A review by Nalini Haynes
A review by Nalini HaynesKaye is touched by fae: she sees things others don’t. She’s mature beyond her years, used to looking after her rock-star-wannabe mother and earning for both of them instead of going to school. After a particular disaster, Kaye and her mother flee to grandma’s house in Philadelphia where Kaye’s “imaginary friends” return; they’re not so imaginary. And maybe not as nice as Kaye used to believe.
The tithe is offered by the Queen of the Unseelie Court: the blood of a mortal to bind solitary fae to her rule for another 7 years.
Solitary fae are plotting someone’s demise… or someone’s rescue?
What happens if the tithe is unsuccessful?
Dun, dun, DUNNN.
Tithe is a fun ride featuring a knight in shining leather. Kaye learns to watch her mouth (I was cackling with laughter before the punchline), and Kaye experiences grandparental attempts at discipline.
Written by the author of The Darkest Part of the Forest, an epically awesome YA faery story by someone who seems to have grown up loving faery stories as much as me, Tithe is a fun read. I highly recommend Tithe to YA readers and fae fans.
While I enjoyed Tithe, Holly Black has developed as a writer since this 2003 novel. Readers who love stories of the fae should definitely read Tithe, but don’t miss The Darkest Part of the Forest. Run, don’t walk, to the party. Y’know, that party where teens dance on a glass coffin whose satyr inhabitant waits for rescue…
Rating: 
4 out of 5 stars
ISBN: 9781471116223
Format: paperback, ebook; 352 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Demographic: Grades 7 and up
