A review by corvuscloudburst
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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

4.25

Jude is an awesome, powerful, and relatable protagonist whose internal narration really makes the story what it is. I especially appreciate that the author did not water her down or change the sharper aspects of her nature in the name of making her the "good guy." Jude feels things that women and girls are too often told they are not allowed to feel, or incapable of feeling. Others try to tell Jude what she is, try to put her in a box and belittle what she is capable of, and she proves them wrong over and over and over again in ways that are both satisfying and deliciously frightening.

It's so refreshing to read a character as real as she is, who is simultaneously impressively competent and barely holding things together. She grows and learns and changes and makes very questionable decisions and I love every second of it.
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