Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

I have to admit, for the first half of this book (other than a knockout opening scene), it felt a little ... formulaic. Disaffected young girl, traumatic past, hates her family, feels different, etc ... However, I persevered, because Holly Black has not steered me wrong before. I'm very glad I did, because after a while the story veers away from adolescent issues and goes into a twisty-turny maze of fae politics and intrigues. The characters round out and become much more interesting, there's a couple of interesting fake-outs that make you think the plot is going one way only for it to go another, and it ends with a very intriguing hook to take you into the next book, 'The Wicked King'. I'm going to be getting my hands on that sooner rather than later!

Having read and adored 'Tithe' many years ago, it was also lovely to see small cameos from old characters. I discovered I still remember Roiben's true name, despite having last read 'Tithe' probably a decade ago, so clearly it's stuck with me. It's lovely to be back in that world and I honestly wish I hadn't waited so long to read this one. Holly Black describes everything with such beauty and vividness that you feel spellbound just reading her words.

I don't know what else to say that wouldn't give away spoilers, other than that I'm excited to find out what happens next!