I have been provided with an advance copy of the new Marvel Heroines book Black Cat: Discord by Cath Laura and published by Aconyte Books, so here is the honest review I promised in exchange for the book.
So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.
I am going to try my best to not let these things cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.
Also, I won’t lie, I have looked at other reviews to see what others think, so there may be some influences from them in this book review. If I am going to quote them, I will attribute them. But if I forget to, or something is highly influenced by them, and you think I ought to attribute someone, let me know so that I can.
What is Marvel
Look at this point I would bore you with a bit of background to the game/universe, but lets not, you all know the Marvel Universe, if you don’t have you been living under a rock!
The Marvel Heroines series focuses on the female hero’s of the Marvel universe, the other books in the series soi far have all be very very good!
The Story
Focusing on, no surprise, Black Cat, aka Felicia Hardy, the cat burglar extraordinaire of New York and the Marvel universe as a kid turns up on her doorstep needing help to save her father’s life.
As well as that a mytical golden apple has appeared in New York, and despite wanting nothing to do with its wish granting powers, it keeps crossing her path!
The story is very much influenced by Jed MacKays Black Cat run referencing events in those stories quite a lot, and we get cameo appearances from a load of Marvel heroes, Iron Man, Daredevil, Spider-Man and Iron Fist, whilst she fights off Hammerhead, Silvermane, Kingpin and others.
The main thrust of the story is Felicias quest to save the father of her teenage guest, but every lead she tracks down, forces her into the game of the golden apple as both heroes and villains try to grab it.
Conclusion
This is probably one of the strongest Aconyte books published so far, strong, tight story that covers all the bases, keeps you on the edge of your seat and also pulls a few heartstrings too.
Once again Aconyte have great LGBT rep, and with no romantic subplot either as Felicias bisexuality is very much acknowledged, but without forcing a romance.
The strength of this book is absolutly Felicias voice, it comes through very clear and she is absolutly a strong modern woman, who whilst not a hero, has no need for villioany, she cares for thise closest to her, and the interactions with other charcters is just *chefs kiss*
No question, 5 out of 5 stars
Black Cat: Discord is out now as an eBook and on paperback.