A review by katievallin
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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.

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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