A review by brokebookadict
The Prince of Prohibition by Marilyn Marks

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

“𝚃𝚎𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌, 𝚒𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚒𝚝?” 𝙸 𝚗𝚘𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚍. 

“𝙸 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚟𝚒𝚛𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚜𝚎𝚡 𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕.” 

“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗.”

🍷🍷🍷🍷.5 / 5

🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

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Review:

I finished this book 48 hours ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since! This was a fantastic debut from Marilyn and I am desperately begging on my knees for book 2! And my knees are bad so the fact I got down on them is honestly a miracle😭 Marilyn DM me with the link to the first 4 chapters and asked if I’d read and consider signing up for an ARC, I knew from the forts chapter I would become obsessed with this book! I am so incredibly thankful Marilyn messaged me as idk how long it would have taken me to read this incredible book otherwise! (Also the first 4 chapters are still free through her bio!)

I think the best way I could describe TPOP is ACOTAR x Peaky Blinders set in 1920s NYC. I am obsessed with peaky blinders in way Mr Boyfriend didn’t intend when we started watching it together, I’m particularly obsessed with Tommy, the things I’d do for that man *gasps and fans oneself* and honestly I would do most of those things for Mr Jack Warren too *looks up a little dazed*. I’m not gunna lie, I’ve started to like it when a fictional man keeps his plans and ploys secrets from all those around them, only revealing tid bits as and when needed; and Marilyn did a fantastic job at revealing Jacks secrets in ways that meant I was constantly questioning him and his motives. Honestly poor Addie I would’ve cried if I was her😅 Jack has this air of arrogance but omg his soft spot for Addie is utter perfection (I am so jealous of that girl

I can’t lie😭). Anyway *coughs and clears throat* Jack is swoon worthily handsome, magic and is obsessed with his girl and not afraid to hide it; his restraint is impeccable and honestly I worship him for that alone😂 I love how he cares for Addie, especially when he knows she’s not good at looking after herself; and I can’t tell you guys everything without some pretty major spoilers but honestly that man *chefs kiss* 100/10 I need other people to talk to about him!

I love that we start the book with young Addie, where she explains this incredibly strict upbringing, that shows the love between their family and how pain and fear ripped them apart and sewed them together again as this mismatched patchwork of a family unit. I think young Addie is strangely relatable; she definitely portrays that fraction of fear everyone has, about judgement, loss and that almost disgruntled acceptance about being different. I loved seeing the world through her eyes and it definitely made that childlike magic come alive again. Watching grownup Addie evolve from this naive quite girl into a strong life loving woman was a joy. I often find it quite annoying when the fmc learns about the magic and has to get to grips with this ‘whole new world’ and sometimes fated mates can be a very annoying like transition almost? But I like how Marilyn did it with Addie seeing the ‘devil folk’, Jack visiting her in her dreams and eventually the pull Addie feels of the bond. Addies reaction to it surprisingly felts very natural and not OTT. Idk I think I’m rambling now, but basically in summary I really like Addie as a character and actually find her quite relatable which I often struggle with.

Also the things I’d do for Tommy (Addies brother, not Tommy Shelby; I’d be doing similar things for both tho dont you worry😉). Marilyn’s portrayal of Tommys PTSD and injuries as a result of the war felt very realistic and grounding in a sense that we saw this change in him as a result of his trauma that would have been similar to those of men returning from war, you can tell Marilyn did a lot of research about the era and it pays off in the details and the world building. I loved ghat we got a partially deaf and scarred side character and the way he processes his trauma and the effects it has on his life is so so interesting.

Marilyn’s writing style was incredibly addictive and made it almost impossible to put down! There was more than one occasion where I told myself ‘one more chapter’ 5 or 6 times😂 I definitely stayed up until 2am once or twice as well😂 I love the magic system as well, it was a different take on fae and nymphs and all magical creatures, and it was so interesting how they had evolved and adapted to everyday human life. Definitely a slow burn, but so so worth it when the restraint finally snaps and then damn *fans oneself again*. I am incredibly excited for book 2 and I really hope I don’t have to wait too long! But I can’t wait to reread TPOP again and again until every word is engrained in my mind and soul!

Definitely check the trigger warnings, there is detailed descriptions of PTSD and EDs, your mental health is more important than a book my love! Treat yourself with kindness🥰

For lovers of:

• ACOTAR x Peaky Blinders 
• 1920s & flapper dresses
• Fae & lessee fae i.e. nymphs 
• Fated mates
• Found family
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• It’s always been you
• I would d!3 & k¡ll for you

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Eating disorder