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A review by emmelinemontgomery
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
Look I get everyone wants to jump Cardan’s bones bc he’s a misunderstood prince who’s been pining for Jude but can we please- for just a min- recognize that this is also a story about three *teenage* sisters living through an insane amount of trauma, being raised with people who they don’t fully trust or really feel loved by, and all making bad decisions because of this.
Jude is just making the most satisfying-to-read bad decisions. As we watch them all come unraveled in their own way from trauma-exhaustion it’s a real ride and I love it but idk I am not going to judge perpetually terrified 17/19 year olds, who have no healthy adults to help them, for making bonkers bad decisions. Also, if they were making good decisions they’d be unbelievable as characters. Anyways, why do I love reading about Jude coming unhinged so much though? It’s cathartic in a way I guess. Jude’s obsession with Madoc’s approval is also so interesting and complex. Sure, Cardan is also fun. He’s definitely got glittering black eyes and likes to brood with them.
Jude is just making the most satisfying-to-read bad decisions. As we watch them all come unraveled in their own way from trauma-exhaustion it’s a real ride and I love it but idk I am not going to judge perpetually terrified 17/19 year olds, who have no healthy adults to help them, for making bonkers bad decisions. Also, if they were making good decisions they’d be unbelievable as characters. Anyways, why do I love reading about Jude coming unhinged so much though? It’s cathartic in a way I guess. Jude’s obsession with Madoc’s approval is also so interesting and complex. Sure, Cardan is also fun. He’s definitely got glittering black eyes and likes to brood with them.