In a cyberpunk future plagued by alien invasions, a young orphan named Cat gains superhuman abilities after sacrificing herself to save others. As she navigates this dangerous world, she becomes a formidable warrior known as a "samurai," fighting to protect humanity and challenge the oppressive corporate regime.

"Stray Cat Strut: A Young Lady's Journey to Becoming a Pop-Up Samurai" by Ravens Dagger is a wildly entertaining and imaginative science fiction novel that masterfully blends elements of cyberpunk, fantasy, and LitRPG. Set in the year 2057, the story follows Catherine "Cat" Leblanc, an orphaned teenager living in a corporate-run dystopian world. When an alien invasion threatens the city, Cat finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of a samurai, humanity's last line of defense against the extraterrestrial menace.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its unconventional and captivating protagonist. Cat is a complex and relatable character, dealing with the challenges of her disability (missing a hand and an eye) while showcasing incredible resilience, wit, and determination. Her snarky attitude and quick-witted exchanges with other characters add a delightful layer of humor to the story, making her an instantly likable and memorable heroine.

Ravens Dagger's world-building is exceptional, seamlessly weaving together various genres to create a unique and immersive setting. The cyberpunk elements are particularly well-executed, painting a vivid picture of a future where corporations hold immense power and advanced technology is both a blessing and a curse. The alien invasion storyline adds an exciting twist, introducing a new dimension to the classic cyberpunk narrative.

The LitRPG aspects of the novel are well-integrated, providing a fresh take on the genre. As Cat fights aliens and saves lives, she earns points that can be used to purchase weapons, upgrades, and other resources. This system adds an engaging layer of strategy and progression to the story without overwhelming the reader with excessive stats or numbers.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with non-stop action and thrilling sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From the moment the alien incursion begins, the story maintains a breakneck pace, barely giving readers a chance to catch their breath. Despite the relentless action, the author still manages to develop the characters and their relationships, particularly the bond between Cat and her girlfriend, Lucy.

Ravens Dagger's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the story. The author's use of humor and pop culture references adds a delightful touch of levity to the otherwise intense narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of snippets of interviews, news articles, and blog posts at the beginning of each chapter is a clever world-building technique that provides valuable context and depth to the story.

In conclusion, "Stray Cat Strut: A Young Lady's Journey to Becoming a Pop-Up Samurai" is a must-read for fans of science fiction, cyberpunk, and LitRPG. With its unique blend of genres, unforgettable characters, and non-stop action, this novel is a wild and entertaining ride from start to finish. Ravens Dagger has crafted a captivating story that showcases their skill as a writer and their ability to create a truly original and engaging world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh and exciting take on the science fiction genre.