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A review by elskabee
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
NO SPOILERS // 3.5 // What a ride
ACOTAR meets Assassin's Apprentice
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes:
- Fast paced books
- Morally grey protagonists
- Political intrigue
- Female-led fantasy where romance is barely present
I overall enjoyed my time with this book, especially around the halfway mark and onwards where things really started to pick up. None of the characters are likeable, but that's kind of the point. Horrible people doing horrible things to each other in an entertaining fashion.
The biggest let down was that the stakes and my level interest were so low for roughly the first half of the book. First instalments usually need time to introduce stuff, but that wasn't my problem. It was more that what the characters were dealing with just wasn't interesting, especially when you contrast it to the second half of the book. I definitely think the first half could have been a little more compact with he middle section a bit more expanded and the book would have been better for it. The only other thing that stopped me from rating it higher was that I found the world-building a little lacklustre. I don't think it was suuuper important for this story, but it would have helped in making the world feel more real and immersive.
Overall it was a fun quick read that I had trouble putting down so I'd definitely recommend it.
ACOTAR meets Assassin's Apprentice
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes:
- Fast paced books
- Morally grey protagonists
- Political intrigue
- Female-led fantasy where romance is barely present
I overall enjoyed my time with this book, especially around the halfway mark and onwards where things really started to pick up. None of the characters are likeable, but that's kind of the point. Horrible people doing horrible things to each other in an entertaining fashion.
The biggest let down was that the stakes and my level interest were so low for roughly the first half of the book. First instalments usually need time to introduce stuff, but that wasn't my problem. It was more that what the characters were dealing with just wasn't interesting, especially when you contrast it to the second half of the book. I definitely think the first half could have been a little more compact with he middle section a bit more expanded and the book would have been better for it. The only other thing that stopped me from rating it higher was that I found the world-building a little lacklustre. I don't think it was suuuper important for this story, but it would have helped in making the world feel more real and immersive.
Overall it was a fun quick read that I had trouble putting down so I'd definitely recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Trafficking
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism and Medical content