Celia's Reviews > Katzenjammer

I never know how to begin reviews; most of the time I want to fan-girl or go off on rants right away. Other times, I step back and collect my thoughts before my word vomit comes out on the screen. I've sat on this one for two days, so I think I'm ready.

This. Book. Was. Incredible.

Eliza and Her Monsters was the first book I received in my very first book box from Owlcrate. I then picked up Made You Up and my love for Zappia's story-telling grew. Katzenjammer is different from her other works, but it doesn't fail to jab you in the heart.

Cat is trapped in a strange version of her high school where her friends and classmates are slowly turning into monsters. She has the mask of a cat and her best friend's face is cardboard with squiggly crayon eyes and mouth.

Are you still with me?

The book switches from past to present, showing us glimpses into Cat's life before she ended up trapped in her high school. With each memory she's forced to remember, she pieces together the reason why they're all trapped there.

And the reason is not what you'd expect.

And will also tear your heart wide open.

The pacing was quick and exciting, and I connected with Cat's character. I also adored the illustrations.

“Look, look, look what can happen, look what can be inflicted on another human, by humans. Look how we can be undone.”

This is a disturbing, dark story that part of me feels bad for loving because the themes are so sad and so heartbreaking. If you're OK with gore and bizarre things, this book will be perfect for you. Trigger warnings for bullying, violence, and death.

Thank you to Edelweiss for the arc.