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A review by isabezza
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.75
I read this book as part of a summer reading challenge looking for a romance with a villain. It turns out I loved everything about this book except that romance.
The world building, the awesome female protagonist, the writing style, the fast-paced plot and magic themes were fantastic. Not only did I finish this in a weekend, but I have already bought the sequel out of excitement.
However, this book certainly lacked character development (every character's story was predictable and one dimensional). Similarly, the romance between Jude and the Prince was uncomfortable to read - it seemed forced and embarrassing - out of place with the exciting drama in the Courts of Fairie.
The world building, the awesome female protagonist, the writing style, the fast-paced plot and magic themes were fantastic. Not only did I finish this in a weekend, but I have already bought the sequel out of excitement.
However, this book certainly lacked character development (every character's story was predictable and one dimensional). Similarly, the romance between Jude and the Prince was uncomfortable to read - it seemed forced and embarrassing - out of place with the exciting drama in the Courts of Fairie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail