The curse of the cat people is a concept that has been depicted in various works of fiction, particularly in horror and supernatural genres. It revolves around the idea of individuals being cursed or plagued by a cat or a cat-like creature. The origins of this curse can be traced back to ancient folklore and mythology, where cats were often associated with mysticism, magic, and the supernatural. In many cultures, cats were revered as sacred animals with the ability to communicate with spirits or act as protectors against evil forces. In the curse of the cat people, the protagonist usually encounters a cat or a cat-like creature that appears to be normal at first, but gradually reveals itself to be a harbinger of misfortune and tragedy. The curse often manifests in the form of strange occurrences, supernatural powers, or a series of unfortunate events that befall the protagonist and those around them.
The curse often manifests in the form of strange occurrences, supernatural powers, or a series of unfortunate events that befall the protagonist and those around them. One common element in these stories is the idea that the curse is linked to a past transgression or a violation of the sacred bond between humans and cats. This violation could be a result of mistreatment or disregard for the cat's well-being, such as killing a cat or causing it harm.
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores
The Witch and the Vampire by Francesca Flores is a young adult, queer Rapunzel retelling set in a fantasy world where witches and vampires coexist. The novel follows Ava and Kaye, who used to be best friends until the fateful night when Kaye’s mother was murdered and Ava was turned into a vampire against her will. Struggling to overcome their own personal traumas, their relationship is tested when they must put aside their differences to confront a looming threat against their community. With its blend of romance, adventure, and suspense, this novel delves into a supernatural realm of magic made thorny by the prickly complexities of family loyalties.
I can’t accept it as coincidence that Ava disappeared that same day, and I saw her with blood on her chin a few days later.
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
While the premise is compelling, the pacing and worldbuilding is where this novel falls short. The story feels rushed and formulaic at times, with pivotal events unfolding too quickly, and plot twists being entirely too predictable. The combining of vampire and witch lore was initially intriguing, but I was constantly confused as to why only Ava was a vampire who retained her witch powers. Her mother keeps it a secret to use for her own benefit, but it’s never quite clear if Ava’s an anomaly, or if it’s common knowledge that she would have retained her powers due to how she was turned into a vampire.
I often found myself craving more details, especially when it came to why vampires and witches hate each other. I was looking for nuanced conversations or metaphors about the racial and species prejudices in this world, but all I got was a “fantasy” where those prejudices just get to exist without question. For instance, Kaye, who was told her mother was murdered by a vampire but has no other evidence to prove it, sees her best friend Ava in a tower with blood on her face a few days later and somehow decides Ava did it. She…allegedly murdered her best friend’s mother and just didn’t wash her face for days. And that’s all it takes to rewire Kaye’s entire personality. Uh…what? Make it make sense!
And speaking of Ava’s mother — the woman murders her own daughter and turns her into a vampire against her will, keeps her imprisoned, siphons off her power, and emotionally manipulates her. All that sounds incredibly traumatizing, especially since Ava makes the brave decision to run away and rescue herself from this life; however, Flores’ treatment of this storyline is flippant. It’s simply a passing detail, and is yet another aspect of the novel that I really would have liked to see fleshed out. What was her mother’s motive? Were there no warning signs for the first sixteen years of Ava’s life?
Had she stared at the same moon those long nights and wished to be with me too?
Francesca Flores, The Witch and the Vampire
On a positive note, I enjoyed Flores’ accessible writing, and particularly the beautiful prose as Ava and Kaye pine for one another. Whether it be for their lost friendship or their budding romance, it’s easy for readers to relate to the yearning and inner turmoil each girl experiences. Flores excels at illustrating this sapphic romance, and I especially enjoyed the parts in the first half of the book when the girls travel through the forest and skirt around each other after two years apart. However, I constantly had trouble telling Ava and Kaye apart! Maybe it’s just me, but I felt their personalities and voices often blended together, and the girls lacked the depth needed to truly resonate as fully developed characters.
The Witch and the Vampire is a one-dimensional, predictable sapphic romance, and the worldbuilding and pacing leaves much to be desired. I really wanted to love this book, but it was a letdown in almost every way. So much potential was left on the table, and the Rapunzel foundation of this retelling is almost an afterthought! (Honestly, it seems more like a Tangled retelling, though just barely.) A standalone novel simply doesn’t have the room Flores required to successfully weave the rich tapestry of the world she created. The potential for something truly immersive and captivating is there, but the execution simply is not.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sharing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The curse of the cat people typically explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of our actions. It delves into the moral dilemma of our treatment towards animals, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respect for all living creatures. The curse can take various forms in different works of fiction. In some cases, the cursed individual may transform into a cat or adopt feline-like characteristics, leading to a sense of alienation from society. They may also be plagued by supernatural visitations or haunted by the cat's presence, which can ultimately lead to their downfall or redemption. Overall, the curse of the cat people is a fascinating and mysterious concept that taps into our primal fears and superstitions. It explores the inherent connection between humans and animals and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our actions. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, this idea continues to captivate the imaginations of many and serves as a reminder to treat all living beings with kindness and respect..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Cat People: A Paradoxical Symbol of Protection and Misfortune"
1. John - 2/5
"The Curse of the Cat People" was a major disappointment for me. I had high expectations after hearing so much about the original "Cat People" film, but this sequel fell flat. The plot was confusing and lacked coherence, and the characters felt underdeveloped. The supernatural elements were poorly executed and didn't add any depth to the story. Overall, it felt like a cheap attempt to capitalize on the success of the first film without delivering anything noteworthy.
2. Sarah - 2/5
As a fan of the horror genre, "The Curse of the Cat People" left me utterly unsatisfied. The film failed to create any genuine scares or tension. The storyline was convoluted and felt disjointed, making it difficult to fully grasp the purpose of the movie. The pacing was slow, further contributing to the lack of engagement. I was hoping for a terrifying and captivating experience, but unfortunately, this film missed the mark.
3. Michael - 1/5
"The Curse of the Cat People" was an absolute bore. The script was unconvincing, with weak dialogue and predictable plot twists. The acting was also subpar, failing to evoke any emotions from the audience. The inclusion of supernatural elements felt out of place and forced, as if the filmmakers were trying to salvage a mediocre story. I would highly recommend avoiding this film if you're looking for a captivating horror flick.
4. Emily - 1/5
I have to say, "The Curse of the Cat People" was a complete waste of my time. The characters were uninteresting, and the plot lacked any creativity or originality. The attempts at psychological horror fell flat, with no depth or substance to keep me engaged. The pacing was excruciatingly slow, making it difficult to stay invested in the story. Overall, this film was a huge disappointment and I would not recommend it to anyone.