After being very disappointed by the modern Carrie takes trilogy by Billy black I wasn't very excited to read this book. After much discussion and since I had already bought this Book I read the cruel Prince and read through the entire book in only a few sittings! I immediately went and picked up the sequel "the wicked king" and the story only got better!! Picking up pace and expanding the world and characters and politics, this book was a 5 star read. Utterly unputdownable, beautiful writing, stunning world building, unique species of far folk and and the strongest morally grey female lead I have ever had the honour of meeting... I quite honestly could not believe this was written by the same aithor!!! I can not recommend this book highly enough though I do understand it is not to everyone's appeal, but if you are looking for morally grey kick butt, unpredictable, female characters who will do everything to take what is their and will cross the line time and time again to prove a point! If you're looking for an action packed book that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time then... Make sure to get some sleep before you start reading this one!! I just want to point out that I know this has been compared to Sarah j mass's acotar series, but please please please don't go into this expecting a sizzling romance!!!