The Cruel Prince is the captivating first novel in The Folk of the Air series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black. This bestselling romantasy blends enemies-to-lovers romance, fae politics, royal intrigue, morally gray characters, forbidden attraction, and dark fantasy into an unforgettable tale of ambition and betrayal. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rachel Gillig, Carissa Broadbent, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Rebecca Yarros, this BookTok favorite delivers an addictive fantasy world filled with danger, deception, and irresistible tension.

When Jude Duarte was just seven years old, her parents were murdered, and she and her sisters were taken to live in the dangerous High Court of Faerie. Though she is mortal in a land of immortal beings, Jude refuses to let her humanity define her. Determined to earn her place among the powerful fae, she must navigate deadly court politics while enduring the relentless cruelty of Prince Cardan, the youngest and most infuriating son of the High King. As alliances shift, betrayals unfold, and civil war looms over the kingdom, Jude discovers that survival requires more than courage—it demands cunning, ambition, and a willingness to embrace the darkness within herself.

The Cruel Prince Paperback – The Addictive Beginning to The Folk of the Air Series

Rich with political intrigue, breathtaking world-building, and unforgettable characters, The Cruel Prince launches one of today's most beloved fantasy series. Filled with dangerous bargains, fierce heroines, slow-burn romance, and shocking twists, this first installment is a must-read for romantasy fans and fantasy lovers alike.

Product Details

Title: The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Format: Paperback

Series: The Folk of the Air – Book 1

Genre:

• Romantasy
• Fantasy
• Young Adult Fantasy
• Dark Fantasy
• Fantasy Romance

Pages: 416

Dimensions: 1.2 x 8.2 x 5.4 inches

Publication Date: December 4, 2018

Accelerated Reader:

• Interest Level: Upper Grades (9–12)
• Reading Level: 5.3
• AR Points: 16

Features:

• The Folk of the Air Book 1
• #1 New York Times Bestseller
• BookTok favorite
• Enemies-to-lovers romance
• Fae kingdom
• Royal court intrigue
• Morally gray characters
• Political fantasy
• Slow-burn romance
• Collectible paperback edition

Author Biography

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous fantasy novels for teens and adults, including The Folk of the Air trilogy, The Stolen Heir duology, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and Tithe. Widely recognized as one of today's leading fantasy authors, she is celebrated for her richly imagined faerie worlds, morally complex characters, and compelling storytelling. Holly lives in Massachusetts with her husband in a home that famously includes a secret library.