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A review by ohtoasty
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Jude is the main character of this story. She is written in a badass kind of way, wanting to be stronger than the limitations that life gives her. She wants to overcome the challenges in her way, even though they logically seem near impossible (not completely impossible, but incredibly difficult). I like that at Jude's core, she cares for her sisters and her family, but she cares for herself first and foremost. She is going out of her way, to get what she wants, and she does not care about who may be in her way. Things happen in this book simply because of her sheer will and determination. I find that I don't know why her body is filled with such spite and ill will, the author does not fully explain her motivations at times. But I can look past that.
I can't look past the world building though. I think I am intrigued enough to pick up the second book, because I am curious as to how the story moves through the book series, but I honestly have no fucking idea what is going on. There are other courts? Okay. I have no idea how much power they have and how that may differ from where she is living. Are they all located in the same location? Or do they travel? What kind of power do they have and is it different? Fuck if I know. I had the idea that some courts are more important than others, but I have absolutely no idea how they relate to each other and how important they are overall. I have zero idea what the governing system is like. The main point seems to be that a relative needs to place the King's crown on the new King's head. That is the most important aspect and I got that, but anything else, fuck if I know. I don't even know how important being a Knight is and what kind of status that gives you, just the fact that Jude wanted to be one.
I didn't care for Taryn, Jude's sister. She consistently gives up, wants to be a quiet small mouse, totally fucks over her sister for what seems to be very little reason. Like okay I guess. Vivienne is a lot more interesting to read. Technically a part of that world but desperate to not be. Queer and willing to take care of the younger brother in the mortal world. Way more interesting of a character and I'm excited to see more than her.
I don't really care at all for Cardan. I understand why he's sad, he's been pushed over, ignored, tortured by his family, he resorted to alcohol and not giving a fuck. He clearly had a very complicated view of Jude. She was beaten down over and over again but never ever gave up whereas he chose that path consistently. Apparently that angered him. Now she has power over him for a year and is awkwardly flirting I guess. Sure. I'm gay so angsty book boyfriends are hard for me to actually be interested in. He was no different. Not the worst I've ever read but not anything to gush over.
Book had a slow start considering how bad the world building was. Everything was leading up to the first plot point felt slow, the twist and everything after felt fast. Wish it had more even pacing throughout and that I understood what the fuck was going on.
I can't look past the world building though. I think I am intrigued enough to pick up the second book, because I am curious as to how the story moves through the book series, but I honestly have no fucking idea what is going on. There are other courts? Okay. I have no idea how much power they have and how that may differ from where she is living. Are they all located in the same location? Or do they travel? What kind of power do they have and is it different? Fuck if I know. I had the idea that some courts are more important than others, but I have absolutely no idea how they relate to each other and how important they are overall. I have zero idea what the governing system is like. The main point seems to be that a relative needs to place the King's crown on the new King's head. That is the most important aspect and I got that, but anything else, fuck if I know. I don't even know how important being a Knight is and what kind of status that gives you, just the fact that Jude wanted to be one.
I didn't care for Taryn, Jude's sister. She consistently gives up, wants to be a quiet small mouse, totally fucks over her sister for what seems to be very little reason. Like okay I guess. Vivienne is a lot more interesting to read. Technically a part of that world but desperate to not be. Queer and willing to take care of the younger brother in the mortal world. Way more interesting of a character and I'm excited to see more than her.
I don't really care at all for Cardan. I understand why he's sad, he's been pushed over, ignored, tortured by his family, he resorted to alcohol and not giving a fuck. He clearly had a very complicated view of Jude. She was beaten down over and over again but never ever gave up whereas he chose that path consistently. Apparently that angered him. Now she has power over him for a year and is awkwardly flirting I guess. Sure. I'm gay so angsty book boyfriends are hard for me to actually be interested in. He was no different. Not the worst I've ever read but not anything to gush over.
Book had a slow start considering how bad the world building was. Everything was leading up to the first plot point felt slow, the twist and everything after felt fast. Wish it had more even pacing throughout and that I understood what the fuck was going on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Alcohol, and Classism