Tithe review (Illumicrate edition)

 

Book: Tithe

Author: Holly Black

Pages: 272

Date(s) Read: June 25^th, 2026 to August 17^th, 2026

Date Published: October 1^st, 2002

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fae, Romantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hard Cover (Illumicrate Edition)

Date Bought: June

Book Cost: $30.00

Review:

I read this book over 20 years ago in the early 2000s when I was a middle school student. I hated it, now though reading it again as a 35 year old I'm not sure what I hated so much about it. I think I was put off by Kayes and Ellen's relationship and Ellen in particular.

 

Kayes mother is super selfish, she struggles to make a living trying to live her dream as a singer but when you're a parent that's not fair. You should put your kid first and never once does Ellen do what's in the best interest of her daughter. Because of Kayes upbringing she is a high school drop out who steals, drinks, and smokes. She's kind of a bad kid.

 

She's rather impulsive and tenacious though which makes her interesting. As a 35 year old I found myself really rooting for her. When Kaye saves a mysterious handsome man her world is turned up side down. She finds out the truth about her circumstances and some of the magical abilities she has as well as her child hood friends. Kaye also makes friends with her bff's weird, standoffish brother.

 

I admit the story is unusual and trying to describe it without giving away big plot elements is something I found to be quite difficult. It's a good book though and really should be experienced, not just as one of Holly Blacks original works but as an early 2000s YA/Urban Fantasy. Over 20 years later it's still quite distinct.

 

I also read the Illumicrate edition which had insightful and interesting annotations from the author, beautiful endpage art, and a lovely hardcover illustration.