The enchanting and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince. You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring. The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control.

But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished. When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.

In a realm where political games and magical intrigue intertwine, Jude finds herself ensnared in deadly power struggles. As she navigates the treacherous court of Elfhame, loyalty, and ambition clash, threatening everything she holds dear. With the crown's influence expanding, Jude must outwit both enemies and allies to protect the throne and carve out her own destiny in a world filled with complex dynamics and dangerous secrets.

Jude grapples with power and loyalty in Elfhame's treacherous court. Alliances and betrayals blur the lines between friend and foe. Survival demands cunning amidst deadly political intrigue.

Jude's ascent in the world of Faerie has brought her deeper into its enticing yet perilous landscape. With King Cardan on the throne, her influence as his seneschal faces continuous tests that challenge her resolve and cunning. As the corridors of Elfhame buzz with secrets and plots, Jude carefully maneuvers through a tangled web of alliances.

Her every step in the court feels fraught with peril, and each decision could tip the balance of power delicately hanging in the air. Her mission to protect the realm requires balancing personal ambition with fierce loyalty, igniting tensions. As the narrative unfolds, the haze of deception thickens, drawing Jude nearer to enemies shrouded in shadows and unanticipated danger.

With her own sister leaving ripples of betrayal, Jude's heart and strategizing mind remain constantly on edge. The throne's brilliance often blinds those near it, and ardent ambition amplifies the stakes surrounding the crown. She learns that trust is a rare and valuable commodity, difficult to earn and quick to vanish.

In an atmosphere where even the strongest alliances falter, the unknown stretches ominously ahead. Jude's ingenuity and tenacity shine as she fights to secure her standing amidst looming threats. Her encounters with creatures both fearsome and beguiling paint a vibrant tapestry of the Faerie world, where each figure holds power realms away from mere mortals.

Facing darker forces, she discovers not only external danger but the complexities within her own essence.

The novel's exploration of power dynamics masterfully blends magical allure with political tension creating a rich and unpredictable story atmosphere The characters' moral ambiguity adds depth and complexity to their motives driving readers into the labyrinthine court intrigues With its vibrant world-building the book invites readers into the enchanting and dangerous land of Elfhame The depiction of Faerie adds an intense flavor to the plot bringing to life a vivid universe where human and fey lives precariously intertwine Unraveling secrets and betrayals make for an exhilarating pace keeping readers captivated and eager for revelations Holly Black crafts a tale that deftly balances tension and fantasy creating a lasting impression that extends beyond the page.