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A review by durrareadsstuff
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
2.5
Okay, how would I roughly describe this book? Well, remember how Cardan was like, I hate you but I can't stop thinking about you? That is exactly how I feel about this book. Like this book made me so mad and confused that logically, I'm supposed to hate it, but and I do, I just can't seem to take it off my mind.
In terms of pacing, I felt like the first half of this book was incredibly slow. I understand that slow-pace in the first books in trilogies is not uncommon, and it helps to set the scene and all, but bro it took like forever for something to happen. And sometimes things escalate so quickly I can't wrap my head around it. Like what the hell is happening??? I also think the romance between Jude and Cardan was just very minimal. Forget slow burn, this is occasional, once-in-a-while-I'll-throw-it-in burn, like just????????? IT'S A FANTASY ROMANCE. It just wasn't enough for me to ship them. Plus, I'm not too fond of he-bullied-you-because-he-liked-you and the fell-in-love-with-my-bully kind of trope. And being abused does NOT justify why Cardan was such a jerk, and yeah, he didn't want to kill Jude, but you COULD HAVE STOPPED IT? AND YOU DIDN'T?
But, I guess the world-building was amazing, and the twists are unexpected enough for me to enjoy them. Although, some of them I guessed right on from the foreshadowing. I felt like the romance part was not that well written, but I guess things will get better in the rest of the trilogy. I also liked Jude's character. In my view, she's the first female lead in a while that has that much strength and power-hunger and hurt that genuinely sets her apart from other female leads. She has a lot to work on, though. But like I said, we'll probably see that in the other two books. As for now though, I don't feel any attachment to the characters, like, at all. I liked Jude, but that's that. I don't feel sorry or worried or find myself rooting for her, but again, let's just wait, you know.
It's been a while since I got so riled up over a book, I was ranting to myself for most of the scenes, and I really enjoyed it. So, I guess it wasn't that bad of a book. I have to hand it to the author that she didn't shy away from the brutalness of the "folklore" like damn, it gets pretty gruesome in here.Also, can I just say that the F-boy that is Locke (ugh) and I'm sorry for this, but he deserves to die, like can someone please kill him already? Okay, maybe that's mean, but are we convinced that even with years of intensive therapy, he will become a decent person? Doubtfully, but, sure, maybe.
I originally gave this 3.5 stars but after some thought I realised I actually hated it just enough to give it a 2.5
In terms of pacing, I felt like the first half of this book was incredibly slow. I understand that slow-pace in the first books in trilogies is not uncommon, and it helps to set the scene and all, but bro it took like forever for something to happen. And sometimes things escalate so quickly I can't wrap my head around it. Like what the hell is happening??? I also think the romance between Jude and Cardan was just very minimal. Forget slow burn, this is occasional, once-in-a-while-I'll-throw-it-in burn, like just????????? IT'S A FANTASY ROMANCE. It just wasn't enough for me to ship them. Plus, I'm not too fond of he-bullied-you-because-he-liked-you and the fell-in-love-with-my-bully kind of trope. And being abused does NOT justify why Cardan was such a jerk, and yeah, he didn't want to kill Jude, but you COULD HAVE STOPPED IT? AND YOU DIDN'T?
But, I guess the world-building was amazing, and the twists are unexpected enough for me to enjoy them. Although, some of them I guessed right on from the foreshadowing. I felt like the romance part was not that well written, but I guess things will get better in the rest of the trilogy. I also liked Jude's character. In my view, she's the first female lead in a while that has that much strength and power-hunger and hurt that genuinely sets her apart from other female leads. She has a lot to work on, though. But like I said, we'll probably see that in the other two books. As for now though, I don't feel any attachment to the characters, like, at all. I liked Jude, but that's that. I don't feel sorry or worried or find myself rooting for her, but again, let's just wait, you know.
It's been a while since I got so riled up over a book, I was ranting to myself for most of the scenes, and I really enjoyed it. So, I guess it wasn't that bad of a book. I have to hand it to the author that she didn't shy away from the brutalness of the "folklore" like damn, it gets pretty gruesome in here.
I originally gave this 3.5 stars but after some thought I realised I actually hated it just enough to give it a 2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Death
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Toxic relationship