The Cruel Prince Series in Order: Ultimate Reading Guide
Are you trying to figure out The Cruel Prince books in order? I’ve got you covered!
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Oh, the notorious struggle of figuring out the right reading order—been there, done that, got the bookmark! Trust me when I say, diving into Holly Black’s mesmerizing Faerie world without a proper guide is like wandering through an enchanted forest without a map.
So, let me be your literary GPS for this stunning new series The Cruel Prince, technically called The Folk of Air series.
As someone who’s walked a mile in those confused reader shoes and come out as a series guru, I’m here to sprinkle a bit of that know-how fairy dust on you.
You can rest assured that my obsession with Jude, Cardan, and all the political intrigue of Elfhame is your ticket to clarity.
So, grab your favorite reading snack, a cozy blanket, and let’s unravel this bookish labyrinth together, shall we?
The Cruel Prince Series in Order (with Novellas)
- Book 1: The Cruel Prince (2018)
- Book 1.5: The Lost Sisters (2018)
- Book 2: The Wicked King (2019)
- Book 3: The Queen of Nothing (2019)
- Book 3.5: How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020)
Books Set in the World of Elfhame: The Stolen Heir Duology
This duology is a spin-off of The Folk of Air series, diving into the story of Oak, Jude’s younger brother, and Suren, the changeling queen. It’s like getting a backstage pass to their epic tale!
- Book 1: The Stolen Heir (2023)
- Book 2: The Prisoner’s Throne (2024)
Are you already head over heels for this series and itching for more recommendations? Take a peek at my blog post featuring 12 books similar to The Cruel Prince.
The Folk of the Air Series Book Summaries
The Cruel Prince (Book 1)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.05 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA High Fantasy Romance
In the first book of the series, we step into a world of immortal fae, following Jude a mortal girl who yearns to find her place, even though the fey despise humans. When she defies the wickedest son of the high king, cruel Prince Cardan, to secure a position within the treacherous High Court of Faerie, she becomes entangled in palace intrigues and uncovers her own capacity for cunning.
As civil war threatens to plunge the Courts of Faerie into chaos, Jude must risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters and preserve the realm of Faerie itself.
“Because you’re like a story that hasn’t happened yet. Because I want to see what you will do. I want to be part of the unfolding of the tale.”
― Holly Black, The Cruel Prince
The Lost Sisters (Book 1.5 Novella)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.40 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Novella
Sometimes, it all comes down to the timing when distinguishing between a love story and a horror tale.
As Jude battled for power against the merciless Prince Cardan in the Court of Elfhame, her sister Taryn found herself falling under the enchantment of the cunning trickster, Locke. But within Taryn’s confessions lies both an apology and an explanation, revealing the hidden secrets she holds.
The Wicked King (Book 2)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.31 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA High Fantasy Romance
In a surprising turn of events, Jude stumbles upon the astonishing truth that her brother, Oak, is the rightful heir to the Faerie realm. Determined to protect him, she binds the cunning king, Cardan, to herself and becomes the force behind the throne. Navigating the treacherous political landscape of Faerie is no easy task, especially with Cardan’s relentless attempts to undermine her.
As a looming betrayal puts the lives of her loved ones in jeopardy, Jude must uncover the traitor while grappling with her complex feelings for Cardan and maintaining control as a mortal in the enchanting world of Faerie.
“And the single last thing in my head: that I like him better than I’ve ever liked anyone and that of all the things he’s ever done to me, making me like him so much is by far the worst.”
― Holly Black, The Wicked King
The Queen of Nothing (Book 3)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.36 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA High Fantasy Romance
Jude, the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, is determined to reclaim her power and everything that was taken from her by Cardan, the wicked king. With her twin sister’s life hanging in the balance, Jude must return to the treacherous Faerie Court and confront her complicated feelings for Cardan.
But Elfhame is no longer the same. War looms on the horizon, and a powerful curse threatens the land. Jude finds herself entangled in the midst of bloody politics, torn between her ambition and her humanity in this final book.
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (Book 3.5 Novella)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.20 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Novella
Once upon a time, there was this boy with a seriously wicked tongue. But before he became a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was just a faerie kid with a heart of stone. This story gives you a deeper look into the wild life of Elfhame’s mysterious high king, Cardan.
You’ll get to experience what went down before The Cruel Prince, go on an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and even relive some favorite moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy. And guess what? It’s all from Cardan’s perspective!
The Stolen Heir Duology Books in Order
The Stolen Heir (Book 1)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.01 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
Set in the captivating world of Elfhame, eight years have passed since the Battle of the Serpent, and Lady Nore of the Court of Teeth has reclaimed the Ice Needle Citadel in the icy north. With the help of an ancient relic, she molds creatures out of sticks and snow to seek her revenge.
Meanwhile, Suren, the child queen of the Court of Teeth, roams wild in the human world, haunted by her past. When she finds herself pursued by the storm hag Bogdana, she is rescued by Prince Oak, with whom she shares a complicated history.
Now seventeen, Oak seeks Suren’s aid on a mission that will take them into the north. But Suren must confront her fears and protect her heart as she faces the horrors she believed she had left behind.
The Prisoner’s Throne (Book 2)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.49 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
Prince Oak, imprisoned and bound in the freezing north, finds himself navigating the rule of a new queen who is anything but kind. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude determined to retrieve their stolen heir, Oak is faced with a tough choice: earn back the trust of his long-time love or remain loyal to Elfhame.
As war looms and treachery lurks, Oak must make difficult decisions to protect those he holds dear.
FAQs about The Cruel Prince Series
Who is Holly Black?
Award-winning author Holly Black is an amazing author of fantasy novels and has made a name for herself in the literary world. Her bestsellers like the Novels of Elfhame and the Spiderwick Chronicles series are proof of her incredible talent.
Her exceptional work has earned her recognition and acclaim, making her a finalist for prestigious awards like the Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award. She’s also been honored with the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Talk about impressive!
Holly Black’s captivating stories have won over readers worldwide, with translations in 32 languages and even film adaptations. Currently, she resides in New England with her husband and son, in a house that holds a captivating secret library. How cool is that
Holly Black is a literary powerhouse, and her books are an absolute must-read. Trust me, you won’t be able to put them down once you start!
How many books are in The Cruel Prince series?
Books in The Cruel Prince series? There are three wickedly fantastic books for you to devour. First, get tangled up in courtly intrigue with The Cruel Prince, then dive headfirst into The Wicked King, and don’t miss the thrilling conclusion with The Queen of Nothing.
And hey, if you count the companion novellas The Lost Sisters and How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories that’s a total of 5 books in The Folk of Air Series.
Is the Lost Sisters part of The Cruel Prince series?
Oh absolutely, The Lost Sisters is like the secret sauce to The Cruel Prince series. It’s that juicy little novella that gives us a peek into the mind of Taryn, Jude’s twin sister, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
It fits perfectly between The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King, sort of like that hidden track on your favorite album that you can’t help but play on repeat.
So yeah, it’s not just part of the series; it’s the insider’s look that you won’t want to skip!
What is The Cruel Prince age rating?
Age rating for The Cruel Prince? Let’s just say it’s perfect for young adults and the forever young at heart. We’re talking 14+ here, because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love to get lost in a world of enchanting, yet slightly dangerous faeries? But keep in mind, there’s some dark themes and royal backstabbing that might not be everyone’s cup of fairy tea.
So, if you’ve got a taste for magical politics and don’t mind a bit of treachery with your teenage drama, then you’re all set for a wild ride through Elfhame.
Is The Darkest Part of the Forest in the same world as The Cruel Prince?
The series is connected to Holly Black’s novel, The Darkest Part of the Forest, as they both take place in the same world.
However, The Darkest Part of the Forest can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, with its own unique storyline and characters. While it shares the world with The Cruel Prince, fans of Holly Black’s Modern Faerie Tales and The Folk of the Air series will be delighted to encounter familiar faces.
For instance, Severin, a character from The Cruel Prince, appears in The Darkest Part of the Forest.
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Did you learn The Cruel Prince Books in Order?
Well, bookworm buddies, we’ve danced through the devious halls of Elfhame and uncovered the secrets behind The Cruel Prince series. 🕺💃 Starting with a dive into the murky waters of faerie politics, we swung from the chandeliers with The Wicked King, and landed in a pile of autumn leaves with The Queen of Nothing.
Whether you’re here for the first time or rereading because you can’t get enough of Jude and her faerie foes, remember, a good book is like a good friend: always there to welcome you back.
Now don’t be a stranger—tell me, who’s your favorite character that you love to hate? And if you’re thirsting for more magical shenanigans, drop a comment and let me know what enchanted series should be on my radar next!
Until then, happy reading and watch out for those tricky faeries! Remember, in the world of Elfhame, it’s always best to keep your friends close, and your bookshelf closer.
Happy reading!
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