“Because you’re like a story that hasn’t happened yet. Because I want to see what you will do. I want to be part of the unfolding of the tale.” – Locke from The Cruel Prince
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Little Brown
My Rating: 5 Stars
This book was dark. bloody and painful in all the right ways. Do you ever get that feeling when you read a book that makes your blood run faster because you just can’t get enough? Yeah, that was this book. I felt like I couldn’t read fast enough or get enough. It was THAT magical.
It wasn’t just the writing that was pure magic, it was the world. The way Holly Black describes everything makes me think of something similar to the Garden of Eden. The world seemed so lush and colorful, with danger lurking around the corner. It was somehow dark and vibrant at the same time. Especially seeing it through the eyes of Jude, the main character.
I felt as though Jude was relatable in the sense of how she reacted to the world around her. She had to survive somehow. She did end up being slightly cruel herself, however, she needed that cruelty to live. Literally. But I liked how she still felt guilty. That was what made her humanity stand out. And, um, I don’t want to give any spoilers, because I ain’t about that spoiler life, but I’m just going to put this here… CARDAN!!!! *sobs*
Literally everything was perfect. The world building was rich and vibrant. The character depth was immeasurably deep for the main characters. The side characters were interesting enough to make me want to know more about them. The plot twists were insanely good. And the ending was a cruel (see what I didn’t there?) cliffhanger, leaving me needing the second book like I need air.
All in all, this will be a re-read book for sure. I literally just finished it and I’m pretty sure I feel a book hangover coming on. I really didn’t want to leave that world! I also loved that Holly Black blended very traditional fairy lore with her own take! Read this. Just do it.
Happy Adventuring!
Storied Adventures 