The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black is an amazing fantasy series that will transport you to a magical world filled with treacherous politics, intense romance, and dark secrets. This series is comprised of four books: The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, The Queen of Nothing, and How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. Each book is a captivating read that will leave you wanting more.

The series follows the story of Jude Duarte, a human girl who has been raised in the world of Faerie, where mortals are considered inferior and are often mistreated. Jude is a fierce and determined character who has been forced to navigate the dangerous politics of the faerie court. She is cunning, quick-witted, and unafraid to take risks, making her an unforgettable protagonist that readers will root for throughout the series.

In the first book, The Cruel Prince, we are introduced to Jude's world and the characters that inhabit it. We learn about the faerie hierarchy, the different courts, and the various factions vying for power. We also meet Prince Cardan, the cruel and charismatic faerie who makes Jude's life a living nightmare. Despite his cruelty, Jude finds herself drawn to him, and their complicated relationship is a central focus of the series.

The Wicked King picks up where the first book left off, with Jude continuing to navigate the treacherous faerie court. This book is full of twists and turns, with unexpected betrayals and shocking revelations that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. We see Jude grow in her role as a spy and strategist, and we witness the complex web of alliances and enemies that she must navigate to protect herself and those she loves.

The third book, The Queen of Nothing, is a thrilling conclusion to the series that ties up all the loose ends and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. In this book, Jude must confront her enemies and face the consequences of her actions. We see her character development come full circle as she makes difficult choices and sacrifices to protect the people she cares about.

Finally, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a collection of short stories set in the same world as The Folk of the Air series. These stories offer readers a deeper understanding of the characters and events that shape the series. They also provide a glimpse into the history and lore of the faerie world, making it a must-read for fans of the series.

Overall, The Folk of the Air series is a captivating and thrilling read that will transport you to a magical world filled with political intrigue, danger, and romance. Holly Black's writing is beautifully crafted, and her characters are complex and unforgettable. Whether you are a fan of fantasy or simply looking for an engaging read, this series is not to be missed.

Titles in this set:

1. The Cruel Prince
2. The Wicked King
3. The Queen of Nothing
4. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (Hardback)

Description from the publisher:

The Cruel Prince
Of course, I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal. As Jude grows older, she realises that she will need to take part in the dangerous deceptions of the fey to ever truly belong.

The Wicked King
I have heard that for mortals, the feeling of falling in love is very much like the feeling of fear. Jude has tricked Cardan onto the throne, binding him to her for a year and a day. But the new High King does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her, even as his fascination with her remains undimmed. Meanwhile, a traitor in the court is scheming against her. Jude must fight for her life and the lives of those she loves, all while battling her own complicated feelings for Cardan. Now a year and a day seem like no time at all . . .

The Queen of Nothing
After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watching reality television and doing odd jobs, including squaring up to a cannibalistic faerie. When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking a favour, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal. When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (Hardback)

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue...

Before Cardan was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. In this sumptuously illustrated tale, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame's enigmatic high king. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar but pivotal moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan's perspective.

This new instalment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humour and drama that enchanted readers everywhere.

About the Author:

Holly Black is an award-winning American author known for her work in the young adult fiction genre. She was born in West Long Branch, New Jersey, in 1971 and grew up in a rural area surrounded by forests and fields, which may have inspired her interest in fantasy and folklore. Black studied English and creative writing at The College of New Jersey before moving to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry.

Black's writing career began with the publication of her first novel, Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale, in 2002. Since then, she has written numerous best-selling books, including The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Modern Faerie Tales series, and The Folk of the Air series. Her work has been praised for its vivid and imaginative world-building, complex characters, and themes that explore the darker aspects of human nature.