A review by rasha_reads
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I have been on somewhat of a roll when it comes to my fantasy / romantasy book picks this month so I decided (at last) to give “The Cruel Prince” a try. I will admit that I had a bit of difficulty getting into it (about 250 pages or thereabouts) but once I did, I found it quite cleverly plotted. To be fair, I’m not sure how much of my difficulty with this story was due to the writing style and plot or how much was due to the fact that I was suffering from a massive book hangover since I just finished reading the first three volumes of “The Kindred’s Curse Saga” by Penn Cole… maybe a bit of both?

To be clear, the writing style was not bad - quite the opposite - but it did strike me as very simple (as in aimed for a YA audience) as well as somewhat distanced. Again, it took some getting used to and I think that had as much to do with the characters with whom I felt little affinity. For example, the FMC, Jude, has been given a backstory but her motivations and loyalties, especially as regards her family members, remain opaque throughout. For example, why does she choose to stay in Elfhame? Why only a glimmer into the most interesting relationship in the book ie with Madoc?

For those of you searching for a book of this genre for a book club, I would actually recommend this book simply because I believe it would spark discussion. As for the FMC, Cardan, even though we got small glimpses of his character and backstory, he still remains a mystery.

As I said earlier, the book did get better as it progressed, having some interesting plot twists, some glimpses into future spice, some action (triggers for those who have been on the receiving end of bullying and racism) and an ending that left me wanting to know what happens next. [It’s mind blowing how many series I’m in the middle of right now.] 

I have a feeling this is one of those series where you read the first book just to get to the second one. We shall see…

4 stars 🤓📚

@BlackHolly
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