Happy Wednesday! I was planning on writing a review of the entire Cruel Prince series, but after writing the review of the first book, I decided it would be far too large. Instead, I'm only reviewing the first one. The entire series is amazing though, and I loved the second book the most. So I definitely encourage you to read all three books.
Warning: The rest of this post contains spoilers. If you haven't read it yet, and you want to, come back later. Otherwise, keep reading!
Overview of The Cruel Prince
In the beginning of The Cruel Prince, we are introduced to our main characters. Vivi, Jude and Taryn. Vivi is the oldest, with Jude and Taryn being the younger twin sisters. One day, while the children are minding their own business and eating fish sticks with ketchup, the door bell rings. Jude opens it to reveal Madoc, Vivi's real father, and the husband of their mother. Madoc ends up murdering (violent, much?) Jude and Taryn's father, and their mother. The three sisters are whisked away to Elfhame (where there are no fish sticks and ketchup) to begin their new lives as Madoc's children. (I would love to be whisked away to a magical land...but it can be so only in my dreams, sadly.)
Madoc is a very influential fae, as the General of of the High King Eldred. He usually gets what he wants, whether it's given to him freely or he takes it for himself. On the off chance he doesn't get his way, his temper prevails. Vivi hates Madoc, and hates being in Faerie. She is rebellious and does what she wants, especially if it goes against Madoc. Jude tries to stay out of trouble, and she's Madoc's favorite...for now. Taryn is the rule follower, but also loves being in Faerie. She likes to be involved in the music, dancing, and drink as much as possible. Though it is very dangerous to do so. The food and drink can be deadly to humans, and you can literally dance yourself to death if you're not careful. Jude and Taryn wear charms to help them stay safe from spells. They have a little brother Oak, who belongs to Madoc's second wife, Oriana.
It's ten years later, and Vivi, Jude, and Taryn go to school in Faerie, where they learn how to chart the stars, strategize during wartime, and be tortured by Prince Cardan and his friends. He is exceptionally wicked to Jude, and she doesn't know why. He encourages his friends to be mean to her as well. Despite all of that, his friend Locke befriends Jude shows romantic interest in her.
Jude is asked to become a spy for Prince Dain, one of Prince Cardan's brothers. She learns how to sneak like The Ghost, steal like The Roach, and make potions like The Bomb. Jude becomes one of the best spies in existence, almost like she was born to do just that. As an additional incentive to be loyal, Prince Dain makes her immune to spells and glamours. As she learns more and more about the politics in Faerie, she becomes less trustful of Madoc, Prince Cardan, and everyone she knows. Even Taryn has something to hide. She tells Jude someone is going to propose to her during Prince Dain coronation ceremony, but won't share who. It is revealed that person is Locke, who was tricking both girls into being with him.
High King Eldred is stepping down, and has chosen Prince Dain to succeed him. However, his other son, Prince Balekan doesn't like that. During the coronation, Balekan murders his entire family, expect Prince Cardan, who slips away into hiding. Jude sneaks off as well, and ends up finding Cardan. She holds him as her prisoner for several days, while she comes up with a plan. It has been revealed that it is Madoc's plan to put their little brother Oak on the throne, with himself as the behind-the-scenes ruler. Jude believes Oak is too young to rule, as does Oriana, and wants to avoid him becoming cruel like Madoc and Cardan. She decides to have Cardan allow her to control him for a year and one day, and not a minute more, according to Cardan. Cardan believed she would have Oak on the throne with herself in the background, but she had a different plan all along. At the last second, she sends Oak to crown Prince Cardan as High King.
What I Loved About The Cruel Prince
I really enjoyed Holly Black's writing. The book was great by the end. I'll admit, I didn't love it in the beginning. But, the way Jude schemes and plans is amazing, and I loved (almost) every second of it. The twists and turns really had me guessing until the end, and I had no idea Jude was planning to make Cardan High King all along. I love how Jude takes charge of situations, and proves to everyone humans can thrive among the fae too.
What I Didn't Love About The Cruel Prince
This book has very little romance, and is mostly politics. I was under the impression there would be a good mix of both, but I was wrong. Prince Cardan and Jude don't even kiss until the end of the book, and it is definitely not a declaration of love. I really enjoy fantasy, but I like it much more if there's romance.
Final Thoughts
While I was very disappointed over the lack of romance, once I adjusted my expectations, I liked it. The book on it's own is good, and you don't technically have to read the other books. I like when a series does that and I don't feel like it's required to read the rest, especially if I decide it's not my thing.
However, the rest of the books are what really make Jude shine. You get to see a different side to her, other than the tough, I'll-do-it-myself girl. Prince-I mean High King-Cardan also gets more backstory and you understand why he became so cruel. I love a good villain backstory...and when the villain gets the girl. I like it even more when you find out he's not really a villain at all, and just needed someone to love him.
Overall Rating
Overall, I give The Cruel Prince itself four stars, and the series as a whole four and a half. If you like political stories and drama this is a series for you. Have a good rest of your week!
-xxAlycia
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