What a decadently fun way to return to Elfhame. I’m a big fan of getting to return to my favourite fantasy lands after the story ends, especially when they’re in the form of stories. Holly Black took such a unique and fun approach to this story and I devoured every page of this book. The illustrations perfectly complement this book in a way that compels you to turn the page and keep reading. While it’s not long at all, I definitely feel satisfied by how this story developed into its own little world. Not only that but getting to see more of Cardan’s perspective allowed me to enjoy the life of this chaotically charming villain of a prince and king. If you loved the Cruel Prince trilogy, you’re going to want to have this book for your collection. And while I do recommend that you read the trilogy before you pick this up, I think you could potentially read this as a standalone if you don’t mind missing some fun nuances. You’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR!
This a story that looks at the once upon a time of a boy with a wicked tongue. In this illustrated novel, you’ll get to see key glimpses into Cardan’s childhood interspersed with some dark stories that might give more meaning to the enigmatic king of Elfhame. The book contains a story of what’s happening after The Queen of Nothing, and also parts of the Folk of the Air series from Cardan’s perspective. Paired with stunning artwork, this is a story you’d love to fear if it jumped off of the page.
I won’t lie to you, there’s not a lot about this book that I can talk about without spoiling what it’s about, but let me just tell you that I loved going back into Elfhame. Holly Black has always written these wickedly twisted stories, and this one feels especially so. It mostly starts at the very beginning of Cardan’s formative years with his brother Balekin, and continues into some very interesting interactions with a creature that tells him some interesting stories. Those same stories correlate incredibly well with certain events of Cardan’s life, and even seem to influence a little bit of Cardan’s personality.
When I originally read the Folk of the Air series, I really wanted to read some of the story in Cardan’s perspective because there had to be something more to this cruel and seemingly soulless prince. This story takes that and will drown its readers in it. There’s something about relishing in his wickedness (for a little while), and getting to see the chaos that Cardan inevitably creates in his wake. It becomes even better when he starts to interact with Jude. The stark contrast that is created between having read the story in Jude’s perspective and then again with Cardan’s just works for me. You get to read something with fresh eyes, and while we can definitely agree with some of the things he did being incredibly terrible, there are also glimmers of goodness that we get to see afterward.
My favourite bits of this story would have to be the follow up with Cardan and Jude after the events of Queen of Nothing. I won’t go into too many details, but the very end is one of my favourite chapters of this book. You all know me at this point, romance makes my little heart squee with delight, and this story is no different in that regard.
This is a storybook that you want to have in your collection. It has a feeling of a fairytale of old, and while dark, does have some glimmers of hope interspersed within it that will delight every reader. Get it on your list, you’re going to want to read it!
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
An illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy, that started with The Cruel Prince, from award-winning author Holly Black.
An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame.
Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.
Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone . #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.
This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector’s item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.
