A review by ceruleanshelves
Valiant by Holly Black

4.5

“I like all the things that make you monstrous.”

this feels a bit separate from book 1 even though it's set in the same world and location, but i didn't mind.

this one definitely pops off from the start and holly leans into some darker subject material for a YA book (SA, drug abuse, homelessness).

a faerie fever dream murder mystery set in the concrete jungle of new york city, runaway Val finds herself living on the street w newfound friends who've gotten themselves wrapped up the solitary fae. like tithe, this was grittier than tfota/tsh and i rather enjoyed the urban fantasy setting of it being almost entirely in nyc rather than in elfhame.

kaye and roiben have a brief appearance, but val takes the mainstage in this one and as a protagonist, i enjoyed watching her journey.

there is a romance that is v subplot and subtle in holly's typical way, but i found it very romantic by the end.

love val though, shoutout for her headshave catatonia a la britney spears

“I would remain nearer you for what time there is."
"Gone in one faerie sigh," she quoted.
Leather-clad fingers brushed over her short hair, rested on her cheek. "I can hold my breath.”
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