Review of 'The Cruel Prince' Book Series

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Overview of ‘The Cruel Prince’

The Cruel Prince, the first book in The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, is a dark, twisty fantasy novel set in the treacherous world of the Fae. The story follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered. Despite being human in a realm of dangerous, immortal beings, Jude is determined to carve out a place for herself—even if it means navigating political intrigue, deception, and the cruelty of Prince Cardan, the youngest and most wicked son of the High King.

Summary of ‘The Cruel Prince’

Jude and her sisters are taken to Faerie after their parents’ murder, forced to adapt to a world where mortals are despised. Jude trains in combat and strategy, driven by a desire for power and belonging. When she’s drawn into a deadly game of court politics, she must outmaneuver her enemies—including Prince Cardan—to survive. The story is filled with betrayals, alliances, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic that captivates readers.

For those who want to dive in, you can find the first book here:
The Cruel Prince (Volume 1) (The Folk of the Air, 1) — $7.38

Is ‘The Cruel Prince’ Worth Reading?

Absolutely—if you love dark fantasy, complex characters, and political intrigue. Holly Black’s writing is sharp and immersive, with a morally gray protagonist who defies expectations. The series is perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Faerie lore with a vicious twist
• Slow-burn romance with intense chemistry
• A heroine who fights back against oppression

Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Shadows Between Us will likely enjoy this series.

Age Rating and Spice Level

The Cruel Prince is best suited for older teens and adults (ages 16+) due to its darker themes, violence, and mild romantic tension. While there’s no explicit spice (it’s more about tension than steam), the book does include:

• Betrayal and political violence
• Emotional and psychological intensity
• Some romantic moments, but nothing graphic

Series Length and Reading Order

The Folk of the Air series consists of three main books and two novellas. Here’s the reading order:

1. The Cruel Prince
2. The Wicked King
3. The Queen of Nothing

For a complete set, check out:
The Folk of the Air Complete Paperback Boxed Set — $29.00

Books Similar to ‘The Cruel Prince’

If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince, try these dark fantasy picks:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (faerie courts, romance, and danger)
• The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller (scheming protagonists and political games)
• An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson (lyrical faerie fantasy with romance)

For a special edition of The Cruel Prince, consider:
The Cruel Prince: Collector’s Edition — $21.00