The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

This was addictive reading. Immediately after I finished, I went to read reviews because it was the closest thing to talking about it with someone that I could do. As such, I’ve read a number of less-positive reviews of this book, and honestly, many of the issues they highlight are things I totally see. A number of massive plot points from the last book – like the Ghost’s betrayal or Lady Asha’s return to court – fizzle out to nothing, forgotten; Jude’s duplicitous twin Taryn basically does a complete 180 to stand loyally in Jude’s court without that fully being explained; Cardan seems to have forgotten the “hate” part of his love-hate dynamic with Jude and apparently tried to bring her back to court immediately after exiling her, claiming the exile was just a test?!? However, I did not notice or care about any of those things while I was actually reading. I was swept along for the ride.
So why did I enjoy this book so much? Honestly, just lots of great character moments. Jude’s confrontation with her father figure, Madoc, felt so high-stakes and thrilling. I liked how the Jude/Cardan thing played out. It was satisfying to see Jude outwit her enemies even though I admit she was a bit slow to do so, to the point that when I left off reading yesterday it was in a huff about how she could be so stupid. For me, it was a rewarding follow-up to the brilliant The Wicked King, and certainly leagues ahead of the first book. Maybe not the tightest-plotted novel ever, but still so fun.
Books in the Folk of the Air series
- The Cruel Prince (no review available)
- The Wicked King
- The Queen of Nothing (you are here)