The Cruel Prince

The Folk of the Air, Book 1

By: Holly Black

Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly

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 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.

Jude Jude jude

Girlie is a fearless warrior. Fantasy is not my favorite genre. The world-building and all the characters involved is overwhelming. However, I really enjoyed this book. I would totally recommend 👍

Loved it!

A bit of a slow start, but the last third of this book has me hooked. Can't wait for the next one.

Holly Black Never Disappoints

Time and again, I thought I had the main character’s plan all worked out. Thankfully, I was wrong every time. This one surprised me at every turn.

loved

This series is amazing. It has everything you are looking for in a series. A little bit and alot of everything

love the series

love this series - this is the second time I've read it! the reason i gave 4 stars for performance was because there were parts that must have been post recorded and added in - you can hear the difference. other than that it was great!

Fantastic

No one writes faeries like Holly Black. 

This story has taken the best parts of a fantasy novels and created an unforgettable book. Court politics, enemies-to-lovers, antiheroes, scheming characters, it's all here!

So super quick for anyone who hasn't read this (but why haven't you?!) This book follows Jude, a human. She has two sisters, her twin Taryn, and an older sister named Vivi, who's fae. Whe Vivi's biological father, Madoc, comes to get Vivi back, he murders Jude and Taryn's parents and takes all three sisters to live with him in the fae world.

Jude is the perfect grey character. She's ambitious, clever, jealous, and authentic. She has gone through so much in her short life and still strives and tries. She is terrified of so much, but that doesn't stop her. But she still loves with all her heart and would do anything for them. She is incredibly flawed, but it's impossible not to love her.

Then there's Carden. Another morally grey character. Listen, every character is dysfunctional and an asshole, it's why the story is so good. Carden is a prince, and yes, very cruel. I don't even know how to describe him. He is beautifully terrible. He looks out for himself above everyone, I think he's fascinating, and I can't help but love him.

One of my favorite things about this was the family dynamics. Madoc is one of the best written characters. He had so many sides to him, even though he's obviously a bad guy. His character arc brought so much to the story. Both of Jude's sisters are incredibly complex. Viv is bisexual, full of life, and amazing. Taryn is infuriating. While I don't really like her, I can't help but admit she's a great character at times. These characters are all so different, and when you throw them all into a house it makes for such a entertaining read.

The writing was beautiful. The characters are unapologetic. The ending was spectacular. This is just a stunning book and I recommend it to everyone!z I'm really glad I waited to read this, maybe now the wait won't be so brutal... *sob*

Should you start this trilogy?

No your life will be empty when you finish it 😭
But seriously YES!
If you’re looking for a magical story fraught with treachery, sword play, plotting, and a healthy dose of sexual tension. This is the series for you!
We have a strong, flawed, and self reliant heroine! Yes!!!
I can’t say it’s perfect but it’s definitely worth the read!
I read all three, the third being my favorite. But I’m sad it’s over.

need the next one now

loved this book. kinda slow paced but you wouldn't have gotten the whole story otherwise

Deliciously Cruel and satisfying

I have to say that I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I enjoyed the plot immensely and was surprised at how raw it was for a YA novel. Holly Black wove a intriguing tale and made it easy to be completely absorbed in the action. I am a bit confused by some of the decisions made by the characters but since there is another book coming out I am hoping it will be cleared up. I am looking forward to how the relationship between Cardon and Jude develops. Even love is tainted with poison in this novel and no one can be trusted. I dig it.

I LOVE this book!

I had never read any of Holly Blacks material. I found myself questioning whether or not I should in the first place. After all, I have been in quite the reading slump. But what better way to end one, than with a good audio book? I found myself loving this book as soon as the intro was through. And I listened none stop the whole night, and most of the next day until it was done. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Eager to know what was to happen next. I love the main character Jude! And fell in love with many a handsome Prince! Holly's writing is phenomenal, and Caitlin brought them to life in such a magnificent way it was like icing on a cake! Such talent! Lets just say.... I look forward to reading The Wicked King, and any other work of hers. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Fantasy.