The Cruel Prince

by Holly Black

Book Overview

An instant bestseller 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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031631031X
• ISBN13: 9780316310314
• Release Date: December 2018
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Vividly Imagined and Well Written

Better writing than most of the new authors out there. Nice fairy tale with a bit of a Game of Thrones feel to it. I admit, I was hoping for more of a love story, as well, but the writing is superb.

The cruel prince: ok

It was good at the beginning but was very slow. I had to force myself to finish it but i enjoyed it for the most part. I dont think ill read the rest of the series.

I hated it the first time I read it however

Okay so the first time I read this I hated it. I don’t like the fmc, and I didn’t like the book…. But I’d already purchased book 2 so after a LONG break I reread it so I could read book two… anyways a year later I’ve read it 5 times and I still don’t like the fmc but I’ll begrudgingly admit I may or may not have enjoyed it enough to read the series nearly half a dozen times. If you’re looking for a romance, don’t look here. This is a fantasy book with a minor subplot of romance. Don’t get mad at the book for being something it wasn’t written to be.

Buy it!

So good! This lives up to the hype. I'm not usually a fan of fantasy but this was so good. It is the first in the Folk of the Air series, so there is a lot of world building in this. I've read the entire series, so be rest assured that the slowburn enemies to lovers between Cardan and Jude comes to an HEA. I definitely recommend this to anyone is just starting to get into fantasy.

Fun and interesting

At times I found myself a bit bored. But all in all, I really enjoyed this series even though I’m not a huge fantasy fan. The lore and the characters were interesting and it was well written.

The Cruel Prince is worth the hype

There's no doubt you've seen this book all over TikTok and Wattpad, because I certainly have. I bit into temptation and decided to buy this book and I was not disappointed. I generally never liked fantasy novels, but this just completely changed my mind. I just ordered the next 2 books in the series and cannot wait to binge read them. This is definitely a comfort read and is very exhilarating. I loved every little second of it and could hardly put it down. Even if I found certain moments very predictable, the writing is so good I was hooked. If you're looking for something more *steamy* then this is not the book for that. It's definitely a lighthearted tween-teen novel for those who want to read something a bit more relaxed and innocent.

Older than 12? This book isn't for you.

If you are looking for a page-turning, deep fantasy read, keep looking. If you are a tween or younger, you might enjoy this book. For anyone older I absolutely would not recommend. I had to force myself to complete it just to see what happens. Unfortunately it was highly predictable and I could not stop rolling my eyes at the ABC Family style drama. I am surprised to hear so many high recommendations from adults. This book is most certainly written for a younger, less mature crowd.

Great character building

Pretty expository, world building but the characters are engaging. Verrryyyy slow burn enemies to lovers but still good.

Loved it

Wow wow wow!! Not what I was expecting. That twist and man Jude is a sneaky girl playing a very very dangerous game! I'm rooting for her. And cardan I didn't see that coming. I need to finish this series because I can't be left hanging like this! Such a great story and a good twist.

Favorite book!

This books is what I would consider the perfect fantasy book. There was not to much soapy romance that it engulfs the whole plot but just enough to keep you interested and reading it. With a kick butt female lead who is real enough to connect with but also cool enough to envy. The plot was nowhere near basic and predictable as i find most other books to be, and the fantasy world the author created is one so intriguing I would read 100 more books about it. I had trouble putting it down. even after i have long finished this series I still find my thoughts drifting back to it. The charge ter all have such amazing and u own personalities and I fell in love with each one of them. I will definitely reread this and have already recommended it to so many of my book lover friends. This book is no basic fantasy story, it’s a twisting and winding plot that will leave you on the edge of your seat and begging for more! I Finished it in three days.

This book is by far my favorite!!

There is so many thrills & secrets in this book! The characters are so intriguing, that you'll fall in love with all of them! & Jude is such a mood! I recomend to everyone that is into fantasy, adventure, Young Adult, & Romance. I AM IN LOVE

Adventure and Drama: Fantasy grown-up

I have been a fan of other books Holly black has written, so when one of my friends told me about the Cruel Prince, I knew that I had to get my hands on it! This novel did not disappoint. It still gives you a feeling of being in a fantasy world, with fairies and trolls, secret passageways and talking doors, but from a grown-up perspective. This novel is one that you won’t put down! Written from the perspective of a young mortal girl named Jude, brought against her will to the land of the Fey, trying to find her place within it. I would recommend it to anyone wanting an fantasy adventure book, for adults

Can’t wait till the next book comes out!