So, here we are, The Queen of Nothing, the final, jaw-clenching installment in Holly Black‘s faerie-series The Folk of the Air trilogy. Holly Black had given us a whirlwind of betrayal, steamy tension, and plot twists that had many jaw dropping moments more than expected.
If you like these kind of latest Fantasy stories, you can surely checkout Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews. Also, if you like to get Free Book Review and Recommendation of latest Books, you can Follow our Newsletter.
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black Summary Spoilers
What is The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black about? — The story starts with Jude Duarte, our brave, mortal, swordslinging heroine, —eating takeout and sulking in the human world, probably questioning all her life choices (starts off exactly where you’d expect after being exiled by the love of her life).
But before she can drown too deeply in her mortal misery, who shows up on her doorstep? None other than her twin sister, Taryn, with a secret and a plea so shocking that Jude’s already-banished world gets turned upside down. Again.
Obviously, Jude can’t resist a good crisis, especially if it involves jumping back into the dangerously seductive world of Elfhame, the land of pointy-eared tricksters, power-hungry nobility, and, oh yeah, her not-so-ex husband Cardan Greenbriar, the snarky, morally questionable High King.
Cardan might’ve sent her packing, but Jude’s got her pride—and now, thanks to Taryn, an iron-clad excuse to go sneaking back into Faerie. Does she smell a potential redemption arc? Possibly. Or maybe just another excuse to plunge into a mess of betrayal and politics?
Back in Faerie, things quickly go from bad to worse to absolutely out of control. Jude, despite being mortal, has never been one to shy away from a challenge (or fifty), and now she’s entangled in the danger of the faerie court again. The question lingers: is she here to save her kingdom, or to settle a score with the charismatic king who stole her heart? (Spoiler alert: probably both).
And then—plot twist! Cardan, in his usual dramatic fashion, manages to unleash an ancient, terrifying curse upon Elfhame that throws the whole kingdom into chaos and leaves him in.. let’s say, an unusual condition. Suddenly Jude has to figure out whether she’s here to fight for the kingdom, for Cardan, or for the power that’s been calling her name since the beginning. But can Jude ever forgive Cardan?
As alliances shift and enemies lurk around every corner, Jude faces a gauntlet of brutal choices. She must navigate betrayals, battle ancient powers, and sort out a love-hate relationship. The banter? The romance? Deliciously tense. And the plot twists?
Ultimately, The Queen of Nothing serves up a wild mix of revenge, reluctant forgiveness, and power plays galore. By the end, you’ll be left wondering: can Jude and Cardan’s love survive the ultimate test? Will Jude finally get the respect she deserves as Queen?
Book Review: The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Ah, The Queen of Nothing—the finale that had us biting our nails, cheering, and questioning Jude’s life choices. Jude returns to Faerie with her usual stubbornness and knack for trouble, only to find that Cardan, her delightfully wicked husband, has gone and unleashed an ancient curse. Typical, right?
The love-hate dance between Jude and Cardan? Nice. It’s got that ‘will-they-or-won’t-they’ energy but set against a backdrop of deadly fairy court drama, which, let’s be real, is exactly what the readers signed up for. But with the kingdom at stake, will Jude actually save it, or just get herself banished (again)? If you love dangerous faeries, clever heroines, and a love story that’s as messy as it is magical, this one’s a gem.
Rating of The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75
The Queen of Nothing Character List:
- Jude Duarte – Fierce but Mortal heroine torn between love, power, and survival in Faerie.
- Cardan Greenbriar – High King of Elfhame with a sharp tongue
- Taryn Duarte – Jude’s twin sister, who often seems like the sweet one but is something else.
- Madoc – Jude’s brutal, ambitious adoptive father, a war general
- Vivi Duarte – Jude and Taryn’s rebellious older sister.
- Oak – Jude’s young brother, the true heir to the throne.
- Nicasia – Cardan’s ex and a powerful, member of the Undersea.
- The Ghost – Skilled spy who once mentored Jude.
- The Bomb – A talented explosive expert.
- The Roach – A skilled thief and master of disguise.
Quotes from the Queen of Nothing
“Sometimes, it’s the ones you love the most who hurt you the deepest.”
“You think love is all about sacrifice? It’s also about freedom.”
Explosives are like friendships; they can be volatile but also beautiful.
Read other Posts:
About the Author:
Holly Black is the NY Times bestseliing author of 25+ books including kids and adult. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages and also been adapted as film.
She has been a recipient of the Mythopoeic Award and Newbery Honor.
Do share this post with the fan of Holly Black and do comment your favourite book of hers.
