The Poison Eaters: and Other Stories by Holly Black
Page Count: 212
Reading Level: YA
Summary: In her debut collection, "New York Times" best-selling author Holly Black returns to the world of "Tithe" in two darkly exquisite new tales. Then Black takes readers on a tour of a faerie market and introduces a girl poisonous to the touch and another who challenges the devil to a competitive eating match. These stories have been published in anthologies such as "21 Proms," "The Faery Reel," and "The Restless Dead," and have been reprinted in many "Best of" anthologies. "The Poison Eater"s is Holly Black's much-anticipated first collection of stories, and her ability to stare into the void--and to find humanity and humor there--will speak to young adult and adult readers alike.
My review: I'm usually not a big fan of short stories but after reading this novel I am. I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed these twelve stories. This collection showcases Black's talent for dark, edgy and macabre tales and yet she retains a humorous tint to her storytelling. I especially liked the world created in "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown," "Going Ironside" (featuring some of my favorite characters from the Tithe series), and the unique and curious spin on wolves in "The Dog King." These stories may not be for everyone but I liked their offbeat characters and strange worlds. Some stories were so interesting I felt Black could create full length novels out of them. I would like to read more about Matilda and Coldtown, Tomasa in "The Night Market, " Rafe and Lyle from "The Coat of Stars" and Elienad's world from "The Dog King." Theo Black's illustrations were cool. I only wished there were more, it would have been interesting to see his interpretation of some of the characters or scenes.
Favorite scene: "The boy's room is hidden behind curtains and a bookcase that shifts to one side. Only a very few people know how to find it. Inside the room is a carved bed, a boy's bed, and now Elienad has to bend his knees to fit his legs inside it. There are no windows and no candles, but his liquid eyes see as well here as they do beneath the table or in the labyrinth of the castle." (From "The Dog King," page 82.)
Cover comment: Interesting picture but I think it gets lost under the title's font.
Rating: ++++
For fans of: Holly Black, short stories, dark fantasy.
Book source: Purchased.
Reviewed by: Laurie
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