BookCompleted series2002

Tithe

by Holly Black

Book 1 in Modern Faerie Tales

This is one of the roots of modern dark-fae YA, and you can feel its fingerprints on the books that came after it. Kaye is fierce, messy, and compelling in a world where faerie glamour always has teeth.

Find similar

Goodreads 3.7/5 107,713 ratings

Quick fit

Is this story right for you?

A decision-first view of the reading experience.

Think twice if…

Content warnings: Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse (referenced), Death, Domestic violence, Drug use, Eating disorders, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia/transphobia, Kidnapping, Racism/bigotry, Self-harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal ideation, Violence

Length272 pages

Series statusCompleted series

Spice1/5 · Closed door / fade to black

PacingFast

Story profile

What the story promises

The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.

Romance promise

Forbidden love
Male/female pairing (M/F)
Instant attraction
Low
Closed door / fade to black
Addictive read

Dark/tortured soul
Reluctant allies to lovers
Tension / anticipation focus
The angst delivered
Fae prince
He falls first
Longing glances
Obsessed
Reluctant hero
Star-crossed
Tension
Adrenaline rush
Warrior/fighter
Anticipation
Neck kisses / neck touching

Fantasy promise

Ya fantasy
Big city / metropolis
Urban fantasy
Fae
Hidden identity
Forest / wilderness

Low fantasy / secret magic
Changelings
Secret relationship
Underground / underworld
Fae realm / faerie courts
Captive romance
Immortal/mortal romance

Reading experience

Third person
Fast
Mysterious
Raw
Heavy
Medium

Feral/unhinged
Gay
Intense
Atmospheric
Outcast/loner
Queer
Dark
Runaway / on the run
Conversational
Brooding
Edgy
Eerie
Gritty
Dangerous
Fae courts and politics
Court of shadows
Power corrupts
No one is safe
Forbidden desire

Similar in ways that matter

Matched by the most important shared story signals, with the tradeoffs made explicit.

323 pages Completed series

Ironside

Holly Black

Similar because

Star-crossed · Immortal/mortal romance · Feral/unhinged

Different because

Medium pacing rather than Fast.

356 pages Completed series

The Stolen Heir

Holly Black

Similar because

Ya fantasy · Reluctant allies to lovers · Feral/unhinged

Different because

Medium pacing rather than Fast.

327 pages Completed series

Faefever

Karen Marie Moning

Similar because

Reluctant allies to lovers · Hidden identity · Power corrupts

Different because

Spice is higher (4/5 vs 1/5).

Book details

Length: 272 pages
Language: English
Format: Book