Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him – and face the consequences.
As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
The Cruel Prince Review
There is so much hype surrounding The Cruel Prince that I knew I needed to try it. But I don’t think I’ve ever been more conflicted about a book in my life!
I honestly have so many questions running around in my head, and it’s crazy!
The Cruel Prince follows Jude, a mortal who lives in the Court of Faeries. She desperately tries to prove herself as worthy among the fey. As she tries to win a place in the Court, she involves herself with scheming, betrayals and everything in between.
Jude is an extremely unlikable protagonist. And I don’t think I’m the only one thinking that. She’s manipulative and greedy, but also determined. But I do think this is on purpose.
I absolutely loved Vivi and Oak. But since they’re minor characters, I didn’t get enough of them as I wanted! And wow, those Fey characters are vicious!!
I’ll also mention that the title of this book should have been plural – because wow! The entirety of the Royal Court is just cruel and vicious. You never know whether to like them or hate them because they’re such tricksters!
There are so many moments in this book that are slow. Because of that, I was bored sometimes. I feel like the first section is really slow mostly because of the character development and lack of plot.
After reading the book, I definitely like the way it’s written. But it did make it difficult to get into. I will say though, the second section is more captivating and totally redeems the book for me. There are so many plot twists, betrayals and moments of deceit that leave me so curious.
One aspect of this book that is refreshing is the faerie world. Holly Black writes the fey in such a unique way. This book takes an approach of making them powerful and charming. But adds alluring darkness, tragedy and cruelty. It’s definitley the perfect mix of dark and light.
Overall, The Cruel Prince is a solid but conflicting read for me. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book I found to be somewhat boring yet didn’t want to put down. The ending leaves me curious for the sequel, so I’ll definitely be picking it up!
If you’re a fan of Holly Black, definitely pick this book up. It’s also great for those who love dark stories and betrayals. Please note that there are a number of triggers in this book.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Favourite Quote
If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.
About the Author
Holly Black is the author of bestselling contemporary fantasy books for kids and teens. Some of her titles include The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), The Modern Faerie Tale series, the Curse Workers series, Doll Bones, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Magisterium series (with Cassandra Clare), The Darkest Part of the Forest, and her new series which begins with The Cruel Prince in January 2018. She has been a a finalist for an Eisner Award, and the recipient of the Andre Norton Award, the Mythopoeic Award and a Newbery Honor. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret door.
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