Since he was well aware that they both took delight in hurting everyone else that they could, how could he have thought himself safe? spoilers> The one part that had me miffed was when Cardan learnt about Nicasia and Locke, I wish he had done more because he didn’t deserve that at all (this cemented my hate for Locke and I did very much enjoy Cardan punching him). This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar but pivotal moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective. Whatever a reader is looking for--heart-in-throat action, deadly romance, double-crossing, moral complexity--this is one heck of a ride.

We get to see Locke, and his empty house and even emptier heart, teach Cardan the word “cruel” on every page. The 103 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Holly Black adds to Cardan’s character and the world of The Folk of the Air series without just rewriting the story from another character’s point for view. I feel blessed to read about each time Holly gives us a new book, and this will for sure be a favorite of mine for all of 2020. Aslog’s story changes as Cardan does, with a new ending and meaning for each retelling, each stage of his life.The main series is predominantly about Jude so I think a book from Cardan’s perspective was definitely necessary.

Plus there’s his romantic relationship with Nicasia and how he tries to convince himself that he could rule with her in the Undersea. Breathtaking set pieces, fully developed supporting characters, and a beguiling, tough-as-nails heroine enhance an intricate, intelligent plot that crescendos to a jaw-dropping third-act twist. holly black said i know ur all depressed and stuck at home,,, lemme just brighten up ur whole quarantine.

Although not pivotal to the main plot and story it gives it an edge that it didn’t have before reading this. He struggles with his identity of a prince who should feel like he has everything, and a boy who feels like he has nothing.