The Dead Cat Tail Assassins are not cats.
Nor do they have tails.
But they are most assuredly dead.
Eveen the Eviscerator is skilled, discreet, professional, and here for your most pressing needs in the ancient city of Tal Abisi. Her guild is strong, her blades are sharp, and her rules are simple. Those sworn to the Matron of Assassins?resurrected, deadly, wiped of their memories?have only three unbreakable vows.
First, the contract must be just. That’s above Eveen’s pay grade.
Second, even the most powerful assassin may only kill the contracted. Eveen’s a professional. She’s never missed her mark.
The third and the simplest: once you accept a job, you must carry it out. And if you stray? A ?nal death would be a mercy. When the Festival of the Clockwork King turns the city upside down, Eveen’s newest mission brings her face-to-face with a past she isn’t supposed to remember and a vow she can’t forget.
Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djélí Clark is a quick yet captivating read that packs a punch with its world-building and immersive descriptions.
Despite its shorter length, the author does an excellent job of crafting a world that feels rich and three-dimensional, thanks to haptic descriptions that go beyond mere visuals. These small details really brought the setting to life, making it feel tactile and lived-in.
“She did it for love. And it saved Tal Abisi. Now she’s the city’s patron saint.” “Love? More like caught between a conniving pirate and a megalomaniac.” Fennis gestured at her. “Yet here you are dressed as the Pirate Princess yourself.” Eveen tugged at the gold buttons of her jacket, pulling the white shirt beneath just past the cuffs. “I keep with the fashion.”
It took me about halfway through to really connect with the main characters, but once I did, I was invested.
One of the standout elements of this book for me was the side characters. The other assassins added a lot of color to the story, and I found myself enjoying their presence just as much, if not more, than the two main characters. Their personalities and snark really helped keep things lively.
Speaking of banter, the dialogue is playful, sharp, at times dark and sarcastic and made for some genuinely fun moments.
“The girl read it and frowned. “The Dead Cat Tails? Those words don’t make any sense.” “I know right,” Eveen agreed. “Is it the whole cat that’s dead? Or just the tails?”
In terms of action, the pacing is quick, and the action sequences are easy to follow, keeping you on your toes without bogging you down in unnecessary complexity.
The writing itself is superb, polished and well-crafted, making for an enjoyable reading experience throughout.
Overall, Dead Cat Tail Assassins is an engaging read with a unique world, entertaining characters, and enough action to keep you hooked. It may take a little time to truly connect with the characters, but the journey is well worth it in my personal opinion.
Great review!