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“He looks like a faerie lover stepped out of a ballad, the kind where no good comes to the girl who runs away with him.”
If you guys ever want to see what my true heart’s desires are on paper, read this book. This book is a piece of heaven that was sent from above, this book is the perfection incarnate, this book is nothing short of magical, this book easily makes my top five books of all-time list, and this book is without a doubt the best book I’ve read in 2017. I’m not sure how I’m even going to attempt to come up with a review fitting for this masterpiece, but I’m going to try.
If you can only preorder one book for the rest of the year, please pick The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.
Okay, maybe I should start this review off with a personal story. You know, full disclosure and all that. I was a very young girl, at the mall with my mom, and we walked into a Borders Outlet. I’ve always been a rather ravenous reader, but at that time in my reading life I was reading only crime thrillers. Think things like James Patterson and John Grisham. Well, while I was perusing the new releases on this autumn day back in the 2007, a worker came up to me and started talking to me about her love for books, but more importantly her love for fae books. She was so kind and warm and enthusiastic, I couldn’t help but ask her to pick me one of her favorite fae stories. Well, she ended up handing me two, but one of them was Tithe by Holly Black, and this godsend Borders Outlet employee completely changed me and my reading life forever.
After that day, and after I inhale read that book, Holly Black became one of my favorite authors and my parents couldn’t keep unread fae fantasy books on my shelves. And ten years later, I’ve never looked back. I’ve been completely obsessed with fae stories ever since. And if I ever develop magical powers, one of the first thing I’m going to do is track down that Borders Outlet employee and thank her for making me the reader that I am today.
Okay, sappy and heartwarming story aside, this book was honestly perfection in every aspect. You want fae courts? Bloodthirsty fae royals fighting for a crown? Twists after twists and reveals after reveals? Heartwarming scenes followed by heart wrenching scenes? The slowest and most agonizing but also the most romantic and powerful and rewarding hate to love romance in the world? Pick this book up.
“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.”
And the writing? I mean, not only is Holly Black the literal queen of all things fae, she is also the queen at stringing together words that make me feel everything in the entire universe. The amount of sticky notes and highlights I have in this book is ridiculous, but Holly Black’s writing is so poignant and lyrical and honestly the most perfect thing my eyes have ever seen. This entire book reads like one giant tragic ballad, yet it is equal parts heartbreak and hope. This book is so haunting, so dark, and so twisted.
“But I will not stand in front of your happiness. I will not even stand in front of misery that you choose for yourself.”
Jude is a very young girl when she witnesses her parents murder. After that terrible night, she and her sisters are whisked away by the murderer to live in Faerie. Now, ten years later, Jude is trying to live among the fae, while constantly being reminded of her mortal human status. Yet, she soon gets wrapped up in a very elaborate game, from many different sides, which will cause a civil war to break out in the Courts of Faerie if the game isn’t played properly.
The High King has ruled for centuries, but people feel like it is finally time for him to step down and give the royal crown to one of his children. In this world, the king chooses his successor; it doesn’t automatically go to the oldest child. And the High King has six children in line waiting for him to make his choice.
Prince Cardan is the youngest son of the High King. He is wicked, and charming, and smart, and maybe even a little cruel. Oh, and he makes Jude’s life a living hell most of the time. He’s also one of the best characters I’ve ever read in my entire life.
And with Cardan, comes his group of friends: Nicasia who likes power, Valerian who likes violence, and Locke who likes dramatics, but they all love tormenting Jude in very different ways.
“That’s what comes of hungering for something; you forget to check if it’s rotten before you gobble it down”
Even though Jude is the only point of view, and is the main protagonist of this amazing story, her two sisters play a huge part of this story, too. Taryn is Jude’s twin, who must watch all the torment that Jude endures, and Vivi is their older sister and one of the best side characters I’ve ever read. She’s unique and defiant and strong and devoted, and her romance with her girlfriend meant everything to me. Also, Vivi is on the page bisexual and that representation meant even more than everything to me.
Oh, and speaking of adorable queer relationships; Ben and Severin, from The Darkest Part of the Forest, make a cameo in this and I was crying the happiest tears! I don’t think I will ever be over THAT whisper, and I’ve just completely accepted that. Be still, my heart.
But Jude is our main character of this story, and you can tell from everything that I’ve written above that she doesn’t have the easiest of lives. See, the fae in this world are very dependent on humans, even though they remind them of their lower status constantly, because the fae women have a very hard and sporadic time conceiving and bearing children, therefore, they rely on humans reproducing for them. Well, Jude doesn’t want that life, she wants to make a name for herself and be one of the greatest knights that the Courts of Faerie have ever seen!
Jude is strong willed and very determined, but she is also one of the most selfless characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading from. She is a very morally grey character, yet she will completely capture your heart. But she’s young and learning that love comes in very different forms, and sometimes we are unable to control what we feel.
“I stand in front of my window and imagine myself a fearless knight, imagine myself a witch who hid her heart in her finger and then chopped her finger off.”
One of the most beautiful things about this book is that none of these characters are perfect. Jude, Cardan, all of them do bad things, and none of them are ever excused of their crimes, but they learn to deal with them and the other ramifications that come from their actions. I mean, none of us are perfect people, and we all make bad choices at times. But this book accepts that and reflects that, but also highlights the importance of growing, and becoming a stronger person, and picking what battles you choose to fight. It’s a truly beautiful message and I really appreciated having a full cast of nonperfect characters that do nonperfect things.
“But we all want stupid things. That doesn’t mean we should have them.”
Also, this is a spoiler free review, but I just have to yell from the rooftops say that Chapter 26 is the best chapter I’ve read in all of literature. I will fight anyone that says otherwise. Chapter 26 tortured me, broke up, killed me, rebirthed me, and gave me new life. The end of Chapter 25 through Chapter 26 was the most romantic scene my eyes have ever witnessed. I feel so blessed to have even been able to read those glorious paragraphs. Like, I’m a different person after experiencing Chapter 26. When I’m sad or hurt or angry, I’m going to reread Chapter 26 so I know the true meaning of this life.
“…like taking a dare to run over knives, like an adrenaline strike of lighting, like the moment when you’ve swum too far out in the sea and there is no going back, only cold black water closing over your head.”
Also, fair warning, this book has a cliffhanger ending that puts all other cliffhanger endings to shame. Just typing that sentence gave me full body goosebumps, by the way! Oh, and the title of this book is absolute perfection, as well.
This book has touched me in a way that very few books have in my life. This is the type of book that reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place. This is the type of book that makes me believe words have the most powerful healing magic of anything in this world. This is the type of book that completely sets my soul on fire and makes me feel utterly enchanted. I just know that The Cruel Prince is a once in a lifetime series, because this first installment was everything I have ever wanted in a book.
Holly Black immerses me, captivates me, and makes me believe in magic. I have no words of gratitude for that, and I’m not sure what the world has done to deserve her stories, but I will forever be grateful. Holly Black helps me forget all the actual cruel princes in our world today, and their terrible choices that they are making for all of us. And honestly, I’d be super surprised if she isn’t an actual fae queen, that just escaped faerie to torture us with real stories that went on while she was ruling.
Again, if you can only preorder one book for the rest of the year, please pick The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. It’s not only my favorite book of the year, it’s one of my favorite books of all time. And then read the rest of Holly Black’s work, because her books are truly the closest thing to magic and each is a tangible vessel of joy that I have an an unconditional amount of love for.
“If I cannot be better than them, I will be so much worse.”
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Content warnings for bullying and abuse.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
(Thank you so much, Diana. You’ve completely made my entire bookish life! This book means more to me than you’ll ever know. I am forever grateful and will always remember and cherish your kind note. Thank you for giving me an ARC of my favorite book! 💖)
meltotheany 
First, thank you so much for that lovely story Melanie. One of my favorite jobs as a children’s librarian was talking about my favorite authors and books with children and teens! I have a feeling this Border’s employee would be thrilled that you’ve become a Holly Black fan as a result from your discussion!
Second, what an absolutely beautiful review! Holly Black is one of my favorite fantasy authors, so this is already on my tbr, but now I really can’t wait!😊
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Awh, Kim, thank you so much for your kind words! I bet you are such a wonderful librarian. The people in your community are so blessed! ❤️😘
I can’t wait for January to roll around so I can gush over this book with everyone. I hope you get an early copy, so I can gush sooner! Hahaha. ☺️
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Aww. Thanks Melanie! I had to go on disability due to my health issues five years ago, but I miss it every day.
I would love to get an ARC or eARC, but I haven’t seen them up for request on NetGalley or Edelweiss.😞
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I’m so sorry to hear that, love! But the book community is still so blessed to have you! You are such a shining light. 💛✨
I’ll keep my eyes peeled for ARCs for you. Hopefully they start appearing more as we get closer to release date. 🤞🏼💗
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Thank you so much Melanie! That means more to me than you can possibly know!😙
And thanks for keeping an eye out for Cruel Prince. I’ll be checking frequently as well!😊
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Great review Melanie! I’m still hoping I’ll be able to get myself an ARC closer to the release date! This book has been at the top of my TBR for so long, I can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you so much, Breanna! I hope you get an ARC super soon! And then you have to write to me and we can gush together, hehe! 💛✨
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I’ve been meaning to read Tithe since forever so now I feel like I’ve really missed out on a whole world of wonderful books.
This one is definitely going on the list too!
I wish Goodreads had two options:
Want to read, and
REALLY want to read
It would definitely go on the second list.
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Hahahaha! I completely agree, Maria! I hope you love this one when it releases! We will have to talk all about it! Holly black is just… a tier above the rest when it comes to fae stories. I recommend everything by her with my whole heart! 💗
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Amazing Review !, I need to have this book in my hands right now, it sounds so amazing. I can’t wait 😍😍😍
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Thank you, Sofii! Yes, get your hands on it and come gush with me! ❤️😘
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I feel the need to add this to my list purely to see what chapter 26 is all about.
That and, you haven’t pointed in a wrong direction where good books are concerned before 🙂
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Great review, I love Holly Black’s books and am a massive fan of stories revolving around the fae so can’t wait for this too come out. I’m also a big fan to hate to love relationships and morally grey characters. I’m not someone who tends to pre-order books but I will be for this one 😍😍
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You. Are. Going. To. Love. This!
Ahhh, I can’t wait to gush with you over it. And thank you for your kind words, love! This story was… beyond words magical! 💗 xx
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Your welcome, I’ve already preordered it and can’t wait for it to come out 😍😍
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What a wonderful review, Mel! I’ve been dying to read this (knowing that Ben and Severin have a cameo gives me life) and your review reminded me why I love Holly Black’s writing. I’m so happy for you that you got to read an ARC! 💕
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Thank you so much, Silvia! You are too kind. I hope you love this one as much as I do! Happy reading, love! 💗
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Such a great review! I cannot wait to read this one because of your review! And what a beautiful picture of you! ❤
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Awh, thank you so much, Darque! This book was beyond… everything! I hope you love it, too! 💗
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I definitely think I will since we have similar tastes!
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This sounds truly wonderful!! I really love Holly Black (and I’ve as yet only read two of her books- still need to read Tithe) and I loved your personal story of how you fell in love with her work! Fantastic review! You’ve got me really excited about this 😀
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Thank you so much! These words mean so much to me. I hope you love this one (and Tithe) when you get to it! 💗
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You’re welcome 😊 ❤ thank you so much!
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I am still so happy you got this book. I remember reading about you dying for it weeks/months ago and just from that intense fandom adding it to my TBR. This was a stellar review and I can’t wait to read this!
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Awhhh! Thank you so much, love! Yeah, I was so desperate for this, and I’m so blessed that a friend actually sent it to me! I hope you loooooove it, too! And then you have to gush and be apart of this fandom with me! ❤️😘
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Aaaaww that was literally the sweetest, most bookish story I’ve ever read! Let’s hope that employee stumbles across your blog someday and finds this post ^^ I’m sure she’d be delighted to know she changed your life 10 years ago!
I haven’t read anything by Holly Black yet, but I’ve heard about her a lot. I do love fae stories so I might just have to give one of her books a go soon. Knowing you love her so much makes me even more excited about it! Your enthusiasm was so contagious hahaha
Wonderful review, Mel ❤
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Awh, thank you so much, Sophie! I hope she stumbles upon it too! And I can’t wait for you to try Holly Black. She is worth all the hype, love, and praise!
Thank you for your kind words. Happy reading, love! 💖
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As always, a truly amazing review 💓 I read The darkest part of the forest this year and I liked the writing and the characters so I was pretty excited about this book (especially after hearing about that cameo lol) but I feel like I’ll love this book and reading your review just assured me of that. I’ve had an arc for a while and even considered passing it on to you after seeing your excitement for it. If you hadn’t gotten a copy by now, I would’ve sent you mine after reading 😂 Anyway, I’m glad you got to read and enjoy it! Hopefully, I’ll read it very soon as well!
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Thank you so much, Adri! 💗 AND… you’re too sweet for your own good! I’m so happy I was able to wrangle up a copy, hehe! But yes, you need to read this soon, and then let me gush to you for hours, because only one of my friends have read this and I feel so bad for her because I won’t stop raving over this book to her! Haha! Happy reading, love! 💗xx
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I’m so glad you loved this book! My obsession with fae novels began with Tithe series. It’s my first fae series and also one of my favorite series. The Cruel Prince sounds so amazing! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
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Oh my gosh, I knew me and you had a connection, Raven! Hahaha. And it is so amazing, I can’t wait for you to read it! Make sure you write to me or DM me when you get your hands on it! I want to talk about it forever! Hahaha. ❤️😘
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I definitely will! 🙂
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I requested this on NetGalley – sooo hoping I get it!
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*says all the prayers in the world for you* You need this in your life, Teri! And then you have to come incoherently gush with me! I have no one to talk to and it’s killing me! 💗
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great review! I can’t wait to get my hands on this!
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Thank you so much, love! I hope you adore this one too! 💗
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Finally, another Tithe fan! I’ve read quite a few reviews of this book and hardly any of them seem to know that this book is set in the same world as Tithe. I was stunned when I read the little throwback to her earlier work but it made me fall in love with it even more.
Vee @ http://under-mountain.blogspot.co.uk/
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Awh, this warms my heart! Thank you so much for your comment, love! And happy reading! 💘xx
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