Valiant by Holly Black (2006, Paperback, Reprint)

I've read Holly Black's other books and loved them. Valiant was a wonderfull book. I couldn't put it down. It captured my attention and kept it. I loved this book and would recomend it to anyone that likes a fairy tale with a tiwist.

Faerie tales were first written for the aristocracy, many of them with a specific moral intended. Most were also very dark, even grotesque. As time passed by however, and science became more widespread, faerie tales became toned down to tell children.

This tale isn't nearly on the dark scale as the very early versions of faerie tales, but it isn't for young children.

Has your mom been sleeping with your boyfriend? Did you shave your head and run away when you found out? Ever been high on faerie drugs? Ever been in love with a troll (species-wise)? Val has.

The story is well-written and keeps you interested. It has many intriguing characters and plays on some older references to certain faerie tale aspects (like being allergic to iron). It's worth the time and money. I'd rate it one of my favorite books, actually.