The Cruel Prince

By: Holly Black

“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.”

“When you cut out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.”

“Nice things don’t happen in storybooks. Or when they do happen, something bad happens next. Because otherwise, the story would be boring, and no one would read it.”

“Show your power by appearing powerless.”

“Desire is an odd thing. As soon as it’s sated, it transmutes. If we receive golden thread, we desire the golden needle.”

“There’s always something left to lose.”

Hey guys! I know it feels, like, forever since I posted anything, but it’s ok. I’m back with a new books. So I’d heard a lot about The Cruel Prince. So, last week I decided to read it. (Maybe that last line was a bit unnecessary because, obviously I read it or I wouldn’t be reviewing it!)

The Plot:

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.

Going into this book, I was expecting angsty romance, whiny little girls and unlikable love interests.

Well…

I have never been so wrong in my life! Sure, in the beginning, Cardin is very…aggravating. (That’s the understatement of the century, but you know what I mean, right?) But then he’s a little less aggravating. A little less. A smidge less.

Jude was just seven when her parents got brutally murdered right in front of her. The guy who did it took her and her sisters to the High Court of Faerie to raise them as one of their own, but in the ten years since then, Jude never really felt like she fit in. Being mortal, she’s always seen as less in the eyes of the Faeries, and she especially rubs Prince Cardan the wrong way. But when betrayal hits the High Court, Jude needs to figure out what she’s truly capable of to seize the power she craves.

The writing is absolutely exceptional, exuding a sharpness that keeps me fully engaged. I found the dialogue particularly delightful, with its wit and biting humor making each line a joy to savor and revisit. The worldbuilding effortlessly draws the reader into its intricacies, unfolding gradually to avoid any confusion or overwhelming info dumps. The satisfying way in which every detail eventually intertwines is truly remarkable. But the hint of romance is refreshing. But this book and series mostly revolves around politics.

Now. Cardan. He’s quite annoying (to put it nicely). Don’t believe me? I’m insulted but just look!:

“Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting, and I can’t stop.”

“Have I told you how hideous you look tonight?” Cardan asks, leaning back in the elaborately carved chair, the warmth of his words turning the question into something like a compliment. “No” I say, glad to be annoyed back into the present. “Tell me.” “I can’t.”

But then we see him becoming more…nicer, I guess? Not really, though. He gets nicer in the second or third book. Yes, I have read them, I couldn’t resist! They were so so so so so so so so good! I can see why people like this series so much! Anyways, he’s a little less annoying. I couldn’t stop reading. A lot of people say that on the inside, Cardan is a soft boy. Well, I have to break it to you. He’s not a soft boy. Anywhere. Not on the inside and certainly not on the outside. He’s a total jerk and I love him and his personality. It’s very unique. Most of the books have the guy who’s very nice and loving. This is a refreshing change. And I’m not alone on this. Don’t think I’m crazy, guys. I love his sarcastic comments and scathing insults but later (maybe in later books) we see that he genuinely cares about Jude. But maybe it’s all an act. Is it an act or is it not? That is the question.

Locke- Ugh. He’s so annoying and he’s such a two-timer. How could he do that to Jude?

Taryn- Same as Locke. She’s a betrayer.

Jude- sweetie, you are awesome. And you are right. Things must change in Faerie land. But maybe, just maybe, don’t be so power hungry. You know what they say, ‘There is no calamity greater than lavish desires.’ And her feelings for Cardan are just perfect. She hates him but she might also like him. It’s an oxymoron. (See, I’ve been paying attention in English class!) And oh, my gosh. Jude is so cunning and sly. She came up with the perfect plan and the ending is so… oh my god!

And yes, I also love Oak. He’s a lovely boy. And I was so shocked when I found out about what had happened when he was ‘born.’ (That story is just terrible). Poor him, having to deal with this stuff at such a young age.

But the coronation scene was very…horrifying. Very…bloody. But the ending of that scene when Cardan and Jude find each other, it’s like a knight in shining armor saving the damsel in distress.

Just so we’re clear, Jude is the knight in shining armor and Cardan is the damsel in distress. Wait, a damsel is a girl. So, Cardan’s … a dude in distress. Hold on. So, Google says the word ‘damsel’ comes from the French word ‘demoiselle’. So the male equivalent is ‘damoiseu.’ Cardan is a damoiseu in distress? Oh whatever. Let’s just go with dude in distress.

So. If you love yourself. Read this book. I promise you, it will be worth it. Hopefully.

Overall, give this book a read and you will be transported into a world where everything is magical and fairies are cruel.

XOXO,

Aaradhyaa

#TheCruelPrince

#TheQueenOfMirth