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Cat's Cradle #1
Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine
Jo Rioux (illustrator of M. T. Anderson's highly acclaimed The Daughters of Ys) makes her debut as a writer-illustrator in this fanatsy-adventure graphic novel trilogy!
Suri loves monsters—studying their lore, telling stories about them (for a fee), and—she hopes—one day taming them. Unfortunately, no one takes an orphan street-urchin who travels with a merchant camp very seriously. But Suri’s self-confidence, cleverness, and ambition serve her well when a mysterious new wagon joins her camp—holding something very big, very loud, and very monstrous.
And that’s before Suri runs afoul of a treacherous family with its own beastly secret—and a prince hunting the greatest monster of all.
Suri loves monsters—studying their lore, telling stories about them (for a fee), and—she hopes—one day taming them. Unfortunately, no one takes an orphan street-urchin who travels with a merchant camp very seriously. But Suri’s self-confidence, cleverness, and ambition serve her well when a mysterious new wagon joins her camp—holding something very big, very loud, and very monstrous.
And that’s before Suri runs afoul of a treacherous family with its own beastly secret—and a prince hunting the greatest monster of all.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
6 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Jo Rioux
20 books127 followersJo Rioux was born and raised in Ottawa. After high school she pursued her artistic schooling at Sheridan College. Now back in the lush suburbs of her home town, she works, reads and plays video
games from home.
games from home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
November 14, 2022
3,5
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
“La domadora de monstruos” es una novela gráfica con un tono más juvenil, donde hay distintas criaturas, algo de magia y mucho de autodescubrimiento acompañando a Suri, una niña genial que merece la pena conocer y seguir sus aventuras… y desventuras.
El dibujo está bastante bien, no es mi preferido pero sí que tiene mucha personalidad y le viene bien a la historia. Esta vez la autora emplea una paleta de colores más amplia que en Las hijas de Ys y lo agradezco.
La trama se desarrolla de manera rápida pero con sentido, se lee en nada y te mantiene pegada a sus páginas gracias a el toque distinto de fantasía y la pequeña parte de acción.
Lo he disfrutado bastante y se me ha hecho muy corto, al parecer es la primera parte de unas cuántas entregas (no sé exactamente cuantos partes tiene) pero quiero continuarla porque me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca.
Una historia muy entretenida, adictiva y bien montada.
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
“La domadora de monstruos” es una novela gráfica con un tono más juvenil, donde hay distintas criaturas, algo de magia y mucho de autodescubrimiento acompañando a Suri, una niña genial que merece la pena conocer y seguir sus aventuras… y desventuras.
El dibujo está bastante bien, no es mi preferido pero sí que tiene mucha personalidad y le viene bien a la historia. Esta vez la autora emplea una paleta de colores más amplia que en Las hijas de Ys y lo agradezco.
La trama se desarrolla de manera rápida pero con sentido, se lee en nada y te mantiene pegada a sus páginas gracias a el toque distinto de fantasía y la pequeña parte de acción.
Lo he disfrutado bastante y se me ha hecho muy corto, al parecer es la primera parte de unas cuántas entregas (no sé exactamente cuantos partes tiene) pero quiero continuarla porque me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca.
Una historia muy entretenida, adictiva y bien montada.
September 27, 2022
La domadora de monstruos es una primera parte muy tierna y divertida, apta para los más peques de la casa, cortita y directa, sobre una niña huérfana que vive con un grupo itinerante y que quiere ser domadora de monstruos.
Ha sido una historia llena de criaturas especiales, con guiños divertidos y con amuletos y leyendas.
Las ilustraciones además me han gustado mucho también-
Me quedo con ganas de saber cómo va a continuar la historia de Suri.
Ha sido una historia llena de criaturas especiales, con guiños divertidos y con amuletos y leyendas.
Las ilustraciones además me han gustado mucho también-
Me quedo con ganas de saber cómo va a continuar la historia de Suri.
February 23, 2023
Arc was given by First Second Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is being published before the release date (June 21st, 2022)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Sexism/sexist remarks, abandonment, displacement
Friends, this was such a delightful, whimsical read with stunning artwork! I know I usually talk up a lot of the graphic novels that I read, but I really enjoyed this one. It has monsters, a main character who is beautifully layered, an art style that pulls you in, just so many goods wrapped up in this graphic novel. Honestly, I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have talked about it sooner.
Our story follows Suri, a young girl who wants to be a monster tamer, but for right now she’s telling stories/legends of monsters, while travelling with her monster camp. However, things start to take a turn for the ominous when Suri discovers a ball of golden twine. Soon Suri finds her world being turned upside down and setting out on an adventure with an Imp and a giant-sized dog named Byron.
Suri was such a wonderful main character to follow. As a reader, I feel that I’m always drawn to characters who have a very headstrong, warm, but also lighthearted kind of presence, who wants to seize their opportunities throughout this story. Also, Suri is that kind of character you can’t help rooting for, you want to see her succeed and have the happy ending she deserves. And there’s a whole mystery around Suri about how she ended up with this traveling monster camp, why is this person of authority chasing after her and want her gone, and more so related to the end of the book, what will happen to Suri now that she’s on her own.
The artwork of this book is probably one of the most stand out elements. Though, all graphic novels usually have drop gorgeous artwork, but the color tones of this graphic novel really stuck out to me. It really resonated with aesthetics that I’m really drawn to. The design of the monsters really stands out as well. There’s a very eerie, spooky, almost ominous vibe expressed through the art style for these creatures. Though I do want to point out, this art style isn’t of a horror aesthetic. This is a graphic novel that’s directed more to younger audiences though I say anyone would enjoy reading this graphic novel especially in the fall/winter season.
Despite these wonderful elements, I still had questions that I doubt I’ll get answers to. Mostly, I had questions surrounding the backstory of our main character and the traveling camp. It feels like there’s missing details surrounding these two elements. This is also a fast paced read and with that being said, I felt like this could have been a longer graphic novel. I’m still holding out hope we may get some more details or more backstory about those two things and fingers crossed the next book with be a tad longer.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this graphic novel. It’s such a fast paced, whimsical read that I think many readers are going to fall in love with. It has such an amazing, magical feel to it and I’m really excited to see where this story goes in the next book, The Mole King’s Lair. I’m even more excited to check more books by Jo Rioux and I think this will spark many readers to look into more of this author’s work.
Blog|Instagram|YouTube|Ko-fi
This review is being published before the release date (June 21st, 2022)
Content/Trigger Warnings: Sexism/sexist remarks, abandonment, displacement
Friends, this was such a delightful, whimsical read with stunning artwork! I know I usually talk up a lot of the graphic novels that I read, but I really enjoyed this one. It has monsters, a main character who is beautifully layered, an art style that pulls you in, just so many goods wrapped up in this graphic novel. Honestly, I wish I knew about this sooner because I would have talked about it sooner.
Our story follows Suri, a young girl who wants to be a monster tamer, but for right now she’s telling stories/legends of monsters, while travelling with her monster camp. However, things start to take a turn for the ominous when Suri discovers a ball of golden twine. Soon Suri finds her world being turned upside down and setting out on an adventure with an Imp and a giant-sized dog named Byron.
Suri was such a wonderful main character to follow. As a reader, I feel that I’m always drawn to characters who have a very headstrong, warm, but also lighthearted kind of presence, who wants to seize their opportunities throughout this story. Also, Suri is that kind of character you can’t help rooting for, you want to see her succeed and have the happy ending she deserves. And there’s a whole mystery around Suri about how she ended up with this traveling monster camp, why is this person of authority chasing after her and want her gone, and more so related to the end of the book, what will happen to Suri now that she’s on her own.
The artwork of this book is probably one of the most stand out elements. Though, all graphic novels usually have drop gorgeous artwork, but the color tones of this graphic novel really stuck out to me. It really resonated with aesthetics that I’m really drawn to. The design of the monsters really stands out as well. There’s a very eerie, spooky, almost ominous vibe expressed through the art style for these creatures. Though I do want to point out, this art style isn’t of a horror aesthetic. This is a graphic novel that’s directed more to younger audiences though I say anyone would enjoy reading this graphic novel especially in the fall/winter season.
Despite these wonderful elements, I still had questions that I doubt I’ll get answers to. Mostly, I had questions surrounding the backstory of our main character and the traveling camp. It feels like there’s missing details surrounding these two elements. This is also a fast paced read and with that being said, I felt like this could have been a longer graphic novel. I’m still holding out hope we may get some more details or more backstory about those two things and fingers crossed the next book with be a tad longer.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this graphic novel. It’s such a fast paced, whimsical read that I think many readers are going to fall in love with. It has such an amazing, magical feel to it and I’m really excited to see where this story goes in the next book, The Mole King’s Lair. I’m even more excited to check more books by Jo Rioux and I think this will spark many readers to look into more of this author’s work.
Blog|Instagram|YouTube|Ko-fi
July 1, 2022
★ 3.0 Stars ★
I enjoyed this a lot. It's the first in a trilogy, but it isn't really a self-contained story, it does't actually end on a cliffhanger, but it KIND of feels like it does in a way, cause it kind of just leaves you hanging. The artwork is super pretty, just the kind of style I really like to look at.
I enjoyed this a lot. It's the first in a trilogy, but it isn't really a self-contained story, it does't actually end on a cliffhanger, but it KIND of feels like it does in a way, cause it kind of just leaves you hanging. The artwork is super pretty, just the kind of style I really like to look at.
December 16, 2024
[3.5 ⭐]
a fun little graphic novel about a monster-tamer girl 🩵 just wish it was longer!!!!
a fun little graphic novel about a monster-tamer girl 🩵 just wish it was longer!!!!
March 31, 2024
"La ficelle d'or" est le premier volume de la trilogie du Chat Perché, et que j'avais envie de lire depuis un moment déjà (sans savoir de quoi il parlait, j'avais simplement eu un coup de cœur pour la couverture et les illustrations).
Je n'ai pas été déçue du tout !
*
Suri est une jeune orpheline se rêvant chasseuse de monstres, recueillie par un campement de marchands ambulants, mais personne sur le camp ne semble réellement la prendre au sérieux – comment une fille si petite pourrait-elle dompter des monstres trois fois plus gros qu'elle ?
Elle parvient pourtant, après un défi lancé par des enfants qui ne la croyaient pas, à caresser le monstre possédé par l'un des marchands, qui doit être vendu au prince.
Une nuit, elle se fait attaquer par une famille de monstres à qui elle aurait volé quelque chose. Dans sa fuite, le monstre du campement parvient à lui venir en aide et à la sauver, mais lorsqu'ils retournent sur le lieu où le campement s'était installé, il n'y a plus personne…
Suri propose au monstre de l'aider à trouver des géants, les seuls monstres gentils, pour qu'ils puissent s'occuper de lui.
*
J'ai adoré les illustrations et l'atmosphère de ce roman graphique. Les décors sont très beaux et les personnages très uniques, avec Suri, notre personnage principal, qui sort bien du lot – surtout lorsqu'elle est accompagnée de son gigantesque nouveau compagnon !
J'ai aussi eu un gros de cœur pour le côté "marché ambulant", qui donnait une ambiance encore plus unique à ce livre.
J'ai hâte de découvrir la suite !
Je n'ai pas été déçue du tout !
*
Suri est une jeune orpheline se rêvant chasseuse de monstres, recueillie par un campement de marchands ambulants, mais personne sur le camp ne semble réellement la prendre au sérieux – comment une fille si petite pourrait-elle dompter des monstres trois fois plus gros qu'elle ?
Elle parvient pourtant, après un défi lancé par des enfants qui ne la croyaient pas, à caresser le monstre possédé par l'un des marchands, qui doit être vendu au prince.
Une nuit, elle se fait attaquer par une famille de monstres à qui elle aurait volé quelque chose. Dans sa fuite, le monstre du campement parvient à lui venir en aide et à la sauver, mais lorsqu'ils retournent sur le lieu où le campement s'était installé, il n'y a plus personne…
Suri propose au monstre de l'aider à trouver des géants, les seuls monstres gentils, pour qu'ils puissent s'occuper de lui.
*
J'ai adoré les illustrations et l'atmosphère de ce roman graphique. Les décors sont très beaux et les personnages très uniques, avec Suri, notre personnage principal, qui sort bien du lot – surtout lorsqu'elle est accompagnée de son gigantesque nouveau compagnon !
J'ai aussi eu un gros de cœur pour le côté "marché ambulant", qui donnait une ambiance encore plus unique à ce livre.
J'ai hâte de découvrir la suite !
July 13, 2022
First of a trilogy following an orphan girl named Suri, who is traveling with a circus. She desperately wants to be a monster tamer and prove her worth to everybody. Trouble finds her first when she accidentally takes a simple object from a caitsith (a monster who can take human form), for which it is very valuable. Meanwhile, she does manage tame a monster, being transported by the circus, to be hunted by a Prince. The "monster" saves Suri from the caitsiths, but the circus vanishes worried about the ire of the Prince, leaving Suri abandoned. The plot took too long to get started, and there was not enough background provided, such as why the circus manager wanted to get rid of Suri.
July 5, 2022
Cat’s Cradle is a stunning and delightful story for readers of all-ages. Beautiful illustrations and colours make everything pop off the page, and the world building within the story—everything from the characters to the magic to the monsters—is so fun and captivating.
It feels like an origin story for Tony Cliff’s Delilah Dirk series, if Delilah was a monster hunter. So with that, I think it’s also safe to say that if you’ve enjoyed those books, Cat’s Cradle will be up your alley. Similarly if you enjoyed Tim Probert’s LightFall books, this is in a similar vein.
It feels like an origin story for Tony Cliff’s Delilah Dirk series, if Delilah was a monster hunter. So with that, I think it’s also safe to say that if you’ve enjoyed those books, Cat’s Cradle will be up your alley. Similarly if you enjoyed Tim Probert’s LightFall books, this is in a similar vein.
July 9, 2022
Cute, but pretty short. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
October 31, 2022
Ehhhhhh me ha encantado? Qué monis y sorprendente, con el toque turbio ideal para Halloween. Lo único malo es que ha terminado demasiado repentinamente
July 16, 2023
One of the most pretty and cute illustration books I have come across so far.
Waiting to grab the second book of the series soon.
Waiting to grab the second book of the series soon.
July 15, 2022
I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This is one of my most OMG NEED to have graphic novels of 2022, so I thought I would just put in a shot when I saw it coming on Netgalley. I knew there would be little chance to get it because of the publisher (nothing against the publisher, but it does feel a tad weird that I always keep being rejected for their books despite reading GNs/Comics/Manga quite a bit and reviewing them on my blog). Imagine my delight when I got the mail that I was accepted. I had to ask my husband to pinch me because I just couldn’t believe it. Haha.
I just loved how the book started! A boy on a farm. A chicken coop unlocked. And then a monster in the coop! This really set the tone for me (plus, I had a laugh at the expressions on the cat). I was even more hyped to really get this started!
I instantly took a liking to Suri! She was a fun, head-strong character, and I loved how dedicated she is to learning all there is about monsters (she even knew more than some of the monster tamers she met) and love her stories! She knows a lot of them and they are all exciting (on that note, can we please get a whole graphic novel with just the stories from this world? Please?), I was so hoping that we would get more.
Loved that even she could earn her money by doing something she loves doing, telling stories about monsters, about fantastical beings that lurk the earth. I was very eager for her to tell stories, I just love spooky stories/stories with monsters and magic. Though, we find out a bit more about her being at the camp and I was saddened to learn that she wasn’t actually wanted there, well not by the boss. The other peeps? They didn’t mind her. We learn a bit more on why the boss is acting like this… and I kind of could understand his side as well. Everyone needs to do their bits when they are old enough, and she would rather go on adventures. Story-telling is kind of a job, but if other peeps also need help, then maybe she should also help there.
Things really picked up around 60-70 pages, I was already OK with the story so far, but then things got up nodge and I was totally invested! I needed to know what was going on with the blonde guy (I had my suspicions given how he reacted earlier), with that monster in the cage, and if Suri would be fine! Also that twine, what is up with it! I couldn’t stop reading. I just flew! I did think it was funny that Suri, despite all her knowledge, didn’t get what they were until they transformed. XD
Byron was just the cutest and I wanted to reach in and pet him! Haha.
OH MY GOSH! That ending! Love it! I already had a suspicion that this would be the first book, but I am excited to see that confirmed! I cannot wait for the next book because things are definitely going to get heated and maybe a tad scary! Now I just got to wait patiently… mm, nope.
The art was really beautiful, I so so love the style of it and how well it fitted with the story. It made it even more magical~
All in all, HYPE! This was tons of fun! I would recommend it to all who love mystery, adventure, monsters, fantasy, and a kick-ass heroine~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This is one of my most OMG NEED to have graphic novels of 2022, so I thought I would just put in a shot when I saw it coming on Netgalley. I knew there would be little chance to get it because of the publisher (nothing against the publisher, but it does feel a tad weird that I always keep being rejected for their books despite reading GNs/Comics/Manga quite a bit and reviewing them on my blog). Imagine my delight when I got the mail that I was accepted. I had to ask my husband to pinch me because I just couldn’t believe it. Haha.
I just loved how the book started! A boy on a farm. A chicken coop unlocked. And then a monster in the coop! This really set the tone for me (plus, I had a laugh at the expressions on the cat). I was even more hyped to really get this started!
I instantly took a liking to Suri! She was a fun, head-strong character, and I loved how dedicated she is to learning all there is about monsters (she even knew more than some of the monster tamers she met) and love her stories! She knows a lot of them and they are all exciting (on that note, can we please get a whole graphic novel with just the stories from this world? Please?), I was so hoping that we would get more.
Loved that even she could earn her money by doing something she loves doing, telling stories about monsters, about fantastical beings that lurk the earth. I was very eager for her to tell stories, I just love spooky stories/stories with monsters and magic. Though, we find out a bit more about her being at the camp and I was saddened to learn that she wasn’t actually wanted there, well not by the boss. The other peeps? They didn’t mind her. We learn a bit more on why the boss is acting like this… and I kind of could understand his side as well. Everyone needs to do their bits when they are old enough, and she would rather go on adventures. Story-telling is kind of a job, but if other peeps also need help, then maybe she should also help there.
Things really picked up around 60-70 pages, I was already OK with the story so far, but then things got up nodge and I was totally invested! I needed to know what was going on with the blonde guy (I had my suspicions given how he reacted earlier), with that monster in the cage, and if Suri would be fine! Also that twine, what is up with it! I couldn’t stop reading. I just flew! I did think it was funny that Suri, despite all her knowledge, didn’t get what they were until they transformed. XD
Byron was just the cutest and I wanted to reach in and pet him! Haha.
OH MY GOSH! That ending! Love it! I already had a suspicion that this would be the first book, but I am excited to see that confirmed! I cannot wait for the next book because things are definitely going to get heated and maybe a tad scary! Now I just got to wait patiently… mm, nope.
The art was really beautiful, I so so love the style of it and how well it fitted with the story. It made it even more magical~
All in all, HYPE! This was tons of fun! I would recommend it to all who love mystery, adventure, monsters, fantasy, and a kick-ass heroine~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 13, 2023
Jo Rioux is one of my favorite illustrators, so when I saw they had a graphic novel coming out that they were the illustrator AND author, I knew I had to have it. I loved this. Suri loves monsters -studying their lore, telling stories about them (for a fee), &-she hopes-one day taming them. Unfortunately, no one takes an orphan street-urchin who travels with a merchant camp very seriously. But Suri's self-confidence, cleverness, & ambition serve her well when a mysterious new wagon joins her camp-holding something very big, very loud, & very monstrous. & that's before Suri runs afoul of a treacherous family with its own beastly secret-& a prince hunting the greatest monster of all. Suri is quite a MC. She's smart as a whip, clever, brave, confident, & determined. She's quite funny at times too lol. I loved the twist with the monster lol, & the mythical creatures kept up the suspense & danger aspects. The cliffhanger left me needing that next book! Lol Highly recommend. STUNNING art by Jo Rioux of course!💜
September 29, 2022
Jo Rioux demonstrates absolutely terrific storytelling and world-building chops in this first volume in a new middle-grade graphic novel series. In The Golden Twine, we're introduced to Suri, a monster-loving outsider in a merchant encampment. She refuses to get a real job because she's absolutely sure she'll one day be a monster tamer, especially since her monster knowledge shows up the camp's real monster tamers.
Suri's encounters with others in the camp round out her character and the setting, and also offer up a fun little chase to the ending, which is, naturally, the setup for a bigger adventure. Suri uncovers real monsters and real magic in fun, surprising ways that will surely keep young reader's attention. The Golden Twine certainly kept mine! Rioux's artwork is just as fantastic as her storytelling, a cute, clever visual feast. My only complaint is that the next volume hasn't been released yet!
Suri's encounters with others in the camp round out her character and the setting, and also offer up a fun little chase to the ending, which is, naturally, the setup for a bigger adventure. Suri uncovers real monsters and real magic in fun, surprising ways that will surely keep young reader's attention. The Golden Twine certainly kept mine! Rioux's artwork is just as fantastic as her storytelling, a cute, clever visual feast. My only complaint is that the next volume hasn't been released yet!
December 27, 2021
This is a delightful graphic novel, and I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel (it's the first of a trilogy). From the gorgeous art to the by turns cute and then properly-scary-for-a-middle-grade-audience conceits, this book was a joy to read. I particularly liked the twist on the big, scary monster that we get about two-thirds of the way through the book, and it bodes well for the plot of the second volume. I also adored the main character--she's tenacious and assertive and very quick-witted, despite her age and diminutive size. What a great start to a series!!
Read
December 6, 2022the art style is adorable
March 6, 2024
pretty cute fun MG graphic novel with a spunky main character and cool monsters - might like it even better if in the sequel the plot twist is that the cat-monsters are actually chill lol
October 5, 2025
Una pena que no estén las continuaciones en español. Me ha gustado mucho este primer tomo, el final me ha dejado con ganas de continuar la historia. El dibujo y el color crea un aura misteriosa muy envolvente. El detalle final con las páginas enseñando apuntes sobre las diversas criaturas es un plus.
October 26, 2025
BD plutôt bien. L'histoire est intrigante. Les dessins sont plutôt jolis.
September 27, 2022
Madam read this first and then immediately demanded the second book. I had no idea what she was talking about and was highly confused. After sorting the situation out and explaining that the second book doesn't come out till next year (?), she shoved this book on me and muttered, "Just read it and you'll understand."
I do understand now. Once you have read this story you'll want to know more too! Rioux does us the honor of jumping right into the world and trusts the reader to keep us with no fuss. The story does take a bit to build however once we are in the thick of things and what a thicket it is! Main Character Suri lives in a traveling camp and wants to be a monster tamer. Unfortunately, no one else in the camp shares her dream, and she lives on the fringes of camp society barely scraping by.
What is it about plucky, spunky heroines like Suri that appeal? Those go-getters that have never learned when to say "no?" Suri has the drive, the know-how, and everything she thinks is real, especially what it takes to be a monster hunter (more so than some of the pretentious, in it strictly for the money, grown-up monster hunters who are shown preying on the camp). Then she crosses paths with real monsters but her know-how lets her down.
The good thing is that Suri is very lucky; she accidentally keeps something from the monsters. The bad thing is that the monsters want it back. Suri has all sorts of monsters after her now! Enter a prince, like Prince Humperdinck, who wants monsters too. Everyone is chasing after something or someone. Who or what will get found first?
This was a quick read (too quick because I wanted more) with brilliant, atmospheric artwork. Really looking forward to the next book.
I do understand now. Once you have read this story you'll want to know more too! Rioux does us the honor of jumping right into the world and trusts the reader to keep us with no fuss. The story does take a bit to build however once we are in the thick of things and what a thicket it is! Main Character Suri lives in a traveling camp and wants to be a monster tamer. Unfortunately, no one else in the camp shares her dream, and she lives on the fringes of camp society barely scraping by.
What is it about plucky, spunky heroines like Suri that appeal? Those go-getters that have never learned when to say "no?" Suri has the drive, the know-how, and everything she thinks is real, especially what it takes to be a monster hunter (more so than some of the pretentious, in it strictly for the money, grown-up monster hunters who are shown preying on the camp). Then she crosses paths with real monsters but her know-how lets her down.
The good thing is that Suri is very lucky; she accidentally keeps something from the monsters. The bad thing is that the monsters want it back. Suri has all sorts of monsters after her now! Enter a prince, like Prince Humperdinck, who wants monsters too. Everyone is chasing after something or someone. Who or what will get found first?
This was a quick read (too quick because I wanted more) with brilliant, atmospheric artwork. Really looking forward to the next book.
June 29, 2023
English
I'm totally enchanted by the introduction to this world! It's fast-paced tale and has an adorable twist. I would like it to be a little longer but I do recommend it anyway. I love the whole circus thing, it was just so fun to read. This volume it's a set-up for a long story that I'm really looking forwart to read. Children are going to adore this, and everyone else too. The cat and dog element it's my favorite along with the art style. Really recommended. Thanks you NetGalley and the author for the ARC! I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity <3
Español
¡Estoy totalmente encantada con la introducción a este mundo! Es rápida y tiene un giro adorable. Me gustaría que fuera un poco más larga, pero la recomiendo de todos modos. Me encanta todo el ambiente del circo, fue muy divertido de leer. Este volumen es un armado para una larga historia que tengo muchas ganas de leer. Los niños van a adorar esto, y todos los demás también. El elemento del gato y el perro es mi favorito junto con el arte. Realmente recomendado ¡Gracias NetGalley y al autor por el ARC! Estoy más que agradecida por la oportunidad <3
I'm totally enchanted by the introduction to this world! It's fast-paced tale and has an adorable twist. I would like it to be a little longer but I do recommend it anyway. I love the whole circus thing, it was just so fun to read. This volume it's a set-up for a long story that I'm really looking forwart to read. Children are going to adore this, and everyone else too. The cat and dog element it's my favorite along with the art style. Really recommended. Thanks you NetGalley and the author for the ARC! I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity <3
Español
¡Estoy totalmente encantada con la introducción a este mundo! Es rápida y tiene un giro adorable. Me gustaría que fuera un poco más larga, pero la recomiendo de todos modos. Me encanta todo el ambiente del circo, fue muy divertido de leer. Este volumen es un armado para una larga historia que tengo muchas ganas de leer. Los niños van a adorar esto, y todos los demás también. El elemento del gato y el perro es mi favorito junto con el arte. Realmente recomendado ¡Gracias NetGalley y al autor por el ARC! Estoy más que agradecida por la oportunidad <3
February 5, 2022
Suri is hanging out with a traveling group of merchants, though the owner hopes that she won’t. She loves monsters, and tries to pick up money by telling stories of them to anyone who will pay. Then a mysterious monster joins the group, and she tells people she can tame it, because of course she is going to boast.
And thus begins the story of how Suri finds that there really are monsters, though they are not quite what they seem.
The golden twine refers to a ball of twine that she finds that she doesn’t realize has magic properties.
This is the first in a series of several volumes to come.
This graphic novel was first published in 2012, but now that it is going to come out from First Second in June 2022, we will see a volume 2 coming soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And thus begins the story of how Suri finds that there really are monsters, though they are not quite what they seem.
The golden twine refers to a ball of twine that she finds that she doesn’t realize has magic properties.
This is the first in a series of several volumes to come.
This graphic novel was first published in 2012, but now that it is going to come out from First Second in June 2022, we will see a volume 2 coming soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine tells the tale of an aspiring monster tamer named Siri who gets left behind and becomes entangled with various creatures and beings. When a ball of twine falls into her possession after an encounter, she thinks nothing of it, but soon becomes the focus of creatures who are said to be fearsome and dangerous.
I loved this graphic novel! For me, this was a 4-star read. The artwork is beautiful. The story telling and pacing of the events were seamless as they unfolded and kept you diving into the world. Geared towards younger readers (think middle school), Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine is a perfect introduction to the world of monsters!
Happy Reading!
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I received an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this graphic novel! For me, this was a 4-star read. The artwork is beautiful. The story telling and pacing of the events were seamless as they unfolded and kept you diving into the world. Geared towards younger readers (think middle school), Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine is a perfect introduction to the world of monsters!
Happy Reading!
-
I received an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2023
The Cat's Cradle is an enchanting and delightful middle grade graphic novel. The Golden Twine is the first edition and follows the start of an adventure for amateur monster hunter Suri, after she accidentally steals a magical piece of twine from a Caitsith (a cat monster disguised as a human). The artwork and colouring of this novel is beautiful and definitely added to the magical elements of the story. It was a fast paced and quick read but ended rather unexpectedly, however it is the first book of a trilogy so I'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses.
Thank you to NetGallley and First Second Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGallley and First Second Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2022
adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A really captivating first volume! The world-building, albeit short, was intriguing, the characters having such fun dynamics it reminded me of fantasy cartoons when I was younger. The character designs and overall artstyle is such a delight, and I like how each panel flows into one another, making each scene mold together.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A really captivating first volume! The world-building, albeit short, was intriguing, the characters having such fun dynamics it reminded me of fantasy cartoons when I was younger. The character designs and overall artstyle is such a delight, and I like how each panel flows into one another, making each scene mold together.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
April 22, 2022
*ARC REVIEW*
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader’s Copy of “Cat’s Cradle”!“Cat’s Cradle” by Jo Rioux was such a wholesome, fun read! We are introduced to a young orphan, Suri, who travels with a caravan and dreams of monster taming. We see Suri go through many trials during this book, including but not limited to the abandonment of her make-shift family, kidnapping, and many emotional turmoils. The art in this middle-grade graphic novel is so comforting and nostalgic. If you love the “Ren Fair vibe”, you would definitely enjoy “Cat’s Cradle”! Suri is the definition of a girl-boss and I can’t wait to see more of her in the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader’s Copy of “Cat’s Cradle”!“Cat’s Cradle” by Jo Rioux was such a wholesome, fun read! We are introduced to a young orphan, Suri, who travels with a caravan and dreams of monster taming. We see Suri go through many trials during this book, including but not limited to the abandonment of her make-shift family, kidnapping, and many emotional turmoils. The art in this middle-grade graphic novel is so comforting and nostalgic. If you love the “Ren Fair vibe”, you would definitely enjoy “Cat’s Cradle”! Suri is the definition of a girl-boss and I can’t wait to see more of her in the next book!
August 2, 2022
Suri loves monsters and hopes of taming them some day, but no one will take her seriously. Published by First Second this is another fantasy adventure story geared towards a younger audience, but like most First Second titles adults will love this just as much as kids.
The art is cute. The story is fast paced, so much so, I got to the end of volume 1 and wished there was more. I cannot wait to get my hands on volume 2. This will be a huge hit with my students. In the beginning, a group of kids are gathered around telling monster stories. This reminds me so much of the stories I would tell my siblings and cousins.
5 stars.
The art is cute. The story is fast paced, so much so, I got to the end of volume 1 and wished there was more. I cannot wait to get my hands on volume 2. This will be a huge hit with my students. In the beginning, a group of kids are gathered around telling monster stories. This reminds me so much of the stories I would tell my siblings and cousins.
5 stars.
July 15, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for providing the ARC of "Cat's Cradle!"
First, I loved the storyline and the art is extremely cute. Everything is bright with catching colors to the eye. Suri is an amazing, witty character that you easily fall in love with. I enjoyed the world that Rioux built with the creatures and monster fighting! Overall, it was funny, thrilling, and warming read.
By the end, it kept me wanting more and excited for Suri's adventure in the next book!
First, I loved the storyline and the art is extremely cute. Everything is bright with catching colors to the eye. Suri is an amazing, witty character that you easily fall in love with. I enjoyed the world that Rioux built with the creatures and monster fighting! Overall, it was funny, thrilling, and warming read.
By the end, it kept me wanting more and excited for Suri's adventure in the next book!
March 11, 2022
I would have never requested this book on Netgalley if I knew how short it was going to be. Who is Suri? Where did she come from? What do these monsters want from her? I need to know! I thought that this was going to be a cute simple story when I saw the art on the cover. But I got sucked in so fast and was super disappointed when I learned that the story is being told in short increments.
I need more of Suri and the adventures that she encounters.
I need more of Suri and the adventures that she encounters.
March 4, 2023
Es una historia corta y sencilla que nos abre las puertas a un mundo de fantasía donde los monstruos y los humanos intentan convivir en el mismo mundo.
Tiene unas ilustraciones demasiado bellas y un estilo narrativo que te atrapa y no te suelta hasta que terminas la historia. Totalmente recomendada, especialmente si es tu primer acercamiento a una novela gráfica.
Tiene unas ilustraciones demasiado bellas y un estilo narrativo que te atrapa y no te suelta hasta que terminas la historia. Totalmente recomendada, especialmente si es tu primer acercamiento a una novela gráfica.
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