Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie, by Holly Black.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I found the idea of the story captivating. Faeries are real, and they walk among us, hidden by glamour from human eyes. And they aren't necessarily good faeries--like humans, some are good, and some are stealthy. 17 year old Val discovers this world when she runs away from home and lives under the New York subway tunnels. Through unforeseen circumstances, she ends up indebted to a troll, delivering potions to faeries. But faeries are being poisoned, and Val ends up risking her life to solve the mystery and protect her unlikely troll-friend.
I liked the premise. And I found myself drawn into the love story that unfolded between Val and Ravus, the troll. Unfortunately, I thought the writing was inconsistent. The plot seemed choppy and the characters were underdeveloped. The story didn't "flow" well enough from one scene to the next, making it less believeable. There were a lot of loose ends at the close of the story which seemed to have been forgotten, or pushed aside, and which I would have liked to seen closed.
Even though I was disappointed by this book in many ways, the lure of the faerie world stays with me. I might try reading something else by her, just for more of that...
Now I'm on to the next RIP Challenge book! I think I will delve into Dean R. Koontz.
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4 comments:
I thought it was aweful about her mother and boyfriend! Grr at them both... I liked this story but preferred Tithe set in a similar world. I have the sequel Ironside to read next month which I am looking forward to. Give them a go and see if you prefer them.
I haven't read this one, but I did read Tithe. I enjoyed the story very much, with the faerie realm, etc. But I found that book to be quite choppy as well. I wasn't sure if it was the writing or the fact that I was only getting to read it a few pages at a time. After your review, I tend to think maybe it is just her way of writing.
I, as well, enjoyed the premise of this book. Loved the love story between Val and Ravus.
A lot of people I've spoken with have enjoyed Tithe better than this one, but I think her writing style is similar in that one.... or, The Spiderwick Chronicles are really cute (and have awesome illustrations!)
I just finish reading Valiant and thought it was brilliant. Though I do agree that the writer didn't let the story flows well, as in it jumps to another scene leaving the previous one hanging. But I do enjoy the love story inside. I though Val would ended up with Luis or something, Didn't know it would be Ravus.
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