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gooseturnover's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Didn't like the first portion of the book, thought about dropping it, and ended up giving it another go due to a friend's recommendation. Glad I decided to stick it out. Really enjoyed watching the characters interact with and tear each other to pieces over the course of the story. Kingmaker Jude my beloved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death of parent, and Bullying
Moderate: Kidnapping, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Addiction, Toxic relationship, and Slavery
Minor: Sexual harassment
juliebean666's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, and Bullying
kccool12255's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
⚠️SLIGHT SPOILERS⚠️
Rich with a good plot, amazingly written characters, and the beginnings of a steamy romance. I only wish Taryn and Jude’s relationship could’ve been explored better, and that Taryn hadn’t sold her out. I did NOT expect Jude and Cardan to kiss in this book (not that I didn’t want it, but we haven’t crossed over to lovers yet). Overall, an amazing experience. 9/10.
Rich with a good plot, amazingly written characters, and the beginnings of a steamy romance. I only wish Taryn and Jude’s relationship could’ve been explored better, and that Taryn hadn’t sold her out. I did NOT expect Jude and Cardan to kiss in this book (not that I didn’t want it, but we haven’t crossed over to lovers yet). Overall, an amazing experience. 9/10.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Infidelity
Minor: Dysphoria, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
raypaws's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Domestic abuse, Violence, Death, Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, and Bullying
Moderate: Kidnapping, Suicide, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Incest
saola7's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Death, Blood, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Slavery, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Incest
xxkissmybatteryxx's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
katievallin's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
The world-building is interesting. However, I really didn’t enjoy this book overall because of the way abuse is handled. I don’t care how physically attractive someone is: there is nothing sexy about abuse. And trauma is neither sexy nor an excuse for abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
poormansmynah's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
I confess, for the longest I was adamant about not touching this book, purely because of my strong aversion to enemies to lovers, or ‘bully romance’ books. I heard about the tormenting scenes that take place between Jude and the fae and was immediately put off till eventually, (and after a long and agonising reading slump) I decided on a whim to pick it up if for nothing then just to kill my curiosity. Now that I’ve finished it, truthfully? I think a lot of readers and hardcore fans who’ve advertised The Cruel Prince to other potential readers as this epic ~enemies to lovers romance~ have been doing it a huge disservice.
First of all, Jude. Miss Bad Bitch herself. The story is in fact mostly about her growth and her ambition to find her footing amongst the faeries and to eventually, best them. I don’t want to go into too much detail on that front, because it is mostly a character driven narrative and to tell you what exactly happens I think would spoil it somewhat, but I’ll just say (at least at this point in the story) it is NOT a romance, and what little of that there is doesn’t compare to the political intrigue we’re introduced to and the evolution of Jude’s character. I loved getting to read about her smarting up and embracing her viciousness. ESPECIALLY towards the end. (view spoiler). She’s a very strongly written character who totally carries this book, and I’d like to see more people talk about that as opposed to the 'romance'.
Speaking of which, Cardigan Carden. I didn’t expect to like him and I still don’t. Despite his moments of weakness and those few moments of humanity that we got to see, I can’t forgive him so quickly over his cruelty to Jude just because he had a tragic upbringing and has a crush. He does interest me though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next and how his feelings toward her transpire. I’m not so enamoured with the idea of a romance between them still, but I suppose I could be swayed depending on what happens next. I guess on that front, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Aside from characters, I’d heard of Holly Black before this book but had never read any of her work in full; needless to say I am pleasantly surprised. Despite my feeling that there were some things lacking, there’s no doubt that she’s a really good writer. Her characters are intricate and her narration gripping. If I hadn’t enjoyed this book as much in the end I think I would’ve picked up another one she had written still (which i actually already had haha, book of night you better be good).
As for what was lacking. The world building could do with some work. It’s really hard to try and envision ‘faerieland’ because I take from what is said OF it, it’s meant to be a big expanse of land, but from what little is described of said space, I can only envision everything as being really small in scale. It’s meant to be a kingdom, but it’s not written like one, which made me struggle to visualise it. My other issue was the way the plot was paced. I enjoy character driven books and Jude was a good enough character to make it work, but I would like to see a more fleshed out plot line in the future, especially if we're venturing further into faerie politics and court intrigue. That part interested me, but it only really kicked off after about 200 pages. Black's left a door open though so I trust this is going to be more elaborated on and i for one can't wait to see it.
Overall, 3½ stars. I’m not blown away but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Undeniably gripping, tense, rage inducing yet satisfying. I will definitely be picking up The Wicked King next.
First of all, Jude. Miss Bad Bitch herself. The story is in fact mostly about her growth and her ambition to find her footing amongst the faeries and to eventually, best them. I don’t want to go into too much detail on that front, because it is mostly a character driven narrative and to tell you what exactly happens I think would spoil it somewhat, but I’ll just say (at least at this point in the story) it is NOT a romance, and what little of that there is doesn’t compare to the political intrigue we’re introduced to and the evolution of Jude’s character. I loved getting to read about her smarting up and embracing her viciousness. ESPECIALLY towards the end. (view spoiler). She’s a very strongly written character who totally carries this book, and I’d like to see more people talk about that as opposed to the 'romance'.
Speaking of which, Cardigan Carden. I didn’t expect to like him and I still don’t. Despite his moments of weakness and those few moments of humanity that we got to see, I can’t forgive him so quickly over his cruelty to Jude just because he had a tragic upbringing and has a crush. He does interest me though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next and how his feelings toward her transpire. I’m not so enamoured with the idea of a romance between them still, but I suppose I could be swayed depending on what happens next. I guess on that front, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Aside from characters, I’d heard of Holly Black before this book but had never read any of her work in full; needless to say I am pleasantly surprised. Despite my feeling that there were some things lacking, there’s no doubt that she’s a really good writer. Her characters are intricate and her narration gripping. If I hadn’t enjoyed this book as much in the end I think I would’ve picked up another one she had written still (which i actually already had haha, book of night you better be good).
As for what was lacking. The world building could do with some work. It’s really hard to try and envision ‘faerieland’ because I take from what is said OF it, it’s meant to be a big expanse of land, but from what little is described of said space, I can only envision everything as being really small in scale. It’s meant to be a kingdom, but it’s not written like one, which made me struggle to visualise it. My other issue was the way the plot was paced. I enjoy character driven books and Jude was a good enough character to make it work, but I would like to see a more fleshed out plot line in the future, especially if we're venturing further into faerie politics and court intrigue. That part interested me, but it only really kicked off after about 200 pages. Black's left a door open though so I trust this is going to be more elaborated on and i for one can't wait to see it.
Overall, 3½ stars. I’m not blown away but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Undeniably gripping, tense, rage inducing yet satisfying. I will definitely be picking up The Wicked King next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
During a scene where Jude is drugged with faerie fruit, she is made to strip out of her clothes and humiliate herself whilst in nothing but her underwear. Nothing else of a sexual nature happens to her, but some readers could find it uncomfortable or disturbing.nnniro411's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Really enjoyed reading this book. All the characters were morally grey and no one was really good outright. I really liked all the relationships on how twisted and complicated they were. This isn't a book about good beating evil or being a good person. It is a book about a girl that has to survive in a world that doesn't accept her and she isn't said to be a perfect or morally upright person like most book leads. Jude isn't righteous, she lies and cheats and is completely flawed. It was an intriguing story and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I am already ready to pick up the 2nd book and the only thing stopping me is the fact that it is 10pm right now and all bookstores are closed. I am looking forward to what happens next and how the relationship is going to evolve between Cardan and Jude.
10/10 would recommend!!
10/10 would recommend!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Grief, Death, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Bullying, and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
renereadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The premise and politics of the book is intense. I am a fan of world building and the world is complex and real in the sense of our modern day.
If you want a lovable character though, this may not be the book for you. All these characters have flaws and things that can make the inherently unlikeable. So the goal isn’t really who is the best, but who isn’t the worst person in the end.
The dynamics between the main character Jude and Cardan are sporadic to say the least. A very slow enemies to lovers burn but in the end they still have complicated relations. I’m continuing the series for sure and seeing how the second books drives these characters.
If you want a lovable character though, this may not be the book for you. All these characters have flaws and things that can make the inherently unlikeable. So the goal isn’t really who is the best, but who isn’t the worst person in the end.
The dynamics between the main character Jude and Cardan are sporadic to say the least. A very slow enemies to lovers burn but in the end they still have complicated relations. I’m continuing the series for sure and seeing how the second books drives these characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, War, Sexual harassment, and Kidnapping