“The Cruel Prince” is a captivating young adult fantasy novel written by Holly Black, first published in 2018. Set in the enchanted realm of Faerie, the story follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who is kidnapped and raised in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered.
As she grows up amidst the intrigues and dangers of the Faerie court, Jude struggles to find her place in a world where humans are despised and magic reigns supreme. Despite facing discrimination and hostility from the Faerie nobility, Jude is determined to prove herself and earn a place of power and respect.
However, her ambitions draw her into a complex web of political machinations and personal vendettas, where she must navigate alliances, betrayals, and deadly secrets to survive. Along the way, Jude forms unlikely alliances and discovers her own hidden strengths and abilities.
“The Cruel Prince” is praised for its richly imagined world, complex characters, and gripping plot filled with twists and turns. Holly Black masterfully weaves together elements of folklore, romance, and political intrigue to create a dark and captivating tale of power, ambition, and survival in the mystical realm of Faerie.
Readers of all ages who enjoy fantasy novels with strong heroines, intricate world-building, and morally ambiguous characters are sure to be enthralled by “The Cruel Prince” and its sequels in the Folk of the Air series.
