The Cruel Prince

Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince" introduces readers to Jude, a mortal girl thrust into the dangerous and enchanting world of Faerie after her parents are murdered and she and her sisters are kidnapped. Now a teenager, Jude struggles with her human vulnerability in a realm where many fae despise mortals, particularly the enigmatic and cruel Prince Cardan. This first book in a bestselling series delves into themes of belonging, power, and survival as Jude navigates treacherous palace politics, discovers her capacity for cunning and violence, and forms a dangerous alliance to save her family and Faerie from impending civil war. It's a compelling read for young adults aged 12-18 who enjoy dark fantasy, political intrigue, and complex character relationships.

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 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.