A review by km_reads_and_edits
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Tonally, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories was like an eerie, grimdark fairytale. Both the story and the artwork were beautiful and unsettling and magical all at the same time. Getting immersed in this book truly felt like stepping into a land of messed-up fables (and I loved every minute of it). Also, the artwork is giving Where the Wild Things Are vibes, which was my favourite picture book as a child.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is book no. 3.5 in Holly Black's The Folk of the Air Series. Before reading it, you will want to have already read the following:
1. The Cruel Prince
1.5 The Lost Sisters (not worth reading as Taryn's POV adds very little to the story, in my opinion)
2. The Wicked King
3. The Queen of Nothing
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