Review of ‘How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories’ (The Folk of the Air #3.5) by Holly Black. Discover the beautifully illustrated glimpse into Cardan’s mind that will enchant fans of The Folk of the Air series all over again.
The king, the crown, and the stories he never believed: review of How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black
Synopsis
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.
Review
Returning to Elfhame through How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories felt like slipping into a beloved fairytale. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in Cardan’s twisted, clever little head, this novella gives you just that: a peek behind the curtain, told through lush illustrations and Holly Black’s signature lovely lyrical style.
I absolutely loved this book. Truly. It’s short, yes, but it doesn’t feel like just a side story or a filler. It feels like a love letter to fans of the series, especially to those of us who weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to Jude and Cardan after The Queen of Nothing. And oh, how I missed them. Reading this made me want to start the entire series all over again just to relive their chaotic, enemies-to-lovers-to-soulmates journey.
Also? This edition is absolutely gorgeous. Rovina Cai’s illustrations add a whimsical, haunting quality that made every page feel magical. It’s one of those books you just want to flip through again and again, even after you’ve finished reading it. I’m obsessed.
Final thoughts? Absolutely loved this one. Definitely would recommend this to every Elfhame-lover. Without hesitation. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a must-read for anyone who loved The Cruel Prince trilogy. It’s not just a bonus, it’s so much more it’s a richly layered extension of the story and problematic but lovable main character we’ve come to love, with all the charm, wit, and sharp edges that make Holly Black’s world so unforgettable. Whether you’re revisiting Elfhame or diving in for the first time, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Rating
10/10
Details
- Trigger warnings: Violence and threats of violence (including battle scenes and conflict), death or references to death, child abuse and neglect (Cardan’s harsh upbringing), bullying and psychological trauma
- Themes: Coming to terms with one’s identity and past trauma, the nature of storytelling and how narratives shape us, power, vulnerability, and growth from cruelty to compassion, love as something that changes how you see yourself and the world
- Representation: /
- Pages: 173
- Publication date: November 24, 2020
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- About the author:
Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the Novels of Elfhame, THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, BOOK OF NIGHT. 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. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film and television. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.
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