Review: How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air #3.5) by Holly Black

 

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories

(The Folk of the Air #3.5)

by Holly Black

November 24, 2020

192 pages

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories was such a surprise publication. I think all fans of The Folk of the Air series rejoiced upon hearing its existence! Though I felt a bit skeptical of the content, more Cardan was always welcome ;)

What a tale we got from How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. The illustrations were beautiful- being able to admire them while reading the book was such a treat. I was impressed by the stories within the story. "Because stories tell a truth, if not precisely the truth." (p. 159). For its shortness, this book was really well-structured.

Truth: I enjoyed How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (what a mouthful lol) a lot more than I thought I would. Seeing from Cardan's POV allowed for so much more insight into him. Especially during the times where we revisited moments from the series. He has changed a lot. Also, I loved the brief but new snippets of Jude and Cardan together after the events of Queen of Nothing.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a short book but I felt satisfied with what was on its pages. Thank you Holly Black for once again mesmerizing us with the tales you've woven. Please never stop.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.