The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Series: The Folk of the Air, Book 1
This story follows the life of Jude, a human girl who lives in the Faerie lands. At a young age Jude, her twin sister Taryn, and older sister Vivienne were taken by a man named Madoc, who murdered their parents. This is because Vivi is actually part faerie, and the daughter of Madoc. They are raised in the High Court of Faerie as part of the Gentry, though they are human and no true relation to the Faerie. Their humanness is their weakness. They learn the rules they have to in order to survive.
Of Jude's antagonists is Prince Cardarn, the youngest Prince of Faerie. He and his friends are cruel to Jude and Taryn, but Jude does not relent to their cruelty. Jude wants to belong in Faerie, human or not. But when it comes down to it, her humanness is what gets her in the most trouble.
Holly Black does not disappoint when it comes to her characters or story. Jude is a strong female protagonist. The Prince is a conundrum that you think you understand, but as soon as you think you do, something changes. The land of Faerie is gorgeously detailed, and makes you feel as if you are there. The cliffhangers of the first book make you want to grab the second, The Wicked King, right away! With the series finale coming out in November of 2019, this is a must read!!!!