A review by foiblesandfiction
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

adventurous tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Jude. Oh Jude, you glorious violent creature. How I love you, and your swordplay and joy taken in cutting things in to pieces. 

Positives: this book was some damn good YA. YA has a reputation for glossing over things too dark or violent or sexual. And while this book has absolutely no spice, it sure is still violent and dark and twisted and, damn, did I enjoy it.

Negatives: there is, like, no plot. The world building is *chef's kiss*, but this entire book was essentially the world's longest prologue.