Holly Black was not thinking about my mental state when she delivered the events of this book. Not for the fragile of minds. Please consider caution. The book has elements of violence, abuse and bullying.

My Review:

This is book 1 of The Folk of the Air series. The Cruel Prince is a captivating exploration of what it means to be human in the faerie world. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living among the fae, faces a constant struggle to survive. Forced to live with her parents’ murderer, she struggles with her feelings of parental love towards her foster father.

Being human, her fleeting lifespan compared to the fae’s immortality is only one aspect of why she doesn’t belong. However, Jude is determined to prove her worth and to be seen as equal. She fights against prejudice and discrimination, proving her bravery and courage. Attributes that help her be considered for a place among the royal knights. A position of power she so dangerously craves.

The dynamic between Jude and Cardan, the cruel prince, is not the central element of the story. This story is about identity, family, belief and resilience. We were given a refreshing experience in this book, Black’s delivery resonated with the real world on aspects of prejudice, discrimination, abuse, violence and bullying. Jude faced the constant barrage of insults and threats from Cardan and his friends. These experiences can be distressing for readers who have gone through similar situations.

The Cruel Prince is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel. Jude’s journey through the fae world is a testament to humanity’s will and the enduring power of hope.

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Famous Highlights:

I can see why humans succumb to the beautiful nightmare of the Court, why they willingly drown in it.

I want to win. I do not yearn to be their equal. In my heart, I yearn to best them.

Remarks:

If you are struggling with mental health or have experienced bullying, it’s important to be mindful. Consider discussing your concerns with a professional or a trusted friend before reading the book.

• Strong stabby FMC
• Violence
• Enemies to Enemies
• Intense World Building
• Murder
• Dark