The Black Prince: Part I

The Black Prince Trilogy #3

by P.J. Fox

The momentous, tour-de-force finale of the beloved series.

Weaving together war, intrigue, and romance, The Black Prince pulls the intertwined stories of Isla, Tristan, and their families forward toward a single, epic conclusion. The shadow of the robber queen, Maeve, reaches long over Morven. Even into Caer Addanc itself, a formerly unbreachable citadel now corrupt with treason. No one is safe; not Isla, not her husband, and especially not Asher. A young boy whose true identity might lie at the heart of everything. While Isla, in turn, questions her own heart: can she truly be with Tristan? Is the cold touch of her corpse lover enough to compensate her for the loss of everything she holds dear? And while Hart, her beloved brother and confidante, discovers that the path on which he’s set himself is darker than he’d imagined. And the price of his ambitions might be higher than he can bear.

The darkness is coming, a raging tempest within Caer Addanc and without, which none might survive.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark, Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Horror, Magic

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2015

About the author

P.J. Fox published her first story when she was ten. Between then and the present moment, she detoured to, in no particular order, earn several degrees (including a law degree), bore everyone she knew with lectures about medieval history, get married, and start a family. She realized, ultimately, that she had to make a go of this writing thing because nothing else would ever make her happy.

Reviews

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't contemplated good and evil, murder and penance this much since reading Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment in high school. The Black Prince series by P.J. Fox shares the same morbid, psychologically challenging tone as that great classic. That 19th century tome deals with the question of whether murder can be permissible in light of a higher purpose, with the egoism required to believe that one's altruistic intent is superior and right. Fox's take on this age-old question of pitting self against society is re-imagined through a blended historical and paranormal world where a blood-sucking demon exerts his own heightened sense of justice on a squalid and religiously misguided populace. Duke Tristan's moral lodestone is his wife, Isla, who at this point in the series is dealing with her own adjustment to accepting Tristan as her incubus.

**Please note spoilers ahead if you haven't read the first two books in the Black Prince series.**

This book vacillates between the considerations that human beings shape their own destiny and that love and truly noble purpose can make a difference. Isla is the epitome of sacrificing herself for others. Soulless monster Tristan again and again postulates men and women are the sum of their decisions. He intends for this to comfort Isla as she recognizes her sacrifice might not have mattered at all.

"I was the man you married before we met and I will be that man tomorrow, not because of you but because of me."

This philosophy is embodied in Isla's brother Hart, who has become Tristan's war captain. Much of this book is consumed with his exploits, his musing, his barbarism and his wondering about his own soul. As Isla affects Tristan, so does new character Lissa soften Hart.

Tristan believes that as a demon he has no emotion, and simply exists, "seeing all and judging nothing." Except, this story is filled with instances where Tristan alters a path in consideration of the tender sensibilities of his wife. She helps him see the human side of things. Just as Isla is changing, physically and mentally, Tristan is adjusting his outlook as well. The vicious circle of this is that Isla's will is being swallowed by the consciousness of Tristan. They are linked, and in her complete devotion to Tristan, she worries about losing her humanity and self in the void that is his soul. Is Tristan even capable of caring? Readers of this book will in turn doubt and believe he is capable of love. For a creature claiming to be incapable of love, Tristan seems to demonstrate the highest level of regard on a daily basis. But there is that ever-present kernel of fear, which makes this book utterly captivating. The reader worries right along with Isla.

Beyond the intriguing moral and psychological views of justice offered in this book, you will find a world steeped in tradition, religion and mysticism. It has the feel of late medieval Europe, and some fundamentals found in Christianity, Norse paganism, Eastern religions and even Buddhism crop up, but not as completely recognizable constructs. Even Tristan's true nature remains obscured - is he a demon from hell or a vampire or some blend of the two? Is he changing or capable of change? Can Isla and Tristan have a happily every after? I'm not even sure that Hart and Lissa are on that path, given Hart's choices.

Several secondary characters influence the plot in this book, including the despicable members of Isla's family, trusted retainers, distant threats to the monarchy, a political pawn in the form of a beloved child, and many, many more. Battles and feasts, celebrations and death round out the action. It is a complex book, with several sexual scenes (graphic, but not the most detailed I've read) and multiple points of view. As advertised, there is no conclusion in this book, so reading book four is a necessity. All are currently available, including the Kindle Unlimited option.

**A warning about the dark nature of this book - it has triggers for child and adult sexual assault and forced prostitution.**

[Veronica-Lynn Pit Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Prince part 1 picks up several months after the events of The White Queen, with both Isla and Hart dealing with their respective transformations . The focus of this volume seems to be on Hart – whose transformation is most significant. Gone is the jovial peasant, tumbling the serving wenches and bedding down in the stables with his pet pig. Hart has become…formidable. He is a member of Tristan’s Chosen (or The Forsaken depending upon who you ask)…a guardsman by day and a Priest of Ilde – The Lord of The Flies – by night – as well as an accomplished torturer. Isla, for her part; is having a bit more difficulty with her melding of the minds with Tristan – but she seems to be coming along – if not slowly.

Maeve is still intent on toppling King Piers - and Hart (or The Viper as he’s come to be called) as Tristan’s most skilled and trusted war leader is right in the thick of things – while his now blackened heart is juggling his epic love affair at the same time. And then the unthinkable happens – Rowena, Apple and the Earl – turn up again like bad pennies. And here is where The Black Prince turns into a sort of Game of Thrones meets Peyton Place – in a totally wonderfully entertaining way – especially when Rudolph, his horrifically foppish wardrobe and his huge codpiece show up! There are some truly funny moments – Tristan proves to have an unexpected and irreverent sense of humor; and Arvid the tribesman is always good for a laugh.

Isla’s family proves to be even more despicable than she thought; and I have to say I was a bit disappointed in her. I know she isn’t feeling 100% - but she had 2 legit offers to dispatch Rowena ("I could kill her,” Tristan offered conversationally) - and from Eir (“I see that the fat stupid one is still…with us. I should…eat her”) and yet she declines. So much for the “not turning the other cheek” that I admired so much in her in The White Queen. Isla has magic in her. She should be capable of great things and immense power. In part 1 of The Black Prince she seems to be balanced on the cusp – not fully willing and/or ready to embrace all that she can be, maybe even somewhat ambivalent – and thus vulnerable - at times appearing almost weak. I soooo hope that in part 2 of The Black Prince she comes into her own and kicks ass.

The conclusion to The Black Prince trilogy is long. So much so that the final volume is broken into 2 parts. Part 1 kept a steady pace and was infinitely readable. It concludes with a truly shocking revelation (which is exactly why someone should have been picking their teeth with her bones) and promises more intrigue to come before the story ends.

[Charlie♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure I want to continue with this series, but damn it, I'm so close to the end.

There's so much unnecessary rambling in this book. I skimmed like 30% of it. It's mostly just words that add nothing to the story and don't help with the world building because it's all just the same things repeated over and over again until it started feeling like deja vu every few pages.

It's not a bad story, this was just a boring book. Not much happened and I don't hold out too much hope for book 4.

Also, Hart... wtf?

Seriously, wtf man?

[Nikita Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I had high expectations for this story but alas it was just an awful disappointment. I'm relieved to say I will be discontinuing this series. This book is way dark for my taste and so very anticlimactic. I don't understand what the author is trying to do. The whole series is a disaster and, again, a mighty disappointment.

[Rgreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes more story isn't the best idea. No point to this continuation of this series. I skimmed a lot. This will be it for me with this series. I fear reading more will taint the good the first books inspired.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't kn0w about this series at this point. I honestly just skimmed a lot.. bc things were either pretty boring, or got real dark real quick.



I mean.... Hart man wtf?

[⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My prince of ice and snow," she whispered, repeating words she'd used before.
"Your prince who will guard you, and care for you, from now until the end of time."

The Black Prince: Part I was overall enjoyable, but I feel like there was a lot of deflection from Tristan and Isla to focus on other characters, which isn't BAD, but I suppose I'd grown accustomed to the focus being on Isla and Tristan that suddenly having a lot focus on Hart, Lissa, Asher, and the like doesn't spark my interest as much.

Like with the last books, I love the writing and especially love the complex dynamic between Isla and Tristan. It's my favorite part of the series. He's a demon so devoid of emotion and yet his devotion to his wife is remarkable and enviable. I love seeing how they contend with things, how he curbs his wants and needs to be perhaps the best lover and husband imaginable for Isla, who has the heart to love him as he is and accept him as he is. It's really quite an interesting pairing and I enjoy reading about it and its unconventional aspects.

He knew he wasn't capable of giving her what a true man could, [love] but he'd promised himself she'd never notice the lack.

Now, as I've said before, there is a lot of dark, uncomfortable things in this series so it's quite the same in this book. Rape, murder, sodomy, torture, slut shaming, pedophilia, abuse etc. As I've stated, this book plays around with dark themes but in a way that makes the reader think a lot about the situations and characters. There's redemption and wickedness and despite how dark things go, I still feel like this is one of the better dark themed series I've read because we're posited with such complexity. The characters think and do noble, good things yet also horrific, unforgivable things. It really wants to play to the fact that people are complex and morality can be so grey and difficult.

For example, Hart tortures, sodomizes, and kills the man who purchased Lissa's virginity and used her as vengeance on her behalf. It's hard to say he was entirely wrong for punishing a monster, yet we know Hart has embraced something very dark about himself amongst his better traits. He hates pedophiles and avenges the woman he loves for all her goodness, yet he rapes and tortures and kills. It's complex and uncomfortable, so it's fascinating to read and analyze.

Now, of course, amongst all this darkness there's a lot of discussion to be had about the themes and beliefs the authors pushes. In fact, there's so much that I can scarcely unpack it all. I don't think the author was so much trying to make anyone believe things one way or another, but rather to present this dark, depraved world and try to explore it and its causes. There are times I love what the author says and other times when what she's written turns my stomach. It's an interesting reading experience.

Overall, a complexly dark and human series so far. I look forward to the final installment of this series!

[Sage Knightly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.85/5

I'm not sure how to feel about this one. I enjoyed Hart's POV (although at the same time they made me sad bc of what he has become and what he is doing), and Isla just seemed to become a showpiece (no longer a strong woman with a backbone but a docile and fragile one who does everything that is asked of her).

The Dark Prince: Part 1 follows mostly Hart's POV, and is a lot slower than the last two books. This isn't going to be a full review, as I really don't have much to say about it.


I didn't like:

That Isla lost her backbone. It seems like she is there to look pretty and do Tristan

Rowena comes back and does as she pleases much to everybodies annoyance

Rudolph regrets marriage and seeks out Hart's help (Feels more like a reason to make the travelling seem less dull since we already read about Hart travelling so many times by that point)



What I like:

Hart finds love

Lissa is pretty interesting

Asher

[Berenice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much is happening in this book…
It was quite boring. Baptism, wedding, side quests…
I was just longing for Isla and Tristan POV. And we had so little?? Wtf. The story doesn’t even seem to be theirs anymore.
Rowena needs to die already. She’s the worst sister you could possibly have.
And I don’t like Hart sorry… first he’s not scary like the author wants us to believe.
2nd he’s so in love with Lissa that he’s sleeping with every hoes with nice tits he encounters? Gtfo for real.
And he gets hard while torturing men to the point of r*ping them? 🤢 k bye.

I’ll read the last book to see how it ends but I’m so not hype like the first book. 3 ⭐️

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a book. The only thing that really bothered me was that it didn't seem like we spent much time with Isla and Tristan. I love Hart and we spent a lot of time with him and what he was doing but that was at the sacrifice of spending time with Isla and Tristan which is what I really want. Rowena still continues to be a pain and I don't know why Isla doesn't put that girl in her place or let Tristan eat her. I like what happened with Asher. He had a couple of POV chapters but not too many. I look forward to the next book and how this series will end.

[Kyndall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read these first two books in a few days because I loved this one so much. I loved Isla and her family dynamics and the realism of the setting. I liked that Tristan was an anti-hero of sorts but you could still empathize and relate with him.

However, it all goes downhill after Isla goes away with him. She loses basically all autonomy and character and becomes everything she was determined not to be.

I'm still salty about this. I read the reviews for the next few books and it just gets worse.

For my cousins: CLEAN.

[Samah Khan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me ages to read this because I gave up halfway through, and then just picked it up again today. Just like the first two, it was ridiculously laden with entirely unnecessary commentary and over-descriptive-ness, which made me skim-read a lot of it. The first book was my favourite because although I was slow paced, it had a plot progression throughout the book. NOTHING HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK AT ALL. ZILCH. NADA.

[Daenerys Targaryen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couple of things about this book that I found interesting - Hart became who he is and we will learn more about him in this book. What I don't get is Maeve, who she is and why she is the evil queen. Wish there is more details on her grasping nature.

[Pat Gyenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her demon. He's actually more human than many of the other characters in the book. Love is a many splendoured thing - and PJ Fox proves it over and over again.

[Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again story shifted to other POV - I like Lyssa and Heart and Rudolph’s transformation was cool

[[⌆] Strade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing!! It's very interesting to see how the characters are evolving and where the story is going. Off to read the next one I go :D

[Witzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devil worship. Demon rites. Very dark magic.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, not sure when exactly I read this series. 7.5/10

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

23.5.2017 - 4*
29.9.2016 - 4*