Title: The Good Neighbors, Book One: Kin
Author: Holly Black
First published October 1, 2008
128 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439855624 (ISBN10: 0439855624)
Rating: 3.59
Overview
The next adventure of Rue and the Spotted Custard crew takes them back to England, where they uncover shocking information that threatens to upend the scientific community. Queen Victoria is less than thrilled, and tensions rise among the already cantankerous vampires and werewolves.
As if that isn’t enough, Rue’s dear friend Primrose keeps getting engaged to unsuitable military men. Meanwhile, Rue is dealing with her own family issues – her vampire father is furious, her werewolf father is unhinged, and her mother is a force to be reckoned with.
To make matters worse, Rue is starting to suspect the truth about her lineage, and it’s downright terrifying.
About the Author
Holly Black is a highly successful author who has written more than 30 fantasy novels aimed at children and teenagers. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and nominations, including the Eisner and Lodestar Awards, as well as the Mythopoeic Award, Nebula, and Newbery Honor.
Her books have been translated into 32 languages and have even been adapted into film. Holly currently resides in New England with her family in a home that boasts a hidden library.
Editoral Review
In a genre that is often oversaturated with the usual tropes, Holly Black breaks new ground with her novel, The Good Neighbors, Book One: Kin. First published in October 2008, Black’s writing style is a fusion of urban fantasy, young adult, and folk tales, offering readers a unique perspective on the Faerie realm.
The story follows 16-year-old Rue Silver, who has recently moved back to her hometown after her mother’s mysterious disappearance. Her next-door neighbor, Boone, reveals to her that they are both part-fey, which explains a lot of the strange happenings around them.
But as Rue delves deeper into the faerie world, she uncovers a dangerous plot that could impact both the human and faerie realms. Black’s writing is polished and well-paced, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the story.
Her depictions of the Faerie realm are rich and imaginative, with nods to traditional lore mixed with original concepts. The character development is also impressive, with Rue being a relatable protagonist struggling to come to terms with her identity while navigating the complex politics of the Faerie realm.
The supporting cast, including Boone and Tammin, are also well-fleshed out, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. The themes present in the book, including identity, trust, and sacrifice, are well-incorporated into the story without feeling heavy-handed.
Additionally, the book highlights the prejudice and tension between the human and faerie realms, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of race and discrimination. However, the book does have some flaws.
The pacing can feel slow at times, and some plot elements are predictable. Additionally, the ending somewhat leaves readers hanging, setting up for the next installment but not resolving enough of the immediate conflicts.
Overall, The Good Neighbors, Book One: Kin is a solid entry in the urban fantasy genre with a fresh perspective on faerie mythology. Fans of Holly Black’s other works or those looking for a new take on faerie stories will undoubtedly enjoy this book.
Despite its flaws, it’s an entertaining and thought-provoking read, earning a score of 4 out of 5.
