The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black 3 Books Collection Box Set - Ages 14+ - Paperback

The Folk of the Air trilogy by Holly Black is a mesmerizing and captivating series that transports readers to the world of faerie, where magic, politics, and deadly power struggles reign. The trilogy consists of three books: The Cruel Prince , The Wicked King , and The Queen of Nothing , and each book is an unputdownable page-turner that leaves readers wanting more.

The Cruel Prince introduces us to the main character, Jude Duarte, who is a mortal girl living in the world of Faerie. She and her twin sister, Taryn, were kidnapped by a faerie general, Madoc after he killed their parents. Madoc raised them as his own daughters in the Court of Elfhame alongside his biological son, Prince Cardan. Although Jude is constantly bullied by Cardan and his friends, she dreams of becoming a knight in the Court and earning her place among the faeries.

As the story unfolds, Jude becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics and power as various factions in the Court vie for control. She also discovers a deadly plot to overthrow the royal family and becomes determined to stop it, even if it means risking her own life.

The Wicked King continues the story of Jude as she tries to maintain her power and protect her family in the face of new threats. She must navigate the treacherous world of faerie politics and make alliances with unlikely allies in order to stay alive.

The Queen of Nothing brings the trilogy to a thrilling conclusion as Jude faces her greatest challenge yet. She must save the kingdom from impending war and confront the person who has been manipulating events from behind the scenes.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Folk of the Air trilogy is Holly Black's world-building. She creates a rich and complex universe full of magical creatures, intricate political systems, and fascinating characters. The Court of Elfhame is a particularly vivid and memorable setting, with its glittering parties, deadly competitions, and hidden secrets. Black's descriptions of the faeries themselves are also wonderfully imaginative, from the winged pixies to the fierce, wolf-like hounds.

Another strength of the trilogy is its characters. Jude is a compelling protagonist, with her fierce determination, sharp wit, and vulnerability. She is a mortal in a world of immortals, and her struggles to find her place and assert her power are relatable and compelling. The other characters in the series are equally well-drawn, from the cruel and enigmatic Prince Cardan to the conniving Lady Orlagh.

The relationships between the characters are also a highlight of the series. Jude and Cardan's relationship, in particular, is a fascinating and complex one, full of tension, attraction, and betrayal. Their interactions are always charged with electricity, and readers will find themselves rooting for them even as they wonder if they can trust each other.

The Folk of the Air trilogy is a dark and gritty series full of violence, betrayal, and morally ambiguous characters. It is not a series for the faint of heart, and some readers may find the brutality and amorality of the faeries off-putting. However, for those who are willing to take the plunge, the series is a thrilling and addictive read that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Overall, the Folk of the Air trilogy is a masterful work of fantasy that deserves all the accolades it has received. Holly Black has created a rich and immersive world full of magic, politics, and danger, populated by unforgettable characters. The series is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and political intrigue, and it will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Titles in this set :

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air Book 1)

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air Book 2)

The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air Book 3)

Description from the publisher:

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air Book 1)
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 (The Folk of the Air Book 2)
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 (The Folk of the Air Book 3)
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.