A review by tan_wayne
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have kind of mixed feelings about it...I loved some parts of the story, but the rest felt mediocre.

I really loved how the book is not afraid to delve into dark themes, it feels quite fresh to read something new in the fantasy genre. Is the writing spectacular? Not really, but I could say I was hooked throughout the book. I think I sort of like most of the characters? But what I really loved is the action in the beginning and towards the end. I think the middle portion felt

(especially suddenly kidnapping a human servant was so unnecessary)

a bit dull. I loved that the story included morally-grey characters, but some of the others, I do not like that much.

I think the world-building could be expanded much more. I think the competitive nature of being the leader and being a faerie could have been touched on more. Or maybe I was just unsatisfied after reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. The love-hate relationship

(between Jude and Cardan)

needed more development, both the hatred and love aspects were not justified in my opinion. I think the story really picked up towards the end, thank goodness😌

☆3.5 Stars☆