Although many readers are familiar with the concepts of the book series called The Folk of Air, it does not prepare the readers for the roller coaster of emotions, moving from fear to powerlessness to passion, that this book delivers. The Cruel Prince explores the corrupting influence and relentless pursuit of power, ultimately showing that women in folklore do not have to wait for magic or for men to save them they can fight for themselves. Fans of romance combined with fantasy will find that this work exceeds the typical "fairy tale" expectations by providing a relationship that is as toxic as it is dangerous due to political manipulations, and faerie's nature.
The story is set in the High Court of Elfhame, a realm of immortal faeries hidden within the human world, and centers on Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who defies her status of being an outsider by winning a place in the royal court and outsmarting the cruel Prince Cardan. The novel shows how Jude's humiliation and rejection at the hands of a high lord of the court-an ally of Prince Cardan-push her to secretly train in swordsmanship and strategy as part of the Court of Shadows, emphasizing a woman's ability to fight to defend her dignity. In the first half, the author covers Jude's desperation to escape the bullying of the High Court before moving into a detailed analysis of ruthless tactical betrayals and confronting lords of the High Court to gain control over the royal line.
At its best, The Cruel Prince helps readers see the narrative of "damsel in distress in various new ways, particularly through the example of Jude's refusal to be a "victim," and finally snapping at her bullies, "Instead of being afraid, 1 could become something to fear."
Despite these strong belief's, the book's emphasis on Jude's romantic entanglement with Cardan feels at times distracting from her personal crusade, leaving her identity as a self-made strategist underdeveloped.