The Cruel Prince Series Order | The Folk of the Air series 2025

If you’ve recently discovered Holly Black’s captivating world of faeries, betrayal, and dark intrigue, you might be wondering about the correct reading order of The Cruel Prince series.

Officially titled The Folk of the Air series, this young adult fantasy saga has captured hearts with its morally gray characters, political drama, and enchanting fae courts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through The Cruel Prince series order, including the core trilogy, novellas, and spin-offs. Whether you’re a new reader or returning to Elfhame for another round of scheming and romance, this complete reading order ensures the richest storytelling experience.

Overview of The Cruel Prince Series

Before diving into the reading sequence, it’s helpful to understand the structure of the series:

Main trilogy: Follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl navigating life among the fae.
Companion novellas: Provide backstory and deeper character perspectives.
Spin-off duology: Shifts focus to new protagonists in the same magical world.
Bonus material: Includes letters and short stories that enrich the lore.

Now let’s break down the Cruel Prince series order in a way that gives you both continuity and narrative depth.

1. The Cruel Prince (2018)

This is where it all begins. The Cruel Prince introduces readers to Jude Duarte, a human girl living in the treacherous fae kingdom of Elfhame. Stolen away from the mortal world with her sisters, Jude grows up yearning for power and a place among the High Court.

She becomes entangled in a web of deceit, political rivalries, and her complicated relationship with the wickedly charming Prince Cardan. This book lays the groundwork for everything that follows—characters, world-building, and Jude’s transformation from outsider to power player.

📘 Must-read: This is the essential first step in the Cruel Prince series order.

2. The Lost Sisters (2018) – Companion Novella

Published shortly after the first book, The Lost Sisters is a novella told from the perspective of Taryn, Jude’s twin sister. It serves as an apology and explanation for the betrayal in The Cruel Prince, offering insight into her choices and motivations.

While it’s not required reading, fans will appreciate the added emotional context and the contrast between the sisters’ voices.

📘 Best read after Book 1 for deeper character understanding.

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3. The Wicked King (2019) – Book Two

The Wicked King picks up right after the shocking ending of the first novel. Jude finds herself in a powerful but precarious position at court, and her relationship with Cardan grows even more complex. The political stakes are higher, the betrayals sharper, and the power plays deadlier.

This installment is beloved for its tension, surprises, and fast-paced twists. Jude’s cunning reaches new heights, and Cardan’s character begins to unfold in unexpected ways.

📘 Essential second book in The Cruel Prince series order.

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4. Letters from Cardan to Jude in Exile (2019) – Bonus Content

This isn’t a full book, but it’s a delightful addition to the series. These handwritten letters from Cardan to Jude offer a glimpse into his thoughts during a key turning point between The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing.

While optional, these letters deepen the romance and emotional arc of the main characters. They’re best read just before diving into the final book of the trilogy.

📘 Optional but recommended for fans of Cardan and Jude’s relationship.

5. The Queen of Nothing (2019) – Book Three

The final installment in the original trilogy, The Queen of Nothing wraps up Jude’s story in thrilling fashion. Exiled from Elfhame, Jude must find a way back and decide once and for all what she’s willing to risk for power, love, and loyalty.

Expect high-stakes battles, emotional revelations, and the long-awaited resolution of Jude and Cardan’s complicated dynamic. This book delivers the satisfying conclusion fans were hoping for.

📘 A must-read conclusion in the original Folk of the Air series.

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6. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020) – Companion Novella

Told from Cardan’s point of view, this beautifully illustrated novella blends faerie folklore with real events from the trilogy. It reveals formative moments from Cardan’s life and offers fresh insight into his character.

This can be read after the trilogy or as a reflective piece once you’ve completed the main storyline. It’s especially rewarding for readers invested in Cardan’s development.

📘 Highly recommended for fans wanting more Cardan after the trilogy ends.

7. The Stolen Heir (2023) – Start of the Spin-Off Duology

Returning to the world of Elfhame, The Stolen Heir kicks off a new duology featuring Suren, the child queen of the Court of Teeth, and Oak, Jude’s adoptive brother. Though Jude and Cardan appear briefly, this book follows a fresh story with new stakes and protagonists.

It’s best enjoyed after reading the original trilogy, as there are key references to past events and characters.

📘 New beginning in the Elfhame universe—start only after the first series.

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8. The Prisoner’s Throne (2024) – Conclusion of the Spin-Off

The Prisoner’s Throne is the second part of the duology started in The Stolen Heir. It continues the journey of Suren and Oak as they face betrayal, captivity, and the burdens of legacy. This book ties up the threads of their personal journey while expanding on the political dynamics of Elfhame.

Fans of the original series will appreciate the familiar tone, fae politics, and cameos from beloved characters.

📘 Final chapter (for now) in the Elfhame saga.

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9. The Honest Folk (2024) – Short Story in Anthology

Included in an anthology, The Honest Folk is a short story that expands on the lore of Elfhame. While it’s not a core part of the series, readers who want to consume every last drop of Holly Black’s world-building will enjoy this gem.

📘 Optional bonus for completists and lore enthusiasts.

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The Best Reading Order for The Cruel Prince Series

To recap, here is the Cruel Prince series order that gives the most complete and immersive experience:

The Cruel Prince (2018)
The Lost Sisters (2018) – Companion novella
The Wicked King (2019)
Letters from Cardan to Jude in Exile (2019) – Optional bonus
The Queen of Nothing (2019)
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020)
The Stolen Heir (2023) – Spin-off duology
The Prisoner’s Throne (2024)
The Honest Folk (2024) – Short story

This order flows chronologically while incorporating optional material at the most logical points in the narrative. If you’re only interested in the core story, stick with the main trilogy and move to the duology afterward. But for a truly immersive journey, include the novellas and bonus content too.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read The Cruel Prince Series in Order

Reading The Cruel Prince series in order isn’t just about staying on top of the plot. It’s about watching the characters evolve, seeing relationships deepen, and understanding the politics and peril of Elfhame from every angle.

Holly Black has crafted a layered, emotionally rich universe where each installment builds on the last. Skipping around or reading out of order may spoil key twists or dampen the emotional impact.

Whether you’re team Jude, team Cardan, or just team faerie chaos, following The Cruel Prince series order ensures you don’t miss a single beat of this wickedly enchanting saga.

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