• Trigger Warnings: Bullying, physical and psychological abuse, Slavery, Alcoholism, Death, Suicide.

“What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”

Overview

Jude Duarte, a mortal child stolen from her world along with her 2 sisters – Vivienne and Taryn – has always known that mortals do not have a place in Elfhame. As she grows up in Elfhame and studies with the children of the Gentry, it is clear that her step father may treat her well but the Folk of Elfhame will always despise her. In this land of monsters with shimmering clothes and devastating beauty, she must make her own way.

Cardan Greenbriar, the spoiled and cruel youngest prince of Elfhame, with his band of wicked friends is the worst of them. He makes sure Jude is well aware of her lowly status as a mortal. As Jude tries to secure a position of her own in the court of Elfhame, she realizes It is no easy feat to make your way in Elfhame and sometimes, you have to stop trying to be the best; you have to become the worst if you want to win.

Review

Jude’s journey from an obedient mortal daughter of the general to someone much more important with as much less morals is so interesting, I love that she is morally grey because we hardly ever get FMCs like that. I love that despite living with people that are supposed to be much stronger than her and despite being constantly afraid, she never shows the fear and never lets it stop her from anything.

” ‘The cups of wine. But how did you know which one I would choose?’

‘I didn’t. I poisoned them both’ “

This book is filled with deceptions and betrayals with Jude at the center of it, being both the betrayer and the betrayed. The characters are complex and no one in this book is completely good, though some are completely rotten.

The book is very gripping from the start, the first chapter is so full of brutality and tragedy that you can’t help but want to know more. This book is also far more focused on politics and far less on romance than your typical YA, so don’t go in expecting much romance – though whatever romance this book does have, is top tier.

At first, you might think that Cardan is too bad and there is no way he can be redeemed – which is correct to some extent. You will see some things that will make you feel bad for him and love him. Also, Jude is gonna become much worse so it will be balanced out.

Characters

Jude: She’s my favorite character, I love how Madoc’s denial unraveled her and she started to realize her own capability for bloodshed and scheming. She is both vulnerable and strong which is very realistic. She has got both the brains and the brawns and is never afraid to use either. She’s so ambitious and willing to do anything for her family. Also, she’s an amazing liar.

“Before, I never knew how far I would go. Now I believe I have the answer. I will go as far as there is to go. I will go way too far. “

Cardan: Charming, hilarious, smart, cruel and tormented, Cardan Greenbriar is everything you don’t expect in the first few chapters. That page with Jude’s name on it was Chef’s kiss (though probably a bit disturbing). He is always hiding behind his cruelty and never shows his better traits, he is actually pretty smart and so charming he literally charmed his kidnapper’s into playing cards and chilling with him.

“How has the night been going for you? Mine has been full of dull conversation about how my head is going to find itself on a spike.”

Madoc: I unexpectedly really liked him. After that first chapter I was pretty sure I will either hate him or just ignore him. His and Jude’s relation is my favorite one in the whole book, it’s so complex with so much bad blood between them and yet they really do love and care for each other. Jude and Taryn are just his wife’s daughters with another man but he cared for them like his own.

“I do love him. It’s just not a comfortable kind of love.”

Conclusion:

100% would recommend, this book is very interesting, with all the politics, schemes and betrayals and the tension between Jude and Cardan is unmatched.