Looking for a dark and twisty read to match the mischievous spirit of St. Patrick’s Day? The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a perfect pick. This YA fantasy plunges readers into the dazzling yet dangerous world of Elfhame, where deception reigns and faeries love their tricks.

The Cruel Prince
by Holly Blackon January 2, 2018
ISBN: 9780316310284
Series: The Folk of the Air #1
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Genres: Action & Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Legends Myths Fables, Royalty, Young Adult Fiction
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Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, is kidnapped along with her sisters and raised in the High Court of Faerie. Determined to belong, Jude becomes entangled in deadly politics and power struggles. Standing in her way is Prince Cardan — arrogant, cruel, and impossible to ignore. As war brews, Jude must outwit him and claim her place among the fae.
If you’re drawn to stories brimming with cunning strategies, fierce heroines, and morally complex characters, The Cruel Prince offers an unforgettable journey. Holly Black crafts a world where danger and beauty intertwine, blending Celtic-inspired folklore with cutthroat court politics. Jude’s sharp mind and relentless determination make her a protagonist worth rooting for, while the tension-filled dynamic between her and Prince Cardan keeps the stakes high. With each twist and betrayal, this book will leave you eager to see who survives the deadly games of the fae.
Why Read It?
- Haunting atmosphere with strong Celtic folklore inspiration.
- Gorgeous prose and evocative descriptions.
- Slow-burn romance with complex, relatable characters.
- Themes of tradition, family, and survival.
- A unique blend of mythology and heart-pounding action.

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Tags:
- Court Intrigue
- Cunning Protagonist
- Dark Fantasy
- Dark Royalty
- Deadly Alliances
- Deception and Lies
- enemies to lovers
- Faerie Legends
- Faerie Politics
- Fantasy Intrigue
- Forbidden Power
- High Stakes Fantasy
- Magic and Betrayal
- Mortal in Faerie
- Power Struggles
- Ruthless Fae
- Shadow and Schemes
- Twisted Fairytales
- Wicked Courts
- YA Fantasy