The Cruel Prince
by Holly Blackon April 28, 2020
ISBN: 9780316705516
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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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
World Building
Holly Black’s Elfhame is a treacherous and vividly depicted faerie realm, where beauty and brutality coexist. The fae are bound by rigid social structures and an innate disregard for mortals, creating an environment rife with danger. Black excels in immersing the reader in this world, describing the Court of Shadows as “a palace of illusions, where even the walls seemed to breathe.” The setting is lush, from the twilight-drenched woods to the eerie, opulent feasts where food can enslave a mortal. However, while the customs and magic systems are engaging, certain aspects—like the land’s history and politics—could have been explored more deeply to make Elfhame feel as layered as its characters.
Character Development
Jude Duarte is one of the most compelling protagonists in YA fantasy, a mortal girl raised in a world that constantly reminds her of her inferiority. From the start, she is ambitious and fiercely determined, unwilling to be powerless despite the overwhelming odds against her. She declares, “I have lied and I have cheated and I have broken bones. I have made my own heart hard. But I am not sorry.” This quote encapsulates her transformation from a bullied outsider to a ruthless player in fae politics. Her relationship with Prince Cardan is one of the book’s highlights; initially, he appears to be nothing more than a cruel tormentor, but as the story progresses, layers of his character are revealed. His cruelty is rooted in his own trauma and vulnerability, making him a more nuanced character than he first appears. While Jude and Cardan are well-developed, some side characters fall flat. Taryn, Jude’s twin sister, is frustratingly passive, and her betrayal lacks the emotional weight it should carry. Locke, meant to be a charming yet manipulative figure, feels somewhat predictable. While their actions drive the plot, they lack the depth and complexity that make Jude and Cardan so compelling.
Plot Pace & Development
The novel starts with an almost slice-of-life feel as Jude endures relentless bullying and court politics. While this establishes her motivations, the pacing in the first half can be slow, making some readers eager for more action. The second half, however, is a whirlwind of intrigue, backstabbing, and shocking power plays. The moment Jude orchestrates her final betrayal—tricking Cardan into taking the throne—elevates the plot significantly. “He kneels before me, a prince at my feet,” she muses, solidifying her as a master manipulator. While the payoff is strong, the lead-up could have been better balanced.
Language, Flow, and Structure (Writing Quality)
Holly Black’s prose is elegant, lyrical, and atmospheric, perfectly fitting the darkly enchanting world of Elfhame. Her descriptions are lush and poetic, evoking a sense of danger and allure in every scene. The dialogue is particularly sharp, especially between Jude and Cardan, whose interactions are laced with tension and unspoken emotions. One of the most memorable lines, spoken by Cardan, is: “Kiss me until I am sick of it.” The line is both a challenge and a confession, capturing the complex push-and-pull of their dynamic. The novel flows well overall, but there are occasional moments where Jude’s internal monologue becomes repetitive, especially regarding her need for power and vengeance. Structurally, the book is well-organized, with a clear progression from Jude’s initial struggles to her rise in political influence. While the pacing is inconsistent, the transitions between major plot points are smooth, making for an engaging read despite some slow sections.
Themes & Literary Devices
The Cruel Prince explores themes of power, betrayal, and survival, all woven seamlessly into the narrative. One of the novel’s most powerful themes is the idea of embracing one’s own ruthlessness to survive in a brutal world. Jude embodies this theme, learning that she must be willing to deceive, manipulate, and even kill if she wants to thrive among the fae. The use of poison as both a literal and metaphorical tool is one of the book’s strongest literary devices—Jude builds an immunity to poison, just as she hardens herself emotionally to betrayal and cruelty. The book also plays with the idea of perception versus reality, particularly in how Jude navigates the fae’s deceptions. The symbolism throughout the book enhances its depth, from the imagery of shadows and daggers to the idea of wearing masks—both literal and figurative—to survive. Black’s ability to weave these elements together elevates The Cruel Prince beyond a simple fantasy novel, making it a richly layered story.
Creativity, Originality & Predictability
While faerie lore is a well-worn trope in fantasy literature, Black’s take is refreshingly dark and politically driven. The court intrigue, combined with the morally ambiguous characters, sets The Cruel Prince apart from other YA fantasies. Jude’s role as an underdog who rises to power through intelligence rather than magical abilities is also a unique twist. Some plot twists, such as Jude’s betrayal of her sister’s trust and her ultimate manipulation of Cardan, feel fresh and unexpected. However, other twists, particularly Locke’s betrayal, are more predictable and follow common YA fantasy patterns. Still, the book’s originality in its execution and its refusal to adhere to traditional hero-versus-villain dynamics make it a standout in the genre.
Emotional Impact
The emotional weight of The Cruel Prince is one of its strongest aspects, drawing readers into Jude’s journey with intensity. Her struggles, both physical and psychological, feel raw and real. The betrayals she experiences—especially from Taryn and Locke—hit hard, and the book does not shy away from showcasing the pain of being used and discarded. The relationship between Jude and Cardan is one of the novel’s most emotionally charged aspects, filled with tension, resentment, and reluctant attraction. When Cardan admits, “I hate you because I think of you often,” it is one of the first real glimpses of vulnerability from him, making it a standout moment. While the book excels at evoking emotions, some relationships, such as the bond between Jude and Taryn, could have been explored more deeply to add even more emotional resonance.
Overall
Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince is a captivating tale of power, deception, and survival. With a richly immersive world, complex characters, and a darkly poetic writing style, the novel stands out in the YA fantasy genre. While the pacing could be more consistent and some side characters lack depth, the gripping themes, unpredictable twists, and emotionally charged moments make this a compelling read. Fans of morally gray protagonists, court intrigue, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will find The Cruel Prince a spellbinding start to The Folk of the Air series.
- Title: The Wicked King
- Author: Holly Black
- ISBN: 9780316310321
- Page Count: 336 pages
- Series: The Folk of the Air #2
- Genres: Action & Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Legends Myths Fables, Royalty, Young Adult Fiction
If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince, the sequel, The Wicked King, continues Jude’s perilous journey in the treacherous realm of Faerie. Now the power behind the throne, Jude grapples with courtly intrigues, a capricious king, and looming betrayals that threaten her life and the future of Elfhame. This installment delves deeper into the complexities of power, trust, and ambition, making it a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and intricate political plots.
