The Cruel Prince

Power is irresistible. But in Elfhame, it always comes with a price.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a dark, enchanting YA fantasy that kicks off The Folk of the Air trilogy with danger, betrayal, and a fierce heroine who refuses to be underestimated. When Jude Duarte was seven, she and her sisters were stolen away to the High Court of Faerie—a beautiful but brutal world where humans are despised.

Now seventeen, Jude wants nothing more than to belong. But earning a place in the treacherous faerie court means outwitting magical politics, deadly rivals, and especially the cruel and arrogant Prince Cardan, who seems to hate her more than anyone. But hate and obsession blur quickly, and Jude soon finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of power where winning could mean war—and losing could mean death.

This must-read YA fantasy is perfect for fans of morally complex characters, court intrigue, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension. The Cruel Prince is the best book for readers who love sharp heroines, dangerous fae, and jaw-dropping twists