The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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What a Change

I definitely see the difference between this latest book and Holly Black’s previous books. Her writing style has dramatically improved. Although I enjoyed her other books just as much, this one was something special. 

The writing was more profound and metaphorical in this last installment. I see way more character development and more intricate sub plots. I also saw improvement in her book before this, The Darkest Part of the Forest. 

Perhaps this book seems more well endowed to me due to the fact that it’s a series. It has more substance and depth. The characters are some really quality people. 

I Was Wrong

Part of me was slightly dreading this read simply because the main character was a female. But i really didn’t think twice about buying it because Holly Black is one of my favorite authors. I really don’t know why I lacked faith in her because majority of all her books consisted of female protagonists and I enjoyed them all the same. 

However, this female protagonist could possibly be one of my faves due to the fact that she’s not predictable. We kind of see her rear off to a path of chaos and do things she didn't think she would do. We see her become a person she never intended on becoming and she just goes with it. She doesn’t have some dramatic mental break down but she embraces it. I found her reaction to her sudden change refreshing. 

She turns into this really bad rebel chick and let’s face it, a lot of girls get to the point where they just don’t care anymore and they start doing what they want regardless of how people perceive them. 

It’s kinda like the roles were switched between Cardan and Jude. Cardan’s character implies this heartless, savage boy, but in reality he’s inexperienced with a sword and really has no intention of harming anyone contrary to popular belief. 

Oh Yeah

This book had so many good points to it. The tension between Jude and her sister. The animosity and unexpected love towards red cap father. The internal battle with herself and back and forth pull between her and the members of the royal family. 

I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment.