Night of Cake & Puppets

I'm sure that I'm not the only fan of Taylor's series who was incredibly curious about how Zusana and Mik finally got together - and who was equally chuffed that Taylor decided to give them their own mini-novella. It's only avaialble in ebook form (not very impressed with that, but oh well), so it was a pretty quick read once I tracked down a copy. I was immediately drawn in by Zusana's narration - man, is she ever sassy! - so it was absoluetly charming to follow along with her elaborate plot to get Mik's attention. Little did she know that he had been dying to talk to her as well, so it was a great twist for him to highjack her treasure trail at the crescendo! This oddball little pair could be the focus of their own trilogy they're so show more amusingly quirky! show less

Obviously I loved reading this story when it first came out in ebook form, but when I found out they had finally done a hardcopy you KNOW I had to get it immediately. Okay, maybe not immediately, because I’m terrible at actually keeping up with book news, but when I found it on my discount site I definitely screeched and ordered it up! Not only do I now have a physical copy (my preference, always), but this one is a particular delight because it’s designed so well and is chalk full of illustrations by Taylor’s husband, Jim Di Bartolo. His line-drawing style pairs very well with the lighthearted story of Zuzana and Mik’s first official meeting, evoking their young age as the style is very much like a sketchbook. It’s almost as show more if Zuzana (who is clearly an artistic personality) illustrated her own story, just like she hand drew the treasure map for Mik in the story, which makes the story feel even more immersive. It’s too bad that more novellas attached to major story franchises don’t get their own treatment like this, because clearly it can be done extremely well if done with care! And you know I would buy every. single. one. of. them! show less

For a short book, this sure packs a punch of wonder and magical moments that made me sigh.This book is the story of Zuzana and Mik. It is a story of wonder and first love in a snowstorm, of magic, of treasure hunts, a night of cake, and puppets, and violin music in the dark and snowy night. Of first kisses.

Violin Boy has no idea what is in store for him,one snowy evening. The rabid fairy has set her sights (and scuppies) on him, and is ready to make her feelings known. In true Zuzana style of course, fully orchestrated into a very charmed evening, in more ways than one. It all begins with a map with a prize, slipped secretly into a violin case, and continues with a surprise at every stop, culminating into one of the most enchanting show more first date stories. Complete with cake, kisses and peacock footprints.

I really loved this short little story. A few quotes that I particularly liked:

"People might try to pat me. I see them think it. My height triggers the puppy-kitten reflex - Must touch - and I've found that since you can't electrify yourself like a fence, the next best thing is to have a murderer's eyes."

"I have scuppies in my pocket and lust in my heart."

"You almost hold up your piece of paper and say 'The girl I like just gave me a treasure map to herself.' "

"I want to warm my face against he neck and steam her up like a mirror and write my name on her with my fingertip."

If you are a fan of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, you might like this short novella that is a small part of the series. It is definitely a love story though, so be prepared. It was a nice break from fighting and monsters, and I love Zuzana so to me it was perfect, but I know that is not everyone's cup of tea. But if you are a romantic at heart, this book is definitely for you. show less

SWOON.

OMG the 12-year-old-girl in me is SOOOO melting in the hotpot of this whirlwind courtship featuring a Rabid Fairy aka Porcelain Doll aka never-been-kissed firecracker ventriloquist and her far-off crush, the boy with the violin. :)

Yeah, yeah, this MIGHT be a part of the Smoke & Bone series because she, like, shows up and is quirky and delightful while this delightful MC goes off and does her stuff, it's all LOVE-LOVE..

But when we get right down to it, the story of Zuzana and Mik can and should be read all by itself for its sheer quirky and zany delight.

How does such a girl go about speaking to the boy she likes?

Why, she turns herself into a treasure hunt and uses angel and demon puppets and magic to entice and flabbergast the boy show more as he goes on his merry chase. :)

AND IT'S SO DAMN CUTE!


Look, folks, I'm a middle-aged dude, here. I don't DO high-pitched girly squeals. Except when I do.

*hangs head in shame*

SOOOO CUTE! show less

For a short book, this sure packs a punch of wonder and magical moments that made me sigh.This book is the story of Zuzana and Mik. It is a story of wonder and first love in a snowstorm, of magic, of treasure hunts, a night of cake, and puppets, and violin music in the dark and snowy night. Of first kisses.

Violin Boy has no idea what is in store for him,one snowy evening. The rabid fairy has set her sights (and scuppies) on him, and is ready to make her feelings known. In true Zuzana style of course, fully orchestrated into a very charmed evening, in more ways than one. It all begins with a map with a prize, slipped secretly into a violin case, and continues with a surprise at every stop, culminating into one of the most enchanting show more first date stories. Complete with cake, kisses and peacock footprints.

I really loved this short little story. A few quotes that I particularly liked:

"People might try to pat me. I see them think it. My height triggers the puppy-kitten reflex - Must touch - and I've found that since you can't electrify yourself like a fence, the next best thing is to have a murderer's eyes."

"I have scuppies in my pocket and lust in my heart."

"You almost hold up your piece of paper and say 'The girl I like just gave me a treasure map to herself.' "

"I want to warm my face against he neck and steam her up like a mirror and write my name on her with my fingertip."

If you are a fan of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, you might like this short novella that is a small part of the series. It is definitely a love story though, so be prepared. It was a nice break from fighting and monsters, and I love Zuzana so to me it was perfect, but I know that is not everyone's cup of tea. But if you are a romantic at heart, this book is definitely for you. show less

This is a long novella, fully illustrated, featuring one of the secondary characters from Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy - Zuzanna. I loved her character as she is an absolute scene stealer, and her friendship with Karous is a highlight of the series. The story is of how she met Mik (Violin Boy). It takes place after the first book, when Karou is away from Prague searching for wishes after all the doorways had been burned closed. Karou has left a string of scuppies with Zuze to help her create an enchanted evening to catch Mik's attention.

The illustrations truly take the story to the next level, giving it a (dare I say) magical quality. It's a lovely romance that made me fall in love with the characters again. The price of show more the book is a little high considering the length, but most stores are offering a discount which makes it worth the purchase. I would love to see Taylor do another illustrated adventure set in this world. It's a great way to give readers more time with other characters, without taking away from the plot and momentum of the regular novels. Highly recommended. show less

***2.5 Stars***

So my rating this time around is probably affected by my love of the Daughter of Smoke and Bones series. This particular book follows Karou's best friend Zuzanna as she sets up an elaborate scavenger hunt to meet a boy she really likes.

The writing was still good, but I was bored through most of it and couldn't really bring myself to care a great deal about the characters/story.