A review by baexlee
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

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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