How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air series): The perfect gift for fans of Fantasy Fiction

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Perhaps it’s no surprise that he turned out the way he did; the only surprise is that he managed to become the High King of Elfhame anyway. In this sumptuously illustrated tale, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame's enigmatic high king. Black's stark, eerie tone; propulsive pacing; and fulsome world building will certainly delight her legion of fans. Seeing all the background details to events that took place gives the reader such a better understanding almost like you’re in the mind of the character and nothing beats that!

It takes us from the feral, unloved child ignored by his mother, shaped into a cruel, spiteful thing by their brother, to the King we know and love. In an interview with EW Black said "I planned a novella to go with the Folk of the Air series centered on Cardan, but I realized I couldn’t do justice to his story until the trilogy was over. I am incredibly biased over this series because so much of my heart and nostalgia are wrapped up within this world, but I honestly think there is just so much to love on every page of this book. Breathtaking set pieces, fully developed supporting characters, and a beguiling, tough-as-nails heroine enhance an intricate, intelligent plot that crescendos to a jaw-dropping third-act twist. I also liked getting to know just what happened for the relationship to end and why Cardan stopped caring for her.I believe I just had a front row seat to what this book is gonna be like so I don’t think I even need to read it anymore. The main series is predominantly about Jude so I think a book from Cardan’s perspective was definitely necessary. And yes, I am aware that this is less of a review of the book, and more of an insight to my Cardan obsession nobody asked for. It was a wonderfully smart way to draw the collection together and I honestly do feel as if I could have read a dozen different takes on that particular tale. Even the paper that this book is made from is extra thick and the overall aesthetics of it are absolutely breathtaking.

They’re just so damn cute and good for each other, which is why Jurdan is one of my favorite enemies-to-lovers couples. And then all throughout his life, she tells his alternate versions of this same story, each version with a new meaning for a new version of Cardan himself. I feel blessed to read about each time Holly gives us a new book, and this will for sure be a favorite of mine for all of 2020. this book only made me wish for dual pov’s in the entire series, and it honestly would’ve made the experience ten times better! From the perfect color palette, to the most perfect details, she executes the vibe of Cardan and his story in a way that I don’t think another artist could.We’re also shown fresh peeks into Locke and Nicasia’s lives, and how they were catalysts for his cruelty.