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martzzmellow's review against another edition
3.0
The plot and concept of the entire book was highly intriguing, but the first half of the book was simply too dull.
The plot twists were great so the only redeeming feature was the last 50 pages or so.
The plot twists were great so the only redeeming feature was the last 50 pages or so.
jyeetreads's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars or 7/10
Contrary to other reviewers, I actually found the plot quite engaging with its thriller-esque twists and turns! I think this was a great debut for Black into adult fantasy, and I enjoyed the more serious modern themes explored in the UF setting.
Characters:
Though I found the characters quite endearing, particularly Vince, I wanted more complexity beyond the tropes that they served - especially with the side characters - who I felt were rather two-dimensional.
Writing:
I enjoy Black’s witty tone and dry humor, which we got to see more of in this book as compared to her YA series given that this one is set in modern-day. However, I did find some of the writing a bit redundant or cheesy, the details spotty in places and superfluous in others, and the pacing at times uneven.
World-building:
I think this was what I noticed the book lacked the most. I feel like there’s so much of the magic system and politics we still don’t understand. Most of the setting was describe in practical geographic small-town terms that befit the setting, but I actually found that made everything feel … less grand and actually harder to visualize. Like, I’m itching to see the world of blights and shadows beyond this sleepy town of bars and one malevolently zealous rich gramps.
With this first book, I feel that the plot unrealistically connected and cycled within this tiny town. But, I feel that there’s got to be more, especially in this modern-day setting where the internet connects a globalized community. I wanna see where our valley gal robber will find herself in the world beyond. More complex sociopolitical intrigue and what-not!
Ending:
The ending of this book was a little eye-roll “here-we-go-again” moment, but I hope Black resolves that cheesy plot twist fast in the next installment or I may have a hard time getting through it haha.
Overall:
The storyline overall is an interesting concept, the romance a nice touch for those who enjoy it, and the badass MC fabulously unapologetic and very much cool. So in conclusion, though I found faults in my experience with this book, I’m excited to see where Black takes this world next!
Contrary to other reviewers, I actually found the plot quite engaging with its thriller-esque twists and turns! I think this was a great debut for Black into adult fantasy, and I enjoyed the more serious modern themes explored in the UF setting.
Characters:
Though I found the characters quite endearing, particularly Vince, I wanted more complexity beyond the tropes that they served - especially with the side characters - who I felt were rather two-dimensional.
Writing:
I enjoy Black’s witty tone and dry humor, which we got to see more of in this book as compared to her YA series given that this one is set in modern-day. However, I did find some of the writing a bit redundant or cheesy, the details spotty in places and superfluous in others, and the pacing at times uneven.
World-building:
I think this was what I noticed the book lacked the most. I feel like there’s so much of the magic system and politics we still don’t understand. Most of the setting was describe in practical geographic small-town terms that befit the setting, but I actually found that made everything feel … less grand and actually harder to visualize. Like, I’m itching to see the world of blights and shadows beyond this sleepy town of bars and one malevolently zealous rich gramps.
With this first book, I feel that the plot unrealistically connected and cycled within this tiny town. But, I feel that there’s got to be more, especially in this modern-day setting where the internet connects a globalized community. I wanna see where our valley gal robber will find herself in the world beyond. More complex sociopolitical intrigue and what-not!
Ending:
The ending of this book was a little eye-roll “here-we-go-again” moment, but I hope Black resolves that cheesy plot twist fast in the next installment or I may have a hard time getting through it haha.
Overall:
The storyline overall is an interesting concept, the romance a nice touch for those who enjoy it, and the badass MC fabulously unapologetic and very much cool. So in conclusion, though I found faults in my experience with this book, I’m excited to see where Black takes this world next!
curlybooknerd'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
4.25
chrispyschaller'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
readingwith_lorena's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
meubanks's review
adventurous
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
parkeeto's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cattecc's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. I can't read it, I'm sorry.
I thought 'Cruel Prince' was just a bad experience for me, (the trilogy) but I couldn't have been more wrong.
I just can't get into Holly Black's writing. I find it so hard to read her (both in English and Portuguese) that my eyes bleed and my brain begs for help.
I thought 'Cruel Prince' was just a bad experience for me, (the trilogy) but I couldn't have been more wrong.
I just can't get into Holly Black's writing. I find it so hard to read her (both in English and Portuguese) that my eyes bleed and my brain begs for help.