The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: Does it live up to the name.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is the first installment of the Cruel Prince series. This series has quickly become a staple in the fantasy genre but how did it become one... let's find out.

Before we can get into the technicalities of the plot, let's start at the beginning. The story takes place in a land called Faerie where no one besides humans can lie, be tricked and glamoured into becoming puppets and slaves of the citizen's of Faerie. That sounds pretty scary if you ask me, but it sure does make for a great beginning of a story. In the first chapter we are introduced to our main character Jude Duarte and her two sisters one of which is a twin. Now the beginning of this book really packs a punch for sure, which left many readers wanting more.

A man by the name of Madoc brutally murders their parents as we soon find out that Vivi (the eldest daughter) is actually Madoc's daughter. Both Madoc and Vivi have mystical features, which is quite strange that Jude and Taryn only noticed once Madoc showed up. Madoc being the possessive and arrogant character that he is, decides to snatch Jude, Taryn and Vivi from the only life they knew and off to Faerie they go! Faerie Land despite the optimistic name, despises humans, which leads to Jude and Taryn not having the best life. I mean if you think about it having to live with the man who slaughtered your parents is all sorts of messed up and just adds to the trauma that they already have to endure. As readers we are also introduced to Oriana and her son Oak (I cannot stress enough how important these two characters are going to be later in the story).

Just when you think noting can be worse than living with Madoc we are introduced to Cardan, the Cruel Prince himself- sixth born to the High King and like most royals he's got an entourage: Nicasia, Valerian and Locke- his three meanest, fanciest and most loyal friends. Now these characters are the definition of royal pains because only in Faerie is it normal to rip someone's wings in half in the middle of a ball. By now you must have figured that Cardan and his "friends" aren't really accepting of Jude and Taryn.. which is actually an understatement to be honest- they were bullied to no end. The reason for all this hatred is a prime example of toxic mentality, but that being said character development in the next two books is something I can't wait to see, especially from Cardan. We are also soon to learn that Jude is the ultimate boss woman and her strength, dignity and desire to become a knight for the palace is something I admire throughout the book. However it is her ability to lie that allows her to strike a deal with Prince Balekin (Cardan's brother) to guarantee him the seat on the throne, Jude has to do everything in her power to make sure this happens.

Whenever a story includes murder, a theft of a royal crown, betrayal and chemistry it's bound to be a recipe for a good book. I am a big fan of mysteries and crime so to see it incorporated in a well known fantasy book.... is just, chefs kiss. Holly Black did an amazing job of shielding the obvious cliché's in fantasy books and this book had me in riddles. This book has ticked most of my boxes but, nothing is perfect, I wish I was able to see more of the chemistry between Jude and Cardan, a little teaser for the next book. While the book packed up punch in the beginning, it definitely becomes more of a slow burner and then picks up speed in the last 5 chapter's. which I've noticed is a pattern of Holly Black's writing. If you're looking for a quick read, this might not be the book for you. but this book really impressed me so, if you want to go on a Faerie adventure, take a read.

Book rating: 3/5

Favorite Characters: Oak- He just makes my heart smile.