How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air) Paperback – May 7, 2024

Wonderful background about a character with so many layers and intrigue. I was thrilled to see how action packed a story could be when the star is someone who has no talent for action.

I hate that this was a novella and not a whole novel because diving into Cardan’s mind was such an interesting little adventure.I loved the stories told inside and the glances into his and Jude’s future. It also showcased a lot of his past, both the bad and the good (mostly bad though) and through this, we could see his path towards wickedness - how everything started from the moment he took his first breath. One of my favourite parts was the illustrations that came with the book which made me fall in love with the characters all over again (and grin like a fool when it showed Cardan obsessing over Jude being a mortal).<spoilers> The one part that had me miffed was when Cardan learnt about Nicasia and Locke, I wish he had done more because he didn’t deserve that at all (this cemented my hate for Locke and I did very much enjoy Cardan punching him). </spoilers>Overall, this was an amazing addition to the series and I just wish it was longer because I didn’t want to finish it!

I was surprised how much I liked this book. These stories did a good job at humanize Cardan, I liked him in the Cruel Prince(the Folk of Air) series as well but I loved seeing more of his story. I also started liking Balkin, the eldest brother more too. Despite the toxic relationship the two of them have, I do think that him and Cardan did love each other. Whatever that means for them. I also liked how we got to see how much Jude and Cardan’s relationship has changed. Despite everything the two of them are very good together and I’m glad that they seem to have a relatively healthy relationship. I also liked that the book didn’t just rehash things covered in the previous books instead we got new info. My favorite part was seeing what happened between Cardan and Nicasia, it wasn’t overly dramatic but it did help make Cardan more complex and relatable. This was a quick read and is a fast way to revisit with the characters from the Folk of Air series. Overall, I’m glad I read it it was a lighthearted book that further endeared Cardan to me, I will now have to go back and re-read the series now

I understand all good books must come to an end at some point and the folk of the air trilogy was not meant to last. As sad as that fact makes me, because those books mean the world to me. But for that trilogy to end and then we receive this from the queen herself. What? I am shaken. This was EVERYTHING that I did not even know that I needed, but now I will never be able to forget about.This reads like a fairy tale story, and I guess in a lot of ways it is, and I loved that about it. It had stunning chapter art, and all the stories were connected to lead up to the final story, Jude, and Cardan’s last adventure. It was heartwarming, it was reflective, it was a feel-good little story about two of my favorite comfort characters, but mainly Cardan. This explained Cardan so much more. I already loved him, but this cemented that feeling. This book will forever hold a very special place in my heart now and forever.Read this if you love the Folk of the Air trilogy and Cardan and Jude are two of your favorite characters. This is a mini back story and a mini continuation of their story in fairy tale form and with stunning artwork throughout!Happy reading besties 💕

This was a nice little novella that dives into Cardan’s mind and provides his perspective on his history, some of the events throughout the Folk of the Air trilogy, and some hints into his and Jude’s future.It explained a lot of why he behaved the way he did, especially early on in the story. You can see how events early in his life started to shape him and honestly push him towards being cruel and wicked.While short, as this book progresses, we see Cardan question who he is and who he wants to be. He begins to realize he can be more than what his family has made him and he fully steps into his own identity.

Beautifully written and illustrated! A must for any lover of Cruel Prince!

I really really enjoyed getting to see Carden and his side of life. The different stories were all so interested and interconnected and things that were shown from Jude's side in the Trilogy were much different than they were in Carden point od view. This was such a fun and beautiful might i add book to ads to the collection. The Art was stunning, I want to find some of these prints and print them off they are actually so beautiful and creative and I think it added so much to this fantasy world.

this was a nice little change of pace for cardan. i liked learning more about him and the stor(ies) were cute. :)