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A review by poormansmynah
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
I confess, for the longest I was adamant about not touching this book, purely because of my strong aversion to enemies to lovers, or ‘bully romance’ books. I heard about the tormenting scenes that take place between Jude and the fae and was immediately put off till eventually, (and after a long and agonising reading slump) I decided on a whim to pick it up if for nothing then just to kill my curiosity. Now that I’ve finished it, truthfully? I think a lot of readers and hardcore fans who’ve advertised The Cruel Prince to other potential readers as this epic ~enemies to lovers romance~ have been doing it a huge disservice.
First of all, Jude. Miss Bad Bitch herself. The story is in fact mostly about her growth and her ambition to find her footing amongst the faeries and to eventually, best them. I don’t want to go into too much detail on that front, because it is mostly a character driven narrative and to tell you what exactly happens I think would spoil it somewhat, but I’ll just say (at least at this point in the story) it is NOT a romance, and what little of that there is doesn’t compare to the political intrigue we’re introduced to and the evolution of Jude’s character. I loved getting to read about her smarting up and embracing her viciousness. ESPECIALLY towards the end. (view spoiler). She’s a very strongly written character who totally carries this book, and I’d like to see more people talk about that as opposed to the 'romance'.
Speaking of which, Cardigan Carden. I didn’t expect to like him and I still don’t. Despite his moments of weakness and those few moments of humanity that we got to see, I can’t forgive him so quickly over his cruelty to Jude just because he had a tragic upbringing and has a crush. He does interest me though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next and how his feelings toward her transpire. I’m not so enamoured with the idea of a romance between them still, but I suppose I could be swayed depending on what happens next. I guess on that front, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Aside from characters, I’d heard of Holly Black before this book but had never read any of her work in full; needless to say I am pleasantly surprised. Despite my feeling that there were some things lacking, there’s no doubt that she’s a really good writer. Her characters are intricate and her narration gripping. If I hadn’t enjoyed this book as much in the end I think I would’ve picked up another one she had written still (which i actually already had haha, book of night you better be good).
As for what was lacking. The world building could do with some work. It’s really hard to try and envision ‘faerieland’ because I take from what is said OF it, it’s meant to be a big expanse of land, but from what little is described of said space, I can only envision everything as being really small in scale. It’s meant to be a kingdom, but it’s not written like one, which made me struggle to visualise it. My other issue was the way the plot was paced. I enjoy character driven books and Jude was a good enough character to make it work, but I would like to see a more fleshed out plot line in the future, especially if we're venturing further into faerie politics and court intrigue. That part interested me, but it only really kicked off after about 200 pages. Black's left a door open though so I trust this is going to be more elaborated on and i for one can't wait to see it.
Overall, 3½ stars. I’m not blown away but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Undeniably gripping, tense, rage inducing yet satisfying. I will definitely be picking up The Wicked King next.
First of all, Jude. Miss Bad Bitch herself. The story is in fact mostly about her growth and her ambition to find her footing amongst the faeries and to eventually, best them. I don’t want to go into too much detail on that front, because it is mostly a character driven narrative and to tell you what exactly happens I think would spoil it somewhat, but I’ll just say (at least at this point in the story) it is NOT a romance, and what little of that there is doesn’t compare to the political intrigue we’re introduced to and the evolution of Jude’s character. I loved getting to read about her smarting up and embracing her viciousness. ESPECIALLY towards the end. (view spoiler). She’s a very strongly written character who totally carries this book, and I’d like to see more people talk about that as opposed to the 'romance'.
Speaking of which, Cardigan Carden. I didn’t expect to like him and I still don’t. Despite his moments of weakness and those few moments of humanity that we got to see, I can’t forgive him so quickly over his cruelty to Jude just because he had a tragic upbringing and has a crush. He does interest me though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he does next and how his feelings toward her transpire. I’m not so enamoured with the idea of a romance between them still, but I suppose I could be swayed depending on what happens next. I guess on that front, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Aside from characters, I’d heard of Holly Black before this book but had never read any of her work in full; needless to say I am pleasantly surprised. Despite my feeling that there were some things lacking, there’s no doubt that she’s a really good writer. Her characters are intricate and her narration gripping. If I hadn’t enjoyed this book as much in the end I think I would’ve picked up another one she had written still (which i actually already had haha, book of night you better be good).
As for what was lacking. The world building could do with some work. It’s really hard to try and envision ‘faerieland’ because I take from what is said OF it, it’s meant to be a big expanse of land, but from what little is described of said space, I can only envision everything as being really small in scale. It’s meant to be a kingdom, but it’s not written like one, which made me struggle to visualise it. My other issue was the way the plot was paced. I enjoy character driven books and Jude was a good enough character to make it work, but I would like to see a more fleshed out plot line in the future, especially if we're venturing further into faerie politics and court intrigue. That part interested me, but it only really kicked off after about 200 pages. Black's left a door open though so I trust this is going to be more elaborated on and i for one can't wait to see it.
Overall, 3½ stars. I’m not blown away but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Undeniably gripping, tense, rage inducing yet satisfying. I will definitely be picking up The Wicked King next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
During a scene where Jude is drugged with faerie fruit, she is made to strip out of her clothes and humiliate herself whilst in nothing but her underwear. Nothing else of a sexual nature happens to her, but some readers could find it uncomfortable or disturbing.