Customer Reviews

Night of Cake and Puppets (a Daughter of Smoke and Bone novella)

In this beautiful short story Laini Taylor's signature magic is used to recreate the epic treasure hunt hinted at in DOBAS.

I don't want to disclose any spoilers but beware to be transported back into the gothic glory of Prague for an evening full of unlikely events, including cakes and puppets!

I loved Zuzana in the main story, especially in Daughter of Smoke and Bone and i was overjoyed when her and Mik started as a couple after you first learning about him described as Violin Boy, the boy she tells Karou that she has a crush on. I adored the two of them together in Nights of Blood and Starlight and thought that they kept the story very grounded and human, much as they do for Karou. They are simply too cute together and Mik is every girls dream guy.
When I first heard that there was going to be a novella about the two of them describing the night they got together I was very excited. I know that novellas are meant to be short stories but I just didn't want this story to end. I thought that Zuzana was a very good narrator and wouldn't have minded to hear a little bit more of her point of view regarding Karou's situation, particularly her feelings on Akiva. I really hope Laini Taylor does more with her as a narrator and that hers and Mik's relationship doesn't get lost in the mayhem which is going to be happening in the third book of the series. I would hate for Zuzana to be pushed to the side in favour of the fantasy element of the series.

I love Laini Taylor's writing. It scoops you up and flings you around and feeds you magical cupcakes, straight into your eyes. In a really nice way. I'm so glad this was left out of the main book so it had its own space to breathe. It's just lovely.

Laini Taylor has such a unique storytelling technique that makes it an absolute joy to read her books, so excited for the final part of the trilogy!!!!

I read this whilst waiting for the last book of the Smoke and Bone trilogy and I think it's beautiful. Taylor has introduced me to characters I want as my own best friends and to Prague, I city I now wish I had studied art in when I was 18. This book gives you the opportunity to spend more time with both.
I already loved Zuzana and Mik before reading this book so maybe I'm biased but I loved it! Now I'm really looking forward to Gods and Monsters!!

Not usually a fan of short stories, but I have to say that this recounting of Zuzana's and Mik's date was full of magic, humor, wonder and a rich prose that sucks you in from the first paragraph, arguably even more than with book 2 in the DOSAB trilogy. It felt more poignant, more emotional, almost to the point where I felt as if rediscovering what a first major crush feels like. I can't remember the last time I highlighted this much in a novel of fiction. Read it. I am confident you won't regret it.

After reading Days of Blood and Starlight, I vowed never to buy anything else from this author. However the intriguing title and gorgeous cover of this short story convinced me to give it a go, and I absolutely loved it. It tells the beautiful story of Zuzana and Mik, and how they got together. Beautifully written, gorgeous description of scenery and a fascinating story. I really felt like I was going through their evening with them.

I love this author's poetic imagery. I am left with vivid colours swirling in my mind, a memory of why as a child I immersed myself in fairy tales and a belief in magic. Her characters are wonderfully ( in the full sense of wonder) wrought. A page turner even without high drama.

A stunning book. Beautiful writing. Lovely imagery. Life-affirming. It helps if you've read "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" but it isn't essential. Recommended.

A little dissapointed with this book. Not as gripping as many of her other stories. Weak storyline1
Still worth a try.