I didn't remember a lot of these characters from the Cruel Prince series, and that was a good thing because it would have spoilt it.

Slow going at first with depressing teenage life.

I had banned Holly Black because I just couldn't read The Cruel Prince. But after reading this book, I'm thoroughly convinced I just didn't like the narration of The Cruel Prince.

The good:
Roiben and Lutie-Loo. I loved the layers of Roiben, the way he tries to present himself as dangerous when he's actually kind and gentle when he doesn't have to be anything else. I also really loved the way the faeries worked and how they deceived and played with humans. I loved the Kelpie and I desperately need more of deadly water horses! I also really loved the twist at the end. It was such a well placed twist that I hadn't seen coming! 

The bad:
The pacing is really strange and suffers from this being the first book by this author. It switches POV in the middle of a chapter for no reason except to explain the reader how the court works. It would have done wonders for the story if there was a chapter that showed Kaye's childhood. Most of the action involving the faeries from her childhood feel superficial because the reader has no reason to care for them. 

Overall, I would absolutely read this again!