How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this companion novella because it finally gave Cardan the backstory he deserved. Throughout The Folk of the Air series, we mostly see him through Jude’s eyes, so getting inside his history — his childhood, loneliness, and the moments that shaped him into the king he became — added so much emotional depth to his character.

The storytelling feels very fitting for Faerie: part folklore, part legend, and part memory. The fragmented stories mirror how myths are told in Elfhame, where truth and storytelling blur together. It made Cardan feel more human (ironically) and helped explain why cruelty often became his defense mechanism.

There isn’t much plot progression, but that didn’t bother me. This reads more like an epilogue to the series — a quiet expansion of the world and its characters rather than a continuation of the main story.

Overall, it’s a lovely addition for fans of the trilogy. If you already loved Cardan, this book makes you understand him even more.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This felt like the emotional payoff of everything built since The Cruel Prince. While this is still very much a fantasy first with only a touch of romance, the slow burn throughout the trilogy was absolutely worth it. The tension, longing, and push-and-pull between Jude and Cardan finally land in a way that feels earned rather than rushed.

Jude truly shines here. She’s no longer trying to prove she belongs in Faerie — she already knows her place, and watching her step fully into her power was incredibly satisfying. She’s clever, ruthless when needed, and finally confident in her own strength.

Cardan’s growth might be one of my favorite character arcs in the series. Seeing how far he’s come from the cruel prince we first met made the emotional moments hit harder. Their relationship works because it never loses its sharp edges; it simply evolves into something built on trust instead of survival.

My only complaint is that the book felt too short for a finale. After the intense political maneuvering of The Wicked King, some conflicts wrapped up faster than I expected, and I wanted more time to sit with the consequences.

Still, this was a satisfying conclusion — less about shocking twists and more about resolution, growth, and choosing each other despite power, fear, and destiny.

A strong ending to a trilogy that proves slow burn + political fantasy is an elite combination.