This review is brought to your courtesy of the Cephalopod Coffeehouse ~
At Christmas I got a gift certificate to the local bookstore and among the four books I ultimately bought (it was a tortuous decision, I can tell you) was The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, by Holly Black, who also wrote White Cat, which I loved.
It starts out with our main character Tana waking up after a vampire attack to find everyone at the party dead except for her ex-boyfriend and a vampire named Gavriel. What happens after is, of course, the story, which ends up in Coldtown, a place where "quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown's gates, you can never leave."
What I liked about this book was the slow way we get to know Tana and her life, the description of the vampires (really the descriptions of everything) Coldtown (a perfect mix of theatre and blood), and of course, Gavriel. He was divine. Instantly intriguing.
What I didn't like was Tana's ex. I thought she put up with way too much from him, especially after he betrayed her the first time. I also thought the ending was a little rushed due to the introduction of a 'new danger' which was resolved all too easily in my opinion.
Overall I'd give this book a solid B. It didn't quite meet my expectations but the writing is lovely, and out of the 15 odd books I've read this year, it's among my favorites.
What are you reading?
I just started something called The Morphine Dream. It's a memoir about a high school drop, who in his thirties, undergoes surgery, and via the "pain management" afterwards becomes inspired to graduate from Harvard Law School and to walk across America.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I'd love to walk across America - assuming I can bring my dog :)
DeleteOh wow. The beginning sounds like a real attention-grabber. She just wakes up to find everyone dead!
ReplyDeleteIt WAS an attention grabber!
DeleteI've seen this in the bookstore... may have to add to my summer reading list. Gah, the list is getting too long - but I guess that's a good problem to have!
ReplyDeleteHa! My list is always too long!
DeleteThis was a Kindle daily deal at some point, so I own it. I agree the premise is intriguing, and though you're not supposed to judge the cover, I kind of love the cover. Also the title. It's definitely on my list!
ReplyDeleteYep, the cover is pretty cool. And the title.
DeleteI've never read a vampire story, perhaps I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteWell...the best vampire story imo is Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire and the two that follow it (The Vampire Lestat, and Queen of the Damned). Those are still my faves.
DeleteI'm afraid I'm not a fan of vampire stories, which seems to leave me in the minority these days. Best of luck to Holly.
ReplyDeleteThey can be fun, but not all vampire stories are created equal.
DeleteGee, I'm glad LD commented ahead of me, because now I'm not the first one to say vampire and zombie-type books generally leave me cold. (heh heh) But I will admit the title and cover of this book are both pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteWe all have our favorite genres and while I wouldn't say Vampire stories are my faves, I tend to have a weakness for anything paranormal.
DeleteVampires with a Hotel California feel to it? Sounds like something I'd be into. Thanks!
ReplyDeletelol. Love to see your review of it if you read.
DeleteI really wanted this book. I couldn't find it, but found her collection of short stories called "Poison Eaters." I was surprised to find a short story version of the book in there. The ideas are really unique, but her mc couldn't keep me invested and the tension was lacking. (Perhaps the real book is different.)
ReplyDeleteSee if you can get White Cat. That was superb.
DeleteThis book has been kicking around my house for a while now. I bought it because I've loved other Holly Black books (especially 'White Cat'). I just haven't had the time to sit down and read it. Soon, though, I hope.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I liked White Cat better but The Coldest Girl was still a great read.
DeleteI've heard a lot of good stuff about this novel, but I know I can't read vampire stuff. Creeps. Me. Out.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm reading Blood Red Road right now. It's for research, since it seems to have some overlapping similarities with my WIP. Story is okay, but the dialect is driving me insane.
I had to go check that one out. It looks good, altho the one sibling going after the other is a bit overused - imo.
DeleteSounds interesting, but I have to admit I don't get that into vampires, but I might make an exception. I'm about finished reading a book written by some sociologists on paranormal beliefs, practices and demographics in the United States. Fascinating stuff...
ReplyDeleteLike I said before, if you haven't read any vampire books, Anne Rice is really the place to start (after Dracula, of course!) because her vampires are sexy AND scary.
DeleteWow, I've got too many books to list. I've won a couple, too ;) that I must get to...
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DeleteYes, and the one you'll be receiving shortly is REALLY good.
DeleteB isn't too bad, eh? That's cool that you won. I was to do staycation reading this week but none as of yet. Unless you include cookery finds at Barnes.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying your staycation and your cookery finds :)
DeleteThe first part of staycation was great, the second part is a little bumpy. But at least it's not snowing. Yet. Wait, I better check outside. Nope. Still no snow. Whew.
DeleteIt seems the least Gavriel could have done was take out the obnoxious ex, too! I suppose that would have hurt the overall story, though, ay? Sounds like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I kept wanting him to do that, lol.
DeleteA character you just wish would go away... like Pete Campbell in Mad Men. There is something oddly compelling about it.
DeleteI'd skip it if it's with vampires.... so many of those around us these days :)
ReplyDeleteYes, there are quite a few but when someone does something different with them they can be fun.
DeleteI have heard great hinges about this one! I'm intrigued....
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a fun read.
DeleteI love the title, something about a book with a good title. Going on my list, along with almost everything else so far this month. x_x Melissa Ann @ My Creatively Random Life
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