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The Cruel Prince was officially released on January 2, 2018, and since then, it has only grown in popularity. Drawing in audiences of ages 14 and older, the book primarily draws in young adults through its dark fantasy and romance themes. However, its underlying political statements and deeper understanding allows for many age groups to be compelled to explore the fantastical world created by author Holly Black.

Before reading the book, the reader should know that it is more of a political-based fantasy book, rather than romance-based. While there are still romantical elements incorporated in it, it is primarily focused on the balance of power in society, and how easily that power can be taken away.

The book follows Jude Duarte, a human girl who was vacated to the fantastical world of Faerie by Madoc, the High King’s Grand General. Jude has to deal with adapting and trying to fit in in a world that looks down upon humans. Jude and her twin sister Taryn face many challenges inflicted upon them by Cardan, one of the many princes of Elfhame, and his friend group, consisting of Nicasia, Locke, and Valerian.

In order to overcome all of the hardships and endeavors placed upon her and her sister, Jude must come up with a way to face Cardan and find power within herself. By ensuing on a path of riddles and bargains, Jude faces the true meanings of power and the dangers that underlie to fight for justice and a place to belong in the foreign land she must call home.

The main love interest in this book is Cardan: the youngest prince of the royal family, who has 5 older siblings. Cardan is a ruthless prince, hurting anyone who comes in his way through his deceptive words or cruel actions. Throughout the book, the audience gets increasingly more insight into who Cardan really is beneath his mask of cruelty and indifference, exploring the ways unto which he became who he is.

A big theme of the book is family. Jude has a twin sister named Taryn and an older sister named Vivienne. Madoc, the Grand General, got rid of her parents in the mortal world and stole them all over to Faerie, filling in the place of their parents. Madoc is married to Oriana, who has a son named Oak. Throughout all of Jude’s endeavors, she faces the challenges of keeping her family in support of her and trying to make things right without tearing her family apart in the process. Bridges will be made and gaps will be formed, but will the family be able to keep it together, or will the glue that keeps them together melt away to show the underlying cracks?

Overall, The Cruel Prince is a magical escape into a fantasy world that is explored through a daring and dauntless main character’s eyes. Offering an escape from the real world, it also shows the true imbalances of power in the government and how easily power can be taken away or given to someone. If you are looking for a fantasy book that has romance and politics involved with a lot of drama, then The Cruel Prince could be your next read. The Cruel Prince is available at many libraries and most bookstores.