A review by beejulee
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

adventurous dark funny sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Jude carries the story honestly. Her out of pocket personality is very dark, hostile, impulsive and chaotic which was very fascinating to read. I found some of the other characters either a disappointment (Taryn....) or just random/unexpected (Locke & Cardan low key). If Jude wasn't the way she was, this story would be more of a drag, depressing story about hopelessness (and it still feels like that in a way). There's a lack of world building and description on the settings within the story which I wish there was more of.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Suicide

I was so damn disappointed in Taryn's character. I wish the twins would have more of a strong relationship rather than that trifling woman choosing an orange raccoon (Locke) over her own flesh and blood. She needs to do better. Cardan & Locke to me seemed unexpected and out of no where? Locke just suddenly took a liking to Jude and the gang just allowed him to? It doesn't make sense, there was no real built up and it seemed dry to me. It was more disappointing after realizing that this is the kind of man Taryn valued? I still can't get over that. As for Cardan, I didn't really get his sudden interest for her other than writing Jude's name on a paper over an over again? I get enemies to lover tropes but I didn't think the build up for them that led them to kiss really was enticing to me.

Again, Jude carried the whole story really and without her, I wouldn't have finished the book. I don't believe I am going to continue with the series though, especially if Jude is the only character that really kept me pushing.