"Clark has created another memorable and intriguing fantasy setting in this fast-paced novella, which will be a hit with fans and newcomers alike."--Booklist, starred review
"This wildly surprising caper fantasy from Clark (
A Master of Djinn)
will keep readers on the edge of their seats working out who "dunit," and how and why, as they explore the gritty underbelly of this world of living contracts, dead gods, and legal necromancy, reminiscent of Max Gladstone's "Craft Sequence" and "Craft Wars" series. This will appeal to all lovers of urban fantasy."--
Library Journal,
starred review "
Well crafted, exciting, darkly comic, and just gory enough."--
Kirkus "Clark's plot moves at a
breakneck clip with quick wit, offbeat characters, and plenty of intrigue. This is pure entertainment."--
Publishers Weekly "The richness of detail that Clark provides gives the whole thing something of
the flavor of a hardboiled mystery set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. . . . Clark is adept at balancing his central mystery with quirky character development and enough witty details to suggest that Tal Abisi has its own versions of science and pop culture. . . . In short, Tal Abisi is far more textured than a generic fantasy stage setting, just as Eveen is far more complex than most of those lurking assassins who have become nearly an archetype of fantasy novels and games. Prickly as she may be, we end up thinking we'd like to know about her (just as she'd like to know more about herself), and to spend a bit more time exploring the colorful mean streets of Tal Abisi."--
Locus "In this
stiletto-sharp book, Clark's prose is as tight and efficient as it has been throughout his career, replacing the genre's penchant for over-articulation with wit and incisiveness. . . If you, like me, prefer your dark fantasy to focus on the clever and subtle construction of its world,
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins has much to sink your teeth into. And yes, there are also
magic swords, walking, skeletal monstrosities, necromancy, poison, high magic, and explosions. Take your pick."--
Ancillary Review of Books "I first discovered P. Djèlí Clark's work via his Dead Djinn Universe, and have been a happy follower of his work ever since. I was especially looking forward to trying this new novella, given how much I've enjoyed his past work. This book introduces a new world/setting, and it is excellent . . . .
it exceeded my high expectations."--
Civilian Reader
Praise for P. Djèlí Clark
"A breathtaking tale of cities, spirits, friendship, and society."--Daniel José Older on
A Master of Djinn "A thrilling and provocative inferno of a story."--Tochi Onyebuchi on
Ring Shout "P. Djèlí Clark couldn't write a bad book if he tried."--Victor LaValle on
Ring Shout "Slyly told and laced with dark humor, this haunting tale pulled me into a richly realized world I didn't want to leave."--Rivers Solomon on
Ring Shout "A clever, wickedly fun steampunk mystery with an excellent balance of humor and heart." - S. A. Chakraborty on
A Master of Djinn "A fantastical, brutal and thrilling triumph of the imagination."--
The New York Times, Editor's Choice, on
Ring Shout "What a wonderful world P. Djélì Clark has created."--NPR on the Dead Djinn Universe
"This is a story of Black female power, drawn from both the old and new worlds, a tale that honors the Black American experience in all its complexity, and yet also delivers in its Lovecraftian delight." --
Library Journal, starred review, on
Ring Shout "Brutal and hopeful, farcical and factual."--Justina Ireland on
Ring Shout
"Explodes into vivid color with a voice that's both joyous and harrowing."--Bethany C. Morrow on
Ring Shout "With its richly imagined world and characters and its high-stakes and thrilling plot, this novel would make such a fantastic show in the vein of The Nevers and Carnival Row, but better."--
Buzzfeed on
A Master of Djinn
"Lush and magical."--Kwame Mbalia on
Abeni's Song "Cinematic action, a radical reimagining of real history, and magic on every page."--Alix E. Harrow on
A Master of Djinn "Simply unlike anything else in the field. An astonishing adventure that managed to thrill, scare, and delight, all while telling a story that is beautifully complicated and moving."--Mark Oshiro, award winning author of
Anger is a Gift on
Abeni's Song
