The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince, the inaugural novel in Holly Black's acclaimed series, The Folk of the Air, introduces readers to the perilous and enchanting realm of Faerie. The story follows Jude Duarte, who, at seven years old, witnesses the brutal murder of her parents and is subsequently abducted, along with her two sisters, to the High Court of Faerie. A decade later, Jude yearns to belong among the fey nobility despite her mortality. However, her human status subjects her to scorn and hostility, particularly from Prince Cardan, the High King's youngest and most malevolent son. Determined to secure her place in the court, Jude must confront Cardan's cruelty and navigate the treacherous politics of Faerie, challenging her own notions of power and identity. Black's masterful storytelling weaves a dark, intoxicating tale of ambition, betrayal, and resilience, captivating readers from beginning to end.