How Many Books Are In The Cruel Prince Series By Holly Black?
2026-07-24 11:22:52
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6 Answers
ZaneAdams
Ending Guesser
Data Analyst
The series consists of three primary novels. The novella is supplementary. I appreciate that Black gave us a complete story without milking it for ten books. The faerie court intrigue stays sharp and compelling all the way through.
2026-07-25 04:08:25
2
PaxSnow
Longtime Reader
Doctor
Hmm, I've only read the first one so far. Loved the vibe, but I have no idea how many are after it. Guess I need to track down the next two! The faerie politics were so much more cutthroat than I expected.
2026-07-26 06:37:54
9
KateLopez
Expert
Driver
Three main books. 'The Cruel Prince' (2018), 'The Wicked King' (2019), 'The Queen of Nothing' (2020). Holly Black wrapped it up neatly, which I appreciate. No dragging it out forever. Sometimes a tight trilogy is more satisfying than a sprawling, endless series.
2026-07-26 15:17:08
13
RachelFan
Active Reader
Student
It's a trilogy! I think the length is ideal. Long enough to build a complex world and deep character relationships, short enough to maintain a gripping, fast-paced plot throughout. No filler in sight.
2026-07-28 09:31:53
6
NellRiley
Clear Answerer
Driver
Three main entries. I'd recommend reading them in order, obviously. The world-building is layered, and the politics make sense because you learn the rules alongside Jude. Skipping ahead would ruin the intricate setup of alliances and betrayals.
2026-07-28 16:18:14
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The Cruel Prince series, officially known as The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black, consists of three main books:
The Cruel Prince (2018)
The Wicked King (2019)
The Queen of Nothing (2019)
In addition to the main trilogy, there are also companion works set in the same universe:
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020) – a novella told from Cardan's point of view.
The Stolen Heir (2023) – the start of a new duology sequel series.
The Prisoner’s Throne (2024) – the conclusion of the Stolen Heir duology.
So while the original Cruel Prince series is a trilogy, the full world of Elfhame has expanded into more than five books.
I'd argue the ONLY correct order is the trilogy in sequence. The novella is a nice-to-have, but it's separate. The emotional payoff in 'The Queen of Nothing' relies entirely on you having followed Jude's struggle from the very beginning in 'The Cruel Prince'. Skipping or rearranging books would ruin the carefully built character development and political maneuvering.
Holly Black is a master of plot twists that build on previous events. You'd miss so much foreshadowing and subtle callbacks if you didn't read them in order. Just do it the way the author intended.