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A review by sleeping_jem
Valiant by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Though not as strong as the first book in the series, Valiant is still a very well written book which blends the dangers of the real world with the excitement and intrigue of the fantasy world.
Generally darker and grittier in tone than Tithe, potential readers should be aware that this story features sensitive topics such as homelessness and drug abuse. The romance element is once again quite light but does end up being a driving factor in the story.
Val is a complex character who often confounds or frustrates the reader but is nonetheless an interesting protagonist. Her actions feel in line with the behaviour of a struggling teenager who feels abandoned by her friends and family, even if they are often misguided and lead to trouble.
The setting of New York city is an unlikely place for a faerie story - a bold choice which expands on the worldbuilding begun in Tithe but might have been a bit more clear or detailed at times.
The cast of supporting characters (including the love interest) felt slightly under-developed; while morally ambiguous characters are realistic, the four friends Val spends time with all have similar temperaments and flaws, making them slightly indistinguishable. Several of them have no backstory whatsoever, and the characters who do recieve very little time to explore their respective pasts.
Overall, a well-written and unique book which doesn't hesitate to explore the darkest parts of both the human and faerie worlds. My main criticism lies in the fact that I couldn't help but feel while I was reading this book that it mainly served to set up the final book in the series.
Generally darker and grittier in tone than Tithe, potential readers should be aware that this story features sensitive topics such as homelessness and drug abuse. The romance element is once again quite light but does end up being a driving factor in the story.
Val is a complex character who often confounds or frustrates the reader but is nonetheless an interesting protagonist. Her actions feel in line with the behaviour of a struggling teenager who feels abandoned by her friends and family, even if they are often misguided and lead to trouble.
The setting of New York city is an unlikely place for a faerie story - a bold choice which expands on the worldbuilding begun in Tithe but might have been a bit more clear or detailed at times.
The cast of supporting characters (including the love interest) felt slightly under-developed; while morally ambiguous characters are realistic, the four friends Val spends time with all have similar temperaments and flaws, making them slightly indistinguishable. Several of them have no backstory whatsoever, and the characters who do recieve very little time to explore their respective pasts.
Overall, a well-written and unique book which doesn't hesitate to explore the darkest parts of both the human and faerie worlds. My main criticism lies in the fact that I couldn't help but feel while I was reading this book that it mainly served to set up the final book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Violence