The Folk of the air 3.5: How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories - Holly Black

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black is a beautifully illustrated companion novella set in the world of The Folk of the Air. Told entirely from Cardan’s perspective, this enchanting volume offers readers a deeper understanding of one of fantasy’s most compelling and morally complex characters.

Before Cardan was the High King of Elfhame — before he was feared, desired and misunderstood — he was a faerie child shaped by cruelty, loneliness and a dangerous court. This story traces his journey from wicked-tongued prince to powerful ruler, revealing the emotional wounds and hidden vulnerabilities beneath his sharp exterior.

The book revisits pivotal moments from The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing, while also expanding beyond the trilogy with new scenes and untold adventures. Through richly lyrical prose and stunning illustrations by Rovina Cai, readers experience Elfhame through Cardan’s eyes — a world of beauty, treachery, love and storytelling itself.

Main Themes

• Power and transformation
• Identity and vulnerability
• Love and rivalry
• Court intrigue and faerie politics
• Storytelling and perception
• Redemption and emotional growth

Why You Should Read This Book by Holly Black

• A must-read for fans of The Folk of the Air
• Explores Cardan’s inner world in depth
• Features gorgeous illustrations throughout
• Expands the beloved fantasy universe

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a captivating return to Holly Black’s faerie realm. Poignant, dark and beautifully illustrated, it enriches the original trilogy by illuminating Cardan’s past and heart. For fans longing to step once more into Elfhame, this companion novella is both a treasure and a revelation.