The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
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Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As... The pacing of the book reflects an understanding of reader engagement, avoiding both stagnation and haste. This balance supports a comfortable and enjoyable reading experience. The author’s approach to storytelling highlights the importance of context and buildup. Key moments feel impactful because they are supported by prior development rather than sudden shifts.
