How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories: A Love Letter to Cardan
Let me take a moment to just scream with you, dear readers. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! If that doesn’t capture my sheer excitement for How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black, then I don’t know what will! If you’ve been following the Folk of the Air series, you’ll know that my heart has long belonged to Cardan—his charm, his turmoil, and that unapologetic dark side of his character. So, when the news broke that we’d get to dive into his world from his perspective, I was practically counting down the days, waiting for that glorious moment when I could finally devour this book.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I was fully prepared for an enchanting journey back to Elfhame. However, I must admit, after the anticipation and excitement, I found myself feeling a tad underwhelmed. Sure, it was fabulous to see the narrative unfold through Cardan’s eyes as he navigates his complex relationship with storytelling, but I couldn’t help but yearn for more interactions with Jude. The heart of what makes this series so magnetic is their tumultuous bond, and I felt the absence of those moments keenly.
Instead, we spent considerable time with Nicasia, and while she’s no longer the antagonist I used to view her as, I really wanted to revisit those electrifying Cardan and Jude scenes that had me swooning in the first place—which I envisioned quite vividly. Too much Nicasia? Maybe. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate the character’s growth. Still, it’s hard to overlook that gap where my favorite fiery interactions could’ve been!
As for Holly Black’s writing, it shimmers like fairy dust throughout the pages, echoing the whimsical and yet haunting nature of Elfhame. The pacing ebbs and flows—some sections had me swept away, while others felt like they lingered in the wrong places. Yet, can we just take a moment to appreciate those enchanting illustrations? They added a beautiful layer to the storytelling, illuminating Cardan’s journey in a way that made my heart flutter.
And oh, that final story! I practically wept! To say I loved the conclusion might be an understatement; it captured everything I adore about Cardan, leaving me both content and yearning for more. It was an absolute dream that reminded me why I fell in love with this world in the first place.
In the end, despite my initial letdown, I can’t help but rate this book highly. Why? Cardan, obviously! If you share my obsession, this tale will still enchant you, offering a delightful glimpse into his heart and mind. This book is for anyone who has been captivated by the beautifully complicated life of Cardan and the enchanting world Holly Black has meticulously crafted.
So, if you find yourself inclined to indulge in a story swirling with magic, love, and heartbreak—all wrapped within the captivating gaze of our beloved King of Elfhame—this book is a must-read. Just don’t forget to have a pillow nearby for those moments when you need to scream and fan over Cardan a little more. A stripped-down reality check to myself: Yes, maybe I do have a bit of a problem, but I’ve chosen to embrace it!
Until next time, I’ll be here rocking back and forth in anticipation, counting down the days to whatever comes next in this addictive universe. Hides behind a pillow and mumbles about Cardan…
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