Edited by: Naomi Kritzer
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Where to buy: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY
Thank you Jean BookNerd Tours and Tor Teen for the review copy and spot on this awesome blog tour!
Synopsis
In this follow-up to the award-winning near future YA thriller Catfishing on CatNet, It takes an AI to catch an AI…
When a mysterious entity starts hacking into social networks and chat rooms to instigate paranoia and violence in the real world, it’s up to Steph and her new friend, Nell, to find a way to stop it—with the help of their benevolent AI friend, CheshireCat.
Praise for Catfishing on CatNet
“The characters offer positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation―especially nonbinary identities and characters still exploring their identities. Refreshingly, the characters also feel like generally-woke-but-still-imperfect humans. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online.” ―Kirkus, starred review
“Kritzer’s take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today’s online existence and privacy concerns.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Smart, sly, scary, and irrepressibly good fun, this novel has everything I’ve ever wanted from a story: it is a cerebral, funny, tender, big-idea delight. I can’t wait for you to read it.”―Kelly Barnhill, Newbery Award-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon
“An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller.” ―Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother
“Kritzer’s flawless collection taps deep wells of emotion and wonder…. Her work is indisputably speculative, but it’s a perfect entry point to the genre for readers who prefer fantastical and futuristic elements to stay more in the background, with human (and robotic) feelings always at the fore. This splendid treat is not to be missed.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories.
Review
We jump back into the world of Stephanie and a new adventure that proves to be just as thrilling and dangerous as the last. We left Stephanie in Catfishing on Catnet seeing her father; someone she and her mom were on the run for go to prison. We meet Stephanie in a new city, and becoming the new kid in a new school. She sill keeps in touch with her friends form her old home and develops new friendships in this school. She also still interacts with CheshireCat; an AI who is more than content with cat pics.
Stephanie befriends Nell, a formerly homeschooled student who had to move in with her DAD and his new wife after her mom disappeared. Nell is also struggling with no longer being part of the religious group she was brought up with. Stephanie asks for CheshireCat’s help in finding Nell’s Mother, all while a new addicting game has surfaced that rewards people for completing real life tasks. The story takes us on a journey of figuring out the origins of this new game.
Okay, so this read was wild and kept me questioning whether the game was something that was actually in real life. I will have to look it up but I do feel like there was a game similar to what the app is in the book and it didn’t end well. I could be wrong but reading that portion of the book felt so surreal. In terms of my favorite focus of the book, friendships were the theme that shined throughout the story. You are able to see Stephanie and Nell’s friendships grows as they are on the search to find Nell’s girlfriend and take down the creator of the game. It allowed us to see Stephanie creating a new friendship and bond on a mission. I also enjoyed the additions of Stephanie’s sassy and loving grandmother. She exuded warmth and strength and added some levity in a semi-tense storyline.
This book was a page turner for me because I was itching to find out who the creator of the online game was. I was in for a twist I didn’t expect. The story started slow but built up so well. The storyline was pretty solid like the first story, while also tackling so many themes and conversations involving tolerance, violence, etc. If you enjoyed the first Catnet book, you will enjoy Chaos on Catnet.
About the Author
NAOMI KRITZER has been making friends online since her teens, when she had to use a modem to dial up at 2400 baud. She is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and novels for adults, including the Eliana’s Song duology and the Dead Rivers Trilogy. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula. Naomi lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice. Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram
Giveaway Time!
5 Winners will receive a Copy of CATFISHING ON CATNET & CHAOS ON CATNET by Naomi Kritzer
Giveaway is open to International and end May 17th, 2021. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Click Rafflecopter Pic below to enter!
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