Publisher:
Indigo
Release
Date: 3rd
September 2013
Edition:
UK proof,
review copy
Other
Titles by this Author: The Spiderwick Chronicles,
Tithe, Valiant, Ironside, White Cat, red Glove, Black Heart, Doll
Bones
Welcome
to Coldtown.
A
Coldtown is a dangerous place; a glamorous cage.
A
prison for the damned – and anyone interested in spending the rest of their lives
partying with them...
Tana
lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them,
quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator
and prey. It’s an eternal party, shown 24 hours a day. A modern world, a society
self-aware and turning a dark mirror on itself with endless up-close social
media, but twisted a degree from today – where a deadly virus can mean the end
of life as you know it, if not life itself.
I’ve been a huge fan of Holly
Black for years and The Coldest Girl in
Coldtown was one that I’ve been looking forward to months. Sadly, I was a
little disappointed.
For at least 150 to 200 pages, I
felt no connection the story or Tana at all. I don’t think I ever became
invested in Tana, to be honest, which was strange as she turned into a great
heroine who was strong, determined, brave and loyal. I really liked her, but I just
didn't feel anything for her. I also thought that it was quite slow-moving
until they reached Coldtown. That was where I started to become interested.
One of Holly Black’s strengths
is her settings and giving them the perfect atmosphere and describing them so
evocatively it comes alive around you and she definitely did this with
Coldtown. The dirt, grime, blood and danger was palpable as Tana walked the
streets. It reflected her unique and dark vampire mythology really well. I was
so glad she shone a fresh light on something so overdone.
Speaking of vampires, Gavriel
was my favourite part of the whole book! Mysterious, verging on slightly
disturbing and dangerous; I loved him. I loved his chemistry with Tana and
everything that was revealed about him was surprising and so fitting to his
character, quirks and mysteries. His character helped The Coldest Girl in Coldtown became something closer to the darker,
grittier, sexier and more dangerous novel that I fell in love with in the Tithe trilogy, though it still didn't hit
its potential I don’t think.
Though I didn’t love The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, I’m a firm
fan of Holly Black and I haven’t been put off of her novels in the slightest.
Thanks to Indigo for sending me
a copy for review.
Sophie
I'm still intrigued by this, but it does suck that you were disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI know I've seen a few reviews where people haven't enjoyed this one, so I don't think you're the only one!
ReplyDeleteI haven't actually read anything by Holly yet so will have to soon. I know I am missing out!
Great review, Sophie!