Kater Cheek

Introduction

When I was offered the chance to review this book, the first in the Kit Melbourne series, not only was I thrilled but it would be nearly a euphemism to say I jumped on it. An urban fantasy with a strong young woman with an intriguing, magical plot, a promise of action and a pretty good time?

How could I say no?

*I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Kater Cheek!*

The Positive Sides

Oh my God, the introduction! The very first sentence is intriguing, gripping, and full of mystery. That’s the first thing I notice (besides the gorgeous and colourful cover, that is)! The writing is smooth, entertaining, light, and funny but honest and dark at moments. I really enjoyed reading this book—it’s like a nice breeze on a warm summer day. As for the dialogues, they hit me as natural with the real expressions we use to tell things and it flows. It’s rather lovely and engaging.

Moreover, I love Kitley’s honest, friendly, and sassy voice. She injects jokes and cynicism here and there, which are loads of fun to read. Plus, I find entertaining how Kit isn’t always honest because she’s desperate for money as she’s broke. She might not be morally ambiguous, but sometimes she’ll take advantage of others or situations so she can have nice things, you know? Like food, for example. It was different from what I’m used to reading (and sick of as well!), but so refreshing! I really love the main character’s flaws and I can relate to her better. In addition to this, the way the subplots are all there, pushing the main plot is fantastic. This book reads so well!

As for the bindi, the magic jewel, I love how the things Kitley sees with it increase in intensity and clarity. It makes for good twists and turns that made me laugh and smile a few times. I also love that the author, Kater Cheek, uses creatures from foreign folklore like Kappa and Rusalka, which adds a nice diversity to the supernatural. She even explains why there are creatures from folklore and how come they’re here if they’re from overseas and frankly that was priceless. We’d all ask that and the way it was answered made me laugh in a beautiful way: I giggle snorted. Fabulous!

May I add something? I took this note in my Kobo, directing it personally to Kitley, the main character: “Omg gurl! You’re so oblivious to Fenwick! I ship them!” Isn’t that beautiful?! Come on, it’s sweet. I wanted to throw this note at Kitley’s head so bad, but alas. The romance really drew me in with so many feels and I’m not one for romance in stories. But it was very well laid out with a sad starting point I can relate to too well: too many bad heartbreaks and unrequited love.

Truthfully, I haven’t been this invested in a book and characters for a long, long while. Precisely a year, when my grandparents became ill and my grandma died. So this book is definitely a breath of fresh air—much needed in my case. And I am thankful for it. It made me smile, laugh, and anticipate the reading.

The Negative Sides

The only thing about this book is its middle. It’s not sluggish per se, since most of the subplots come together (and it’s brilliant!), but it was at a slower pace than what I prefer. I’m not taking any star off because of it, it’s more of a personal preference, yet I figured it was worth mentioning. Let’s move on!

In Conclusion

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for the refreshing heroine, the gripping story, the pleasure I had looking forward to reading it, and the way I continuously thought about the story and its characters—even when I wasn’t reading! It gave me something to look forward to in a hard time, and I am grateful. The author also gave us a thrilling action-filled fantasy book with tastes for everyone, in my opinion. Finally, I loved it so much I am going to purchase the paperback version to place much lovingly into my “favourite books” bookshelf. I recommend it to those who love action, fantasy, different heroines (and quite strong!), and a touch of romance.

What are you waiting for? Go on and read Witch’s Jewel to find out what Kitley’s going to do with the bindi… and what happens to her.… (plus d'informations)

I really loved the idea: A Susan in an alternate universe makes a wish that she could go to an alternate reality where her siblings were still alive, and she got her wish. Her story is done. However, in order for her to go to that alternate universe, *that* universe's Susan had to come to a universe where her siblings are dead and her mother is missing. In this universe, magic is commonplace, if sometimes untrusted, and Susan is a wizard of sorts with some pretty impressive powers. Unfortunately, the Susan who arrived here doesn't actually know any of that magic, and she must learn pretty darn quickly in order to survive, not to mention find her mom and figure out how to get back to her own universe.

But for me, I think the writing was just okay. I felt like there were a lot of cozy-mystery cliches in a story that really shouldn't have needed any, and the characters largely fell a little flat for me. It seemed that they were only present and either very very helpful or very very unhelpful whenever it was convenient for them to be, and they stayed away whenever they weren't the point of the plot. But it didn't feel very organic at all. Like, Susan's best friend was a very hands off roommate, especially for someone who supposedly knows the truth about which Susan is where, and she's particularly unhelpful with everything. This is sort of explained in a passing I-like-that-she's-not-nosy comment, but it didn't feel genuine. Moreover, their friendship seemed unlikely since the best friend was apparently kind of saint-like whereas mage-Susan seems like a not good or kind person. I don't know, it all just felt very forced.

But still, I read it quickly and I really liked the creative plots and subplots. So overall, THREE of five stars. I'd recommend as something new to pass the time to people who are fans of fantasy and the occult.… (plus d'informations)