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A review by justkrissy
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I came back to this story with a fresher mind than before -- not quite a year later but... close enough -- with the realization that this isn't a romantasy as tiktok had liked me to believe at first. I'm so incredibly happy I decided to come back to this. Going from 3.6 stars to 5!
As before, I am still so enamored with the world-building. While dipping its toes in the modern world, The Cruel Prince still manages to have that fairytale/folklore feel. Faeries aren't described as just supermodels with pointed ears; they're a variety of different species of Fae, all so distinctive and unique in physicality. And despite the brutality of this world, it maintains the magical feeling.
The political intrigue is SO good, I love a good betrayal.
"Father, I am what you made me. I've become your daughter after all."
Sometimes you live long enough to realize that you can relate more to the character you didn't quite like before. Previously, I thought Jude was childish, impulsive, and quick to anger. Upon this reread, I see her in a completely different light. Jude isn't the "lost puppy" I once said she was, but a young girl who is terrified of never finding her place among those that see her as lesser. There is always a constant battle to prove her worth, but she is so headstrong in doing so, it's admirable. Her anger and vengefulness is completely valid; the harassment and trauma she faced still makes my heart ache and my blood boil, it's no surprise she feels the way she does.
Much of my opinions of other characters carryover still; Locke is a walking red flag, Taryn is unsavory to me, Cardan is a wild-card. Vivi and Oak remain some of my favorite side characters, I love them both dearly.
Rereading this was the best decision I've made, I'm excited to jump right into The Wicked King!!
As before, I am still so enamored with the world-building. While dipping its toes in the modern world, The Cruel Prince still manages to have that fairytale/folklore feel. Faeries aren't described as just supermodels with pointed ears; they're a variety of different species of Fae, all so distinctive and unique in physicality. And despite the brutality of this world, it maintains the magical feeling.
The political intrigue is SO good, I love a good betrayal.
"Father, I am what you made me. I've become your daughter after all."
Sometimes you live long enough to realize that you can relate more to the character you didn't quite like before. Previously, I thought Jude was childish, impulsive, and quick to anger. Upon this reread, I see her in a completely different light. Jude isn't the "lost puppy" I once said she was, but a young girl who is terrified of never finding her place among those that see her as lesser. There is always a constant battle to prove her worth, but she is so headstrong in doing so, it's admirable. Her anger and vengefulness is completely valid; the harassment and trauma she faced still makes my heart ache and my blood boil, it's no surprise she feels the way she does.
Much of my opinions of other characters carryover still; Locke is a walking red flag, Taryn is unsavory to me, Cardan is a wild-card. Vivi and Oak remain some of my favorite side characters, I love them both dearly.
Rereading this was the best decision I've made, I'm excited to jump right into The Wicked King!!