A review by bibliorama
Tithe by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Well look at me, catching up on reviews. Finally.
Enjoyment - 5
I liked this far better than the Cruel Prince trilogy. The faeries here truly felt fantastical whereas the Cruel Prince world felt like a watered down version of Tithe. Tithe's world was dark yet whimsical and I got sucked into its story. It's also been forever since I had a truly nostalgic experience for the early 2000s, but this gave me that feeling.
Start - 4
This start sets you right into the world and the opening scene gives you a good visual of who Kaye is and what her lifestyle is like.
Characters - 5
These characters felt very of their time. They were also moments that made me cringe and go that would not fly nowadays, From looking online, it seems like some of those more questionable lines have been edited out or changed. Which is fine, but I'm not one who needs those kinds of changes because the book was published in 2002. Sometimes I appreciate the honesty of keeping those original lines even if I disagree with the sentiment behind the lines because then we can have discussions around the issue, or teach kids that they can read critically and don't have to agree with everything an author writes in the story, but that's just an opinion and not one anyone has to agree with.
Given those iffy moments, I still really liked Kaye as a character and was invested in her story. Holly Black's writing really gave her a voice that I enjoyed.
Atmosphere - 5
The grimy setting was so vivid and charming. It has that 90s grunge to it and yet it is described in such a way that it's beautiful. The faery world was dangerous and cramped. Plus the photoshopped, old cover really adds to the experience XD.
Plot - 4
It's been a minute since I've read this book and I have to say the plot isn't one that's stuck with me. I remember bits and pieces of it, but not in much detail. I know I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I think the world and writing voice of the story is what impressed me the most.
Ending - 4
From the little I remember, the ending was satisfying. I don't remember there being any plot that I felt didn't get fleshed out or wrapped up. The 4 was my initial rating from after I first read it, so I must have liked it.
Style - 5
Really strong voice that's akin to someone like Neil Gaiman. Tithe had stronger storytelling elements compared to the Cruel Prince to me.
Overall - 4.6
Enjoyment - 5
I liked this far better than the Cruel Prince trilogy. The faeries here truly felt fantastical whereas the Cruel Prince world felt like a watered down version of Tithe. Tithe's world was dark yet whimsical and I got sucked into its story. It's also been forever since I had a truly nostalgic experience for the early 2000s, but this gave me that feeling.
Start - 4
This start sets you right into the world and the opening scene gives you a good visual of who Kaye is and what her lifestyle is like.
Characters - 5
These characters felt very of their time. They were also moments that made me cringe and go that would not fly nowadays,
Spoiler
mainly Corny having a moment where he joked about going on a shooting spree and having the f slur thrown in (those two things don't happen in the same scene just to clarify)Given those iffy moments, I still really liked Kaye as a character and was invested in her story. Holly Black's writing really gave her a voice that I enjoyed.
Atmosphere - 5
The grimy setting was so vivid and charming. It has that 90s grunge to it and yet it is described in such a way that it's beautiful. The faery world was dangerous and cramped. Plus the photoshopped, old cover really adds to the experience XD.
Plot - 4
It's been a minute since I've read this book and I have to say the plot isn't one that's stuck with me. I remember bits and pieces of it, but not in much detail. I know I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I think the world and writing voice of the story is what impressed me the most.
Ending - 4
From the little I remember, the ending was satisfying. I don't remember there being any plot that I felt didn't get fleshed out or wrapped up. The 4 was my initial rating from after I first read it, so I must have liked it.
Style - 5
Really strong voice that's akin to someone like Neil Gaiman. Tithe had stronger storytelling elements compared to the Cruel Prince to me.
Overall - 4.6
Content Warnings
Minor: Mass/school shootings and Homophobia
In the old version, there was the F slur and Corny referencing going on a shooting spree. There also were some lines that leaned towards fetishization of Asian people. I have seen some people say the newer versions have these lines changed/edited out, but I haven't read the newer version so I can't say that for myself.