On Audiobooks and a review: White Cat by Holly Black

On Audiobooks...

I listened to my first audiobook! I'd tried it in the past but found that I either tuned out or wanted to fast-forward through the weighty descriptions. I can't remember which book it was, but it wasn't the right book for my to be listening to on audiobook, clearly.

When I heard that Jesse Eisenberg had narrated White Cat, I downloaded it from my library to give it a try. I'd just seen Social Network and thought Jesse's performance was amazing. After poking around and watching interviews with him I am now completely charmed! Anyway, since White Cat was on my TBR list anyway, I gave it a try.

At first I admit that I did have trouble concentrating and kept tuning out (luckily I had read the first few chapters before so it didn't matter). When I did get into it though, I really enjoyed it. I was able to do dishes and read! I was able to sew and read! It was fantastic and Jesse's narration was perfect too.

The downside of course is that it takes so much longer to listen to an audiobook than it does to read, at least for me. On a Saturday when I was doing chores anyway though it was perfect.

Now for my review of White Cat...

White Cat by Holly Black - 4/5 stars

Holly Black said in an interview, that she was trying to think of a different system of magic. The 'apprentice' style had been done and the academic or school model had been done so she modeled the system of magic in her novel after organized crime. It works better than you'd expect and injects a new level of danger into the world.

It took me a little while to get my head around this style of curse working - that it's illegal to 'work' someone and the poltiics of the different crime families but once I did I really enjoyed the novel.

White Cat has mystery, intrigue, black market magic and a thoroughly charming narrator. Of course Cassel is a con man so it's no surprise that he's so charming.

I also really loved the family dynamics of White Cat. They're complicated and messy and never easy which of course just adds to the drama and mystery.

Overall, once I warmed to White Cat, I really enjoyed it. Holly Black is a master of her craft and she really shines in White Cat.

Definitely recommended to those who love a good con or want some magic with a twist.

(reviewed from an e-audio copy downloaded from my library)

Review of Red Glove to come Thursday!