The Cruel Prince

The first novel in the acclaimed Folk of the Air series, this book sets the stage for a mesmerizing journey, followed by The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing. These sequels have earned the Goodreads YA Best Fantasy awards in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Further recognition came with a nomination for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL in 2019 and the accolade of the silver INKY for best international YA book. Praised by Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows, as "a dark jewel of a book . . . intoxicating," the story captivates readers from the very beginning.

The narrative unfolds with Jude and her sisters witnessing the brutal murder of their parents, a chilling event that leads to their abduction by a merciless assassin into the realm of Faerie. There, Jude finds herself in the midst of a regal court where her mortality makes her an object of ridicule among the immortal faerie nobility. As she matures, Jude understands that she must engage in the perilous politics and deceit of the fae to secure her place in this world. The path to power is littered with treachery and darkness, and at the center of it all is the enigmatic and haughty Prince Cardan, whose beauty is only rivaled by his insufferable arrogance.

This compelling fantasy weaves together elements of intrigue and romance, crafting a richly detailed world full of enchantment and allure. The narrative’s dynamic energy and vivid storytelling create a captivating tale that immerses readers in a spellbinding realm where magic is omnipresent and the quest for belonging is fraught with peril.