Real Valiance

This is intended for everyone who hates reading fanfictions or books that are very fairytale-like. Its purpose is to reccomend this book, "Valiant" as a read because of its very realistic view.




The neon green sword gleamed at me, centring the dark background that told unspoken tales of the dark side. Written by Holly Black (also the author of "Tithe" and "Ironside"), "Valiant" tells the tale of a teen runaway living with her new street friends in the city's underground subway system. Valerie, who is seventeen, finds there is more to the world than simply tales of supernatural creatures. And she discovers that unlike the fairytale stories of unicorns and mermaids, the "faeries" of the real world are very different; and very dark.

The style of writing Holly Black uses does not spin beautiful prose of beautiful places, but it's a rather blunt and straightforward approach to describing the slums of the city and the people who inhabit it. Despite this, it is still written very well and has also received many titles such as "Winner of the Andre Norton Award for young adult fiction" and "An ALA Best Book for Young Adults".

I find this book intoxicating and very real because it doesn't sugarcoat things or spin tales of honour and righteousness and beauty. "Valiant" is blunt and realistic; not to mention edgy. A stark contrast to many other books like, oh, say "Twilight"? And also, although very dark "Valiant" isn't completely a downer. There is a very nice conclusion that could have gone much worse, and there is a rather obvious romantic interest for Valerie in the story.

But what happens and who it is? Well, you'll have to read and find out, won't you?