shai3d's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
racham1123's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
2.0
Ok, let me explain myself...
I have this book and the actual first book in the series in my possession currently. From what I can tell this novella (actually 4.5 in the series) is one of maybe 2? novellas written in the cat's POV. But, it looks like all the other novels are from the wizard, Lily's POV.
I was intrigued first with the novella because of the POV. From what I can tell you don't really need to have read the others for this book to make since. 🤷🏻♀️ I also thought if I read the series opener first and didn't like it, there would be a slim chance I'd give the novella a chance. And, the novella - remember- was who I was really after.
So I did this first and eh, it was okay.
HOLD ON.
I thought the cat POV of Sir Edgar Allan Kipling was wonderful. I loved the way he described cats vs dogs and their complexes and tendencies. I thought Sir Kipling pawing glowing letters from a word bank to make sentences to a wizard he didn't belong to was adorable and his dialect was humorous. It's lovely.
But it wasn't much of a story, and I know it was a novella. I know that's the whole point, but it just wasn't a very 'on the edge of my seat' short story. I actually took a cat nap, with my cat, half way through the book. I did really like Sir Kipling, however, I'm now worried that he might not be as main a character as I hope he is in the actual story line. *paws crossed*
So, yeah, it was just okay for me. Not exactly a bad okay though, okay?
Now you can resume hating this review. K, thanks.
I have this book and the actual first book in the series in my possession currently. From what I can tell this novella (actually 4.5 in the series) is one of maybe 2? novellas written in the cat's POV. But, it looks like all the other novels are from the wizard, Lily's POV.
I was intrigued first with the novella because of the POV. From what I can tell you don't really need to have read the others for this book to make since. 🤷🏻♀️ I also thought if I read the series opener first and didn't like it, there would be a slim chance I'd give the novella a chance. And, the novella - remember- was who I was really after.
So I did this first and eh, it was okay.
HOLD ON.
I thought the cat POV of Sir Edgar Allan Kipling was wonderful. I loved the way he described cats vs dogs and their complexes and tendencies. I thought Sir Kipling pawing glowing letters from a word bank to make sentences to a wizard he didn't belong to was adorable and his dialect was humorous. It's lovely.
But it wasn't much of a story, and I know it was a novella. I know that's the whole point, but it just wasn't a very 'on the edge of my seat' short story. I actually took a cat nap, with my cat, half way through the book. I did really like Sir Kipling, however, I'm now worried that he might not be as main a character as I hope he is in the actual story line. *paws crossed*
So, yeah, it was just okay for me. Not exactly a bad okay though, okay?
Now you can resume hating this review. K, thanks.
sjwheeler's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a cute read.
beanqueen2019's review
5.0
better than the original stories if you ask me! the cat is a way more fun narrator and it was a cute little adventure. made me want to read the rest of the series.
paperbacksandpinot's review
5.0
Cat Magic is a beautiful yet all too brief return to the Lily Singer world. If you ever wondered what Sir Kipling gets up to when Lily is not around then this is the book for you!
It’s the same intelligent writing style as the main series but a little extra vocabulary and snark, as befitting a cat of Sir Kipling’s standing. His voice as the main contender is more than able to carry a book of his own. The story itself involves his adventures in McCain Library whilst Lily and Sebastian are out of town, and when Kip’s “Cat Magic” alerts him to things being amiss, he must investigate! If you wanted to know how Kip gets into the places he does, Cat Magic will give you all the answers.
As well as being a great piece, it also moves the main story forward, we have a frightening new big bad and a curious new guardian. There is also a sense that there are more things going on in the basement than Lily and Madame Barrington are letting on. It certainly lays a nice foundation for the way forward. Kips use of language in this one is brilliant, I love the fact that he says “for catnip’s sake” when he’s frustrated and his referral to the basement as the room of 1000 mischiefs. I also think every cat owner can attest to his prescription of Purr Therapy.
It is however, a read tinged with a little sadness as Lydia Sherrer recently announced the sad passing of her beloved cat who inspired Sir Kipling’s many adventures. It’s an extraordinary legacy that he has left though.
Cat Magic is a fantastic and exciting short read and a must for fans of the series, i’m also left wondering just how much Lily’s assistant Penny really knows….
It’s the same intelligent writing style as the main series but a little extra vocabulary and snark, as befitting a cat of Sir Kipling’s standing. His voice as the main contender is more than able to carry a book of his own. The story itself involves his adventures in McCain Library whilst Lily and Sebastian are out of town, and when Kip’s “Cat Magic” alerts him to things being amiss, he must investigate! If you wanted to know how Kip gets into the places he does, Cat Magic will give you all the answers.
As well as being a great piece, it also moves the main story forward, we have a frightening new big bad and a curious new guardian. There is also a sense that there are more things going on in the basement than Lily and Madame Barrington are letting on. It certainly lays a nice foundation for the way forward. Kips use of language in this one is brilliant, I love the fact that he says “for catnip’s sake” when he’s frustrated and his referral to the basement as the room of 1000 mischiefs. I also think every cat owner can attest to his prescription of Purr Therapy.
It is however, a read tinged with a little sadness as Lydia Sherrer recently announced the sad passing of her beloved cat who inspired Sir Kipling’s many adventures. It’s an extraordinary legacy that he has left though.
Cat Magic is a fantastic and exciting short read and a must for fans of the series, i’m also left wondering just how much Lily’s assistant Penny really knows….
marsenault13's review
4.0
Just delightful. I came upon this book for an unfortunate reason, the author has offered this book up for free across Amazon because her beloved cat has passed.
The story is like listening to one of my own cats' internal monologues, the exact way i would imagine they would think.
The story is concise, actiony, and exciting. It reads very quickly because you want to turn that page. I am excited to look for rest of this series.
The story is like listening to one of my own cats' internal monologues, the exact way i would imagine they would think.
The story is concise, actiony, and exciting. It reads very quickly because you want to turn that page. I am excited to look for rest of this series.
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