The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black is a young adult urban fantasy novel set in a world where vampirism is real and dangerous. After a deadly vampire attack, Tana wakes up to find herself in a Coldtown, a quarantined city where vampires and infected humans coexist. Determined to save her infected ex-boyfriend and herself, Tana teams up with a vampire named Gavriel and a resourceful sibling duo, Midnight and Winter, to navigate the treacherous world of Coldtown and its parties while facing the perils of the undead. The story explores themes of love, and addiction between monsters and humans in a narrative of suspense and romance.
The most compelling aspect, hands down, is the world-building. The book shows a world where vampires aren't just romanticized creatures; they're deadly and alluring, simultaneously tempting and terrifying. The concept of Coldtowns, isolated havens for the undead and their infected prey, is both intriguing and chilling. The tension between the characters, especially the fiery chemistry between Tana and the vampire Gavriel, had me very interested in the plot. There was a plot twist at a point in the book that left me a little disappointed. However, it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading this book. I would recommend this book to those who are into fantasy with a twist. If they're fans of morally complex characters, action, and a touch of romance that doesn't overshadow the main plot, this book is a must-read. If you want to read a book that shows danger and romance intertwining with suspense, then you should read this book.