I have heard so much about this book - the hype around it was insane. It has all the typical aspects of a YA fantasy novel that make it popular to readers - faeries, a strong female lead, and enemies to lovers. What’s not to like?
Unfortunately for me it was very disappointing. The book felt way too short, first of all - there was so much more could have been explained and expanded upon and I felt some aspects of the book (particularly the plot twists) were rushed and happened way too quickly. Also, I really disliked Cardan. I do not get the potential romance between him and Jude - there doesn’t seem to be a spark there. Similarly, Jude and Locke’s relationship was equally painfully to read about as it was obvious the two of them were so unsuited to each other and not going to work out. Overall, the romance in this book which is so talked about fell short for me.
Although I liked the idea of Jude’s being Prince Dain’s spy, there wasn’t much time devoted to the idea and it felt more like Holly Black was trying to throw in as many plot twists and make is as shocking as possible as opposed to actually trying to develop the plot. The school aspect was also quickly skipped over, as it seems they all just stopped going suddenly.
Overall, I was let down by the plot, the pacing and the romance, but one thing I did like about the book was Jude herself, a strong female heroine. Apart from Jude, there wasn’t much to like about this novel.
Unfortunately for me it was very disappointing. The book felt way too short, first of all - there was so much more could have been explained and expanded upon and I felt some aspects of the book (particularly the plot twists) were rushed and happened way too quickly. Also, I really disliked Cardan. I do not get the potential romance between him and Jude - there doesn’t seem to be a spark there. Similarly, Jude and Locke’s relationship was equally painfully to read about as it was obvious the two of them were so unsuited to each other and not going to work out. Overall, the romance in this book which is so talked about fell short for me.
Although I liked the idea of Jude’s being Prince Dain’s spy, there wasn’t much time devoted to the idea and it felt more like Holly Black was trying to throw in as many plot twists and make is as shocking as possible as opposed to actually trying to develop the plot. The school aspect was also quickly skipped over, as it seems they all just stopped going suddenly.
Overall, I was let down by the plot, the pacing and the romance, but one thing I did like about the book was Jude herself, a strong female heroine. Apart from Jude, there wasn’t much to like about this novel.