17 Fantastical Books Like The Cruel Prince - Epic Book Society (2024)

Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Louisa

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black was a Tik-Tok sensation when it came out in 2018 and the hype still hasn’t died down. And it’s no surprise why it packed in a lot for a fantasy story.

From violent, bloody action to passionate scenes of romance, it was an enemies to lovers fantasy story that keeps you hooked to the very end.

But sadly, all good books do come to an end, even when you’re hungry for more. If you’ve finished reading The Cruel Prince and are looking for similar books to add to your reading list, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve selected my favorite books like The Cruel Prince so you can fill the void and satisfy your hunger for more gripping fantasy stories.

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Summary of The Cruel Prince

Before I reveal the best similar books to The Cruel Prince, here is a quick recap of the storyline. Don’t worry if you haven’t finished reading, I won’t reveal any spoilers.

The Cruel Prince is a modern fairytale fae romance book. Jude (and her twin Taryn) are both human, but their older sister, Vivi, is half fae.

When their mother found out she was pregnant, Vivi and her siblings fled to the human world. However, their small family could not remain hidden from the wicked King for long.

Many faes believe that humans are beneath their notice. Prince Cardan, High King Fenton’s youngest and most evil son, is no exception.

As Jude becomes more involved in palace intrigues and deception, she discovers her capacity for lying and betrayal.

But, as betrayal threatens to topple the palace and Faerie itself, Jude is forced to put her life at risk to save her two sisters and the kingdom.

Jude and Taryn immersed themselves in this wonderful and terrifying world, discovering their place among the creative beasts and beauties, miseries, and fears.

Books Like The Cruel Prince

Now you’re familiar with the storyline of The Cruel Prince, it’s time to reveal to you the best books like The Cruel Prince! Enjoy…

1. From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout

Poppy has been chosen from birth to bring about a new era and to act as the Maiden responsible for the kingdom’s fate.

Although she would much prefer to take up arms to fight against the iniquity that stole her family, her destiny lies in waiting for her Ascension.

It is then that Hawke, a guard sworn to secure Poppy’s ascension, enters her life. At first, their relationship is strictly a business one; however, soon enough they find themselves inextricably drawn together in ways neither can deny.

Together, their passion and need for each other lead them down an unpredictable path of intertwined destiny and duty fueled by an unquenchable flame.

As a nation once proud now struggles for rebirth after being forsaken by the gods and facing vengeance from man, they strive to reclaim what they feel is rightfully theirs through retribution and battle.

If this sounds exciting, check out some books similar to From Blood and Ash.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

When Feyre, a nineteen-year-old huntress, encounters a wolf in the woods, she is confronted with another ferocious creature determined to seek retribution.

This leads her to be dragged off to an inhospitable faerie realm where she is held captive by an indomitable beast – one of the immortal faeries who at one time had dominion over her land.

Though this beast is not always so monstrous, Tamlin, her captor, changes from icy and obstinate to burning and passionate.

As Feyre grows accustomed to her new home and develops feelings for Tamlin, a sinister ancient menace arises in the faerie kingdom.

Now Feyre has to put aside her emotions while attempting to save Tamlin’s people and protect him from ruin.

Has Feyre forgotten about life before Tamlin took her away?

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a classic Beauty and the Beast tale with a forbidden romance and enemies to lovers fantasy trope thrown in for good measure.

Related Post: Books Similar To A Court of Thorns and Roses

3. A Curse So Dark and Lonely – Brigid Kemmerer

Prince Rhen of Emberfall once thought it would be easy to win a girl’s heart and break the curse that had befallen him. But he soon learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a savage beast intent on destruction.

After destroying his castle, family, and all hope for happiness, Prince Rhen was forced to face his true self.

Harper has always had to be tough to survive. Her father died a long time ago, and her mother passed away. Harper’s brother barely holds the family together and constantly underestimates her because she has cerebral palsy.

When Harper tries to help someone on the streets of Washington, D.C., she gets sucked into Rhen’s cursed world instead.

After wandering for days in shock, Harper begins to piece together what may have happened to her. Rhen, the prince she met at an inn near Emberfall, seems like the only person who can help her figure out where she is and what’s going on.

As they spend time together in this enchanted land, Harper begins to understand the stakes – and that not everyone is as friendly as Rhen makes them seem.

Powerful forces are fighting against Emberfall, and it will take everything Harper has to survive.

4. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard

All her life, Mare Barrow had been unaware of the magnitude of her future destiny – until by chance she ended up entering the service of the Silver elite.

It is then that she uncovers her hidden potential for an incredibly potent superpower that has the capacity to destabilize and upset this established social order.

Knowing this, the Silvers keep Mare’s identity from even their own people lest they lose control and suffer some deserved retribution.

Suddenly, a Silver princess who had gone missing for many years returns accompanied by a betrothed Silver prince.

Mare, being an operative with the Red Guard, resolves to assist them in their struggle against silver prejudice and superiority.

Caught in between two fighting sides – two kings who will not yield – Mare faces a conflict within herself; what side will she choose?

Red Queen is a New York Times best-selling enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel by Victoria Aveyard that narrates society’s separation between silvers and reds in a thrilling adventure of passion and power.

Discover dark secrets and intense action as the assassin protagonist embarks on a mission to uncover her true destiny.

Related Post: Books Like Red Queen

5. Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi

Juliette has been unable to touch anyone for over 264 days due to a strange power she discovered in her touch.

Shortly after her contact with a person, they died. As a result, Juliette was brought to the Reestablishment Center under suspicion of homicide. The true reason and consequences of her fatal touch remain unknown.

On the one hand, there is a global survival crisis due to diseases spreading worldwide and causing large population declines. food shortages are also becoming more common, and birds can no longer fly.

Clouds have also become an issue, with some appearing in unusual colors.

A large number of people died as a result of the global emergency. Survival is urging people to stockpile necessary items to ensure their well-being.

The government had to use Juliette’s power to prevent the war. Now, Juliette has to make a decision: be a weapon or be a warrior.

Shatter Me is an action-packed and thrilling read with some seriously dark undertones, and it’s also expected to be made into a TV series.

6. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo

In The Six of Crows, an edge-of-your-seat fantasy heist story, readers follow five adolescents as they attempt to carry out a seemingly impossible prison break.

Told from alternating perspectives, the narrative is alluring and captivating.

Kaz Breiner, the captain of a criminal organization from Barrel, and his friends purposely find themselves thrown into prison.

Why? To meet Yul Bayer – a man who has concocted a powerful potion known as jurda parem which amplifies those with magical abilities.

To keep the serum out of dangerous hands, Kaz and Yul must flee safely from the impregnable fortress that confines them before more dangerous enemies find them.

If you think this sounds exciting, then you might like these other books like Six of Crows.

7. The Selection – Keira Cass

The Selection series is set in a dystopian world, where individuals are categorized according to number classes.

The highest order of people, numbered 1, are the rulers and aristocrats while the lowest ranking class, numbered 8, consists mainly of laborers working in the silver palace’s kitchens and providing servitude elsewhere.

Every thirty-five years, young women from around the country have an opportunity to rise above their social rank via The Selection – a competition held by Prince Maxon to find a suitable bride.

But for America Singer, this is a destiny she does not want; it means saying goodbye to her secret love with Aspen – who ranks below her – and living in a palace that is constantly threatened with attack.

However, when she meets Prince Maxon, America’s perspective will be changed forever as she questions what she really desires: safety over forbidden love?

If you love dystopian romance books, this one will have you hooked on every page.

Related Post: Similar Books to The Selection

8. Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo

Bring the adventure of assassins, royal rivalries, and sizzling romances to life once again with Shadow and Bone!

Fearsome monsters have infiltrated the Ravkan territory, endangering its people. When Alina’s beloved companion is wounded in battle, she discovers an extraordinary power lying dormant within her – one that can potentially protect her nation.

Alina is then brought to the royal court, where she trains with a magical order of Grisha.

As Alina delves deeper into her newfound gift, she uncovers secrets hidden among the Grisha even they didn’t know about. Get ready for a world full of wonder and fervor!

9. The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games follows Avery, who is just trying to make it through high school. That is until she learns that millionaire Tobias Hawthorne has died and left her nearly his entire wealth.

But there’s a catch. Avery must move into the huge, hidden passage-filled Hawthorne House to receive her inheritance, where every room is full of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also home to the enigmatic family that Tobias Hawthorne just disinherited, including his four attractive grandchildren who grew up thinking they would one day receive billions.

Avery does not know why she was chosen or who Tobias Hawthorne is. But she will have to play the game to survive in a world of money and power, with danger at every step.

If you think this sounds suspenseful and thrilling, then you might like these other books like The Inheritance Games.

10. Caraval – Stephanie Garber

Scarlett Dragna and her sister Tella live on a tiny island with their powerful and malicious father. She has never left the island, but now her father has arranged a marriage for her.

She believes her dreams of seeing Caraval – a faraway performance where the audience participates in the show – are shattered.

After her long-awaited invitation finally arrives to go to Caraval, she has whisked away with her sister with the help of a mysterious sailor.

But as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by the organizer, Legend, and it turns out that the show is about Tella – whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett believed everything that happened at Caraval is all part of a performance, but she soon finds out it’s more than a game of love, determination, heartbreak, and magic.

11. Serpent and Dove – Shelby Mahurin

Louise le Blanc left her coven two years ago, seeking refuge in Cesarine, abandoning all magic and subsisting on whatever she could steal.

Lou is a witch, and her best friend is also a witch. They’ve been hiding from their mother, who wanted to use them both for the good of humanity. She plans to end the war between witches and the Church by using Lou as her tool.

Reid Diggory, who has sworn allegiance to the Church, falls into a trap that leads to an impossible union.

The conflict between Lou’s increasing feelings and her identity will lead to a tragedy worse than fire.

12. A Deal With the Elf King – Elise Kova

Be captivated by the electrifying romance between two forbidden lovers, as they try to free their people from tyranny and injustice.

Thousands of years ago, humans had to fight against races with powerful magic. After a long and difficult conflict, the parties came to an agreement that allowed for peace.

The Elves took Luella, a nineteen-year-old girl from the city, to make her Human Queen.

Until the Elf king arrives one day to take her.

Luella discovered that everything she thought about herself was a lie. She was taken to the land filled with wild magic and was granted the new queen of cold position.

Since taking charge of the kingdom, she’s learned about the dying world. She can’t help but feel torn between her new home and the people on the other side.

13. The Shadow Between Us – Tricia Levenseller

Enjoy this epic fantasy ride full of political intrigue, and a twisted web of lies and deception.

Alessandra has set her sights on overthrowing the Shadow King and taking his throne.

But with no consensus on just how formidable his power is – some say he can manipulate shadows, while others believe he can communicate with them – she sets out to find out for herself.

Determined to claim her destiny, Alessandra stands among various threats targeting the king’s life. As she seeks to keep him safe from harm, she finds herself increasingly drawn to him, further complicating her mission.

Will Alessandra be successful in reclaiming what is rightfully hers?

14. The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen

Lara is a warrior princess who has been trained in seclusion. She believes that the king of the Bridge Kingdom, Aren, is her enemy and plans to take him down.

Lara is sent to the Bridge Kingdom as a bride under the guise of peace to fracture its impenetrable defenses.

Lara begins questioning whether she is the hero or the villain as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge.

As her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she will save… and which kingdom she will destroy.

Be mesmerized by the complex characters whose courage and resilience will move you.

15. Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco

Emilia and Vittoria, twin sisters and witches, carefully conceal their identity among the human population.

But when Vittoria is nowhere to be found during dinner service at their family’s Sicilian restaurant one night, Emilia finds her sister’s mutilated body.

Heartsick and filled with vengeance, Emilia embarks on a quest for justice no matter what sacrifices she must make – even if it means employing forbidden magic.

Along the journey, she meets Wrath – Prince of Hell – who professes his allegiance.

Despite the warnings against Wicked sympathizers, can Emilia trust this being of darkness?

Revel in unexpected twists, secrets and betrayals that will keep you hooked till the very end.

16. To Kill a Kingdom – Alexandra Christo

Take a massive dive into magical realism where truth is stranger than fiction.

Princess Lira is a formidable siren whose fame has spread far and wide as she possesses seventeen hearts in her wake.

Yet when she falls in love with a human prince, the Sea Queen curses her by transforming her into a mortal being.

To regain her Siren form, Lira must bring Prince Elian’s heart to the Winter Solstice – or remain human forevermore.

Prince Elian calls the ocean his home, despite his royal lineage and vast kingdom. Hunting sirens is his passion – an activity which will take an unexpected turn when he saves a woman from drowning.

She presents him with a path to destroy their kind forever – yet can he trust this individual?

How many deals must he make for them to meet their ultimate goal?

17. Falling Kingdoms – Morgan Rhodes

When a heinous murder shakes the foundations of her kingdom, Princess Cleo of Mytica musters up courage to confront violence and fight for her rightful place as Queen.

At the same time, King Magnus of Limeros desperately plots schemes in hopes of gaining his father’s approval; while Lucia uncovers an alarming truth about her background that forever changes her future.

Enter Jonas – fighting oppressive forces to lead a revolution centuries in the making.

A dark shadow looms over these four youths: practicing witchcraft could mean death.

The struggle between Elementia and Watchers, though forgotten by most humans, is still alive and well.

It is only through working together that these four can save themselves – and their world.

Follow an emotionally charged story of love and hope conquering all odds against impossible odds.

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Final Word on Books Like The Cruel Prince

So there you have it, those are my top books like The Cruel Prince, and as you can see, there are a lot of great fantasy fiction books out there just waiting to be added to your bookshelf!

Do you have any more books to recommend? Let me know in the comments!