A review by deena_
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

3.0

A harmonious layout of all my favorite childhood fairy tales and myths made the reading experience more enjoyable, though I'm not yet certain I understand the complex world building here. But the main characters made up for it, one of the few books where we are promised evil MCs and given just that.

A desperate man makes a bargain with the ruler of demons to save his beloved wife and in exchange is asked for one of his daughter’s hand in marriage soon as she comes of age. To save her family from the consequences otherwise, Nyx has been prepared just for it her entire life. Heart heavy with hatred towards her family for getting into a bad bargain with a demon for which her mother had to suffer and for being the one chosen as the bearer of such terrible fate; she swears to seek revenge. Kill her demon husband to avenge her mother, but in the twisted lybranth of his castle, she uncovers secrets that rattle all her schemes, more so when she realizes her affections for the beautiful, cruel thing that is her husband.

Wicked characters with razor sharp tongues and hearts of flame. A fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy read.