the cruel prince - holly black (book review)

Jude, Taryn and their sister Vivi' parents are murdered in front of them, and they are whisked away by a faerie into Elfhame, to live as Mordoc's children. 

Fast forward 10 years and Jude is trying to learn to fit into Elfhame, as Mordoc assumes the role of her father. Only Jude is constantly reminded that she is not enough. That her powers will never be that of a gentry born. 

Jude is picked on constantly by Cardan, the kings youngest son and his merry band of friend. Known as the cruel prince who takes pleasure in hurting his subjects, Cardan, Nicasia, Valerian and Locke make up the final princes court. 

As the High King decides to hand over his throne to one of his six children what happens next is a true battle of the whits. 

Prince Dain wants to ensure that his sits on the throne, but Prince Balekin will stop at nothing to sit on the throne, even if it means killing his siblings. 

**

I cant say i really loved this book, i enjoyed it but i felt it was missing something. Jude was surrounded by deception, from her sisters to her father and to Prince Dain. Jude was a strong heroine, and that was something i enjoyed. But i was hoping for a little more passion between Jude and Cardan, or even between Cardan and his friends. Instead i felt like this book was focused on cruelty, and torment. It kind of fell short for me. The author's ability to set the scene and create a world were exceptional, and i really enjoyed exploring this world. I think what bothered me the most with this book was that most people tell me its an enemies to lovers, but i would hardly say this book has any romantic vibe behind it, sure there was the night Jude slept at Lockes house (But that as it later unfolded was a strategic ploy of Lockes), there was impassionate kissing involves and it was infrequent. I really wanted to see more passion from Jude and Cardan, and i guess i am waiting in anticipation for that to happen in the second book. 

I just felt like the characters fell short of being page turning, swoon worthy and completely engrossing. There were some parts of this book i felt like half reading because it was slightly bland for my taste. 

I am looking forward to reading the second book. Hopefully there will be a bit more sizzle between the characters especially Jude and Cardan. 

⭐️⭐️ /5

💖 self confessed book eater