Published: Simon Pulse, 2006 (originally 2005)
Pages: 313
When Valerie runs away to New York City, she leaves behind a fractured life feeling utter betrayal. Val never expected to stay. She meets Lolly and Dave, who introduce her to magic and a mysterious creature. When creatures start dying, fingers start pointing and one of them lands on a friend. Val is torn between her affection for an honorable monster and what her new friends might be causing.
The characters in this story are very interesting. Val is a brilliant protagonist, the best blend of strong-willed, stubborn and broken. She is also very curious and brave. On the other hand, Lolly and Dave are slightly more annoying, leaving me frustrated by their actions. BUT I do know they are that way for a reason so I don't have a problem with it at all.
The descriptions in this story are elegant. When something magical is described there is a Gothic sense about it. I like that some people have the "sight" and most don't. I like that Val sees things differently than most people without the "sight". She's observant so she sees the goat feet and scales as well as the slight movement of statues.
I will say for those of you who are sensitive to swearing this is not a book to pick up lightly. It didn't bother me and for the most part did not seem unnecessarily used.
This story could have only been written by someone with a vast imagination, Holly Black has just that. She has crafted a beautiful modern faeire tale. I look forward to reading the other two modern tales she has written: Tithe and Ironside.
Stars: 4/5
Praise:
"Dark, edgy, beautifully written, and compulsively readable."
--Booklist
"A gripping read... The exquisite faeries haunt as well as charm."
--Publisher Weekly
"Debauchery, despair, deceit, and grisly death - what more could you ask for from a fairy tale? ...A luscious treat for fans of urban fantasy and romantic horror."
--Kirkus Review
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