A powerful curse forces the exiled Queen of Faerie to choose between ambition and humanity in this highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy from a #1 New York Times bestselling author. He will be the destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold onto. Jude learned this lesson when she released her … Jude learned this lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.
Now as the exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is powerless and left reeling from Cardan’s betrayal. She bides her time determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her twin sister, Taryn, whose life is in peril.
Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan, if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines she becomes ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.
And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity . . .
ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.
And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity . . .
ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.
And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity . . .
ensnared in the conflict’s bloody politics.
And, when a dormant yet powerful curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity . . .
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This book was my most anticipated book of the year, and it did not disappoint. I mean, sure, who doesn’t want an 18+ scene of Jude and Cardan’s reconciliation? But the tension was hot, and I loved how Jude finally comes to realise what Cardan feels for her.
Loved both Taryn and Nicasia’s redemption arc’s—Holly made me actually care for characters I originally wanted to die (:
Vivi and Heather’s romance was perfect. Madoc, ugh, where do I start? I love you, I hate you. I want to punch you in the face. Grima Mog also became an excellent addition to the series, and possibly one of my top five favourite characters.
But Jude’s slow removal of the armour that guards her heart, and the choices she makes about controlling the monster terrorising faerie, is particularly poignant, after the plot twist at the end of book one (I’m being deliberately vague, but I loved her growth as a character, and the growth of her relationship). And this was what put this book in the stratosphere for me.
Utter perfection.
Words fail me to express how much I loved this whole series and this last book in particular. Amazing characters who were far from perfect, magical world building, great plot, a beautiful love story, so many surprises… I was not sure where the story was going at some point and it made me very nervous, but Black delivered. Highly recommend to young adults and fantasy-loving adults.
This book, the conclusion to the series was epic, I enjoyed book one and two, even if those were a bit slow and sometimes one-sided when it came to Jude. But this book was great and so much more I had hoped for.
I was not always a big fan of Jude and thought that sometimes she is a bit spoiled, power hungry and whiny. But I loved her in this books, I can’t say she necessarily grew because she is the same ole Jude. But something finally clicked for her or at least that were my thoughts. I loved her in this book and I loved the fact that I did finally love her at last, in her final book.
Cardan while still a bit the same also changed or something clicked. I also liked how they and everything else just came together and it made sense and didn’t feel forced because it was the last book.
While we get a HEA and everything came together nicely, it was a wild ride to get there. This book had one twist after another and kept throwing us through loops and not everyone might have made it after all.
This being the final book, I don’t want to say to much and spoil anything so I will make it fairly quick and vague
We do see everyone, we heard of or met …… mostly. Family and friends was a big theme in this book. The good, the bad and ugly parts of it.
Overall I just loved this book, it was fast paced, funny, lots of action and plot twists and topped off with some romance.
I also though the ending was almost perfect and I really enjoyed it and couldn’t stop smiling about some of the things that happened.
That being said, I wouldn’t mind a spin-off book or book about some of the remaining people.
I rate this book 5
The last book in Black’s Folk of the Air trilogy does not disappoint. There is nothing better than a grand escape, and Black’s books provide that for me. King Cardan and Queen Jude are exceptional in this tale, and the worldbuilding is simply superb. I know it says a trilogy, but I do hope Black revisits this world soon. (If you’re reading this, o glorious one, hear our entreaties: more Cardan and Jude, please.)
This book held me spellbound! What a perfect end to the series. I got absolutely nothing done yesterday because I couldn’t put it down. A definite 5 star read!
I can’t wait to read this
The last book in Holly Black’s Folk of the Air trilogy does not disappoint. There is nothing better than a grand escape, and Black’s books provide that for me. King Cardan and Queen Jude are exceptional in this tale, and the worldbuilding is simply superb. I know it says a trilogy, but I do hope Black revisits this world soon. (If you’re reading this, o glorious one, hear our entreaties: more Cardan and Jude, please.)
Cardan is just sweet in his own way.
This is it, the Queen of Nothing is the stunning conclusion to the Folk of Air series and Holly has done a great job. I’ve heard mixed things about this book but in my opinion, it is great, filled with action, bargains, spies, love, family drama, strong female characters, and outrageous fae politics. How could I not love the conclusion to this series?
*I don’t want to spoil anything and I don’t quite know how to review this book without revealing too much but I will try my best.
Jude is Queen of Elfhame and exiled in the mortal world and it’s killing Jude. Jude, who has always loved faerie as much as she feared it. Jude who has schemed and plotted and planned so many things, is ousted and not taking it well but is resigned until an opportunity reveals itself. Yes, the plan is daring, cunning, and dangerous so of course, Jude is gonna do it. Things don’t go quite as planned, information is revealed, and once again Jude finds herself smack dead in the middle of things. The thing about Jude is that yes she is Maddoc’s daughter and she wants danger, adventure, and power, very much so but mostly Jude wanted to feel like she belonged and she wanted to feel safe that’s where all this stems from, in her mind power equaled safety.
Things with Cardan have always been complicated but come on, they’re end game. After misunderstandings, an impending war, some magic, and a whole bunch in-between Jude and Cardan get to the meat of their relationship, they evaluate who they are and how that affects their relationships. I’m not surprised by how close and open they have become with each other, Jude and Cardan have been through a lot and are finally being truthful with each other. So are some of the other people in Jude’s life, Maddoc opens up to her and Jude sees a side to him that she normally doesn’t get a chance to. Things with Taryn are better and Viv is always supportive. Jude has managed to pull all her people together in this one and accomplished some amazing things.
As always I loved the magic, the plotting, the underhandedness that is purely fae. The drama, the alliances, curse work, and Jude being a complete badass, were all highly entertaining but my favorite part was Oak. Oak had a little more of a voice in this book and he was just absolutely adorable. He settled well in the mortal world and is doing good, still insisting he doesn’t want to be king. Oak has a very good heart and he loves his family with his whole little being, the way he plays with Viv cares about Taryn, and looks up to Jude, Oak has captured my heart and I wouldn’t be mad if he gets a series or at least one book.
Holly is still the queen of the fae, I have read all the stories, seeing how they interconnect and loved all of them. Queen of Nothing was a fantastic ending to the series, I like to think I got my happily ever after. I can’t wait to dig into the companion novel to the series and read some things from Cardan’s point of view. I would love more stories set in this world with the familiar characters I love, I holding out hope for more adventures in fairyland.
I was very impressed with the conclusion to this series. Too often a series like this is forced into an ending that seems rushed or implausible. I found this book to end things nicely and organically as to the flow of the story within this universe.
I love how the romance of the story is a very slow burn, and also enemies to lovers style of romance. And that it’s so far removed from the main part of the story. The romance aspect is almost an after thought, where as the meat of the story is about Cardan and Jude maturing and growing into their own strength and personalities.
I love how the story ended. I particularly adored how the Heather and Viv storyline ended up. I was also almost motherly proud of how Jude handled things in the end. I would definitely recommend this series to people who enjoy tales of the Fae and those who have read and enjoyed Ms. Black’s work in the past.
What a way to wrap up this series! Like seriously, who doesn’t like a happy ending?
Holly Black has definitely gained my respect as an author. She has the ability to teleport me into the setting of her books with ease and that has me wanting so much more.
This series and this book are a fast paced ride you don’t want to get off. So many feelings and emotions with this book. I love Jude’s strong kick butt attitude and demeanor. The cast of characters who I have fallen for returned in this book and I was glad to see them back. I thought this was a great end for the trilogy.
Reread 5/2021: Loved this! I liked how much more intense this one was than the previous ones, and I just wish there was more to the series! I’m going to pick up How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories
4.5 stars. I reread the first two and read the novella before this was released and while I enjoyed them I just felt they were just sort of basic YA enemies to lovers fantasy. Not amazing literature, by any stretch, but fun enough and enough to leave me interested in where the story was headed. And wow! This one delivered on that and then some. I think this was by far the best of the series, high energy, fun and just what I wanted The end was only ok for me, but didn’t take away from the twists and turns earlier in the books.
I like the first two this one is not so interesting
Fanfuckingtastic! Great ending to a great trilogy. It tied up all the loose ends.
OH MY GOSH. This series. This might be my new favorite series, or at least one of them. It destroyed me, but in a good way.
Anyway…
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black is the final installment of The Folk of the Air trilogy. (The Folk of the Air were mentioned once during the series so I don’t know why it’s called that). There is a book called How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories I need to get an a short e-story called The Lost Sisters I need to read, but the main trilogy consists of The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing.
The author, Holly Black, has worked on many fantasy novels including The Spiderwhick Chronciles. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. She is currently living in New England.
This final book was action-packed from the get-go and took so many surprising twists. Our heroine, Jude, had to face off with many characters like her father, enemy soldiers, a cannibal redcap, and her own enemy and lover, Cardan. I loved seeing the character development over the series. Everyone calls this an enemies-to-lovers series which is quite right, but I didn’t know it would also be a story about sisters and how they can betray one another, but still come around when needed most. I think a huge emphasis on this last book was on family and what it means to be part of one.
Another key theme was learning to be vulnerable, which many of the characters were too prideful to do. Ultimately, this led to demise and destruction. Whereas those who could shed their armor, learned there can be strength in love.
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I can’t think of much I didn’t like except little tidbits that don’t make sense in any fantasy world. For example, why do they have running bath water and not toilets? I don’t know. Perhaps we will never know.
I SO RECOMMEND THIS SERIES. Especially for fans of fae novels or who have read Sarah J Mass’s novels but not Holly Blacks. Fantasy fans, I know I slept on this series, so if you are too, get on it and read it! It will wreck you and that’s a compliment.
Five stars out five stars. More if the typical ratings went higher.
I liked it but I didn’t love it. It has been a good ending and the beginning looks promising. I still think that Jude and Cardan grow and evolve along the three books but I definitely would have liked to read more about Cardan while he’s still a secondary character.
SPOILERS:
My only but about this book is the ending. It look a bit rushed and I’m still wondering some things about the nature of Jude. It’s not clear if she’s become part Fae or something like that, if she’s going to live foever or die like a mortal. And I’m not even sure she’ll leave the throne once Oak is an adult. She likes too much power.
And Taryn? WTH? She just killed Locke because she was tired of his behaviour? How twisted is that. At least Jude when kiss someone is selfdefense but Taryn just goes away with murder without any consecuences, actually looks like is the best thing she has ever doen. He was that way before she married him and it took her a lot to see his true nature. I still don’t see a good motive for killing him.
And also some of Jude’s decisions are very questinable. Cardan was so right when he expressed that she fix everything with murder.
Nice ending to The Cruel Prince trilogy. The writing is lyrical and her world building for the fairy folk is really beautiful and layered.
The series is very visual, and I can clearly see the YA emo characters with cool names, high cheekbones, luminescent skin, pouty lips and perfect hair.
Spoiler alert
My life just ended, with the final page being read. This was so amazing and I want it to continue and continue!!
What I really really loved in this, was the scheming, the lying, the backstapping, the fear of whom you trusted that you shouldn’t, indeed the games of thrones, wrapped up with a enemies to lover in the background. Especially with both of them being so beautifully horrible people.
Even though all the characters are perfectly horrible people, they still love in their own way. And you expect them to love. I cried and cried when Madoc tried to kill Jude, because he was like a father to her and I really thought he wouldn’t be able to do it.
“Somehow, despite knowing better, part of me still believed he would pull a killing blow. Madoc, who was my father ever since he murdered my father. Madoc, who taught me how to swing a sword to actually hit someone and not just their blade. Madoc, who sat me on his knee and read to me and told me he loved me.”
I cried a lot.
I love how Cardan again and again tries to save Jude, even though she is making it seems like she hates him, likes she want him dead. Even then he believes these things and is angry with her, still he helps her.
” He peers down at me. “You’re a liar,” he says, eyes glittering with fury. “A dirty, mortal liar.”
Never have I so wished there was a way for me to show I was telling the truth. But there isn’t. No oath of mine carries any weight.
I feel a guard’s hand close on my arm. Then Cardan’s voice comes. “Do not touch her.”
“She is my wife,” Cardan says, his voice carrying over the crowd. “The rightful High Queen of Elfhame. And most definitely not in exile.””
My heart stopped and then I was so very very happy because I just new that he loved her then. And I knew this would be a happy ending. Then Carden is turned into a snake and I almost cried when Jude finally realised that she loved him too.
“I don’t know how to break the curse,” I say, all the tears I haven’t shed welling up in my eyes. “If I could, do you think I would be at this stupid banquet? Tell me what I must slay,what I must steal, tell me the riddle I must solve or the hag I must trick. Only tell me the way, and I will do it, no matter the danger, no matter the hardship, no matter the cost.” My voice breaks.
She gives me a steady look. Whatever else I might think of her, she really does care for Cardan.
And as tears roll over my cheeks, to her astonishment, I think she realizes I do, too.”
This was just an amazing and clever and hurting series. I don’t know what to do with myself now that it is done.
Absolutely the best of the 3 books I have read in this series. Great world building, very well made characters that have developed a lot in this series, treachery, love, adventure, action, magic and suspense. It is definitely a different type of fae story.