Tithe (novel)

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

Company type	Book
Industry	Young adult fantasy literature
Founded	2002
Founder	Holly Black
Products	Young adult fantasy novel

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale is a young adult fantasy book authored by Holly Black and released in 2002 by Simon & Schuster, intended for readers aged twelve and older. It serves as the initial installment of a trilogy, succeeded by Valiant (2005) and Ironside (2007), collectively referred to as [A] Modern Tale of Faerie.

Set along the Jersey Shore, Black classifies the story as "suburban fantasy" rather than urban fantasy. Tithe was shortlisted for the yearly Mythopoeic Fantasy Award in the category of children's literature.

Plot summary

The narrative of Tithe follows sixteen-year-old Kaye Fierch, who travels with her mother’s rock band. After an assault during a Philadelphia performance connected to the Unseelie Court, Kaye relocates to her grandmother’s residence in New Jersey.

In search of her childhood faerie companions—Lutie-Loo, Spike, and Gristle—Kaye initially doubts their reality until she rescues Roiben, a faerie knight, by extracting an iron-tipped arrow lodged in him. In appreciation, Roiben grants her three questions that must be answered truthfully. Shortly thereafter, Spike and Lutie-Loo alert Kaye that Roiben has killed Gristle. Kaye learns that commanding faeries requires knowing their true names and cleverly compels Roiben to disclose his.

Kaye uncovers that she is a changeling designated as a "Tithe," intended for sacrifice in a ritual performed by the Unseelie Court to bind the Solitary Fey to Queen Nicnevin. Because she is immortal, her sacrifice would break the ritual’s hold, liberating the Solitary Fey. She trains under a kelpie to develop magical abilities but is eventually abducted for the ceremony. Roiben aids her, and when bound, she uses his true name to free herself, sparking a fierce battle that concludes with Roiben killing the queen.

Following these events, Kaye and Roiben observe disruptions in the mortal realm caused by the freed Solitary Fey. During a Halloween rave, Kaye saves her friend Janet from a kelpie intent on harming her.

They later learn that Nephamael has proclaimed himself king of the Unseelie. Nephamael captures Roiben by exploiting his true name, but Roiben assists Kaye in escaping. During a confrontation involving Corny and Roiben, Kaye poisons Nephamael. Before his death, Nephamael faces an attempted Seelie coup thwarted when Corny kills him and Roiben ascends to the throne.

Characters

• Kaye Fierch – The main character of Tithe, a determined changeling unaware of her identity until late in the story. She is intelligent and mature, adept at navigating intricate faerie politics.
• Ellen Fierch – Kaye's mother and lead singer of the band Stepping Razor. She acts more like a friend than a parent and supports Kaye through challenges.
• Roiben (Rath Roiben Rye) – A noble knight of the Seelie Court who was exchanged to the Unseelie Queen as part of a peace agreement. A formidable warrior, he struggles with his coerced allegiance and develops feelings for Kaye.
• Corny (Cornelius Stone) – Janet’s older brother; a computer enthusiast and comic book fan who forms a bond with Kaye. He is openly gay and assists Kaye but is later enslaved by Nephamael, becoming his unwilling partner.
• Janet Stone – Corny’s sister and Kaye’s closest friend. Unaware of faerie conflicts, she tragically drowns at the hands of a kelpie during a rave.
• Lutie-Loo – A diminutive faerie from Kaye's childhood resembling a traditional 'Tinkerbell' figure.
• Spike – Another childhood faerie companion who distrusts Roiben. He is killed by Nephamael after seeking favor.
• Gristle – One of Kaye’s faerie friends who is killed by Roiben during a fox hunt; he does not appear directly in the book.
• Nephamael – A ruthless knight of the Unseelie Court aiming to claim the Night Court throne. He manipulates both humans and faeries, including Corny, before being killed by Corny.
• Silarial – The Seelie Queen who orchestrates key events in the plot, including attempts on Kaye’s life.
• Nicnevin – The Unseelie Queen plotting against Seelie forces. She selects Kaye for sacrifice but is ultimately killed amid ensuing chaos.
• Kenny – Janet’s boyfriend who becomes enchanted by Kaye.
• The Kelpie – A deadly waterhorse creature among the Solitary Fey who teaches Kaye magic in exchange for a carousel horse companion; responsible for Janet’s death.

Critical reception

Emily Lauer provided a review of Tithe for the Mythopoeic Society in their publication Mythprint. She described the novel by stating, "Although Tithe introduces fresh and distinctive elements, it can be succinctly characterized by this formula: Combine the atmosphere of Weetzie Bat [1989], incorporate aspects of the storyline from Moorchild [1997], mix in a double measure of fangirl enthusiasm with a touch of Shakespearean dialogue, set it in New Jersey, and blend thoroughly; this approximation is quite accurate." Lauer observed that Tithe is "undeniably targeted towards a female audience," featuring a "relatively intricate" narrative suited for readers aged 12 to 14. Black’s portrayal of New Jersey is notably perceptive. Similar to the moorchild character, Kaye is a changeling who embarks on an underground journey to uncover her origins. The primary events and conflicts take place within the faery world, where Kaye must carefully balance her allegiances to endure. The faery environment feels authentic, and the characters demonstrate extensive literary knowledge by referencing various fantasy works across different media, which enriches the overall narrative.