potential love interest, as well as clever plot twists. I can't wait to see where the story will go in the later books!
This is a great example and reminder that you should give an author a second chance once in a while.
This was my third Holly Black book, and the second one I was able to finish. Out of the ones I've read, White cat is definitely my favorite. It has a certain darkness and humor to it that made it unique and entertaining. The main character Cassel is surprisingly relatable and I found myself growing slightly attached to him. There's also a refreshing, although a little hard to grasp, magic system, a mysterious childhood friend and potential love interest, as well as clever plot twists. I can't wait to see where the story will go in the later books!
This is a great example and reminder that you should give an author a second chance once in a while.
drymming's review against another edition
4.0
What i like: the friendship between Sam, Daneca, and Cassel. I liked the plot twists, the scheming and the plotting. Very *cruel prince* vibes. I like that the setting is clear and the writing is beautiful. Cassel is an interesting male protagonist who i didn't find annoying as hell.
What i don't like: the love triangle, and the bad sibling relations.
What i don't like: the love triangle, and the bad sibling relations.