Having her parents killed by her protector Madoc and raised in his care, Jude has a longing to prove her worth in combat and an equal to the fey who oppress her in this fairy tale type land. Mainly Prince Cardan who refuses to leave her be. She must show her courage and cunning when faced with adversaries from all sides. This was a book I did not want to put down. Every inch of the world that Holly Black created is so incredibly beautiful that, like Jude, I never wanted to leave. Jude is such a great character, I felt i was on this journey with her and backed her all the way. What I had assumed about all the characters in the beginning no longer was correct by the end, it seemed that they had all gone on a journey and by the end where all completely different. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!! Can't wait to read the wicked king.