How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air series): a stunning full colour edition set in the faerie world of Elfhame

Newly available in paperback: the captivating world of Elfhame that started with The Cruel Prince, captured in colour, with stunning illustrations by Rovina Cai.
Once upon a time there was a boy with a wicked tongue…
Before Cardan was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. In this sumptuously illustrated tale, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king. 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.
This new instalment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humour and drama that enchanted readers everywhere.

From the Publisher

Written by Holly Black

Holly Black is the author of bestselling contemporary fantasy books. The Folk of the Air series began with The Cruel Prince in 2018, nominated for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2019. She lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret door.

Illustrated by Rovina Cai

Rovina Cai is an international award winning illustrator who works across a variety of genres. Her poetic imagery has served as book covers, and as interior art for magazines, novels and picture books.

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue …

An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame from bestselling Folk of the Air author Holly Black.

Before Cardan was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone. Holly Black reveals the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king. Including delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, adventures beyond The Queen of Nothing, and moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told from Cardan’s perspective. A return to the heart-racing romance, danger and drama. Each chapter is paired with lavish full-colour art, the perfect collector’s item.

Stunning full-colour illustrations throughout by award-winning artist Rovina Cai. A thrilling companion tale to the Folk of the Air trilogy.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hot Key Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 8 Jan. 2026
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1471421007
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1471421006
Item weight ‏ : ‎ 362 g
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.2 x 1.7 x 19.8 cm
Best Sellers Rank: 5,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) 5 in Fairy Tales & Folklore for Young Adults 34 in Fantasy & Supernatural Mysteries & Thrillers for Young Adults 60 in Contemporary Fantasy for Young Adults
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