Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2023), Edition: Collectors, 384 pages
Description
Fantasy. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:From #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, comes 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 itse… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member genieinanovel
Going into this book I was wary because, and I’ll be totally honest here, I’m not a fan of fantasy books that include Faeries and other creatures that are in these types of books. It’s usually hard for me to get into and follow. However, for some reason, I was compelled to read this book and
Jude and her sisters, Taryn and Vivi, were only kids when their parents were murdered and they were taken to Faerie by Vivi’s biological father, Madoc. As the years go on, the girls grow up with different attitudes towards their new home – Vivi despises it, while Jude and Taryn want to find their place after finally accepting it as their home.
The story is told by Jude, who desperately wants to be a knight for the prince in line for the throne, Prince Dain, and finally fit into the world of Faerie. Meanwhile, she and Taryn are constantly bullied by the youngest prince, Cardan, which only makes Jude angry and want to prove herself even more. Jude’s story reveals that she is, in fact, not a perfect character, but given her situation at times, you can see why she acts the way she does.
As far as the story goes, it was really interesting. Like I said, I’m not usually into these types of fantasy novels, so learning about a new world was intriguing. I actually enjoyed the political aspect of the Faerie world and how things worked. It wasn’t hard to follow at all and the twists thrown into the story made me keep turning the pages!
Though I don’t dislike Jude, she’s not my favorite character either. I actually like her sister Vivi the best – she’s got spunk and really cares about her family, well, her sisters and brother anyway. I’m still unsure about Taryn, though I’m not a big fan at the moment. Cardan had some redeeming moments towards the end, but even before… who doesn’t end up loving the “bad boy” of the story? Then I loved the members of the Court of Shadows, the Roach, the Ghost, and the Bomb… they were my favorites along with Vivi, and I hope to see more of them in the sequel!
So overall, I really enjoyed The Cruel Prince and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy, The Wicked King!
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I’m so glad I gave it a shot!Jude and her sisters, Taryn and Vivi, were only kids when their parents were murdered and they were taken to Faerie by Vivi’s biological father, Madoc. As the years go on, the girls grow up with different attitudes towards their new home – Vivi despises it, while Jude and Taryn want to find their place after finally accepting it as their home.
The story is told by Jude, who desperately wants to be a knight for the prince in line for the throne, Prince Dain, and finally fit into the world of Faerie. Meanwhile, she and Taryn are constantly bullied by the youngest prince, Cardan, which only makes Jude angry and want to prove herself even more. Jude’s story reveals that she is, in fact, not a perfect character, but given her situation at times, you can see why she acts the way she does.
As far as the story goes, it was really interesting. Like I said, I’m not usually into these types of fantasy novels, so learning about a new world was intriguing. I actually enjoyed the political aspect of the Faerie world and how things worked. It wasn’t hard to follow at all and the twists thrown into the story made me keep turning the pages!
Though I don’t dislike Jude, she’s not my favorite character either. I actually like her sister Vivi the best – she’s got spunk and really cares about her family, well, her sisters and brother anyway. I’m still unsure about Taryn, though I’m not a big fan at the moment. Cardan had some redeeming moments towards the end, but even before… who doesn’t end up loving the “bad boy” of the story? Then I loved the members of the Court of Shadows, the Roach, the Ghost, and the Bomb… they were my favorites along with Vivi, and I hope to see more of them in the sequel!
So overall, I really enjoyed The Cruel Prince and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy, The Wicked King!
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LibraryThing member roses7184
After months upon months of ignoring new releases, and trying to stay away from the hype, I finally gave in and picked up The Cruel Prince. Okay, more accurately, it actually popped up on my library loan list and I went "Oh, that's right! I put myself on the waitlist for this!", and then proceeded
First off, true to form, Holly Black expertly drags the reader into the darkly glittering world of the Fae. A world where things are both beautiful and terrible. A world where humans definitely are at a disadvantage, and where they are so enchanted by it all that they don't even seem to care. What I've always liked about Black's fairy world is that it isn't always a kind a one. It's one where there is suffering, war, and hatred. It's one where beautiful beings have sharp edges and sharper knives. It's the kind of world that you love to read about, but would be terrified to visit. In other words, it's my kind of setting.
Even more impressive is the fact that every single character who graces these pages is perfectly rendered, and multi-faceted. I was stunned by how easily I fell into step with Jude. Her inability to conform, despite the fact that it would have been the easiest thing to do, made me fall in love with her character. Jude is strong as steel, and equally as intelligent. The stark contrast between her, as a protected human in a fairy world, and Vivi, as an unwilling fairy in a fairy world, was perfection. I ate up their sisterly bond, swooned over the descriptions of balls and battles, and couldn't stop myself from hating the same people that Jude found herself hating. I think what made me fall for Jude the hardest was that she was never afraid to admit that she was wrong. She was human to the core, and beautiful because of it.
Truthfully, even the plot the blew me away. It was perfectly paced, and set up in a way that I never saw the next move coming until right when Jude did. Black weaves a gorgeous web on court intrigue, filled with backstabbing and death. Even when I was absolutely sure that I knew where things were headed next, I was wrong. It was wonderful. I love a plot that keeps me on my toes. As for the ending, well, I knew going in that this was the first in a series. So I'll say that the ending is good for a first book, and satisfying enough. You'll see, after all, that I did give this a full five star rating.
If you're looking for viciously lovely Fae, more court intrigue than you can shake a stick at, and a book that will keep you reading well into the night, this is for you.
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to devour it. I knew I wanted to read this from the moment that I saw Holly Black's name across the cover. If anyone knows Fae, it's Holly Black. I had high hopes for this one and, I'm glad to report, I wasn't disappointed in the least!First off, true to form, Holly Black expertly drags the reader into the darkly glittering world of the Fae. A world where things are both beautiful and terrible. A world where humans definitely are at a disadvantage, and where they are so enchanted by it all that they don't even seem to care. What I've always liked about Black's fairy world is that it isn't always a kind a one. It's one where there is suffering, war, and hatred. It's one where beautiful beings have sharp edges and sharper knives. It's the kind of world that you love to read about, but would be terrified to visit. In other words, it's my kind of setting.
Even more impressive is the fact that every single character who graces these pages is perfectly rendered, and multi-faceted. I was stunned by how easily I fell into step with Jude. Her inability to conform, despite the fact that it would have been the easiest thing to do, made me fall in love with her character. Jude is strong as steel, and equally as intelligent. The stark contrast between her, as a protected human in a fairy world, and Vivi, as an unwilling fairy in a fairy world, was perfection. I ate up their sisterly bond, swooned over the descriptions of balls and battles, and couldn't stop myself from hating the same people that Jude found herself hating. I think what made me fall for Jude the hardest was that she was never afraid to admit that she was wrong. She was human to the core, and beautiful because of it.
Truthfully, even the plot the blew me away. It was perfectly paced, and set up in a way that I never saw the next move coming until right when Jude did. Black weaves a gorgeous web on court intrigue, filled with backstabbing and death. Even when I was absolutely sure that I knew where things were headed next, I was wrong. It was wonderful. I love a plot that keeps me on my toes. As for the ending, well, I knew going in that this was the first in a series. So I'll say that the ending is good for a first book, and satisfying enough. You'll see, after all, that I did give this a full five star rating.
If you're looking for viciously lovely Fae, more court intrigue than you can shake a stick at, and a book that will keep you reading well into the night, this is for you.
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LibraryThing member AmalieTurner
I don't get it! How is there so much hype around this book??? I had a hard time finishing this one because its like nothing was happening. The characters were not developed at all. No one's actions felt genuine or real and I didn't feel connected to anyone so I didn't care what happened to them.
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This was my first Holly Black and I wasn't impressed with her writing. It felt very typical for a YA novel. I wanted so much to like this book but mostly it just made me want to reread ACOTAR, which has similar themes but much better characters! Show Less
LibraryThing member BethYacoub
"If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse."
You know what?? I am definitely one of THOSE people....you know, those that swoon over plots rife with Political intrigue..one of those awesome people that love all (good) things Fae....those that bought into the (well deserved) hype
Anyhow, not only am I a firm resident of all of those categories BUT I happened to have fallen in LOVE with this book to boot! I'm not embarrassed at all to admit it, I was ensorcelled (LOVE that word!) and I am sure you will be as well. Cruel Prince deserves all the accolades it gets! Was it a perfect 5 Star book?? No, but it was extremely well written, thought out and executed. The plot twists were a bit too predictable, though watching them unfold was extremely satisfying. The coronation was stab-tacular and Red Wedding(ish)! The relationships Del Amore were nothing amazing but at least they weren't insta-anything either. The MC was kick @$$ yet vulnerable (a combo I love to see in a complex, well fleshed out main character...or any character really). Jude's "nemesis" was more talk than action, especially with regards to her, and ultimately a bit whimpy ...NOT traits I find sexy in a possible love interest but HEY...you never know. I guess we'll all be (not so patiently) awaiting book #2 to see what type of person he will truly turn out to be.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough though the wait for answers seems cruel and insurmountable... and I say this from just having joined the ranks of the tortured this afternoon :::GULP:::
overall: I'm pretty enamoured but the wait is already killing me. I wish you all a day with no distractions so you can immerse, experience and fall in love with this book and THEN you can take your rightful spot next to me on the excruciating wait train.
"What they don’t realize is this: Yes, they frighten me, but I have always been scared, since the day I got here. I was raised by the man who murdered my parents, reared in a land of monsters. I live with that fear, let it settle into my bones, and ignore it. If I didn’t pretend not to be scared, I would hide under my owl-down coverlets in Madoc’s estate forever. I would lie there and scream until there was nothing left of me. I refuse to do that. I will not do that."
You know what?? I am definitely one of THOSE people....you know, those that swoon over plots rife with Political intrigue..one of those awesome people that love all (good) things Fae....those that bought into the (well deserved) hype
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surrounding this book...those that sing praises of the venerable Mrs Holly Black, dubbing her an irreproachably unequivocal Master of Words and Such..well that may be more of a Me thing than a Those thing but I digress.Anyhow, not only am I a firm resident of all of those categories BUT I happened to have fallen in LOVE with this book to boot! I'm not embarrassed at all to admit it, I was ensorcelled (LOVE that word!) and I am sure you will be as well. Cruel Prince deserves all the accolades it gets! Was it a perfect 5 Star book?? No, but it was extremely well written, thought out and executed. The plot twists were a bit too predictable, though watching them unfold was extremely satisfying. The coronation was stab-tacular and Red Wedding(ish)! The relationships Del Amore were nothing amazing but at least they weren't insta-anything either. The MC was kick @$$ yet vulnerable (a combo I love to see in a complex, well fleshed out main character...or any character really). Jude's "nemesis" was more talk than action, especially with regards to her, and ultimately a bit whimpy ...NOT traits I find sexy in a possible love interest but HEY...you never know. I guess we'll all be (not so patiently) awaiting book #2 to see what type of person he will truly turn out to be.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough though the wait for answers seems cruel and insurmountable... and I say this from just having joined the ranks of the tortured this afternoon :::GULP:::
overall: I'm pretty enamoured but the wait is already killing me. I wish you all a day with no distractions so you can immerse, experience and fall in love with this book and THEN you can take your rightful spot next to me on the excruciating wait train.
"What they don’t realize is this: Yes, they frighten me, but I have always been scared, since the day I got here. I was raised by the man who murdered my parents, reared in a land of monsters. I live with that fear, let it settle into my bones, and ignore it. If I didn’t pretend not to be scared, I would hide under my owl-down coverlets in Madoc’s estate forever. I would lie there and scream until there was nothing left of me. I refuse to do that. I will not do that."
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
THE CRUEL PRINCE is an intriguing fantasy that starts a series. The main character is Jude Duarte. She watched a fairy named Madoc kill her parents in order to gain control of her older sisters Viviene who happens to be his daughter. Rather than leaving them on Earth, takes Jude and her twin sister
Ten years have passed and Jude and Taryn have found different ways to cope with the dangers of being human in faerie. Taryn is looking to marry and become a consort. Jude wants power of her own and to control her own life. She has decided that the only way to survive is to out-evil the fae around her.
Through the years she and Taryn have become the victims of a set of the younger fae including Prince Cardan who is the youngest son of the king. He becomes her biggest rival but his cohorts especially Valerian and Locke are the more overtly dangerous. Valerian has tried to kill her a number of times and Locke seems to be trying to seduce her for some reason.
The high king has decided to abdicate his throne which makes the political maneuvering even more dangerous for Jude. She is recruited by Prince Dain to be his spy. He puts her under a geas to keep her from talking about him and his plots but which also makes her immune to enchantment by other fairies. As she conducts missions for him, she finds some clues that puzzle her and make her wonder if she really knows what is going on.
This tale is twisty and Jude's life is in so much danger. Her life in faerie has twisted her into something that she isn't sure she likes but she doesn't see another path. I liked the secrets that were gradually revealed. The story was intriguing and kept me reading late into the night. I can't wait to find out what comes next for Jude.
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Taryn back to faerie with him too.Ten years have passed and Jude and Taryn have found different ways to cope with the dangers of being human in faerie. Taryn is looking to marry and become a consort. Jude wants power of her own and to control her own life. She has decided that the only way to survive is to out-evil the fae around her.
Through the years she and Taryn have become the victims of a set of the younger fae including Prince Cardan who is the youngest son of the king. He becomes her biggest rival but his cohorts especially Valerian and Locke are the more overtly dangerous. Valerian has tried to kill her a number of times and Locke seems to be trying to seduce her for some reason.
The high king has decided to abdicate his throne which makes the political maneuvering even more dangerous for Jude. She is recruited by Prince Dain to be his spy. He puts her under a geas to keep her from talking about him and his plots but which also makes her immune to enchantment by other fairies. As she conducts missions for him, she finds some clues that puzzle her and make her wonder if she really knows what is going on.
This tale is twisty and Jude's life is in so much danger. Her life in faerie has twisted her into something that she isn't sure she likes but she doesn't see another path. I liked the secrets that were gradually revealed. The story was intriguing and kept me reading late into the night. I can't wait to find out what comes next for Jude.
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LibraryThing member veeshee
This YA fiction novel is the first one to get 5 stars from me for 2018! I loved this book! It was clear from the start that the author was going to give the readers a dramatic, violent, and exhilarating story... and that's exactly what I got. The first scene in this novel is the brutal murder of
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Jude's parents, and their reluctant journey to Faerie. The story then skips 10 years to the future, at which point, all of the characters have pretty much grown up. We learn about how the sisters are adjusting to their lives. Vivi, the eldest (and the only one of the sisters who actually has fey blood in her), wants to escape to the mortal world and live a normal life. Taryn, Jude's twin, is quiet and meek and plans on falling in love and securing her place in the Court through a well-made match. And Jude wants to become a Knight to prove her usefulness to the fey. I love the complexity of the characters. None of them were completely good or bad; they all had their flaws and internal struggles and desires. It allowed the reader to see all of the different perspectives to a situation - as well as the different feelings about the fey and the Court. This story was action-packed, and the buildup of events was done very well. I loved the political intrigue and the way Jude put things together. I could not tear myself away from this novel because each page led to some new revelation, some new piece of the plan that would eventually unfold. And the ending definitely took me by surprise! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series! If you are looking for a really good teen fantasy novel, then definitely consider this one! Show Less
LibraryThing member RachDani
I was a little disappointed with this book. There is a lot of cloak and dagger action, plenty of twists and betrayals, but none of it felt surprising.
Take Jude, the main character, who has spent most of her life with the Fae, feeling powerless. So what does she do? She makes a huge mess and gets
However, if you are a big fan of the genre, this will sweep you head first back into the Faery world. If this is your first Holly Black book, buckle up, because she has a way of building worlds that you would be both ecstatic and terrified to live in. She mixes flowery descriptions with sometimes brutal details, a compelling combination. Her characters are constantly shifting, which leads me to wonder...if this much happened in the first book, what will happen next?
Take Jude, the main character, who has spent most of her life with the Fae, feeling powerless. So what does she do? She makes a huge mess and gets
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entangled in an even bigger one. She is so focused on what she wants and what she think she has to do to get it, that she forgets everything she's learned about the world she grew up in. Nothing is what it seems and no one is who you think they are. It's fun in a twisty sort of way, but again, a little boring because you expect this is what will happen.However, if you are a big fan of the genre, this will sweep you head first back into the Faery world. If this is your first Holly Black book, buckle up, because she has a way of building worlds that you would be both ecstatic and terrified to live in. She mixes flowery descriptions with sometimes brutal details, a compelling combination. Her characters are constantly shifting, which leads me to wonder...if this much happened in the first book, what will happen next?
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LibraryThing member quondame
Jude and her twin Taryn are orphaned and taken to Faerie by Madoc, their mother's ex-husband and father of their older sister Vivienne. This sort of starts like a nightmare high school story where the cool kids, including Cadan the youngest son of the Faerie king, can literally cause humans to do
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anything they say if they do not constantly maintain their protections. Jude wants to become a knight of the court and doesn't have much sympathy with Taryn who wants to marry a noble and fit in as a human spouse. Vivienne just wants to get back out of Faerie. The story is how Jude gets more and less than she desires and is left in a most interesting position. I find the feelings of even Jude to be a bit opaque, though understandable, I rarely felt for or with her. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the first book in the Folk of the Air series. Holly Black has been very hit or miss for me. I love her Modern Fairy Tale series but didn’t like the Curse Workers series at all. This book fell somewhere in between. The story is decently done but everyone in this book is so completely evil
I always have a bit of trouble getting back into Black 's writing style and cadence. Once I get back into it the story flows better. My main issue with this book is that all the characters are jerks, there is not a single character in this book I actually liked reading about.
The story is set mostly in the fae realm, which I normally enjoy. However, I also felt like the world-building was a bit weak here. There is a ton of intrigue and a lot of spying elements to the story.
Overall this is a decent book if you enjoy reading about constant back-stabbing and bullying. It wasn't really for me though and I don't plan on continuing the series. I just didn't enjoy reading it.
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and cruel I found myself slightly nauseous at points. I always have a bit of trouble getting back into Black 's writing style and cadence. Once I get back into it the story flows better. My main issue with this book is that all the characters are jerks, there is not a single character in this book I actually liked reading about.
The story is set mostly in the fae realm, which I normally enjoy. However, I also felt like the world-building was a bit weak here. There is a ton of intrigue and a lot of spying elements to the story.
Overall this is a decent book if you enjoy reading about constant back-stabbing and bullying. It wasn't really for me though and I don't plan on continuing the series. I just didn't enjoy reading it.
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LibraryThing member Vinjii
Hyped books are a bit hit and miss when it comes to me.
This one is a firm hit!
I devoured it in like a day, I just couldn't stop myself. This is my first book by Holly Black, but it definitely won't be my last.
Now, before I get into why I liked this so much, let me just clarify: this is a young
It literally starts with the visceral murder of Jude's parents. Right there on page one, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The plot is fast paced and the characters are well developed. I would have liked to see some more world building, because I find the world of the fae fascinating, but I'll be happy with all the wild twists and turns for now.
The Cruel Prince starts out with a bang, followed by a slow build up filled with tension until it feels like the entire book explodes in your hands.
Jude is a great character and one of the best young adult protagonists I've encountered thus far. She's an underdog who does not give up and will always go down fighting. Truly a character to root for.
Now, where's the second books, please and thank you?
This one is a firm hit!
I devoured it in like a day, I just couldn't stop myself. This is my first book by Holly Black, but it definitely won't be my last.
Now, before I get into why I liked this so much, let me just clarify: this is a young
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adult fantasy. Just in case you're not into young adult....It literally starts with the visceral murder of Jude's parents. Right there on page one, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The plot is fast paced and the characters are well developed. I would have liked to see some more world building, because I find the world of the fae fascinating, but I'll be happy with all the wild twists and turns for now.
The Cruel Prince starts out with a bang, followed by a slow build up filled with tension until it feels like the entire book explodes in your hands.
Jude is a great character and one of the best young adult protagonists I've encountered thus far. She's an underdog who does not give up and will always go down fighting. Truly a character to root for.
Now, where's the second books, please and thank you?
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LibraryThing member ClareRhoden
I'm still pondering my review, which I guess is a good thing. This story has given me much to think about. I was so enthusiastic at the brilliant writing and the neat characterisation, but the plot is worrying me. It's my first Holly Black, and perhaps I need to read one or two more to delve a bit
I think if you love GOT, you will love this. So that's most people!
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deeper. I'm going to blog about it, but not until I get my thoughts more in order.I think if you love GOT, you will love this. So that's most people!
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LibraryThing member nicolewbrown
When Jude, her twin sister Taryn were seven and their older sister Viviene was nine, Madoc, a Faire, more specifically a redcap, arrived to confront his supposedly dead human wife and kills her and her husband and takes his daughter, Vivi and her human sisters Jude and Taryn to Elfhamme where he is
Fast forward ten years and Vivi rebels against everything Faerie and visits the mortal world every chance she gets and makes plans to run away to there. Meanwhile, Jude and Taryn are doing their best to fit in. Jude wants to be a knight in the High King's army. She does, however, have some trouble at school in the name of Prince Cardan and his coterie of friends Valerian, Nicacia, and Loche. Then one day Loche seems to be on her side and encouraging her to continue to fight back against Prince Caradan. He has his own reasons for that. He begins flirting with her and takes her back to his house and they make out before a party.
While Jude is dreaming of making her mark at the Summer Tournament where she could be picked to be a knight in training by one of the Princes or Princesses if only Madoc would allow her to be. This is when Prince Dain arrives at her house and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He sees the value of a human who can lie, as Faeries can't lie and humans can move about freely without being noticed much. He wants her to be his spy. Prince Dain is the heir apparent, but his brother Balekin is likely going to make a move for the throne soon when their father hands over the crown to Dain in the upcoming ceremony. In payment for this, he offers her a geas that will keep her from being enchanted by any faerie but him. He also tells her a way to avoid the effects of eating faerie food and such is to eat small amounts daily and become immune. It makes her sick as a dog, but it is slowly working.
The King will place the crown on Dain's head in the ceremony making him King and if someone tries to kill him after that they will be cursed and none of the Fey kingdoms will recognize them as King or Queen. So the Court of Shadows, Dain's spy network, which consists of a goblin named Roach, a half human half faerie named Ghost and a pixie named Bomb are working to make sure that Dain sits on the throne. Madoc is also working to make sure that Dain sits on the throne.
But nothing is as it seems in Faerie and Jude would do well to remember that. This novel keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire way through flipping pages well into the night. The characters are very complex and surprise you sometimes. While Madoc killed their parents he doesn't seem like such a bad guy to them. He raises them as though they are his very own daughters, which he didn't have to do and cares about them as if they were. You would think that Jude and Taryn would want to go back to the mortal would as soon as possible but the faerie world is all they know and while they live in constant fear Taryn wants to marry and live a quiet life while Jude wants to prove herself worthy and be needed and useful. If only they can survive Prince Cardan's bullying and the machinations of court. This book is the first in a trilogy and the next book can't come out soon enough to suit me. Holly Black is a favorite author of mine and here she proves again why I love her so much: great storytelling and characters and a world you don't want to leave. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Quotes
The kind of fabrics princesses in fairy tales wear. Of course, Taryn is right about stories. Bad things happen to those princesses. They are pricked with thorns, poinsoned by apples, married to their own fathers. They have their hands cut off and their brothers turned into swans, their lovers chopped up and planted into basil pots. They vomit up diamonds. When they walk, it feels as though they’re walking on knives. They still manage to look nice.
-Holly Black (The Cruel Prince p 145)
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a general in the High King's army. He remarries to Oriana and they have a sickly child named Oak, whom the girls grow to love.Fast forward ten years and Vivi rebels against everything Faerie and visits the mortal world every chance she gets and makes plans to run away to there. Meanwhile, Jude and Taryn are doing their best to fit in. Jude wants to be a knight in the High King's army. She does, however, have some trouble at school in the name of Prince Cardan and his coterie of friends Valerian, Nicacia, and Loche. Then one day Loche seems to be on her side and encouraging her to continue to fight back against Prince Caradan. He has his own reasons for that. He begins flirting with her and takes her back to his house and they make out before a party.
While Jude is dreaming of making her mark at the Summer Tournament where she could be picked to be a knight in training by one of the Princes or Princesses if only Madoc would allow her to be. This is when Prince Dain arrives at her house and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He sees the value of a human who can lie, as Faeries can't lie and humans can move about freely without being noticed much. He wants her to be his spy. Prince Dain is the heir apparent, but his brother Balekin is likely going to make a move for the throne soon when their father hands over the crown to Dain in the upcoming ceremony. In payment for this, he offers her a geas that will keep her from being enchanted by any faerie but him. He also tells her a way to avoid the effects of eating faerie food and such is to eat small amounts daily and become immune. It makes her sick as a dog, but it is slowly working.
The King will place the crown on Dain's head in the ceremony making him King and if someone tries to kill him after that they will be cursed and none of the Fey kingdoms will recognize them as King or Queen. So the Court of Shadows, Dain's spy network, which consists of a goblin named Roach, a half human half faerie named Ghost and a pixie named Bomb are working to make sure that Dain sits on the throne. Madoc is also working to make sure that Dain sits on the throne.
But nothing is as it seems in Faerie and Jude would do well to remember that. This novel keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire way through flipping pages well into the night. The characters are very complex and surprise you sometimes. While Madoc killed their parents he doesn't seem like such a bad guy to them. He raises them as though they are his very own daughters, which he didn't have to do and cares about them as if they were. You would think that Jude and Taryn would want to go back to the mortal would as soon as possible but the faerie world is all they know and while they live in constant fear Taryn wants to marry and live a quiet life while Jude wants to prove herself worthy and be needed and useful. If only they can survive Prince Cardan's bullying and the machinations of court. This book is the first in a trilogy and the next book can't come out soon enough to suit me. Holly Black is a favorite author of mine and here she proves again why I love her so much: great storytelling and characters and a world you don't want to leave. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Quotes
The kind of fabrics princesses in fairy tales wear. Of course, Taryn is right about stories. Bad things happen to those princesses. They are pricked with thorns, poinsoned by apples, married to their own fathers. They have their hands cut off and their brothers turned into swans, their lovers chopped up and planted into basil pots. They vomit up diamonds. When they walk, it feels as though they’re walking on knives. They still manage to look nice.
-Holly Black (The Cruel Prince p 145)
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LibraryThing member aratiel
THIS BOOK. The best novel I have read so far in 2018. Immediately engrossing and completely enchanting. It was one of those books that was so good, I wanted to linger over it, but couldn't stop myself from tearing through it to see what happened next. I want to live in Holly Black's world of as some of the politics and schemings and intrigue got murky towards the end. And I didn't quite get the point of the whole Locke deception, except as a way to make the reader hate Cardan more. But I didn't mind it that much - it was a fun diversion. I gave the book 5 stars because it was such an enjoyable read and I devoured it. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
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Faerie, horrifying as it might be sometimes. But it's not entirely perfect - I almost gave it 4 stars, Show Less
LibraryThing member roses7184
After months upon months of ignoring new releases, and trying to stay away from the hype, I finally gave in and picked up The Cruel Prince. Okay, more accurately, it actually popped up on my library loan list and I went "Oh, that's right! I put myself on the waitlist for this!", and then proceeded
First off, true to form, Holly Black expertly drags the reader into the darkly glittering world of the Fae. A world where things are both beautiful and terrible. A world where humans definitely are at a disadvantage, and where they are so enchanted by it all that they don't even seem to care. What I've always liked about Black's fairy world is that it isn't always a kind a one. It's one where there is suffering, war, and hatred. It's one where beautiful beings have sharp edges and sharper knives. It's the kind of world that you love to read about, but would be terrified to visit. In other words, it's my kind of setting.
Even more impressive is the fact that every single character who graces these pages is perfectly rendered, and multi-faceted. I was stunned by how easily I fell into step with Jude. Her inability to conform, despite the fact that it would have been the easiest thing to do, made me fall in love with her character. Jude is strong as steel, and equally as intelligent. The stark contrast between her, as a protected human in a fairy world, and Vivi, as an unwilling fairy in a fairy world, was perfection. I ate up their sisterly bond, swooned over the descriptions of balls and battles, and couldn't stop myself from hating the same people that Jude found herself hating. I think what made me fall for Jude the hardest was that she was never afraid to admit that she was wrong. She was human to the core, and beautiful because of it.
Truthfully, even the plot the blew me away. It was perfectly paced, and set up in a way that I never saw the next move coming until right when Jude did. Black weaves a gorgeous web on court intrigue, filled with backstabbing and death. Even when I was absolutely sure that I knew where things were headed next, I was wrong. It was wonderful. I love a plot that keeps me on my toes. As for the ending, well, I knew going in that this was the first in a series. So I'll say that the ending is good for a first book, and satisfying enough. You'll see, after all, that I did give this a full five star rating.
If you're looking for viciously lovely Fae, more court intrigue than you can shake a stick at, and a book that will keep you reading well into the night, this is for you.
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to devour it. I knew I wanted to read this from the moment that I saw Holly Black's name across the cover. If anyone knows Fae, it's Holly Black. I had high hopes for this one and, I'm glad to report, I wasn't disappointed in the least!First off, true to form, Holly Black expertly drags the reader into the darkly glittering world of the Fae. A world where things are both beautiful and terrible. A world where humans definitely are at a disadvantage, and where they are so enchanted by it all that they don't even seem to care. What I've always liked about Black's fairy world is that it isn't always a kind a one. It's one where there is suffering, war, and hatred. It's one where beautiful beings have sharp edges and sharper knives. It's the kind of world that you love to read about, but would be terrified to visit. In other words, it's my kind of setting.
Even more impressive is the fact that every single character who graces these pages is perfectly rendered, and multi-faceted. I was stunned by how easily I fell into step with Jude. Her inability to conform, despite the fact that it would have been the easiest thing to do, made me fall in love with her character. Jude is strong as steel, and equally as intelligent. The stark contrast between her, as a protected human in a fairy world, and Vivi, as an unwilling fairy in a fairy world, was perfection. I ate up their sisterly bond, swooned over the descriptions of balls and battles, and couldn't stop myself from hating the same people that Jude found herself hating. I think what made me fall for Jude the hardest was that she was never afraid to admit that she was wrong. She was human to the core, and beautiful because of it.
Truthfully, even the plot the blew me away. It was perfectly paced, and set up in a way that I never saw the next move coming until right when Jude did. Black weaves a gorgeous web on court intrigue, filled with backstabbing and death. Even when I was absolutely sure that I knew where things were headed next, I was wrong. It was wonderful. I love a plot that keeps me on my toes. As for the ending, well, I knew going in that this was the first in a series. So I'll say that the ending is good for a first book, and satisfying enough. You'll see, after all, that I did give this a full five star rating.
If you're looking for viciously lovely Fae, more court intrigue than you can shake a stick at, and a book that will keep you reading well into the night, this is for you.
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LibraryThing member Kanarthi
This book is the one I have been waiting for from Holly Black. It melds the dreamy writing of Tithe with the improved plotting and character writing of her later books. It also manages to have a satisfying climax and ending, despite being clearly the first of a series -- and I am certainly waiting
The main character is incredibly compelling. I have a soft spot for angry teenage protagonists, and boy is she one. The family dynamics she had with her twin sister and her father-figure (both of whom are also characters whose actions are very plot-important) were very interesting. I found the writing compelling and especially good at communicating her emotions -- while simultaneously providing enough distance to allow the reader to have a perspective on the situations in the book more clearly than the protagonist.
Pick this book up if you have any interest in books on faerie, especially if you like such stories mixed with political intrigue, mystery stories, or ugly-duckling stories. It shouldn't be missed!
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impatiently for the next books!The main character is incredibly compelling. I have a soft spot for angry teenage protagonists, and boy is she one. The family dynamics she had with her twin sister and her father-figure (both of whom are also characters whose actions are very plot-important) were very interesting. I found the writing compelling and especially good at communicating her emotions -- while simultaneously providing enough distance to allow the reader to have a perspective on the situations in the book more clearly than the protagonist.
Pick this book up if you have any interest in books on faerie, especially if you like such stories mixed with political intrigue, mystery stories, or ugly-duckling stories. It shouldn't be missed!
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LibraryThing member SBoren
This book was a gift from my bestie @mycornerforbooksand. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Jude is a mortal (a human) forced to survive in Faerie amongst the children of fey. Most of the fey despise humans, so it is a true test of grit. Jude is believed
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to be the daughter of a general but the family relationship is much harder to explain than that. Her true love is for her siblings. Jude is tortured by others in her own home, at school lessons, and in the public eye, but she soon finds herself making deals and promises in the Court of Faerie and has a plan to seek sweet revenge until everything comes undone with a surprising death of most of the Royal family. Her plots and schemes must change and must change quickly to protect the siblings she holds so dear. *********from page one the abuse in this book is horrid. There is bullying, abuse of power, physical abuse, death, and the signs of emotional abuse are very clear. This is not a book for the faint of heart. It is very clear in this book whoever holds the sword holds the power. It is not so terrible it turned me off to reading it but if you are a sensitive reader this is not the book for you.******* With that being said I think Black did an amazing job with a plot and revenge story and as far as fiction goes this is an amazing read. Onto The Wicked King soon. Show Less
LibraryThing member ashleytylerjohn
Sometimes a book starts off amazing, but loses steam (or disappoints in other ways) as one stays with it to the bitter end ... and sometimes--less often, in my experience--a book begins slowly, but picks up steam, and gets better and better as it goes along. Black's book follows this more
I'm reminded of Jurassic Park ... you have to set up the situation and the dinosaurs, and then once all hell breaks loose, whoosh! I was reading this on my Kindle Paperwhite, before bed, and cursing my tired eyes that I couldn't just stay up each night and finish it.
What I especially appreciated, compared to, say, Megan Whalen Turner's Thief series (which got more and more disappointing for me) is that our protagonist conceived a plan, and the author let us in on much of it. So much more satisfying that way, than merely trusting/hoping some plan exists, and then finding out what it was at the very end. One wants to be a co-conspirator to a certain extent. Enough was held back that the climax was still surprising in some regards, but not so much as to feel hard done by.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
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satisfying trajectory: it has a perfectly acceptable beginning, but about midway through I was wondering if it was all going to be world-building and character moments, or if maybe some plot would come creeping in. Well, I wasn't disappointed: this took a while to get going, but once it got going, it went! I'm reminded of Jurassic Park ... you have to set up the situation and the dinosaurs, and then once all hell breaks loose, whoosh! I was reading this on my Kindle Paperwhite, before bed, and cursing my tired eyes that I couldn't just stay up each night and finish it.
What I especially appreciated, compared to, say, Megan Whalen Turner's Thief series (which got more and more disappointing for me) is that our protagonist conceived a plan, and the author let us in on much of it. So much more satisfying that way, than merely trusting/hoping some plan exists, and then finding out what it was at the very end. One wants to be a co-conspirator to a certain extent. Enough was held back that the climax was still surprising in some regards, but not so much as to feel hard done by.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).
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LibraryThing member Herenya
I borrowed this because it has a delightful map illustrated by Kathleen Jennings, it’s a finalist for the Lodestar Award, and I quite liked the last book I read by Black. It is an interesting exploration of what it means to love terrible things, with a clear-sighted awareness of their flaws, but
I understand why Jude is so focused on making a life for herself in the faerie world -- it’s the world she’s grown up in, it is where her family live, and leaving it went disastrously for her human parents -- but I would have found a more hopeful goal more appealing to read about.
Then the plot did its thing, and I had to admit that this is a successful piece of storytelling, if still not quite my thing. I’ll probably read the sequels.
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I spent most of the story thinking “I hate faeries”.I understand why Jude is so focused on making a life for herself in the faerie world -- it’s the world she’s grown up in, it is where her family live, and leaving it went disastrously for her human parents -- but I would have found a more hopeful goal more appealing to read about.
Then the plot did its thing, and I had to admit that this is a successful piece of storytelling, if still not quite my thing. I’ll probably read the sequels.
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LibraryThing member MrNattania72
Who's Who?
This tale of magic, mysterious actions and murder is a continous roller coaster of dastardly deeds and back stabbing cruelty. Who to trust, who to believe, I just waited for everyone to two-face everyone. Secrets behind every tree, vine and bush in this Faerie forest will leave you
This tale of magic, mysterious actions and murder is a continous roller coaster of dastardly deeds and back stabbing cruelty. Who to trust, who to believe, I just waited for everyone to two-face everyone. Secrets behind every tree, vine and bush in this Faerie forest will leave you
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wanting more twists and gasping after every chapter. I loved it!! Show Less
LibraryThing member Gingermama
Jude and her twin are humans living in the world of Faerie, where life is often difficult for mortals. When the reigning High King decides to step aside and name one of his children as successor, Jude must make choices that will have long-term impact on not only her family but the entire kingdom.
If
If
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the story got off to a slow start, it more than made up for it in the second half of the book with plenty of action and surprising plot twists. This is the first book in a series, and the ending managed to both satisfy and leave me looking forward to the next installment. Show Less
LibraryThing member acargile
Book one of The Folk if the Air, The Cruel Prince, is my favorite Holly Black book. I’ve never really liked her style of writing although many of the students do, so I’ve purchased many of her books.
In this novel, Jude is a human. The first scene involves a fey arriving at her home and killing
Things are changing at the High Court. The king has decided to pass the kingdom to one of his many children. Jude cannot be part of the guard so she chooses to train as a spy. Her twin sister has a secret she refuses to reveal. Her oldest sister is making plans outside of the fey world. Cardan continues to torment Jude. All of what Jude thinks she knows turns out false concerning the intrigues of the court. Life and death situations become common and survival for human and fey is tenuous.
I listened to this novel and am excited about listening to the second book, Wicked King. The final book in the trilogy should be published in 2019.
In this novel, Jude is a human. The first scene involves a fey arriving at her home and killing
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her mother and father. Her older sister, unknown to them, is fey, so they all go to live at the High Court of Faerie. Fast forward a few years and Jude and her twin want to be like these beautiful people and live with them. Her older sister, however, only wants to return to the human world. This world they live in is dangerous. The most dangerous fey to Jude is Cardan. He is one of many of the king’s children. Jude refuses to follow his commands, which costs both her and her twin when retribution is distributed.Things are changing at the High Court. The king has decided to pass the kingdom to one of his many children. Jude cannot be part of the guard so she chooses to train as a spy. Her twin sister has a secret she refuses to reveal. Her oldest sister is making plans outside of the fey world. Cardan continues to torment Jude. All of what Jude thinks she knows turns out false concerning the intrigues of the court. Life and death situations become common and survival for human and fey is tenuous.
I listened to this novel and am excited about listening to the second book, Wicked King. The final book in the trilogy should be published in 2019.
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LibraryThing member CarolynDenman
This book had all my favourite things wrapped up in a shiny fey package. Jude is so messed up - in all the right ways. Her motivations are solid and believable, even when she's making the 'wrong' choices. Her world is gloriously detailed and vivid and terrifying and beautiful and sparkly and
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gruesome. Perfect. Show Less
LibraryThing member ltl1red
Excellent!!
LibraryThing member LisCarey
When Jude and her twin sister, Taryn, were seven years old, a man showed up at the door to their home, and proceeded to kill their mother and father with a sword, and then order them and their nine-year-old sister Vivienne to pack their things and go with him.
The man's name is Madoc, and he was
Jude in particular wants to be a part of the Court, someone with her own place and her own power there. This isn't easy for a mere human, but she is determined, and because of this she becomes part of Court intrigues. It turns out she has a natural talent for espionage, theft, and plotting.
And she's not bad with a sword, either.
There are many twists and turns here, and Jude misjudges her own abilities about as often as her rivals and adversaries do. She learns, though. We think we know who the "cruel prince" is, and who are the less-nasty members of the Court are. Jude has her plans, Madoc has his, Taryn has hers. The High King has a plan for which of his children will be his heir. Jude and her classmates in the education given to the Gentry, including Prince Cardan, Locke, Valarian, and other younger members of the Court, are rivals and competitors as well as classmates.
And the High King is getting old and tired, and is about to step down, naming his heir.
Vivienne would rather return to the mortal world. Taryn wants to marry a Faerie lord, and be a part of the Court that way. The same way her mother was, but unlike Jude and Vivi, she's not thinking about how that ended.
Jude wants to be a knight. Prince Dain offers her a different job. The question is, is she tricky enough for it?
As I said, many twists and turns here, and it's a very good story. Recommended.
This a 2019 Lodestar Finalist. I borrowed in from my local library.
The man's name is Madoc, and he was
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their mother's first husband. He's Vivi's real father. Oh, and he's a creature out of Faerie, specifically, a redcap. Madoc is the High King's general. And as a man of honor, he considers himself responsible for his wife's children--including the two who aren't his. They grow up in Faerie, and ten years later, the three sisters have each made their own adjustments.Jude in particular wants to be a part of the Court, someone with her own place and her own power there. This isn't easy for a mere human, but she is determined, and because of this she becomes part of Court intrigues. It turns out she has a natural talent for espionage, theft, and plotting.
And she's not bad with a sword, either.
There are many twists and turns here, and Jude misjudges her own abilities about as often as her rivals and adversaries do. She learns, though. We think we know who the "cruel prince" is, and who are the less-nasty members of the Court are. Jude has her plans, Madoc has his, Taryn has hers. The High King has a plan for which of his children will be his heir. Jude and her classmates in the education given to the Gentry, including Prince Cardan, Locke, Valarian, and other younger members of the Court, are rivals and competitors as well as classmates.
And the High King is getting old and tired, and is about to step down, naming his heir.
Vivienne would rather return to the mortal world. Taryn wants to marry a Faerie lord, and be a part of the Court that way. The same way her mother was, but unlike Jude and Vivi, she's not thinking about how that ended.
Jude wants to be a knight. Prince Dain offers her a different job. The question is, is she tricky enough for it?
As I said, many twists and turns here, and it's a very good story. Recommended.
This a 2019 Lodestar Finalist. I borrowed in from my local library.
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Taken, together with her twin sister Taryn and her elder half-sister Vivienne to live in Faerie by Madoc, her mother's first husband and Vivi's father, and the man who murdered her parents, Jude grows up keenly conscious of her own mortality, knowing that she is different from almost everyone
Although Holly Black is probably best-known for her young adult fantasy fiction set in Faerie - I actually own a copy of her debut novel, Tithe, as well as its sequels - the only thing I had read from her, before picking this one up, was the early chapter-book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, which she co-wrote with Tony DiTerlizzi. Given that this is so, The Cruel Prince, which marks the start of a new series, The Folk of the Air, was my introduction to her young adult work. I'm glad I gave it a chance, as I found it immensely engaging and readable, finishing it with a desire to pick up the sequel, The Wicked King, and find out what happens next. That said, I had trouble truly entering into the story, emotionally speaking, and found all of the characters (including Jude) rather off-putting. Perhaps this is owing to the fact that I was never really able to grasp the appeal and enchantment of Faerie, for Jude. Her longing for power makes sense, given her traumatic past, but watching her try to claw her way to a position of safety within a world that abuses her, rather than try to escape that world, felt alienating to me. No one in Faerie seemed especially beautiful or magical to me, despite being described that way, nor did their frequently mentioned superiority feel real. Maybe I'm too old for this one, psychologically speaking, but I found everything about this world rather sad and stupid. Vapid even. Which isn't a criticism of Black's writing or storytelling - as I said, I found the narrative here engaging. Maybe I'm just not meant to be a faerie child? Whatever the case may be, I suppose it says something that, despite my ambivalent response to the world created in this story, I still want to find out what happens next. Recommended to young adult readers who enjoy fantasy fiction set in Faerie...
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around her. She longs to be more like the beautiful but treacherous residents of her adoptive home, dreaming that by gaining power she will carve a place for herself in the Faerie Court, and finally be safe. Determined to become a knight to one of the royal princes or princesses, and to (eventually) be revenged on Cardan, the youngest royal child and eponymous cruel prince, Jude instead becomes caught up in palace intrigues that effect the line of succession, and the choice of the next monarch...Although Holly Black is probably best-known for her young adult fantasy fiction set in Faerie - I actually own a copy of her debut novel, Tithe, as well as its sequels - the only thing I had read from her, before picking this one up, was the early chapter-book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, which she co-wrote with Tony DiTerlizzi. Given that this is so, The Cruel Prince, which marks the start of a new series, The Folk of the Air, was my introduction to her young adult work. I'm glad I gave it a chance, as I found it immensely engaging and readable, finishing it with a desire to pick up the sequel, The Wicked King, and find out what happens next. That said, I had trouble truly entering into the story, emotionally speaking, and found all of the characters (including Jude) rather off-putting. Perhaps this is owing to the fact that I was never really able to grasp the appeal and enchantment of Faerie, for Jude. Her longing for power makes sense, given her traumatic past, but watching her try to claw her way to a position of safety within a world that abuses her, rather than try to escape that world, felt alienating to me. No one in Faerie seemed especially beautiful or magical to me, despite being described that way, nor did their frequently mentioned superiority feel real. Maybe I'm too old for this one, psychologically speaking, but I found everything about this world rather sad and stupid. Vapid even. Which isn't a criticism of Black's writing or storytelling - as I said, I found the narrative here engaging. Maybe I'm just not meant to be a faerie child? Whatever the case may be, I suppose it says something that, despite my ambivalent response to the world created in this story, I still want to find out what happens next. Recommended to young adult readers who enjoy fantasy fiction set in Faerie...
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Awards
Locus Award (Finalist — Young Adult Novel — 2019)
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Honor Book — 2021)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2019)
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2021)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2020)
Gateway Readers Award (Nominee — 2021)
South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards (Nominee — 2021)
Arkansas Teen Book Award (Honor Book — 2020)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2019)
The Flume: NH Teen Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2019)
NCSLMA Battle of the Books (High School — 2020)
Milwaukee County Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2019)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2020)
Inky Awards (Winner — 2019)
Lodestar Award (Nominee — 2019)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2019)
CCBC Choices (2019)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Teen — 2018)
Notable Children's Book (Older Readers — 2019)
OYAN Book Rave (2019)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018-01-02
ISBN
0316461253 / 9780316461252
Local notes
Duplicate edition with a slipcase, and luminous full-color endpapers.
Other editions
Folk of the Air, Book 1: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Hardcover)