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  • The Cruel Prince

  • The Folk of the Air, Book 1
  • By: Holly Black
  • Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
  • Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,455 ratings)

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The Cruel Prince cover art

The Cruel Prince

By: Holly Black
Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
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Summary

The start of a thrilling new fantasy series from best-selling author Holly Black about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a dangerous web of royal faerie intrigue.

Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal. As Jude grows older, she realises that she will need to take part in the dangerous deceptions of the fey to ever truly belong. But the stairway to power is fraught with shadows and betrayal. And looming over all is the infuriating, arrogant and charismatic Prince Cardan.

Dramatic and thrilling fantasy blends seamlessly with enthralling storytelling to create a fully realised and seductive world, brim-full of magic and romance.

©2018 Holly Black (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

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What listeners say about The Cruel Prince

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Not What I Expected...

Reading the description of the story initially, I thought it just sounded like just another mortal girl in an immortal world that happened to be a love story. I was wrong. I fortunately caught sight of the word 'antihero' in another person's review of the book, and it was enough to intrigue me because I'm a sucker for a good antihero. And oh buddy, is the main character, Jude, a delightful type of antihero! I shall name my first born after her. Give it a listen - it's fun, it's dark, and it has some fantastic characters.

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25 people found this helpful

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A must read!

A brilliant story and a brilliant performance! I cannot recommend this book enough. Bring on book 2

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17 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Awful

This book was recommended by audible based on previously read books, but this is aimed more for a young teen instead of an adult. Probably good for a young teen but I don’t recommend for anyone older than 14.

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14 people found this helpful

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Fabulous

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story draws you in, so you just have to carry on listening. Can't wait for the next book.

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13 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

How voice acting can make or break a book

A typical YA novel that hits it story beats well with twists that keep you hooked through out.

Sadly the narrator some times makes it hard to tell which characters are speaking (as some of the male voices sound similar) and when it is Jude thinking, or Jude speaking.

It is an enjoyable listen and I will be looking over for the second in the series.

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10 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Fantastic twisty story - eventually

The last third of this book is excellent. Secrets, lies, politics, murder, betrayals and twists. If only it hadn't taken so long to get there.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The ending has me gagging for book 2!

basically I need the next book asap k thanks bye. no seriously. right right right now. Here's to spoiler free reviews 😉

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • MM
  • 19-05-18

Lots of twists

I loved this book. Although I found the narrator's voice a little distracting initially I did get used to it and the plot is superb. There are many twists and turns, only one or two of which I suspected. Very entertaining with a great lead character. In fact, the lead character and the plot decisions elevate this book above some of the well-worn fantasy tropes I was expecting which was extremely refreshing.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book ever

Truly loved this book, found the narrative engaging and calming. I believe it for a teen market but enjoyable for all ages, very well written and intriguing story. Can't wait to see what awaits jude in the land of fairy.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love it

What an amazing story. This girl isn't the most beautiful or powerful but this doesn't deter. Really enjoyed, can't wait for the next!

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5 people found this helpful

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  • Audible Customer
  • 04-10-20

Star performance by Caitlin Kelly

Armed with a sharp wit and a heart both passionate and fierce, Jude's soul-searching journey to fit in a world where she doesn't belong; Holly Black's imaginative and lyrical prose; and Caitlin Kelly's lively narration together make The Cruel Prince as addictive as Faerie fruit itself.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Chrisy
  • 12-12-18

My Favourite Book of 2018

Princes, faeries, espionage, 11/10 writing, 11/10 narration. My favourite book this year. Extremely highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • Birgitta
  • 11-02-18

A bit slow - but worth it

The story was a slow burner for me, however in the end I cannot wait for the next one!!

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  • kairaleif
  • 18-06-23

Fae politics

You know the spongebob sighing meme. Yeah, that’s how I feel rn writing this review about the Cruel Prince. If you’re looking for enemies to lovers, you’re probably won’t get it until the next book. This is just fae politics. I guess booktok is the reason I listened to this and you will instantly fell in love with the characters. Though I am concerned with myself with falling in love with a murderous character and a drunk one. But yeah, it’s fiction. The first book is the world-building one and just be prepared at the end of part 1 in each book, it’s always end with a ‘WTF?!?’

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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Rachel-Leigh
  • 16-12-22

Loved it!

This story started with a bang and ended with one too! I can’t wait to listen to the second book in the trilogy. The characters develop along the way but all in all stay true to who they are.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Ricqui-Leigh
  • 13-06-22

EPIC!!

I won’t lie, it was a slow but enjoyable start. However, the story picks up pace as you go along and by the end, it’s a full on sprint to the finish. There are a few plot twists that I did not see coming which just kept me glued to the story. I highly recommend if you’re into complex fairy kingdoms with a bit of confusion and a touch of violence. This is not for the romantics 😉

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 06-02-21

just wow

I was debating for a while if i should read this book. I saw it recommended by a lot of people. And i have to admit...i loved it!! It was one wild ride. I cant wait for the next book!!

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