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nathalienajibi 's review for:
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories
by Holly Black
This book was pure magic. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is exactly what my Folk of the Air–loving heart needed—an enchanting, whimsical, and surprisingly emotional peek into Cardan’s life that made me love him even more than I already did. Holly Black has such a gift for storytelling, and this novella reminded me why I fell in love with her writing in the first place.
First of all, the format was brilliant. The mix of short stories, interconnected vignettes, and stunning illustrations made the book feel like a fairytale come to life. Every page felt special, like you were holding a piece of Elfhame in your hands. It wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. I caught myself slowing down just to take in the art and savor the words, which doesn’t happen often with me.
And Cardan… oh, Cardan. Getting his perspective was everything. Seeing his childhood, his scars, and the events that shaped him gave such depth to a character who already feels larger than life. I loved how Holly Black didn’t shy away from showing his flaws and cruelty, but balanced that with vulnerability and yearning. It made him more human (well, faerie) and infinitely more relatable. By the time I finished, I felt like I understood him on a whole new level.
I also adored the way stories within the story were used to mirror his journey. The recurring fairytale-like tales wove in beautifully, giving layers of meaning and emotion. They added this bittersweet, timeless quality that made the novella feel like both a companion piece and a standalone fable.
The moments with Jude, though brief, were absolute perfection. Their relationship is one of my all-time favorites, and seeing Cardan reflect on her and what she means to him was heart-melting. Even in just a few lines, the intensity of their bond came through, reminding me why I’ll never get over these two.
If I had to describe the overall vibe, it felt like a love letter to the series, the characters, and the readers. It didn’t need the big twists or political intrigue of the main books—it was quieter, more introspective, but just as powerful. It left me with that aching, satisfied feeling you only get from truly special stories.
This little book might be short, but it packs so much heart, beauty, and magic into its pages. It’s a must-read for anyone who loved The Cruel Prince trilogy and wants one more chance to step into Elfhame. Five stars without hesitation—I’ll be rereading it whenever I need a dose of faerie magic and Cardan’s sharp, aching charm.
First of all, the format was brilliant. The mix of short stories, interconnected vignettes, and stunning illustrations made the book feel like a fairytale come to life. Every page felt special, like you were holding a piece of Elfhame in your hands. It wasn’t just a story—it was an experience. I caught myself slowing down just to take in the art and savor the words, which doesn’t happen often with me.
And Cardan… oh, Cardan. Getting his perspective was everything. Seeing his childhood, his scars, and the events that shaped him gave such depth to a character who already feels larger than life. I loved how Holly Black didn’t shy away from showing his flaws and cruelty, but balanced that with vulnerability and yearning. It made him more human (well, faerie) and infinitely more relatable. By the time I finished, I felt like I understood him on a whole new level.
I also adored the way stories within the story were used to mirror his journey. The recurring fairytale-like tales wove in beautifully, giving layers of meaning and emotion. They added this bittersweet, timeless quality that made the novella feel like both a companion piece and a standalone fable.
The moments with Jude, though brief, were absolute perfection. Their relationship is one of my all-time favorites, and seeing Cardan reflect on her and what she means to him was heart-melting. Even in just a few lines, the intensity of their bond came through, reminding me why I’ll never get over these two.
If I had to describe the overall vibe, it felt like a love letter to the series, the characters, and the readers. It didn’t need the big twists or political intrigue of the main books—it was quieter, more introspective, but just as powerful. It left me with that aching, satisfied feeling you only get from truly special stories.
This little book might be short, but it packs so much heart, beauty, and magic into its pages. It’s a must-read for anyone who loved The Cruel Prince trilogy and wants one more chance to step into Elfhame. Five stars without hesitation—I’ll be rereading it whenever I need a dose of faerie magic and Cardan’s sharp, aching charm.