WARNING. In this review I am very salty. My opinions are my own. If you love this book and don't want to see it insulted, scroll past this please.

Everybody and their mom loves The Cruel Prince and I did not. At all. This might actually be the last book I ever read with faeries in them because so far I haven't enjoyed any of them (see: A Court of Thorns and Roses, the series I gave too high of stars for). I actually forgot most of this book, so we'll see how great this review turns out. Only a few scenes really stick in my head, and fortunately for me, they're the ones I actually liked.

I somewhat enjoyed the dynamic between Jude and Cardan once it became less bullying and more romantic, but I don't really condone his actions. These faerie books LOVE abusive romances. *Gagging noises* Anyway, Jude and Cardan's wasn't terribly unhealthy once things became possibly romantic between them. The same goes for her and Locke, but the details regarding that are spoiler-y. Just fyi, though, there's not really a love triangle—one romance is over before the other starts and that is all I will say. 

I wasn't originally a huge fan of Cardan, but I have a sucker for boys with sad backstories so I kind of fell for him. Though, I will complain here that there was one passage that referred to Jude or someone thinking he'd be abusive purely because he was abused. That's a really harmful way of thinking that I'm surprised no one has complained about yet. Yes, most abusers were abused first. Yes, it's common. But no, being abused doesn't make someone a monster, and they ultimately have the choice whether or not they abuse. Past abuse is never an excuse for abuse, nor should a person suggest one may be abusive because of their past. From what I've heard and seen, abused people tend to fear for becoming their parents, etc, and this is a harmful way of thinking that can only encourage their negative thoughts.

*Drops mic*

Okay, moving on. We all know I actually liked Cardan, BUT I did not like that he and Jude kept denying their love for each other. That was worthless. Little was at stake. It was the most unhealthy part of their relationship to be honest, especially when she regards that she knew it was wrong to be kissing him, but did it anyway. Like ??? 

As we can already see, this book was a Mess. I didn't understand how Jude's sister entered and exited the court freely, but yet they all acted like they couldn't leave. Did I miss something? I also didn't understand why Jude was so dumb. Everyone loves her, but WHY? She does so many dumb things throughout this novel that I forgot she's supposed to be old enough to know better than to do the dumb things.

Furthermore, there were too many characters. It got really difficult trying to keep track of them all, what they stood for, whose side they were on, etc. And, to be honest, I frankly didn't care. 

Lastly, I found the plot a little unoriginal. It reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas's plots, but maybe a lighter version. Nothing really screamed "NEW" at me. 

I honestly really wished I liked this, but alas, I didn't. I don't wish a bad book on anyone, so I hope whoever has read it and loved it enjoys it! 

-Book Hugger

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