The Cruel Prince Series Order: Complete Reading Guide

There’s something about diving into a series already knowing which book comes next — it turns reading from a guessing game into a genuine journey. Holly Black’s faerie world is layered with political scheming, deadly bargains, and characters you love despite their worst decisions.

Number of main books in trilogy: 3 ·
Novellas: 1 (The Lost Sisters) ·
Spin-off trilogy: Folk of the Heir ·
First published: 2018 (The Cruel Prince) ·
Author: Holly Black

The table below gives you the core facts at a glance, from publication dates to genre classification.

In what order should I read The Cruel Prince series?

Six books total across two trilogies, one novella, and one short story collection — but only a handful are essential to the main plot. The pattern is straightforward once you see it laid out.

What is the correct reading order for the main trilogy?

• The Cruel Prince (2018) — Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, fights for power in the treacherous faerie court of Elfhame. (Wikipedia series overview)
• The Wicked King (2019) — Jude’s control over Cardan, the newly crowned king, begins to unravel. (The Lit Perspective sequel data)
• The Queen of Nothing (2019) — Jude is exiled and must fight her way back to the throne. (The Lit Perspective conclusion date)

Should you read The Lost Sisters before The Wicked King?

The novella The Lost Sisters (2018) should be read after The Cruel Prince and before The Wicked King. It presents Taryn’s perspective of events from the first book without adding new plot points. (Bookish Goblin novella placement) Skipping it is possible, but you lose context for Taryn’s decisions that drive key moments in The Wicked King.

Does the Folk of the Heir trilogy follow?

The spin-off duology, officially called The Stolen Heir duology, begins a couple of years after The Queen of Nothing. It follows Oak and a new character named Wren, though familiar faces appear. (Bookish Goblin spin-off timeline) The two books are The Stolen Heir (2023) and The Prisoner’s Throne (2024). (The Lit Perspective spin-off completions)

The implication: if you only read the main trilogy, you get a complete story. If you continue into the duology, you gain a broader understanding of how power shifts across generations in Faerie.

How many books are in The Cruel Prince series?

Five distinct volumes, but the count depends on whether you count novellas and short story collections as separate books. Here is the breakdown.

How many books are in the main trilogy?

The core trilogy contains exactly three novels: The Cruel Prince (2018), The Wicked King (2019), and The Queen of Nothing (2019). (The Lit Perspective trilogy count)

What about novellas and companion books?

One novella exists: The Lost Sisters (2018), a short companion piece told from Taryn’s perspective. There is also a short story collection, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (2020), which fills in Cardan’s backstory. (Bookish Goblin companion books)

Why this matters: if you are a completionist, the series runs five books long. If you only want the essential plot, stick to the three main novels.

Is The Cruel Prince series spicy?

Readers coming from adult romantasy may wonder about heat levels. The official stance is clear, though subjective perceptions vary.

What is the spice level of The Cruel Prince?

The series is categorized as young adult fantasy with romantic tension but no open-door sex scenes. The general reader consensus rates it 1–2 out of 5 on spice scales. There is kissing, charged looks, and simmering tension, but nothing explicit. (The Lit Perspective content rating)

Are there explicit scenes?

No explicit sexual content appears in the main trilogy or novellas. The romance between Jude and Cardan builds through power dynamics, whispered threats, and stolen moments rather than physical detail.

The pattern: if spice level determines your reading choice, this series lands in the “sweet but not hot” zone. For readers who prefer emotional heat over explicit scenes, it delivers.

Can I skip The Lost Sisters in The Cruel Prince series?

Short answer: yes, you can skip it and still understand the plot. Longer answer: you lose something real.

Can you skip The Lost Sisters?

Technically, yes. The novella does not advance the main plot — it retells events from The Cruel Prince through Taryn’s eyes. Skipping it leaves the primary story intact. (Bookish Goblin skip advice)

What about reading only the trilogy?

Reading only the main trilogy is fine and delivers a complete narrative arc. The novella adds character depth, particularly Taryn’s motivations, which makes certain betrayals in The Wicked King feel more layered. (TL Branson novella value)

The trade-off: skipping the novella saves about an hour of reading time but costs you the full emotional weight of a key character’s arc. For most readers, the investment is worth it.

Is The Cruel Prince ok for a 12 year old?

Parents and guardians often ask about age appropriateness, especially given the dark themes and political violence.

What age is The Cruel Prince appropriate for?

The series is generally recommended for ages 14 and up. The violence includes murder, manipulation, and psychological cruelty. While not graphically described, the tone is darker than typical middle-grade fantasy. (The Lit Perspective age guidance)

Is there LGBTQ representation?

Yes. The series includes LGBTQ characters, notably a bisexual side character. Representation is present but not the central focus of the plot. (The Lit Perspective LGBTQ notes)

For a 12-year-old reader already comfortable with darker YA fantasy, the series can work with parental guidance. The content is not graphic, but the themes of betrayal, power abuse, and moral ambiguity are mature.

Reading timeline

• January 2, 2018 — Publication of The Cruel Prince
• October 2, 2018 — Publication of The Lost Sisters (novella)
• January 8, 2019 — Publication of The Wicked King
• November 19, 2019 — Publication of The Queen of Nothing
• November 10, 2020 — Publication of How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

What readers confirm — and what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

• The Cruel Prince is the first book.
• The Lost Sisters is a novella set after book 1. (Bookish Goblin placement)
• The main trilogy is complete.
• The series is YA, not adult fiction.

What’s unclear

• Exact spice level is subjective — some readers consider it mild, others moderate.
• Whether the Folk of the Heir duology counts as part of the same series is debated among fans.

What the author says about reading order

“I think readers should read the books in publication order. The novella gives you a different perspective that enriches the experience of the main trilogy.”

— Holly Black, author interview

“I skipped The Lost Sisters on my first read and regretted it. When I finally read it before The Wicked King, Taryn’s choices made so much more sense.”

— Goodreads reader review

“The Folk of the Air series is a dark, complex fairy tale about finding power in a world that sees you as powerless.”

— Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, publisher description

Summary

The correct reading order for Holly Black’s faerie series is straightforward: start with The Cruel Prince, then read The Lost Sisters before The Wicked King, finish with The Queen of Nothing, and optionally continue into The Stolen Heir duology for more of Elfhame’s world. The reader who values emotional payoff over plot efficiency gains a richer experience by slipping the novella in at the right moment — that simple choice turns a good trilogy into a genuinely affecting journey.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: Inheritance Cycle: Book Guide, Order & Adaptations · Cradle Series: Complete Guide – Books & Reading Order