Book Review: Cruel Prince by Holly Black

By: Stella Y., Grade 8

• Genre: YA fantasy 
• Length: 416 pages
• Stars: 5/5

Cruel Prince is a real page-turner, quickly rising in the ranks to become my new favorite series.  

The story follows Jude, a 17-year-old girl whisked away to the Fairre world after her parents are brutally murdered. For 10 years, she has been ridiculed for her mortality. When an opportunity to gain respect finally arises, she seizes it but finds herself entangled with the royal court. Jude must now use her skills of fight and manipulation in order to ensure her survival and protect her family. Navigating treacherous alliances, Jude finds herself facing a cruel prince named Carden, a development that tests her limits for both love and violence. 

I love Cruel Prince because of its unique relationship dynamic where the girl is the stronger character. I found it refreshing to see the girl step out of the traditional role as a "damsel in distress.” Furthermore, the plot and character development are exceptional. Author Holly Black does a beautiful job describing even the subordinate characters, transporting readers to the world of Fae. Each page always has me wanting more.

In addition, the books are not only beautifully written, but the meaning behind the plot is truly engaging. Throughout the series, themes of power, identity, and belonging are demonstrated through the decisions made and the reasons for making them. Through this journey of saving herself and the world of Farrie, Jude discovers new aspects of herself and finds deeper meaning behind others’ actions, whether the quest is for power or love.

Overall, Cruel Prince is an unparalleled fantasy series that will leave the reader’s jaw dropping. The storyline is superb and easy to follow with just enough surprises to keep readers on their toes. If you enjoy reading fantasy books or want to find an enjoyable genre, I definitely recommend Cruel Prince. From conquering rivals to alluring romance, you'll definitely find yourself lost within the pages.