The Cruel Prince Audiobook By Holly Black cover art

The Cruel Prince

The Folk of the Air, Book 1

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The Cruel Prince

By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
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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.

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Action & Adventure Literature & Fiction Romantasy Science Fiction & Fantasy Series Essentials Royalty Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Romance
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Unexpected Plot Twists • Complex Political Intrigue • Distinct Character Voices • Rich World-building • Emotional Range

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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 👍

Jude Jude jude

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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*

Fantastic

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

Loved it!

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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.

Holly Black Never Disappoints

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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.

Should you start this trilogy?

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