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ninetalevixen
3.5 stars
The premise is alluring, but I found the execution just a bit disappointing. RTC.
content warnings:
rep:
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CONVERSION: 10.2 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 7 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 8 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 2 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 4 / 5
The premise is alluring, but I found the execution just a bit disappointing. RTC.
content warnings:
Spoiler
TKrep:
Spoiler
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CONVERSION: 10.2 / 15 = 3.5 stars
Prose: 7 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 8 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 2 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 4 / 5
I received an advance review copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
2.5 stars.
The concept — "cats are hilariously relatable to human introverts" — is solid, and I really enjoyed the derpy cat photos throughout the book. However, the poems were pretty formulaic, especially for free verse: the vast majority relied on parallelism and ended with a punchline "twist", usually riffing on one of maybe five already-overused jokes about cat behavior. The lack of punctuation also made it difficult to tell whether I had reached the end of the poem since ADE only let me view one page at a time, which threw off my reading.
Additionally, knowing that this is supposed to be viewed through a cat's perspective made some of the poems just ... weird? I know people tend to personify pets, but I just have a hard time believing that a cat would really think some of these things.
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CONVERSION: 7.3 / 15 = 2.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: N/A
Emotional Impact: 6 / 10
Development / Flow: 3 / 10
Setting: N/A
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 2 / 5
2.5 stars.
The concept — "cats are hilariously relatable to human introverts" — is solid, and I really enjoyed the derpy cat photos throughout the book. However, the poems were pretty formulaic, especially for free verse: the vast majority relied on parallelism and ended with a punchline "twist", usually riffing on one of maybe five already-overused jokes about cat behavior. The lack of punctuation also made it difficult to tell whether I had reached the end of the poem since ADE only let me view one page at a time, which threw off my reading.
Additionally, knowing that this is supposed to be viewed through a cat's perspective made some of the poems just ... weird? I know people tend to personify pets, but I just have a hard time believing that a cat would really think some of these things.
-----------
CONVERSION: 7.3 / 15 = 2.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: N/A
Emotional Impact: 6 / 10
Development / Flow: 3 / 10
Setting: N/A
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 3 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 2 / 5
Overall, I adore the marginalia: lil jokes and mutual compliments/teasing and doodles. This is almost a mini-masterclass in the art of short story, instructive and illustrative, as well as being an entertaining and engaging anthology.
(Since these stories are so short and so numerous, I decided not to give half-star ratings.)
"The Vampire Box" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Intriguing premise, solid execution. I would've liked a bit more development, but it does work as-is.
"A Murder of Gods" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
As always with Stiefvater stories, incredible worldbuilding and vivid characters — it's complete, but you want more.
"The Power of Intent" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Great premise, interesting themes. But it feels more like an outline than a fully fledged story.
"A History of Love" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Fun and, yes, funny! Great chemistry and group dynamics; love the history/mythology allusions.
"Girls Raised by Wolves" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Hm. Honestly I don't really get it, but there is definitely something to be gotten, and I definitely want to know more.
"Date with a Dragon Slayer" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Rich mythology/worldbuilding, sizzling chemistry, tease of an epic (larger) plot.
"Scheherazade" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
Now THIS is a short story: punchy. twisted. brilliant.
"The Spiral Table" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
A fantastic and definitely original twist; I'm into the bitter (cut by very little sweet), which absolutely works with the prompt.
"The Madness of Lancelot" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
The prose is lovely and atmospheric, but it's a bit more abstract and philosophical than I like, especially for a short story.
"The Wind Takes Our Cries" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
The karmic retribution is brutal and satisfying, but the characters are somewhat overshadowed by the plot.
"Auburn" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
What a retelling. The inspiration is super clear without overplaying its specifics, and the thrill of danger enhances the reading experience.
"The Deadlier of the Species" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
Zombies are my least favorite paranormal creature/trope, but at least this setup is really immersive (pun not intended).
"Puddles" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Holy plot twist Batman. This story contains multitudes.
"The Bone-Tender" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★☆
I LIVE for bullies getting their just desserts.
"Death-Ship" by Tessa Gratton
★★☆☆☆
Some great imagery and atmosphere, but I just didn't really feel this one.
"The Last Day of Spring" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Ouch. Punchy and poignant.
"Cut" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Objectively? Fascinating. Subjectively? I just don't really like it.
"Philosopher's Flight" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Oooooooh, profound and twisty and marvelous.
"Ash-Tree Spell to Break Your Heart" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Lots of familiar elements, somehow combined into something exciting and surprising (though there's nothing new under the sun).
"Rain Maker" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
A fascinating study of human nature through the lens of an alarmingly believable environmental crisis.
"Dumb Supper" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Somehow the mix of (slightly) macabre and mouthwatering really works?
"Neighbors" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
This has a soft kind of sadness: not a gut punch, it creeps up and settles in to stay for a while.
"Council of Youth" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
A promising start with a charismatic cast, but it's more scene than story.
"The Summer Ends in Slaughter" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Haunting. Creepy in a good way. Just not my cup of tea.
"Blue as God" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Love the direct callout of the fairytale parallel; love the imagery and symbolism. Not totally sold on the characters; the worldbuilding/atmosphere is a bit thin.
"Thomas All" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
I want so much more of this.
"Heart-Shaped Box" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★★
+1 for the ending — ouch. Disturbing and tragic and haunting.
"Berserk" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
2 stars for the slightly slow beginning/wind-up; 4 stars for the late-middle and incredible ending.
"Lazarus Girl" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Maybe I'm just not smart enough, but the pieces aren't coming together for me. They're nice pieces though, if "nice" can mean unsettling and ghoulish.
"Another Sun" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
I really like the concept and imagery, but this felt a bit underdeveloped.
(Since these stories are so short and so numerous, I decided not to give half-star ratings.)
"The Vampire Box" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Intriguing premise, solid execution. I would've liked a bit more development, but it does work as-is.
"A Murder of Gods" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
As always with Stiefvater stories, incredible worldbuilding and vivid characters — it's complete, but you want more.
"The Power of Intent" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Great premise, interesting themes. But it feels more like an outline than a fully fledged story.
"A History of Love" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Fun and, yes, funny! Great chemistry and group dynamics; love the history/mythology allusions.
"Girls Raised by Wolves" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Hm. Honestly I don't really get it, but there is definitely something to be gotten, and I definitely want to know more.
"Date with a Dragon Slayer" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Rich mythology/worldbuilding, sizzling chemistry, tease of an epic (larger) plot.
"Scheherazade" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
Now THIS is a short story: punchy. twisted. brilliant.
"The Spiral Table" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
A fantastic and definitely original twist; I'm into the bitter (cut by very little sweet), which absolutely works with the prompt.
"The Madness of Lancelot" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
The prose is lovely and atmospheric, but it's a bit more abstract and philosophical than I like, especially for a short story.
"The Wind Takes Our Cries" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
The karmic retribution is brutal and satisfying, but the characters are somewhat overshadowed by the plot.
"Auburn" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
What a retelling. The inspiration is super clear without overplaying its specifics, and the thrill of danger enhances the reading experience.
"The Deadlier of the Species" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
Zombies are my least favorite paranormal creature/trope, but at least this setup is really immersive (pun not intended).
"Puddles" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Holy plot twist Batman. This story contains multitudes.
"The Bone-Tender" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★☆
I LIVE for bullies getting their just desserts.
"Death-Ship" by Tessa Gratton
★★☆☆☆
Some great imagery and atmosphere, but I just didn't really feel this one.
"The Last Day of Spring" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Ouch. Punchy and poignant.
"Cut" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Objectively? Fascinating. Subjectively? I just don't really like it.
"Philosopher's Flight" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
Oooooooh, profound and twisty and marvelous.
"Ash-Tree Spell to Break Your Heart" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Lots of familiar elements, somehow combined into something exciting and surprising (though there's nothing new under the sun).
"Rain Maker" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★☆
A fascinating study of human nature through the lens of an alarmingly believable environmental crisis.
"Dumb Supper" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
Somehow the mix of (slightly) macabre and mouthwatering really works?
"Neighbors" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★★★
This has a soft kind of sadness: not a gut punch, it creeps up and settles in to stay for a while.
"Council of Youth" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
A promising start with a charismatic cast, but it's more scene than story.
"The Summer Ends in Slaughter" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
Haunting. Creepy in a good way. Just not my cup of tea.
"Blue as God" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★★☆☆
Love the direct callout of the fairytale parallel; love the imagery and symbolism. Not totally sold on the characters; the worldbuilding/atmosphere is a bit thin.
"Thomas All" by Tessa Gratton
★★★★☆
I want so much more of this.
"Heart-Shaped Box" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★★★
+1 for the ending — ouch. Disturbing and tragic and haunting.
"Berserk" by Tessa Gratton
★★★☆☆
2 stars for the slightly slow beginning/wind-up; 4 stars for the late-middle and incredible ending.
"Lazarus Girl" by Brenna Yovanoff
★★☆☆☆
Maybe I'm just not smart enough, but the pieces aren't coming together for me. They're nice pieces though, if "nice" can mean unsettling and ghoulish.
"Another Sun" by Maggie Stiefvater
★★★☆☆
I really like the concept and imagery, but this felt a bit underdeveloped.
I remember being at least somewhat invested in the RomaJuliette relationship, but I just really didn't feel this one? The writing was too flowery, bordering on cheesy, for my taste; that kind of overwhelmed any poignancy I might've otherwise felt.
I received an advance review copy from Andrews McMeel Publishing through Netgalley; all opinions are my own and honest.
content warnings (from the book):
★ 3.5 stars ★
this is classic amanda lovelace: deceptively simple and direct yet poignantly honest, accompanied by lovely illustrations too. unapologetically feminist, with an emphasis on both solidarity and self-actualization; the themes and messages will be familiar if you've read lovelace's other works, but each iteration is framed and/or phrased differently enough to bring different nuances and resonance.
while i would've liked to see the fairytale theme a bit more prominently developed (as it was in [b:break your glass slippers|50934923|break your glass slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale)|Amanda Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580711538l/50934923._SY75_.jpg|71433031]), this is still an enchanting collection with some gentle reminders that most if not all of us need to hear.
content warnings (from the book):
Spoiler
child abuse, toxic relationships, sexual assault, eating disorders, mental illness, self-harm, sexism, suicide, trauma, & possibly more. remember to practice self-care before, during, & after reading.★ 3.5 stars ★
this is classic amanda lovelace: deceptively simple and direct yet poignantly honest, accompanied by lovely illustrations too. unapologetically feminist, with an emphasis on both solidarity and self-actualization; the themes and messages will be familiar if you've read lovelace's other works, but each iteration is framed and/or phrased differently enough to bring different nuances and resonance.
while i would've liked to see the fairytale theme a bit more prominently developed (as it was in [b:break your glass slippers|50934923|break your glass slippers (You Are Your Own Fairy Tale)|Amanda Lovelace|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580711538l/50934923._SY75_.jpg|71433031]), this is still an enchanting collection with some gentle reminders that most if not all of us need to hear.