The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Book Overview
Jude Duarte, a mortal, fights to carve a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie while living under the command of the fae general who murdered her parents. Hounded by Prince Cardan and his glittering circle for her humanity, she pursues knighthood and plunges into razor-edged intrigue; when a shattering betrayal fractures the realm, Jude wields cunning and ruthlessness to seize power in an unforeseen move that reshapes her destiny and Faerie’s future.
This guide maps Elfhame with precision—chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, incisive character profiles, thematic insights, and a curated trove of standout quotes. Use it to trace alliances, decode schemes, and deepen your grasp of Jude’s perilous ascent and the Folk’s volatile politics.