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The Folk of the Air
Eine Verschwörung charmanter Ungeheuer
A reluctant king is thrown into turmoil when the girl he loves to hate is stolen by the Undersea.
An exiled redcap, trapped in the mortal world, must rediscover his inner monster.
A mortal girl sacrifices the other half of herself for an unworthy faerie lover.
A tiny sprite’s determination to prove herself puts the entire High Court in danger.
In this collection, #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black combines her signature wit and lush world-building with stunning full-color art by Frostbite Studios in six irresistible tales that return readers to the world of the Modern Faerie Tales and Elfhame, including two never-before-seen stories: one revealing the interior life of Madoc while in exile and the other featuring the moment that High King Cardan realizes what he most desires.
An exiled redcap, trapped in the mortal world, must rediscover his inner monster.
A mortal girl sacrifices the other half of herself for an unworthy faerie lover.
A tiny sprite’s determination to prove herself puts the entire High Court in danger.
In this collection, #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black combines her signature wit and lush world-building with stunning full-color art by Frostbite Studios in six irresistible tales that return readers to the world of the Modern Faerie Tales and Elfhame, including two never-before-seen stories: one revealing the interior life of Madoc while in exile and the other featuring the moment that High King Cardan realizes what he most desires.
224 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2026
About the author
Holly Black
215 books134k followersHolly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over thirty fantasy novels for kids and teens. 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. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.
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Want to Read
March 25, 2026Saw this on my fyp. The cover is so pretty whaaa
November 7, 2026
< It isn’t long after that when he awakens in his bed to the hard press of a
hand against his mouth, a soft body against his skin. He can barely breathe, and yet he feels as though this is the first time since he learned she was
gone that he can finally let out his breath. >
This was such a welcoming return to this world.
This series is what pulled me back into reading after years in a slump, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Still, I worried that I might not feel the same way reading this, that I had grown up, my tastes had changed, and I might no longer love it the way it deserves to be loved.
I had no reason to worry.
Before I get to the main course (Cardan’s story), I want to talk about all the other stories.
The first one is about Madoc in exile. I had no idea how funny he could be or how much of a softie he really is when it comes to his family. In the original trilogy, we catch glimpses of his softer side now and then, but this is the first time we get access to his thoughts and see the full depth of his feelings. This story really brought home how much Jude resembles him.
The second one is Taryn’s POV on the events of the first book, and, surprisingly, it left me feeling more positive about her. She tells Jude in a letter how her relationship with Locke began and developed, and we see just how selfish she really is. It confirms that she never truly understood Jude and that, despite being twins, the two of them don’t seem related at all.
Even though I like her more now, the thing I can never forgive Taryn for isn’t her foolish mistakes or bad choices. It’s that she hurt her sister and kept putting someone else before her. She only thought about Jude or treated her kindly when she wanted something from her, and that pattern shows up throughout the series. I still think the ending she got was far kinder than she deserved after all the betrayal she caused.
I know I’ve said a lot of negative things about Taryn, but I’m actually complimenting her. In the end, she shows that what she wanted wasn’t love; it was power, just like Jude. The difference is that Jude was honest about her desires, while Taryn wasn’t.
The third one made me realize that Roiben is surrounded by idiots. I’m in awe of how he manages to get anything done when he seems to be the only person in his court with a brain.
The fourth one is about Heather, and all I can say is: You go, girl. Win your girl and get one over on the faeries. She is a total badass.
The fifth one gives us a glimpse into Kaye and Roiben’s relationship, and I really liked it. The little we see of them in the original trilogy doesn't quite show how much of a power couple they are or how perfectly suited they are to each other. This story also made me see Kaye in a new light. She isn’t just a girl who knows nothing and causes trouble; she’s smart and exactly what Roiben needs.
And then there’s the final one, told from Cardan’s POV, about the time Jude was kidnapped by the Queen of the Undersea.
This story was everything, truly, everything. The little crumbs of the two of them woven through the other stories were so well done that they only made me crave this final story more and more.
Cardan may be a red flag. He may have no hobbies other than Jude, and he may not be the most reliable partner out there. But the way this man yearns, and keeps yearning, deserves a medal. The love and respect he has for Jude, even if he has a strange way of showing it, is the kind of devotion that could exist only in fiction. He really said he would destroy his kingdom just to get her back, and if that doesn’t prove how devoted he is, I don't know what does.
Even in his thoughts, he gives Jude so many compliments that I couldn’t help going, awww. He calls her a murderer, a liar, and a mortal; those are the sweetest words to describe her.
And I can't end this review without talking about my Murderous Queen.
Jude remains my favorite FMC because of her violent nature, her sharp strategic mind, and her fierce craving for power, not just the desire for it, but her determination to seize it and make it her own. Those qualities are exactly what make her perfect to me.
In conclusion, this author knows how to write faeries who aren’t human: ethereal and magical, full of whimsy and malice, and carrying great power. The world she created is beautiful, but beneath that beauty lies the decay of faerie cruelty and, somehow, the beauty of the faeries themselves.
Also, the illustrations were gorgeous.
hand against his mouth, a soft body against his skin. He can barely breathe, and yet he feels as though this is the first time since he learned she was
gone that he can finally let out his breath. >
This was such a welcoming return to this world.
This series is what pulled me back into reading after years in a slump, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Still, I worried that I might not feel the same way reading this, that I had grown up, my tastes had changed, and I might no longer love it the way it deserves to be loved.
I had no reason to worry.
Before I get to the main course (Cardan’s story), I want to talk about all the other stories.
The first one is about Madoc in exile. I had no idea how funny he could be or how much of a softie he really is when it comes to his family. In the original trilogy, we catch glimpses of his softer side now and then, but this is the first time we get access to his thoughts and see the full depth of his feelings. This story really brought home how much Jude resembles him.
The second one is Taryn’s POV on the events of the first book, and, surprisingly, it left me feeling more positive about her. She tells Jude in a letter how her relationship with Locke began and developed, and we see just how selfish she really is. It confirms that she never truly understood Jude and that, despite being twins, the two of them don’t seem related at all.
Even though I like her more now, the thing I can never forgive Taryn for isn’t her foolish mistakes or bad choices. It’s that she hurt her sister and kept putting someone else before her. She only thought about Jude or treated her kindly when she wanted something from her, and that pattern shows up throughout the series. I still think the ending she got was far kinder than she deserved after all the betrayal she caused.
I know I’ve said a lot of negative things about Taryn, but I’m actually complimenting her. In the end, she shows that what she wanted wasn’t love; it was power, just like Jude. The difference is that Jude was honest about her desires, while Taryn wasn’t.
The third one made me realize that Roiben is surrounded by idiots. I’m in awe of how he manages to get anything done when he seems to be the only person in his court with a brain.
The fourth one is about Heather, and all I can say is: You go, girl. Win your girl and get one over on the faeries. She is a total badass.
The fifth one gives us a glimpse into Kaye and Roiben’s relationship, and I really liked it. The little we see of them in the original trilogy doesn't quite show how much of a power couple they are or how perfectly suited they are to each other. This story also made me see Kaye in a new light. She isn’t just a girl who knows nothing and causes trouble; she’s smart and exactly what Roiben needs.
And then there’s the final one, told from Cardan’s POV, about the time Jude was kidnapped by the Queen of the Undersea.
This story was everything, truly, everything. The little crumbs of the two of them woven through the other stories were so well done that they only made me crave this final story more and more.
Cardan may be a red flag. He may have no hobbies other than Jude, and he may not be the most reliable partner out there. But the way this man yearns, and keeps yearning, deserves a medal. The love and respect he has for Jude, even if he has a strange way of showing it, is the kind of devotion that could exist only in fiction. He really said he would destroy his kingdom just to get her back, and if that doesn’t prove how devoted he is, I don't know what does.
Even in his thoughts, he gives Jude so many compliments that I couldn’t help going, awww. He calls her a murderer, a liar, and a mortal; those are the sweetest words to describe her.
And I can't end this review without talking about my Murderous Queen.
Jude remains my favorite FMC because of her violent nature, her sharp strategic mind, and her fierce craving for power, not just the desire for it, but her determination to seize it and make it her own. Those qualities are exactly what make her perfect to me.
In conclusion, this author knows how to write faeries who aren’t human: ethereal and magical, full of whimsy and malice, and carrying great power. The world she created is beautiful, but beneath that beauty lies the decay of faerie cruelty and, somehow, the beauty of the faeries themselves.
Also, the illustrations were gorgeous.
Want to Read
March 22, 2026ㅤ ᯓ ᯽ pre-release ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ
update: Oh my god, we have a cover and it is ✨SO GORGEOUS✨🫠🫠
ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ
EXCUSE ME???? MISS HOLLY BLACK WHAT IS THIS????
update: Oh my god, we have a cover and it is ✨SO GORGEOUS✨🫠🫠
ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ
EXCUSE ME???? MISS HOLLY BLACK WHAT IS THIS????
Currently Reading
April 12, 2026yup yup yup it’s ouuuuuuut
i love the coverrrrrrr
i love the coverrrrrrr
March 24, 2026
— 4 ☆ .ᐟ 🪽 spoiler free + mini review
⤷ okay so when can i visit elfhame again
⋆˚࿔ 104th review of the year
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱ 💛
-------------
𐔌 ♯┆11.5.26
ᯓ i'm in pure bliss right now because i am BACK. IN. ELFHAME. YAYY!! this whole series is where my YA fantasy lore started and i couldn't be happier that i get to see judecardan again 🥹 i hope these short stories remind me why i cherish + adore the series sm! nothing like going back to your roots 🤞
march 24, 26
CAN. YOU. HEAR. MY. EXCITEMENT?!! yet another anticipated release to add to my shelves. being a reader never gets old 🫂i get to return to my day ones !!!
⤷ okay so when can i visit elfhame again
⋆˚࿔ 104th review of the year
⌗ ꒰ my thoughts ꒱ 💛
⤷ these short stories were SOO refreshing!! it's been almost 4-5 years since i've read the original trilogy so this was a treat 🤭 what i loved most about this one was getting perspective's from other characters! seeing heather, vivi, madoc, taryn, kaye, and cardan again was so nice !! i literally went back and reread some parts of the wicked king to compare the POVS 😭
also that artwork? GORGEOUS. i need more. i think one thing i also want more of is roiben and kaye! I WILL BE READING THEIR STORY. THEY'RE SO CUTE TOGETHER 🥹 all in all, i'm eager to see if holly will revisit the world in the future again! in the mean time i will be planning a reread of the whole series 💐
-------------
𑣲 ⋆ 🪽 — pre-read .ᐟ ⌗
𐔌 ♯┆11.5.26
ᯓ i'm in pure bliss right now because i am BACK. IN. ELFHAME. YAYY!! this whole series is where my YA fantasy lore started and i couldn't be happier that i get to see judecardan again 🥹 i hope these short stories remind me why i cherish + adore the series sm! nothing like going back to your roots 🤞
march 24, 26
CAN. YOU. HEAR. MY. EXCITEMENT?!! yet another anticipated release to add to my shelves. being a reader never gets old 🫂i get to return to my day ones !!!
Want to Read
March 25, 2026|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 ❨𖦹 ₊˚ ୭
𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖤𝗅𝖿𝗁𝖺𝗆𝖾? 𝖸𝖾𝗌 𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾.
𝖢𝖺𝗇'𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝗎𝗍 🫠🫠
𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝖤𝗅𝖿𝗁𝖺𝗆𝖾? 𝖸𝖾𝗌 𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾.
𝖢𝖺𝗇'𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝗎𝗍 🫠🫠
March 26, 2026
with the way my second half of the year was going (is going shit still), I was so tempted to read the entire series again by the end of the year but then this baby was dropped into my hands and bam, instant happiness (yes Noi, this is my bday)!!! I am still gonna reread the series by the end bc girl needs her comfort books back. i can write pages on how beautiful this book was (gonna write short review for all the parts) but I am in the library, gotta grind. BYEEEEE
the lament of lutie-loo
I have read tithe and valiant this year, ironside is still left so, will read this short story after I finish that because they are related
the lost sisters
Ykw I heard somewhere that taryn is a victim of locke. I read lost sisters 4 years back and hated taryn even more. I was planning to reread that though to see if my opinion changed. And the answer is FUCK NO. that bitch can go die in a ditch. Idgaf. She is one of the most selfish, stupidest and hateful character I have read about. Idk how y'all are with your sisters but my sister is a god and I ain't letting her deal with such nonsense ever. MOST OF ALL, THIS IS NOT HOW YOU WRITE AN APOLOGY LETTER. ik if jude had written a letter to taryn like this, taryn would have never looked at her again unless she needed Jude's help like a little bitch she is. And before y'all come for me but the folks did much worse to humans and they deserve your ire. No, humans and folks are different species, i judge them on different standards. Folks are inherently mean and cruel so, I have different standards to judge them. I judged taryn on human standards and she was a TERRIBLE HUMAN BEING with no decency and respect for even her own sister. I don't expect her to treat any other human any better.
the fall of the willowbrook apartments at 700 winsome
It was canon that madoc will play at neighbourhood politics once he starts living in the mortal world but ohmydays holly black gave it us everything and then some more bc wdym he killed a man even though he cannot pick up a weapon and then stirred shit with everyone😂😂😂 madoc refusing to be a mortal by glamouring himself into human clothes and moving about. We all knew it would be fun for vivi to have madoc nearby and teach him the mortal ways but it being in madoc's pov was 10 times funnier. Oriana, you scheming bitch🤣✋️ and to whoever said to be me that madoc tried to kill jude in during QON and their fight in TCP, fuck y'all bc madoc is one proud father of his little jude and I'll forever cherish this father-daughter relationship.
~~~~
I AM HOME💗💗💗 should I rate it 5 stars already bc y'all know how down I am for this world👀🛐
~~~~~
WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING FUCK??? HOLLY BLACK IS SERVING!!! IYKM THEN YOU CAN DEFINITELY HEAR ME SCREAM MY LUNGS OUT AHHHHHHHHHH😭😭😭 PLUS FROSTBITE STUDIO IS ILLUSTRATING IT??? WE ARE FUCKING BLESSED😩💖💕
the lament of lutie-loo
I have read tithe and valiant this year, ironside is still left so, will read this short story after I finish that because they are related
the lost sisters
Ykw I heard somewhere that taryn is a victim of locke. I read lost sisters 4 years back and hated taryn even more. I was planning to reread that though to see if my opinion changed. And the answer is FUCK NO. that bitch can go die in a ditch. Idgaf. She is one of the most selfish, stupidest and hateful character I have read about. Idk how y'all are with your sisters but my sister is a god and I ain't letting her deal with such nonsense ever. MOST OF ALL, THIS IS NOT HOW YOU WRITE AN APOLOGY LETTER. ik if jude had written a letter to taryn like this, taryn would have never looked at her again unless she needed Jude's help like a little bitch she is. And before y'all come for me but the folks did much worse to humans and they deserve your ire. No, humans and folks are different species, i judge them on different standards. Folks are inherently mean and cruel so, I have different standards to judge them. I judged taryn on human standards and she was a TERRIBLE HUMAN BEING with no decency and respect for even her own sister. I don't expect her to treat any other human any better.
the fall of the willowbrook apartments at 700 winsome
It was canon that madoc will play at neighbourhood politics once he starts living in the mortal world but ohmydays holly black gave it us everything and then some more bc wdym he killed a man even though he cannot pick up a weapon and then stirred shit with everyone😂😂😂 madoc refusing to be a mortal by glamouring himself into human clothes and moving about. We all knew it would be fun for vivi to have madoc nearby and teach him the mortal ways but it being in madoc's pov was 10 times funnier. Oriana, you scheming bitch🤣✋️ and to whoever said to be me that madoc tried to kill jude in during QON and their fight in TCP, fuck y'all bc madoc is one proud father of his little jude and I'll forever cherish this father-daughter relationship.
~~~~
I AM HOME💗💗💗 should I rate it 5 stars already bc y'all know how down I am for this world👀🛐
~~~~~
WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING FUCK??? HOLLY BLACK IS SERVING!!! IYKM THEN YOU CAN DEFINITELY HEAR ME SCREAM MY LUNGS OUT AHHHHHHHHHH😭😭😭 PLUS FROSTBITE STUDIO IS ILLUSTRATING IT??? WE ARE FUCKING BLESSED😩💖💕
Want to Read
March 24, 2026⊹ oh my gosh i knew rereading this trilogy this month was a good idea bc ofc the week after i finish “queen of nothing” gets announced!!
⊹ also can we talk ab how THE frostbite studios illustrated this?? im a firm believer that frostbite makes THE best tcp art 🥹💕
⊹ AND WE GET A CARDAN POV WHAT????? i alr know that that short story is js gonna be him yearning the whole time 🤭
⊹ also can we talk ab how THE frostbite studios illustrated this?? im a firm believer that frostbite makes THE best tcp art 🥹💕
⊹ AND WE GET A CARDAN POV WHAT????? i alr know that that short story is js gonna be him yearning the whole time 🤭
Currently Reading
March 25, 2026lesgooo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
update: Okay, WOW! I have been thinking about what Cardan was thinking and feeling while Jude was held captive by Orlagh. AND WE ARE FINALLY GETTING CARDAN'S POV FROM THEN!! OMG! Best birthday evaaa!
pre-release
I think I am going to cry because what do you mean- Holly Black is collaborating with Frostbite Studios which makes the best ever fanarts for this fandom! I'm going feral. I am SCREAMING! OMG!
Also, are you telling me that this gets released on my birthday this year? OH MY GOD.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
update: Okay, WOW! I have been thinking about what Cardan was thinking and feeling while Jude was held captive by Orlagh. AND WE ARE FINALLY GETTING CARDAN'S POV FROM THEN!! OMG! Best birthday evaaa!
pre-release
I think I am going to cry because what do you mean- Holly Black is collaborating with Frostbite Studios which makes the best ever fanarts for this fandom! I'm going feral. I am SCREAMING! OMG!
Also, are you telling me that this gets released on my birthday this year? OH MY GOD.
November 3, 2026
No thoughts, just Cardan thoughts
For the rest of the extremely dull wedding, Cardan doesn’t see Jude. Which is fine since he spends that time coming up with absolutely devastating remarks for when their paths do inevitably cross.
And what reason could she have to think better of him? He tormented her at the palace school, was cruel for the sake of cruelty. Everything about her, from her skill with the sword to her quick mind to her being adored by her terrible father, highlighted Cardan’s failures. She was better than him and he knew it.
And if he hadn’t been so awful, perhaps she’d have known it, too.
So what would she tell him to do? Probably to pretend that he doesn’t care about her. Pretend that losing her won’t destroy him. Pretend that he won’t give Queen Orlagh anything, anything at all, just to have her back.
All he can think of is Jude.
Jude, Jude, Jude, the drumbeat of his heart.
As days turn to weeks, the strangest thing becomes clear—as exhausted and panicked and snappish as he is, Cardan is skilled at ruling. He has a knack for being just mean enough to keep people in line and just charming enough to keep them from one another’s throats.
He wonders if Jude will be impressed. And sometimes he wonders if she knew he had that skill all along.
How could he have failed to notice that he loved her?
For the rest of the extremely dull wedding, Cardan doesn’t see Jude. Which is fine since he spends that time coming up with absolutely devastating remarks for when their paths do inevitably cross.
And what reason could she have to think better of him? He tormented her at the palace school, was cruel for the sake of cruelty. Everything about her, from her skill with the sword to her quick mind to her being adored by her terrible father, highlighted Cardan’s failures. She was better than him and he knew it.
And if he hadn’t been so awful, perhaps she’d have known it, too.
So what would she tell him to do? Probably to pretend that he doesn’t care about her. Pretend that losing her won’t destroy him. Pretend that he won’t give Queen Orlagh anything, anything at all, just to have her back.
All he can think of is Jude.
Jude, Jude, Jude, the drumbeat of his heart.
As days turn to weeks, the strangest thing becomes clear—as exhausted and panicked and snappish as he is, Cardan is skilled at ruling. He has a knack for being just mean enough to keep people in line and just charming enough to keep them from one another’s throats.
He wonders if Jude will be impressed. And sometimes he wonders if she knew he had that skill all along.
How could he have failed to notice that he loved her?
April 3, 2026
She was better than him and he knew it.
And if he hadn't been so awful, perhaps she'd have known it, too.
jurdan <3
also, only holly black could write a character i hate sm just to turn around and convince me to have a little sympathy for her (still side eyeing you tho, taryn).
__________________________________
cardan crashout era is going to be the most deliciously angsty yearning we read all year
And if he hadn't been so awful, perhaps she'd have known it, too.
jurdan <3
also, only holly black could write a character i hate sm just to turn around and convince me to have a little sympathy for her (still side eyeing you tho, taryn).
__________________________________
cardan crashout era is going to be the most deliciously angsty yearning we read all year
Did Not Finish
March 24, 2026i need this more then passing grade on my next exam. 😔
TWO NEW STORIES, ONE MADOCS FROM WHEN HE WAS IN EXILE AND OTHER FROM CARDANS POV IN TWK WHEN JUDE WAS STOLEN BY THE BITCH ORLAGH
temptation to put 5 stars so the goodreads rating would be 5.00 😭🥀 on serious note tho frosbite studios art is SO AMAZING. prob the best ive EVER seen (not joking mona lisa ah level) so PLEASE check them out (lovelovelove them)!!! i really need to get my hands on the card game cuz the art is stunning.
i think im gonna cry.. im so ready for baby jurdan (holly if cardan isnt a girl dad and jude a boy mom imma poison you with fairy fruit.. 😍) to celebrate this i feel like i need a 13th reread of the series!
TWO NEW STORIES, ONE MADOCS FROM WHEN HE WAS IN EXILE AND OTHER FROM CARDANS POV IN TWK WHEN JUDE WAS STOLEN BY THE BITCH ORLAGH
temptation to put 5 stars so the goodreads rating would be 5.00 😭🥀 on serious note tho frosbite studios art is SO AMAZING. prob the best ive EVER seen (not joking mona lisa ah level) so PLEASE check them out (lovelovelove them)!!! i really need to get my hands on the card game cuz the art is stunning.
i think im gonna cry.. im so ready for baby jurdan (holly if cardan isnt a girl dad and jude a boy mom imma poison you with fairy fruit.. 😍) to celebrate this i feel like i need a 13th reread of the series!
Want to Read
April 8, 2026feeling blessed, feeling thankful ;___;
1.) The Cruel Prince ★★★★★
1.5) The Lost Sisters ★★★★★
2.) The Wicked King ★★★★★
3.) The Queen of Nothing ★★★★★
3.5) How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories ★★★★★
1.) The Cruel Prince ★★★★★
1.5) The Lost Sisters ★★★★★
2.) The Wicked King ★★★★★
3.) The Queen of Nothing ★★★★★
3.5) How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories ★★★★★
Want to Read
March 31, 2026౿ ⌗ prerelease ⊹
I'm freaking shaking, the cruel prince was my first ever book and its basically build me. IM YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN HOLLY BLACK PLEASE I KNOW YOU'LL EAT WITH THIS BOOK NO MATTER WHAT PLEASE PLEASE DELIVER
I’m shaking screaming ILLUSTRATED ART? I’m sorry dear parents but you WILL be giving me money so I can responsibly spend it on this. (Why will I not use my own money? Because why should I when I have such lovely parents with such lovely money?)
AND AHHH FROSTBITE STUDIOS ART? STOP MY FAVORITE ARTIST YDYDUJDJSKSOS
The monster I will become when this is published is not a joke. My dear friends I advise you to stay away from me on November 3 because I fear of the animal I’ll turn into.
I'm freaking shaking, the cruel prince was my first ever book and its basically build me. IM YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN HOLLY BLACK PLEASE I KNOW YOU'LL EAT WITH THIS BOOK NO MATTER WHAT PLEASE PLEASE DELIVER
I’m shaking screaming ILLUSTRATED ART? I’m sorry dear parents but you WILL be giving me money so I can responsibly spend it on this. (Why will I not use my own money? Because why should I when I have such lovely parents with such lovely money?)
AND AHHH FROSTBITE STUDIOS ART? STOP MY FAVORITE ARTIST YDYDUJDJSKSOS
The monster I will become when this is published is not a joke. My dear friends I advise you to stay away from me on November 3 because I fear of the animal I’ll turn into.
November 8, 2026
i promise i read this in one sitting.
seeing all these characters again made me so happy (even if i literally finished the last book last month but who's counting)
cardan and jude have my whole heart, and the art in this series made me lose my mind how is the artist this talented.
taryn, no one could make me hate you. she's so perfect and complex, i don't get ppl who don't like her existence.
quotes:
'Perhaps he could cook Oriana a steak. If it turns out raw, he can call it rare.' LMFAO 🤧
'Jude, his seneschal. Jude, his ruler. Jude, his secret.' 🥹
'All he can think of is Jude.
Jude, Jude, Jude, the drumbeat of his heart.' 💐
seeing all these characters again made me so happy (even if i literally finished the last book last month but who's counting)
cardan and jude have my whole heart, and the art in this series made me lose my mind how is the artist this talented.
taryn, no one could make me hate you. she's so perfect and complex, i don't get ppl who don't like her existence.
quotes:
'Perhaps he could cook Oriana a steak. If it turns out raw, he can call it rare.' LMFAO 🤧
'Jude, his seneschal. Jude, his ruler. Jude, his secret.' 🥹
'All he can think of is Jude.
Jude, Jude, Jude, the drumbeat of his heart.' 💐
April 4, 2026
oh my god these illustrations were EVERYTHING god i was being FED 😍😍😍 everyone was so beautiful and well-drawn what a BLESSING to be alive at the same time as frostbite studios god bless
cardan and jude? THEYRE SO HOT i can't that's dada omfg
madoc's story was so cute and funny 😭 it really showed us the softer side of him, and that despite his nature, he really does love his children. and it was hilarious watching him trying to adapt to the mortal world
and im sorry but despite the whole story on taryn and what happened from her perspective, i genuinely still cannot stand her shes gotten no sympathy from me. but like wow her story really opened my eyes on who taryn actually is, she may come off as the sweet and innocent sister, but at the end of the day, all she wanted was power too, even when it meant betraying jude.
im ngl i could have cared less about whoever tf lute was and kaye and roiben, heather's story was ok i suppose
CARDANS PERSPECTIVE FROM WHEN JUDE GOT KIDNAPPEEDDDD 😩 that illustration when he realized he was in love with her was everything chef's kiss. but im gonna be honest, it felt so fast and like we weren't truly reaching into him, i sooooo wish we got more of his thoughts in-depth- cardan needs his own novella!!
im so glad i got this i feel fulfilled, i will never stop loving the world of elfhame and it felt so good to be back, this series means the world to me
that illustration on the last page? now i have to hide ts from my family 😭
cardan and jude? THEYRE SO HOT i can't that's dada omfg
madoc's story was so cute and funny 😭 it really showed us the softer side of him, and that despite his nature, he really does love his children. and it was hilarious watching him trying to adapt to the mortal world
and im sorry but despite the whole story on taryn and what happened from her perspective, i genuinely still cannot stand her shes gotten no sympathy from me. but like wow her story really opened my eyes on who taryn actually is, she may come off as the sweet and innocent sister, but at the end of the day, all she wanted was power too, even when it meant betraying jude.
im ngl i could have cared less about whoever tf lute was and kaye and roiben, heather's story was ok i suppose
CARDANS PERSPECTIVE FROM WHEN JUDE GOT KIDNAPPEEDDDD 😩 that illustration when he realized he was in love with her was everything chef's kiss. but im gonna be honest, it felt so fast and like we weren't truly reaching into him, i sooooo wish we got more of his thoughts in-depth- cardan needs his own novella!!
im so glad i got this i feel fulfilled, i will never stop loving the world of elfhame and it felt so good to be back, this series means the world to me
that illustration on the last page? now i have to hide ts from my family 😭
November 4, 2026
"How could he have failed to notice that he loved her?"
I love you cardan greenbriar
I love you cardan greenbriar
Read
November 5, 2026The art was 10/10 incredible loved it. I especially loved the art in Cardans pov and Kaye & Robien art.
The stories themselves were good, but most of them were ones I had already read. I found myself wishing some of them had new details that added to what we already knew about the universe or scenes we hadn’t gotten to see before. For example: Taryn actually killing Locke or Cardan writing the letters. I would have LOVED something we hadn’t seen before from the Stolen Heir duology, especially since there was so much potential to explore moments we never got to see.
The stories themselves were good, but most of them were ones I had already read. I found myself wishing some of them had new details that added to what we already knew about the universe or scenes we hadn’t gotten to see before. For example: Taryn actually killing Locke or Cardan writing the letters. I would have LOVED something we hadn’t seen before from the Stolen Heir duology, especially since there was so much potential to explore moments we never got to see.
Did Not Finish
March 25, 2026Frostbite studio and holly black making a book together was not on my 2026 bingo card. BUT I DONT FUCKING CARE CUS IM SOOOOOOO EXCITED, LETSSSS GOOOOO
Want to Read
March 25, 2026—i mean, i love the folk of the air franchise as well as frostbite's artstyle. i am merely craning my neck a bit to peer at the release date. i'm nonchalant.
Want to Read
March 24, 2026GUYS WE'RE GOING BACK TO ELFHAME. i am beyond ready and excited for this, november can't come soon enough. this is now one of my most anticipated releases this year.
November 4, 2026
“All he can think of is Jude. Jude, Jude, Jude, the drumbeat of his heart.”
INFINITY STARS ♾️⭐️
Cardan and Jude. My babies. My heart and soul. The sustenance that fuels me. My Roman Empire. The couple that no one can ever, or will ever, beat. I am disgustingly, sickeningly obsessed with them, and have been since I was first introduced to them in 2022. I have never stopped thinking about them.
I was absolutely not prepared for Cardan’s POV. It sent me into absolute orbit - I was hyperventilating in excitement and screaming audibly every single second of his chapter. He is the yearner of the year, and I cannot be convinced otherwise.
I know this novella also contained other stories (which I really enjoyed, especially Madoc’s!) but I was sat for the Cardan and Jude snippets and oh, we were fed. These two ignited my love for reading, and oh, how I yearn for them everyday. I consume Cardan and Jude content like an addict looking for their next fix. I’m not over them. They are such a well-written couple - the layers and complexity that they both have? Oh, sedate me now and put me into an asylum. I cannot apologise for the person this book has caused me to become.
Cardan and Jude are the legendary lovers (in my opinion!) and a very sensitive topic for me. If I see hate on them, I will cry because they mean that much to me and yes, it is that serious and no, I’m not being dramatic. I am very serious about these two. Don’t even get me started. I can probably write a whole damn book or two or three on why I love these two so much.
Aside from the sheer orbit this book sent me into, can we take a minute, or hours, to appreciate the artwork? Absolutely stunning. Solenne Songer (Frostbite Studios) has me in absolute awe. I spent half the time whilst reading this book staring at the artwork because oh my god? My eyes have been blessed.
I will say, I did have to skim some of these short stories as I haven’t read “Modern Faerie Tales” just yet, but you best bet I will be doing so very soon!
All in all, this book made my year. Now all I need is all three books in Cardan’s POV and I’m set for life. I will want for nothing more 🙂↔️
INFINITY STARS ♾️⭐️
Cardan and Jude. My babies. My heart and soul. The sustenance that fuels me. My Roman Empire. The couple that no one can ever, or will ever, beat. I am disgustingly, sickeningly obsessed with them, and have been since I was first introduced to them in 2022. I have never stopped thinking about them.
I was absolutely not prepared for Cardan’s POV. It sent me into absolute orbit - I was hyperventilating in excitement and screaming audibly every single second of his chapter. He is the yearner of the year, and I cannot be convinced otherwise.
I know this novella also contained other stories (which I really enjoyed, especially Madoc’s!) but I was sat for the Cardan and Jude snippets and oh, we were fed. These two ignited my love for reading, and oh, how I yearn for them everyday. I consume Cardan and Jude content like an addict looking for their next fix. I’m not over them. They are such a well-written couple - the layers and complexity that they both have? Oh, sedate me now and put me into an asylum. I cannot apologise for the person this book has caused me to become.
Cardan and Jude are the legendary lovers (in my opinion!) and a very sensitive topic for me. If I see hate on them, I will cry because they mean that much to me and yes, it is that serious and no, I’m not being dramatic. I am very serious about these two. Don’t even get me started. I can probably write a whole damn book or two or three on why I love these two so much.
Aside from the sheer orbit this book sent me into, can we take a minute, or hours, to appreciate the artwork? Absolutely stunning. Solenne Songer (Frostbite Studios) has me in absolute awe. I spent half the time whilst reading this book staring at the artwork because oh my god? My eyes have been blessed.
I will say, I did have to skim some of these short stories as I haven’t read “Modern Faerie Tales” just yet, but you best bet I will be doing so very soon!
All in all, this book made my year. Now all I need is all three books in Cardan’s POV and I’m set for life. I will want for nothing more 🙂↔️
November 1, 2026
I was so thrilled to come home from work AND SEE THE PACKAGE CONTAINING THIS BOOK WAITING FOR ME!!! The scream was heard across the neighborhood I swear 😂 I was not expecting this at all so thank you to the publishers for sending it to me!!!
This novella was amazing!!! I was pleasantly surprised at madoc’s story, I was dying laughing and completely gagged. I love it. 5 stars for that one.
And omg. 6 freaking stars for the Cardan novella. Everything I dreamed and more. CARDAN IS SO DOWN BAD I CANT EVEN. This makes me want to reread the series so bad. I also really enjoyed Taryn’s story, it really helped me understand her better as a character and I liked the writing perspective of it.
The other novellas are where I unfortunately have to subtract a bit. They weren’t poorly written at all! And I loved being back in the world of faerie. It was probably more a fault of mine for not enjoying them as much. I haven’t read the other trilogy in the folk of the air universe, and almost all of the novellas contained only characters from those. I will admit they were interesting and I loved the cameos of the OG trilogy characters (Any time Cardan appeared I screamed LOL). I was just confused by the politics because I don’t even know who any of these people are 😂 it would definitely help for me to come back to these stories another time. I also just didn’t really care for Heather’s story. It wasn’t boring, I just didn’t care.
Let’s talk about the artwork now. OMG. When you think of fan art for the cruel prince, your brain automatically goes to frostbite studios art. So when I heard she would be illustrating this novella I WAS OVER THE MOON! And this did not disappoint. Frostbite studios has outdone herself again and all the artwork was ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS. It was all amazing, but I gotta admit (I might be biased) that any time Cardan artwork was on page I literally screamed. I took pictures of all of it even though I physically own the book. That’s how good it is. Jude also looked so stunning and I loved seeing all of her outfits 🤭
Overall such a fun novella and it was so nice to be back in the world of elfhame. Cardan and Jude spinoff when?!
Spice: .5 (just some references throughout)
Language: moderate (infrequent)
(Updating my review because how could I forget the Taryn story?)
This novella was amazing!!! I was pleasantly surprised at madoc’s story, I was dying laughing and completely gagged. I love it. 5 stars for that one.
And omg. 6 freaking stars for the Cardan novella. Everything I dreamed and more. CARDAN IS SO DOWN BAD I CANT EVEN. This makes me want to reread the series so bad. I also really enjoyed Taryn’s story, it really helped me understand her better as a character and I liked the writing perspective of it.
The other novellas are where I unfortunately have to subtract a bit. They weren’t poorly written at all! And I loved being back in the world of faerie. It was probably more a fault of mine for not enjoying them as much. I haven’t read the other trilogy in the folk of the air universe, and almost all of the novellas contained only characters from those. I will admit they were interesting and I loved the cameos of the OG trilogy characters (Any time Cardan appeared I screamed LOL). I was just confused by the politics because I don’t even know who any of these people are 😂 it would definitely help for me to come back to these stories another time. I also just didn’t really care for Heather’s story. It wasn’t boring, I just didn’t care.
Let’s talk about the artwork now. OMG. When you think of fan art for the cruel prince, your brain automatically goes to frostbite studios art. So when I heard she would be illustrating this novella I WAS OVER THE MOON! And this did not disappoint. Frostbite studios has outdone herself again and all the artwork was ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS. It was all amazing, but I gotta admit (I might be biased) that any time Cardan artwork was on page I literally screamed. I took pictures of all of it even though I physically own the book. That’s how good it is. Jude also looked so stunning and I loved seeing all of her outfits 🤭
Overall such a fun novella and it was so nice to be back in the world of elfhame. Cardan and Jude spinoff when?!
Spice: .5 (just some references throughout)
Language: moderate (infrequent)
(Updating my review because how could I forget the Taryn story?)
November 9, 2026
Imagine a crisp November day spent baking brownies and flipping through dreamy illustrations by *the* Frostbite Studios, all with this audiobook playing in my ears. BLISS🍃🗡️👑🤎🌸
I loved this trip back to Elfhame. Holly Black’s writing combines the mystical & the modern in the most bingeable way. I love how we jumped from a trip to Costco with Madoc to the political machinations of a yearning Cardan Greenbriar. This world has a very distinct aesthetic and I love, love, love it!
I loved this trip back to Elfhame. Holly Black’s writing combines the mystical & the modern in the most bingeable way. I love how we jumped from a trip to Costco with Madoc to the political machinations of a yearning Cardan Greenbriar. This world has a very distinct aesthetic and I love, love, love it!
November 7, 2026
The art is GORGEOUS.
The stories aren’t all new but i l enjoyed reading them again. I loved reading about the characters of modern faerie tales again. I missed them so much especially Roiben. I loved reading about cardan being all pathetic about jude.
P.s: i still don’t like taryn. It’s not the fact that she’s stupid or naive or any of those things that the story was trying to justify it’s the fact that she betrayed jude. Her own sister who would be willing to do everything for her.
The stories aren’t all new but i l enjoyed reading them again. I loved reading about the characters of modern faerie tales again. I missed them so much especially Roiben. I loved reading about cardan being all pathetic about jude.
P.s: i still don’t like taryn. It’s not the fact that she’s stupid or naive or any of those things that the story was trying to justify it’s the fact that she betrayed jude. Her own sister who would be willing to do everything for her.
November 8, 2026
could not give less of a fuck but the illustrations were stunning
Want to Read
March 24, 2026BREAKING NEWS: WE'RE SO BACK⋆°🍄🧚♂️⋆.ೃ࿔
AND IT'S ILLUSTRATED❗THE COVER IS STUNNING😩
🗣️ THANK YOU HOLLY BLACK, WE ALL SAY IN UNISON
AND IT'S ILLUSTRATED❗THE COVER IS STUNNING😩
🗣️ THANK YOU HOLLY BLACK, WE ALL SAY IN UNISON
November 7, 2026
I just wanted more Cardan and Jude and I still need more
March 24, 2026
pre-read: OMG the way i SCREAMED when i saw this announcement, this year is on fire for book releases
LOVE LOVE LOVE the illustrations were amazing, I could barely turn to the next page without staring at each one for at least a minute, all of the stories were so wonderful and amazing and took me back to the world of Elfhame, all whilst giving me new perspectives and pieces of the story. I feel like I want to reread this series now, or preferably inject it into my brain.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the illustrations were amazing, I could barely turn to the next page without staring at each one for at least a minute, all of the stories were so wonderful and amazing and took me back to the world of Elfhame, all whilst giving me new perspectives and pieces of the story. I feel like I want to reread this series now, or preferably inject it into my brain.
November 12, 2026
4 stars. Weaving together Holly Black's expert prose with gorgeous artwork from an artist I've loved for years, A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters is a treat of a short story collection that reminded me of how much I enjoy this world and series.
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