I received this book at no cost from the publisher
Chaos on CatNet (CatNet #2) by Naomi KritzerISBN: 1250165229
Published by Tor Teen on April 27, 2021
Pages: 304
Goodreads
ASIN : B08HKWFV9M
Publisher : Tor Teen (April 27, 2021)
Publication date : April 27, 2021
Language : English
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 Timesbestselling 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
It takes an AI to catch an AI in Chaos on CatNet, the follow-up to Naomi Kritzer’s award-winning near future YA thriller.
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.
REVIEW
I did not realize this was part of a duology when I started so I had to go back and read the first one. The story centers around the CatNet, a place on the internet where people interact and chat about their cats. Steph’s mom doesn’t provide a stable home life and they are always moving so the one constant has been the CatNet. This story picks up where the first part ended and Steph’s dad is now in jail and her mother is no longer on the run. I don’t know how the author did it (well, she must have amazing foresight since it mirrors 2020 well) and the pair are now in Minneapolis. Steph now has a friend in real life, Nell who was living with a fundamentalist religious cult.
Nell joins Steph in the Catnet and the CheshireCat as a narrator which is interesting because Nell’s back story helps her identify the same tactics used by the cult by AI in the form of an online game and app. It gets weirdly personal and the pair try to unravel what happened to Nell’s girlfriend. Everything seems to happen quickly, I mean I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and it seamlessly blends what is happening in the world today with the future
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
INTERVIEW
- What is on your nightstand?
Multiple set of pajamas, because sometimes I wake up soaked in sweat and want to change. A radio alarm clock (I leave my phone charging in another room to avoid the temptation to check Twitter if I can’t sleep – so I need something else to wake me). A lamp. The controller for my electric mattress pad. A broken Kindle that’s been sitting there for several years. One book I’ve read, and two books I haven’t – I actually don’t read in bed much, because my husband goes to bed much earlier than me. Any bedtime reading tends to happen in another room.
- What author would you totally fan?
Kerin G. Morrow (who I believe changed her name to Kerin Rose), an author who wrote a single story (“Toil and Trouble”) published in Cricket Magazine when I was ten years old that had a significant impact on me. I’ve tried to find her, but no luck! There are a couple of Kerin Roses on the Internet, but none are this person.
- What makes you cringe?
Loud, high-pitched noises.
- Do you obsessively plot out each point or just go with the flow?
I’m much more a “plotter” than a “pantser,” although sometimes my plan is “shenanigans ensue!” and I make up the shenanigans as I go.
- Is there a word you love to use?
I can’t think of any specific words, but I love semicolons and use way too many of them. I’m also pretty fond of em-dashes.
Also, if you have any pictures of your pet you would like to share, please attach them. My readers love animals!
Here is a link to a shared album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hyVb5TH7V6KMQ2Ww9
YOU MUST CLICK THE LINK – YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED
