P. Djèlí Clark

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

With memories of their previous life erased, the Dead Cat Tail Assassins are resurrected to work for the goddess Aeril. Eveen is an assassin who never questions a job and always fulfills her contract. Until the night she comes face to face with someone who could unlock her hidden past. And in her moment of hesitation, sets off a chain of events that will test the very fabric of her undead life.

Eveen is crude and sarcastic, the type of character who makes sure her opinions are heard. No matter the situation. She is a lethal assassin and has an attitude that can make readers snicker as she takes down her foes. While she must follow the rules of her trade, she will push the boundaries when the needs arise. Such as when her latest contract threatens her own undead life. She’ll do everything she can to thwart the powers to be and come out on top.

While the main character is a delight to read, the underlying mystery of the plot is just as intriguing. Readers will accompany Eveen as she uncovers back alley deals and impossible magical feats. Along the way, she will have to use her skills in combat and manipulation to fight off increasingly powerful and disturbing fellow assassins. Readers will be entertained right at the start as Eveen rises to each challenge, with weapons, and snark flying.

If you enjoy morally gray characters with a fiery personality, pick up a copy of The Dead Cat Tail Assassins. This is a novella length story and a quick entertaining read.… (más)

P. Djeli Clark has become a favorite for his world building, dry humor, and well developed characters, and The Dead Cat Tail Assassins is no exception. The Dead Cat Tail Assassins follows Eveen the Eviscerator, a member of The Dead Cat Tail Assassins Guild. We follow her as she starts on a new contract when things start to go a bit unusual. The characters are all fun and fleshed out, and you can see Eveen traveling through Tal Abisi through the story. I loved the Assassins, and would gladly read more of their tales should Clark decide to revisit the world of Tal Abisi.… (más)

4 Stars

The blurb really does say it all - 1900’s historical setting imbued with paranormal elements in a classic case of a whodunnit.

Look. I have a weird penchant for steampunk and that gets a book automatic bonus points.

Admittedly, I didn’t always recognize names or terms in this alternate Cairo. However, it doesn’t hurt that the female protagonist is resourceful, smart, and faces misogyny on a daily basis. One could tell she has a stalwart inner strength, knowing that she constantly has to prove herself, and I can’t help but admire such resilience.

Overall, a great introduction to this world and a heroine to root for. I definitely will be checking out the other installments in this series!
… (más)