The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Jude Duarte is a mortal raised in the High Court of Faerie, where she must play court politics and fight for power. Prince Cardan, the cruel and arrogant faerie, torments her—yet unseen strands of attraction begin to complicate Jude’s ambition and resolve. Intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden desires collide.
About This Book
In Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince," Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, is taken to the High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered by Madoc, a faerie general. Raised alongside her twin sister Taryn and half-sister Vivi, Jude grows up in a realm that despises humans. Determined to earn her place among the fae, she trains in combat and strategy, aspiring to become a knight in the faerie courts.
Jude's journey is fraught with challenges, particularly from Prince Cardan, the youngest and most cruel of the High King's sons. Their contentious relationship evolves as Jude becomes entangled in the complex politics of the faerie realm, navigating alliances, betrayals, and her own ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between friend and foe, set against a backdrop of dark intrigue and forbidden desires.
What Readers Say
Readers praise Holly Black's immersive world-building and intricate political intrigue in 'The Cruel Prince'. Many commend the novel's atmospheric prose and engaging character dynamics. Fans note the compelling enemies-to-lovers romance between Jude and Cardan. Some readers find the pacing uneven, with rushed character development and plot progression. Content warnings include violence, bullying, and themes of betrayal and power struggles.
Rating Distribution
Based on 158 Open Library ratings
