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119th out of 272 books
—
511 voters
The Shadow Cats (Fire and Thorns 0.5)
by
Rae Carson (Goodreads Author)
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. And it was not Alodia.
Alodia is the crown princess of the realm. The sister who knows how to rule, and the one who is constantly reminded that she has not been marked for a grand destiny. But Alodia has plans, and she will be the greatest queen her people have ever known. So she travels--with her hopeless, naïve, chosen s...more
Alodia is the crown princess of the realm. The sister who knows how to rule, and the one who is constantly reminded that she has not been marked for a grand destiny. But Alodia has plans, and she will be the greatest queen her people have ever known. So she travels--with her hopeless, naïve, chosen s...more
Kindle Edition, 54 pages
Published
July 17th 2012
by Greenwillow Books
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Phew. Just finished galleys for this one. Yes, my publisher actually printed out galleys to do a final proofreading pass, even though it's an e-book!
I'm giving it 5 stars. Because it's theonly best e-novella in the Fire & Thorns universe that I've ever written.
I'm giving it 5 stars. Because it's the
This was a nice short story that told readers more about Alodia, who was so proper that it made her snobby and condescending towards Elise. I think I may have a newfound respect for Alodia because she proves to be a strong heir who makes decisions that are best for her people. And it doesn't hurt that she actually knows how to fight and isn't the damsel in distress that needs constant protection. I did find some of it reminding me of Kristin Cashore's Graceling though, but either way, I'm really...more
I loved Girl of Fire and Thorns and this is a great Prequel. It adds some nice back story and further explains the relationship and tension between the two sisters Elisa and Alodia. You even get a glimpse at why Alodia starts to value her sister. There are some hints at Alodia's past and the promise of more of the two sisters working together. This was a nice little nugget with adventure and action packed in. I can't wait for the next installment!
Leti Del Mar
Leti Del Mar
This story had an interesting plot, surprisingly packed with mystery and tension despite its brevity. And as always, Carson's world building is impeccable.
However, my problems with the story were that Alodia's narrative voice sounds just like Elisa's; that the relationship between Alodia and Elisa is told instead of shown; and that I do not for a second buy that Alodia (as a crown princess) would either be so reckless, or so well-trained, as to go out into the mountains like that.
But oh well. Wh...more
However, my problems with the story were that Alodia's narrative voice sounds just like Elisa's; that the relationship between Alodia and Elisa is told instead of shown; and that I do not for a second buy that Alodia (as a crown princess) would either be so reckless, or so well-trained, as to go out into the mountains like that.
But oh well. Wh...more
Now I want a full book about Alodia, Elisa's sister.
7/18/12 ** I had to laugh when I read that this is "Fire & Thorns 0.5."
I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into Alodia's head, though I had to keep reminding myself that this was 1) before the first book, AND 2) not from Elisa's perspective.
My take-away: We can't assume that we know what others think about us. It was so interesting to understand that both sisters had so much respect for the other, but each often assumed the worst of the other.
Thanks Rae Carson for giving us this alternative pe...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into Alodia's head, though I had to keep reminding myself that this was 1) before the first book, AND 2) not from Elisa's perspective.
My take-away: We can't assume that we know what others think about us. It was so interesting to understand that both sisters had so much respect for the other, but each often assumed the worst of the other.
Thanks Rae Carson for giving us this alternative pe...more
Oct 31, 2012
Bonnie at A Backwards Story
added it
Good news, bookworms! THE SHADOW CATS is a prequel, so you don't need to have ever read Rae Carson before to pick this one up! It's a great introduction to Carson's writing style and the way she brings her characteres and world to life, giving you a taste of what you've been missing out on!
I sat on THE SHADOW CATS until right before THE CROWN OF EMBERS came out. I wanted to read it, then re-read THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, then read THE CROWN OF EMBERS. It took me longer than expected to get th...more
I sat on THE SHADOW CATS until right before THE CROWN OF EMBERS came out. I wanted to read it, then re-read THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS, then read THE CROWN OF EMBERS. It took me longer than expected to get th...more
Check out this review on our blog!
The Girl of Fire and Thorns ended on such an exciting note, so when I heard The Shadow Cats was to be released, I instantly made this a must-read. Rae Carson has done a splendid job of world-building in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, incorporating Spanish and Catholic influences into a fantasy world and she has continued the expansion in the prequel as well.
The Shadow Cats expands on the strained relationship between Elisa and Alodia that is brushed on The Girl of...more
The Girl of Fire and Thorns ended on such an exciting note, so when I heard The Shadow Cats was to be released, I instantly made this a must-read. Rae Carson has done a splendid job of world-building in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, incorporating Spanish and Catholic influences into a fantasy world and she has continued the expansion in the prequel as well.
The Shadow Cats expands on the strained relationship between Elisa and Alodia that is brushed on The Girl of...more
GoodReads Synopsis: Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. And it was not Alodia.
Alodia is the crown princess of the realm. The sister who knows how to rule, and the one who is constantly reminded that she has not been marked for a grand destiny. But Alodia has plans, and she will be the greatest queen her people have ever known. So she travels--with her hopeless, naïve, chosen sister--to a distant part of their land, to begin to secure her supporters. This region needs its princess...more
Alodia is the crown princess of the realm. The sister who knows how to rule, and the one who is constantly reminded that she has not been marked for a grand destiny. But Alodia has plans, and she will be the greatest queen her people have ever known. So she travels--with her hopeless, naïve, chosen sister--to a distant part of their land, to begin to secure her supporters. This region needs its princess...more
I really enjoyed this little story.
I wasn't sure how I was going to take a story about Alodia (biased by Elisa's biases I think) but I really enjoyed this glimpse into her character.
In The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Elisa slowly realises that what she saw as animosity on Alodia's part wasn't; it was just two very different personalities who didn't really know how to communicate. Here, we see Alodia, older and more experienced, coming to realise this first. It's only a short story, so we don't get...more
I wasn't sure how I was going to take a story about Alodia (biased by Elisa's biases I think) but I really enjoyed this glimpse into her character.
In The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Elisa slowly realises that what she saw as animosity on Alodia's part wasn't; it was just two very different personalities who didn't really know how to communicate. Here, we see Alodia, older and more experienced, coming to realise this first. It's only a short story, so we don't get...more
My Rating: Good Read
This review will be short, sweet, and to the point. With no spoilers!
The Shadow Cats is a 54 page prequel to Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns, which debuted last year. I wish I could find the specific word count though, because the story, despite the electronic page count, feels shorter than 54 pages. No matter. It's not a tale that's absolutely necessary to the understanding of The Girl of Fire and Thorns; rather, it's an icing story. You know, as in icing on the cake?...more
This review will be short, sweet, and to the point. With no spoilers!
The Shadow Cats is a 54 page prequel to Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns, which debuted last year. I wish I could find the specific word count though, because the story, despite the electronic page count, feels shorter than 54 pages. No matter. It's not a tale that's absolutely necessary to the understanding of The Girl of Fire and Thorns; rather, it's an icing story. You know, as in icing on the cake?...more
This short story is a prequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns, and is presented from the perspective of Alodia, Elisa's older sister.
In Fire & Thorns, Alodia played a minor role in which she was only semi-supportive of her sister as the bearer of the Godstone and God's chosen one for greatness. Alodia seemed older and wiser, yet at the same time she seemed somewhat jealous of Elisa and lacked faith in her.
It was fascinating to see where some of these feelings originated, and to get her first...more
In Fire & Thorns, Alodia played a minor role in which she was only semi-supportive of her sister as the bearer of the Godstone and God's chosen one for greatness. Alodia seemed older and wiser, yet at the same time she seemed somewhat jealous of Elisa and lacked faith in her.
It was fascinating to see where some of these feelings originated, and to get her first...more
I adored "A Girl of Fire and Thorns". Its sequel may be the most single most anticipated book for me during this year. So I was pretty excited to read this short story about Elisa's older sister Alodia. Alodia is supposed to lead her people and at this point in the timeline Elisa's just the chubby younger sister who happens to have a Godstone (which foretells her greatness). It was nice seeing Alodia's side of things. She is a strong heroine who takes matters in her own hands when a young girl i...more
Originally posted on The Authoress: Book Review and More.
I'm a big fan of Rae Carson's debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. When I saw this one, I immediately rushed to buy it, even though I've never bought anything on my Kindle before. This historic buy was not disappointed. Rae Carson packs a lot of plot and character development into the equivalent of 54 printed pages. This time, we see Elisa through the eyes of her sister, Alodia as they encounter a problem in a remote part of their kingdom.
I...more
I'm a big fan of Rae Carson's debut, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. When I saw this one, I immediately rushed to buy it, even though I've never bought anything on my Kindle before. This historic buy was not disappointed. Rae Carson packs a lot of plot and character development into the equivalent of 54 printed pages. This time, we see Elisa through the eyes of her sister, Alodia as they encounter a problem in a remote part of their kingdom.
I...more
good reading, liked the POV of Alodia for a change - however I must say I was kinda ticked off. Downloaded the ebook from B&N - read the sample (which of course wasn't many pages, once you get past all the table of contents stuff...) decided, ok this is worth the $2.99 to DL it. Hopped in the tub to soak and read my new book... and it turns out only 45 out of the 76 (digital) pages were the actual story... the whole end part was a preview of the next book... which I've already read. So botto...more
Alodia's story! I have been dying for this for a long time. I'm hedging this one toward a four, but I think that maybe it should be a 3.5. Yet if I have to choose 3 or 4, for Carson I will only round up.
I loved the friendship. I love the view of our spoiler regular!heroine from her sisters eyes, and how guarded she is by her NurseMaid. I wanted so much more of Alodia's thoughts on her sister's wilfully ignorant upbringing, but I like that we saw all the steel and smarts that we've been hearing...more
I loved the friendship. I love the view of our spoiler regular!heroine from her sisters eyes, and how guarded she is by her NurseMaid. I wanted so much more of Alodia's thoughts on her sister's wilfully ignorant upbringing, but I like that we saw all the steel and smarts that we've been hearing...more
I think for just a moment there, I forgot how much I loved Rae Carson's writing. The Shadow Cats was a great prequel! It was insightful to see the relationship Elisa has with her sister, from her sister's perspective. There is jealousy there, and you can see how much she doesn't understand Elisa. In of itself the story was short, but it had a point. It showed us what a survivor Alodia was. If she becomes queen during the Fire and Thorns series, you can see the strength she has to fight.
Overall,...more
Overall,...more
If you're already a fan of Rae Carson's books, I recommend reading this short story, too. While the plot was a little far fetched in some respects, it was a great character study on multiple fronts. Elisa's big sister Alodia is the center of this, and it's great to get to know here a little better than from Carson's previous two books. We also get glimpses of Elisa at a young age. However, I think the most fascinating aspect of this story was the relationship between Alodia and Lord Zito. I woul...more
I think such a short story requires a short review. Hehe.
Anyway, I have mad respect for Ms. Carson. She took YA fantasy and gave it a spicy, old-Spanish theme that I've never seen any other author do. This novella is a prequel story to Ms. Carson's debut book, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. <------READ IT! And then read Shadow Cats, because until the next book in the series is published, this will have to hold you over. Wish it had been longer because of course, I got sucked back into Ms. Carso...more
Anyway, I have mad respect for Ms. Carson. She took YA fantasy and gave it a spicy, old-Spanish theme that I've never seen any other author do. This novella is a prequel story to Ms. Carson's debut book, The Girl of Fire and Thorns. <------READ IT! And then read Shadow Cats, because until the next book in the series is published, this will have to hold you over. Wish it had been longer because of course, I got sucked back into Ms. Carso...more
5 stars for such a short book? YES! It's awesome.
also on http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com
I don’t think I have ever rated any short book with 5 flowers before, but this book totally deserves it. Rae Carson knows how to write. After reading part one, I fell in love with her writing-style and she managed to create another fantastic story in only 54 pages. It made me extra excited for her second book – which I hope to get soon!
Alodia is Crown Princess of Orovalle and she is the older sister fro...more
also on http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com
I don’t think I have ever rated any short book with 5 flowers before, but this book totally deserves it. Rae Carson knows how to write. After reading part one, I fell in love with her writing-style and she managed to create another fantastic story in only 54 pages. It made me extra excited for her second book – which I hope to get soon!
Alodia is Crown Princess of Orovalle and she is the older sister fro...more
Elisa may be the chosen one, but her older sister Alodia, the crown princess of Orovalle, has her own responsibilities and concerns for the realm. These concerns bring her to the important marriage of Conde Paxon and Lady Calla. When she arrives, she discovers that the land is barren and the people live in fear of the mythic Espiritu, a viscous creature that kills without leaving any mark behind. Can Alodia discover the true cause behind the attacks?
The Shadow Cats is a prequel novella to the yo...more
The Shadow Cats is a prequel novella to the yo...more
Everything about Carson's universe is pure gold to me. I love that she uses a religious backdrop, even though the story itself isn't religious; I loved that she dives into Spanish culture, language and architecture (which is especially fun because my flatmate is from Spain and I get to run into her room to ask her what various things mean); and I love the world that Carson has created, plain and simple.
But probably the thing I love most about her stories are her heroines. Alodia is not a dainty...more
But probably the thing I love most about her stories are her heroines. Alodia is not a dainty...more
Prelim: Told from Alodia (Elisa's older sister)'s point of view, it was interesting to see her take on Elisa. Alodia is a much more definitive person. She says, very tellingly, that their father (the King) knew when she was quite young that she wouldn't need a nursemaid and instead gave her, her own Steward because she would be 'like a son to him'. This is the difference between Elisa--who grows into a leadership role and who struggles with understanding that because she is Queen she has to be d...more
The Shadow Cats is a prequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns. It is from the point of view of Elisa's sister, Alodia. It is written very well, and the short story is very likeable. It is short, though. Just about fifty pages. I wanted more. So much more. Because I loved Alodia. And I really enjoyed her point of view. I just want more of her. Plus, this short story has more live-action than the first two books in this series.
I do not want to spoil this short story. But I do want to talk about it....more
I do not want to spoil this short story. But I do want to talk about it....more
The Shadow Cats is a prequel story to one of my favorite series, one I only discovered this year. It beautifully details the relationship between Elisa and Alodia prior to the events in The Girl of Fire and Thorns, and despite my reluctance to actually like Alodia's character in this series, I do have a newfound respect for her. I definitely still prefer Elisa's brand of impulsiveness, but Alodia does what is best for her kingdom, and I can't begrudge her that.
Having read the first two full-leng...more
Having read the first two full-leng...more
The Shadow Cats is sort of part of the Fire and Thorns trilogy. Apparently the new hot thing in YA series is to publish a short e-book sometime between the publication of two of the actual books in the series. The short e-book provides a bit of background information that isn’t necessary to the series, but can be interesting to fans. It’s mostly a promotion / teaser to keep people interested while waiting for the next book to come out. Some (including The Shadow Cats) are pretty good. Others… we...more
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
I never really cared for Alodia in Girl of Fire and Thorns but I can say, after reading The Shadow Cats, I still don't care for her too much but I do respect her. One day she will be a strong leader and she is incredibly brave.
Her relationship with her steward, Zito, is amazing. The truly do care for one another on more than him just being her steward, there is definitely more there. I'm not saying a romantic relationship (though I would so love that)...more
I never really cared for Alodia in Girl of Fire and Thorns but I can say, after reading The Shadow Cats, I still don't care for her too much but I do respect her. One day she will be a strong leader and she is incredibly brave.
Her relationship with her steward, Zito, is amazing. The truly do care for one another on more than him just being her steward, there is definitely more there. I'm not saying a romantic relationship (though I would so love that)...more
Even though it's technically a prequel to The Girl Of Fire And Thorns, it's better to read it after. Seeing Elisa from her older sister Alodia's POV adds layers and dimensions to the original book, and the adventure expands the boundaries of the world while standing well enough on its own.
Yes, it's true, I'm married to the author -- but you don't think I would have married her if she wasn't an amazing writer, do you? She's an amazing writer. And this is an excellent addition to the GFT series.
Yes, it's true, I'm married to the author -- but you don't think I would have married her if she wasn't an amazing writer, do you? She's an amazing writer. And this is an excellent addition to the GFT series.
This is a short prequel novella to The Girl of Fire and Thorns. While The Girl of Fire and Thorns is the story of the younger sister, Elisa, this prequel is told from the point of view of her older sister, Alodia. Although I'm not sure this story would be of interest to someone who hasn't read The Girl of Fire and Thorns (even though the action takes place before that story begins), it is an interesting look at who Alodia is and how she views her sister. It makes me hope that Alodia plays a bigg...more
This is super short (50 pages on my ebook). It was a good, interesting story. BUT since it is so short, there is really no meat to the story. There is no time to get in to the intricate details and what nots. The ending is nicely wrapped up, but leaves you wanting more info. The last few paragraphs make it seem obvious it was written after the first book. Still worth it if you enjoy the rest of this series.
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I write books about teens who must do brave things. I'm originally from California, but I moved to Ohio to marry my husband, who is the smartest and therefore sexiest man I know. We live in Columbus with my teenaged stepsons, who are awesome. My books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. I especially love to write about que...more
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“One thing I have learned from many years of watching my father is that some people, the best ones, are motivated more by the chance to prove themselves than by a command to serve. It is the work itself that calls them onward, especially if they believe they are the only ones who can do it.”
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