Cruel Crown is a novella collection set in the Red Queen universe by Victoria Aveyard. It features two prequel stories that explore the world before the events of Red Queen, shedding light on the lives of characters who play pivotal roles in the series. The first story, Queen Song, tells the tale of Coriane, the first wife of King Tiberias and the mother of Maven, giving readers a glimpse into the early days of the Silver monarchy. The second story, Steel Scars, follows the perspective of Farley, a Red rebel and key character in the fight against the oppressive Silver regime. Together, these stories provide more depth to the world of Red Queen, offering backstory and context that enrich the series.