Reviews with content warning for Slavery - The Queen of Nothing

I started reading The Cruel Prince and finished it the same day. I immediately picked up the next book and continued reading. This series really sucked me in and wouldn't let go. I read the 3 books in 3 days and I love them all!

It was totally different to what I expected but still amazing. I didn't think it would be so natury and also brutal. This book honestly turned around lots of my expectations about myself. If I had known before what this book is about I would probably have thought that it's too brutal for me and too much political intruige. While reading I really didn't mind though. I actually really enjoyed it.

And The Queen of Nothing was definitely the finale I hoped it would be!! I was really scared that Holly Black wouldn't be able to find a satisfying conclusion to all the drama intruige and betrayal - and yet she did. I loved the ending and I love this whole series. It is so unique and I am so glad that I have read it.

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egurgens's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Holly Black, you’ve done it again. The massive conflict between the Crown and Judes father, who commands an army of his own. There are several surprises in store in this book, as well as a truly stunning transformation for Carden. I really loved this book, and I’m very sad the series is over. 10/10 would recommend.

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katreadswaytoomuch's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I didn’t really feel surprised anymore with the series. I grew very accustomed to expecting the unexpected. And maybe this is just me, but I feel like no one in Fairy should ever trust a human given their ability to lie. I think that just a weird plot hole. Idk — talk me out of it?

Thinking back, there seems to be a lot of convenient plot devices a lot. I’m not a huge fan of frivolous characters, but I think the pace of the series makes up for it.

Other than all that, I really loved the direction the plot took. Jude’s role in

the reconciliation

was important and meaningful, and I like her reflections on

the importance of ruling.

I though Vivi’s and Heather’s relationship was great.

I always advocate for how important it is to continually try and re-win your significant other.

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stllyltc's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The story made no loopholes, making all the characters deserving of praise. Somehow all the hatred that stemmed while reading the book subsided as it got the justice in all forms. The ending was not abrupt yet it truly felt like a new beginning, the unfamiliar scent and feeling that happens whenever something new arises. It evoked all emotions aside, letting the readers learn numerous lessons of sacrifice, regrets and forgiveness. It made me think if I was in their own shoes, could I have made the same decision as them? A lot of questions had left my mouth but nevertheless it was worth the hype.

One thing I might have wanted more from the story was Jude and Cardan's affairs which had lots of gaps from the unstoppable call of dangers.

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baexlee's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my first five star read of 2021 and it was a whirlwind. I devoured The Queen of Nothing and thought of nothing else when I wasn't able to read it. There was weight and intensity packed neatly into a well paced and unexpected thrill ride. Maybe I was just charmed by the character development and romance (because whew) but Jude's journey from her mortal exile to the conclusion of the novel really swept me away.

Black continues to explore the complicated dynamics of the Duarte sisters by

forcing Jude and Taryn's reunion in the mortal realm.

As I read this novel I realized how limited Jude's perceptions of herself had been in previous installments, despite the fact the Faerie cannot lie. As Jude begins to unravel the mystery that has been tangled at her feet it becomes clear the Jude doesn't truly see herself the way that other's see her.

There is a great balance of mystery and riddle weaved throughout and the magic of Faerieland is vivid and details in the descriptions of the environment. Now, I'll keep Cardan content to the spoilers.

"Come here," he says, voice rough. I do, crossing the floor obediently. I might be inexperienced in love, but I know a lot about provocation. I slide to my knees in front of him. "Is this what you imagined I'd be like, back in your rooms at Hollow Hall, when you thought of me and hated it? Is this how you pictured my eventual surrender?"

Oh my god. This fucking part killed me, this is so Jude and sometimes these character moments during sex can feel so awkward or just repetitive and basic but this is so distinct and so Cardan and Jude and honestly their entire relationship is just delightfully flawed and real.

"We have lived in our armor for so long, you and I. And now I am not sure if either of us knows how to remove it."

Cardan is really making my heart drop. We get to see a lot more of him in this novel, and we also get to see a lot less of him, and more of him, and we lose him, and get him back. It's complicated. But overall, I'm glad that the fates came to pass and Jude and Cardan made it out on the other side.

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