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A review by remilauren
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
4.0
******SPOILERS AHEAD******
Re-Read Review
Sooo, I was a fool to pick this up within one week of finishing the series. But this re-read was much more fun than the original. I realized that I totally skipped on the details like Oriana's pink eyes, Elowyn's golden skin and the disgustingly detailed description of Cardan's tail, ugh!
Since I only had to focus on the characters this time, I noticed the 180 degree flip in Cardan's attitude at the end. I know why it must be done but it's so random and I'm surprised at myself for not having noticed it before. Cardan and his gang were truly a bunch of bullies and Holly just flipped it on its head!! But Taryn still tops it, especially now that I know the plot, it's so much more worse, how can one do that to their sister!!
While I had some issues, I enjoyed this more than the first time and hence raising my rating to 4 stars :)
Original Review
Not the biggest concern anyone should have over this book, but I kept wondering how old Jude was. Nowhere did they seem to mention it but I've finally calculated it to be 17. We cherish simple victories here!
Jude had a complete transformation from being someone who could be magicked to someone clever to command a prince. She has strived hard, struck bargains to reach this place. But what I don't understand is why she has to stay, why she wants so much power, because whatever she does, in the she's still a human. There's not a single moment where she's spared. Almost getting killed twice and getting betrayed, it's not a easy life she leads. Why would someone choose this over a simpler human life is beyond me!
Cardan and his troupe's attempts to humiliate Jude had me riling.To top it off when she sympathised upon seeing him get beaten, I was mad that a single instance of brutality could sway her. But in the end when he was at her mercy, she got her revenge. He was scared, answering her questions honestly and going with her plans. It was fun reading their exchange, how they could both get under each other skins, hate each other so much yet have a spark ready to ignite between them. Although I admit, seeing them kiss was really uncomfortable..
Weirdly, if Cardan could just apologize to Jude, I can bring myself to forgive the brat. After all, the true culprits are Locke and Taryn. This girl is a real pain-in-the-ass, always crying, waiting to be rescued and lying to her sister. Who in their right mind allows their lover to dally with their sister just to prove their love! And Locke, I had my doubts on him from the beginning, and look where it got Jude!
While it took some time to really get into the book, it picked up pace around the coronation and I just could not put it down. I loved the second half much more, enjoyed their interactions and world building. Jude is not a character to be messed with, and we are beginning to see something grow between her and Cardan, albeit very weird. But I'm still waiting to her understand her truly..
Re-Read Review
Sooo, I was a fool to pick this up within one week of finishing the series. But this re-read was much more fun than the original. I realized that I totally skipped on the details like Oriana's pink eyes, Elowyn's golden skin and the disgustingly detailed description of Cardan's tail, ugh!
Since I only had to focus on the characters this time, I noticed the 180 degree flip in Cardan's attitude at the end. I know why it must be done but it's so random and I'm surprised at myself for not having noticed it before. Cardan and his gang were truly a bunch of bullies and Holly just flipped it on its head!! But Taryn still tops it, especially now that I know the plot, it's so much more worse, how can one do that to their sister!!
While I had some issues, I enjoyed this more than the first time and hence raising my rating to 4 stars :)
Original Review
Not the biggest concern anyone should have over this book, but I kept wondering how old Jude was. Nowhere did they seem to mention it but I've finally calculated it to be 17. We cherish simple victories here!
Jude had a complete transformation from being someone who could be magicked to someone clever to command a prince. She has strived hard, struck bargains to reach this place. But what I don't understand is why she has to stay, why she wants so much power, because whatever she does, in the she's still a human. There's not a single moment where she's spared. Almost getting killed twice and getting betrayed, it's not a easy life she leads. Why would someone choose this over a simpler human life is beyond me!
Cardan and his troupe's attempts to humiliate Jude had me riling.To top it off when she sympathised upon seeing him get beaten, I was mad that a single instance of brutality could sway her. But in the end when he was at her mercy, she got her revenge. He was scared, answering her questions honestly and going with her plans. It was fun reading their exchange, how they could both get under each other skins, hate each other so much yet have a spark ready to ignite between them. Although I admit, seeing them kiss was really uncomfortable..
Weirdly, if Cardan could just apologize to Jude, I can bring myself to forgive the brat. After all, the true culprits are Locke and Taryn. This girl is a real pain-in-the-ass, always crying, waiting to be rescued and lying to her sister. Who in their right mind allows their lover to dally with their sister just to prove their love! And Locke, I had my doubts on him from the beginning, and look where it got Jude!
While it took some time to really get into the book, it picked up pace around the coronation and I just could not put it down. I loved the second half much more, enjoyed their interactions and world building. Jude is not a character to be messed with, and we are beginning to see something grow between her and Cardan, albeit very weird. But I'm still waiting to her understand her truly..