This book follows the first book in the series "The Cruel Prince". In terms of character development, plot, writing style, and relationships, this book is so much better than the first book. While I enjoyed the first book, this book was amazing and had me freaking out in every chapter. Mostly, I loved the characterization of Jude who is both a strong character (and an anti-hero) but still very realistic and true to herself. A lot of female main characters who are written to be "badass" in YA novels tend to be overdone and poorly written, with the author trying too hard to emphasize how cool and badass their character is to the point where it's basically just a self-insert. Jude's characer was flawlessly done and her progression and development from a mortal girl finding her way in a terrifying land to a powerful player in the political game makes the book owrht reading. Moreover, the plot itslef is fast-paced and entertaining. The relationship betwee Cardan and Jude is my all-time favourite romance. It's everything I can't stop thinking about it. LOVE THIS BOOK. Read it read it read it.