solaris_zip 's review for:

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

3.0

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

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I have definitely grew attached to Jude and Cardan’s character. This book explores their relationship more, entering in the complicated tangle of love. The book is rather fast paced in comparison to the previous two. Because is the last of the trilogy there is less world building, if none at all, and straight to the point with more dialogue which made everything flow fast, perhaps too fast. I feel there were a lot of things overlooked or paced through. We had some very heartwarming moments between Cardan and Jude, and yet they weren’t enough. It’s a fantasy book cantering around the politics of a fae world as its main focus, but, it’s also an enemies to lovers tale. And we had the enemies, just lacking on the lovers part. We had snippets here and there but not enough in my opinion. The ending was cute, and it ends well the trilogy, but once again I wished to see more of Cardan and Jude figuring out their relationship. 

I loved their character development. From Jude accepting that she indeed, belongs in elfhame to Cardan’s character. Who’s complex and layered. And we get to see a new side of him. I especially liked when he showed, not just told, Jude that he indeed loved her. 

I feel there were a lot of things that could be explored. Jude’s role as queen, as a mortal queen. The struggles with the crown. Her relationship with her twin sister, which for the love of god, after being betrayed twice is insane the fact Jude has forgiven her so quickly. I wish to explore Jude’s and Cardan’s feelings more. What happened after he came back? After they go in that room being the throne, what’s their connection like? How do they rule together?

Overall, this is a good trilogy. I feel I would give 4 stars for the three books together. It’s mostly politically focus, which is not a bad thing necessarily, but sometimes there is an unbalanced between the political aspects of the book and everything else. Almost as if the author tried to squeeze as much stuff as possible. It’s good, and I love Jude and Cardan, but it’s not the best.