Valente

Reviewers largely praise Holly Black's signature world-building, particularly her unique and captivating portrayal of the fae, which is described as both enthralling and repulsive with its blend of delicious evil and humanity. The writing style is frequently lauded as engrossing and magical, effectively drawing readers into a twisted, dark, and creepy plot. Many found the characters, though often morally gray and unlikable, to be deeply compelling and multi-dimensional, highlighting the author's skill in crafting strong female protagonists who exhibit agency and inner strength. The book is also commended for its compelling romance, described as a modern "Beauty and the Beast" retelling that genuinely embraces the "monster" in the troll love interest, Ravus. Its realistic and authentic depiction of difficult themes such as addiction, alongside a solid emotional core, resonated with many readers.

Despite its strengths, the book garnered significant criticism. A common point of contention was the pacing, with many finding the plot to be incredibly slow and lacking direction for much of the story, only picking up in the final quarter. Some reviewers felt the protagonist, Val, was underdeveloped, one-dimensional, or simply unlikable, making it difficult to connect with her. Similarly, several side characters were disliked for their erratic behavior, selfishness, and acts of betrayal, with one specific instance of animal cruelty noted as particularly disturbing and unnecessary. The romance was occasionally perceived as sudden or "instalovey," emerging without sufficient build-up. Additionally, some readers found the writing inconsistent, leading to a choppy plot and underdeveloped character relationships. The book's heavy themes, including extensive drug use, runaways, and casual sex, were too intense or explicit for some, with a few critics feeling these elements were included for shock value rather than deeper thematic purpose.

Overall, this book presents a polarizing reading experience. While it showcases the author's acclaimed talent for crafting dark, modern fairytales and immersive fae worlds, its execution regarding pacing, character development, and handling of mature themes led to mixed reactions. Readers who appreciate morally gray characters, gritty urban fantasy with a strong focus on the fae, and a "Beauty and the Beast" style romance might find themselves drawn into its compelling narrative. However, those sensitive to themes of addiction, violence, and difficult personal circumstances, or who prefer a faster-paced plot and more conventionally likable characters, may find it a challenging read. It is often recommended for mature readers due to its explicit content and dark tone, and for those prepared for a standalone story within a series that features different protagonists from its predecessor.