The Cruel Prince
Jan 2018 · THE FOLK OF THE AIR Book 1 · Sold by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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320 reviews
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384
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About this ebook
By #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, the first book in a stunning new series about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him--and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him--and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.
By #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, the first book in a stunning new series about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Card...
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Ratings and reviews
320 reviews
Ash Night the DragonBorne
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April 26, 2020
Not impressed with the writing. Felt childish, predictable and there was no court intrigue to name. Jude felt bland and just a power hungry human with no more character definition. Cardan was just a douchwheel with no purpose so I don't understand his underlying attraction to Jude. It's obvious from the beginning how sketchy of a character Locke is. Jude feels like a try hard. The badassery is forced to give her something but I don't feel it. Not sure if I want to continue just to see how it all unfolds.
1 person found this review helpful
JGK
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July 17, 2025
It was an entertaining read and the fantasy world is well put together. The writing felt childish at times and made me not want to continue but I'm glad I did. The other books in this series are way better in comparison. The ending was great and I also like the protagonist. I think shes a strong female lead and not in a stereotypical way. I related to her a lot. I would give this book at 3.8/5
Janjoona
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November 19, 2025
This book is really good. Totally deserving of the hype. The writing is simple and a bit childish (hence the 4-star rating), but I continued and I don't regret it! You might get a bit bored but honestly what did you expect, its YA. And this is the best you'll get. No love triangle thank GOD. Cardan is really despicable but you'll love him. I love how Jude isnt portrayed as a weak girl but at the same time she sometimes seems scary or loses control. makes her feel more REAL. 4.5 stars, recommend.
About the author
Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy books, including the novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Spiderwick Chronicles, her adult debut, Book of Night, as well as an Arthurian picture book called Sir Morien. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into thirty-two languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library. She invites you to visit her online at blackholly.com.
Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy books, including the novels of Elfhame, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, the Spiderwick Chronicles, her adult debut, Book of Night, as well as an Arthurian picture book called Sir Morien. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award a...
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