Hello, everyone, and welcome to this week’s Book Review Tuesday!
After how much I loved Wonder Woman: Warbringer (see 9/11/18) and Batman: Nightwalker (which I stupidly haven’t reviewed, but will at some point), I figured that Catwoman: Soulstealer would be no different. So, I checked it out at the library, along with Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass.
It’s funny, I kind of hated Throne of Glass (pleeeease don’t brutally murder me for this, it just wasn’t my thing), but I really liked Catwoman! I’d have to read more of Maas’ work to make my theory have a little more weight, but I guess I just like it when she’s given a set of characters and a world to work with, as opposed to creating her own. (Okay, that’s…probably a little mean, sorry, but that’s how it’s been for me thus far.) So whether you’re a Throne of Glass fan or not, Catwoman is spectacular!
Enjoy the review!
Catwoman: Soulstealer
Desperate to escape her drug addict mother and care for her terminally ill sister, Selina Kyle turns to a life of crime to get by. For years, she fights her way to the top of the food chain, struggling to provide for her and her sister, while simultaneously dodging the likes of Carmine Falcone. Eventually, she is discovered by Talia al-Ghul, who recognizes her potential and talent, and sends her off to train with the League of Assassins.
Many years later, Selina returns to the streets of Gotham City under the alias Holly Vanderhees. In the absence of Batman, she rekindles her reputation, and allies with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. Together, the three of them are a force to be reckoned with. But can they evade the authorities for long enough?
I’ve always had something of a soft spot for Catwoman, partially because of the fact that I love cats, and because, well…simply put, she’s a spectacular villain, and, in some cases, antihero. I especially like her depiction in the animated show The Batman. (It ran in the early to late 2000’s…anybody remember it? Quality.) I mean, her costume is SPOT-ON. COME ON, GUYS. 10/10.
I actually imagined Selina’s costume in Catwoman: Soulstealer a little like this. It’s always been one of my favorite interpretations of Catwoman.
But anyway, Sarah J. Maas did an incredible job of depicting Catwoman, as well as giving her some backstory and history. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between her, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn. They’re so fun together, and Harley didn’t get on my nerves.
Let me elaborate on that. Usually, Harley Quinn is either a) not only oversexualized, but also incredibly annoying, or b) just adorable. My personal favorite is Batman: The Animated Series Harley, though her Catwoman description in terms of clothing was more along the lines of Suicide Squad.
All in all, a well-written novel that did considerable justice to the original characters!
Well, I hope you all have a great day, and for my followers in the U.S, have a happy Thanksgiving!
