11. White Cat

White Cat by Holly Black

Review: Black is widely known for her Spiderwick Chronicles. She is notaries for twisted plot lines and changing the meaning of words. Her books often take place in a world much like our own with facts altered and magic introduced. White Cat is no exception to this unique style. An aspect I like about Black’s work, I never know what to expect.

It takes place in the modern world with a catch, less than half the population is cursed with powers like controlling emotions, erase or create memories, transformations or in rare cases... death. The society has adapted to the situation by wearing gloves, as the magic is triggered by the touch of bare skin. Removing ones gloves is equal to holding a loaded gun in daylight. The use of magic is illegal.

As a result this minority is associated with criminals and considered the Mafia, some even become con-artist. A tragic incident from Cassel’s past causes him to question his family’s involvement with the Mafia. However, it is hard to determine if one has been ‘worked’ when the possibility of erasing memories is a reality. This plot was different from many books I have read. The story caught my interest and the writing kept me captivated.

In White Cat the word which Black chose to shift was work. In this world individuals involved with the Mafia are considered cursed workers. They make money by working the non-cursed population. This repositioning of the word work was one of my favorite parts. I adored the idea of certain individuals possessing these powers. Combined with the realistic setting, it seemed possible for these abilities to exist outside Cassel’s world.

Though I have yet to read the Spiderwick Chronicles, I read Black’s Modern Faeries Tale series for young adults. I was not expecting this unique and twisted story from Black after being disappointed with Tithe but White Cat blew me away. I enjoyed it from start to finish. From the story, to the characters, to the dynamic twists, to the uniquely realistic world, I was entranced. I greatly enjoyed this new series that Black delivered. I look forward to reading more about Cassel and his future plans in the books to come.

<3 Kitty

1. The Demon's Lexicon

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Series: Yes
Status: 2 - ongoing
Genre: Young Adult
Tags: Demons, Magic, Irish Folklore, Twisty
Website

Summary:
Nick and his brother, Alan, have spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole - a charm that keeps her alive - and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase... and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is desperate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Review:
Brennan weaves a world filled with magicians and demons that lead the reader down twisted paths with surprises at every turn. The story has a RPG feel as the characters beginning to assemble and set out on their goal. Her metaphorical language keeps the reader entranced in the world, and the pages turning vigorously. Brennan creates a whole new world beneath our eyes and that can only been seen by those who know how to look. Brennan also draws her Irish heritage into the books by the way she designs spells, symbols, charms and the parameters for the magicians. Which bring a new look feel on old methods to the book.

I fell in love with this story the moment I read the first page. There was action starting from the beginning and didn't stop. The characters were dynamic and I could identify with them which is nice when reading a story. I found the plot unpredictable which left me surpirsed and hungry for more at the end. This is a pleasing factor for me since I can normally predict the outcome or what's going to happen next. Brennan kept me on my toes and I felt starved when I wasn't reading, which made the ending satisfying. I'm most excited for the sequel coming out spring 2010. I can't wait to read more about Nick's adventures.

Overview:
Story: 10/10
Characters: 8/10
Setting: 9/10
Language: 10/10
Overall: 9/10 A

~ Kitty