In Night of Cake & Puppets, Taylor brings to life a night only hinted at in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy—the magical first date of fan-favorites Zuzana and Mik. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s the perfect love story for fans of the series and new readers alike. Petite though she may be, Zuzana is not known for timidity. Her best friend, Karou, calls her “rabid fairy,” her “voodoo eyes” are said to freeze blood, and even her older brother fears her wrath. But when it comes to the simple matter of talking to Mik, or “Violin Boy,” her courage deserts her. Now, enough is enough. Zuzana is determined to meet him, and she has a fistful of magic and a plan. It’s a wonderfully elaborate treasure hunt of a plan that will take Mik all over Prague on a cold winter’s night before finally leading him to the treasure: herself! Violin Boy’s not going to know what hit him.
I love Laini Taylor. I’m just gonna start out saying that.
The Night of Cake & Puppets is the story of Zuzana and Mik’s first date. Zuzana has always been one of my favorite supporting characters and that’s even more true after reading from her point of view in this story. She’s quite a unique person. The same goes for Mik. I never really felt like I knew him when reading about him in the other books so it was great to finally read from his point of view. He’s so cute! He and Zuzana are so perfect for each other.
The story is fabulous. Mik and Zuzana are such unique people that you know they have to have a unique first date. And boy do they ever. Their story is full of puppets, magic, a little vengeance, and a lot of awws (at least on my part.) I also couldn’t help but laugh at their story.
Overall, I can’t do justice to how fabulous this novella is. I loved it and I highly recommend it, even if you don’t normally read novellas.
The Book Addict’s Guide’s review: “If you’re a fan of this series, do yourself the favor and read NIGHT OF CAKE & PUPPETS.”
Bending the Spine’s review: “A Night of Cake & Puppets is the exact opposite of DoSB and DoBS—it’s full of hope, and joy, and wonder, and love.”
Utterly Bookish’s review: “Everything about Laini Taylor’s Night of Cake & Puppets, or Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2.5, was as perfect as I expected to be.”