- epic showdown - 3. book - ya romantasy ………………………………………………………………………… Inhalt: An die Macht zu kommen ist einfacher, als an der Macht zu bleiben – das weiß keiner besser als Jude. Zwar ist sie die neue Elfenkönigin, doch König Cardan hat sie verraten und ins Exil geschickt. Um ihrer Schwester Taryn zu helfen, deren Leben in Gefahr ist, kehrt Jude nun an den Hof der Elfen zurück, entschlossen, ihre Position zurückzuerobern und Cardan nie wieder in ihr Herz zu lassen. Doch am Hof ist nichts mehr, wie es war. Ein Krieg braut sich zusammen und Jude gerät sofort zwischen die Fronten. Als ein mächtiger Fluch entfesselt wird, muss sie sich entscheiden zwischen ihren ehrgeizigen Plänen und ihrer Sterblichkeit … Rezension: Ich fand den Band richtig gut, vor allem das Ende war super schön und hat mich total mitgenommen. Zwischendurch war ich aber auch echt schockiert und teilweise richtig traurig – da ist einfach so viel passiert. Insgesamt ein starker Abschluss der Reihe.

war spannend, bin aber leider sehr sehr underwhelmed vom ende. der peak der eigentlich am ende kommen sollte ist total rushed und kurz und unbefriedigend. finde keinen character wirklich likeable und habe nach 4 büchern so gut wie keine emotionale bindung zu jeglichen charakteren, was ich sehr schade finde. die politischen aspekte haben mir jedoch hier gut gefallen, und das character development merkt man krass in dem buch im vergleich zu den vorherigen teilen.

Aaaah – after my turbulent journey through The Folk of the Air series, The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black truly captivated me. Jude finds herself in a difficult situation: she has been exiled to the human world and has to cope there. Even though she is human herself, she struggles immensely to readjust. Vivi and Oak do their best to support and comfort her. Especially for the ever-suspicious Jude, the exile is a heavy blow. She had trusted Cardan and now feels deeply betrayed. When her sister Taryn finally offers her a chance to return to the realm of the Fae, she doesn’t hesitate for long and accepts the offer. I read the third book right after the second, and once again Holly Black hooked me from the very first page. I love Jude as a protagonist: she’s persistent, cold as ice, and incredibly strong. Despite being physically inferior to the Fae, she exudes an awe-inspiring presence. And Cardan… somehow sneaked into my heart. With his unique way of being and especially his love for Jude, with all her rough edges, he became one of my favorite characters in the series. The political plot reaches its climax in this book: complex, deep-rooted conflicts arise that are not easy to resolve. As in the first two volumes, romance takes a back seat. The main focus lies on family feuds and the political entanglements of the different realms. The love story between Jude and Cardan feels like a realistic, believable development. It was lovely to follow their journey. Admittedly, I found both of them unnecessarily stubborn at times, but considering where they started and what they’ve been through, their behavior is completely understandable. For me, The Queen of Nothing was a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the main trilogy and I can wholeheartedly recommend the series.

Diese Reihe ist eine der wenigen, bei der ich erst ab Band zwei richtig begeistert war. Ich hatte das erste Buch mit drei Sternen bewertet, habe dann aber doch Buch zwei und drei noch eine Chance gegeben…und wow ich bin hin und weg! Der Schreibstil, die Charaktere, die Spannung, alles hat mich noch super fesseln können. Ich stand während „The Queen of Nothing“ teilweise echt an den Grenzen meiner Nerven. Ich bin sehr froh, dass ich zuvor nicht gespoilert wurde und die ganze Erfahrung von Anfang bis Ende auskosten durfte. Somit bekommt Buch drei die wohlverdienten 5⭐️ von mir!

This book emotionally DESTROYED me! I felt a deep deep heartache after finishing this because I didn't want to part ways with Elfhame, so I guess I understand now how Jude felt after the events of book 2. This bookseries made me feel so comfortable, challenged and at home that it was hard to put it out of my hands. The setting was brilliant, the intrigue nerve-wrecking and the conclusion to the long and tender romance plotline was chefs kiss. THIS is what I call a freaking PERFECT example of enemies-to-lovers! Well done, Holly Black! (Still can't forgive Taryn tho, even after 3 1/2 books but maybe one day I will have some sympathy to spare for her.)

i read all 3 books in one weekend and literally ate them up. the story is so good, i loved it so much! imo there could be little more romantic scenes but the ones that are there are amazing. i am so in love with carden and i recommend reading the letters he sent to jude! i am sad it was over. i cried haha. i love love love holly blacks writing style and the pacing and world building. i will definitely check out more of her books.

5⭐️ I totally love the develop of the Charakters and the plot. Jude and Cardan, gosh I love them, I don’t care if this is naiv what i say but i love how they get together and be together. In the second book i was shocked that cardan send Jude into exile, but now? Cardan has developed so well such like Jude and Im so happy for her and Taryn about their strong sisterhood. I was so happy, about the end

Ziemlich viel los hier.. Den Anfang hätte man einfacher haben können, wenn Jude ein bisschen schlauer gewesen wäre, aber naja.. Sie beweist später noch Intelligenz und es freut mich sehr, ihre Entwicklung mitzubekommen. Sehr schöner letzter Band, wenn auch sehr dramatisch. Hat mir aber gefallen und der Schreibstil hat sehr zum weiterlesen angeregt! Hätte ein bisschen mehr Spice sein können, aber darf ja auch mal sein🤭

Holly Black’s The Queen of Nothing is nothing short of a masterpiece, and it has solidified its place as one of my favourite books of all time. As the thrilling conclusion to The Folk of the Air trilogy, this book delivers everything I could have hoped for, intense drama, jaw-dropping twists, and a deeply satisfying romance that kept me captivated from beginning to end. One of the things I loved most about this book is how it brought Jude’s journey full circle. From being exiled to clawing her way back to power, Jude’s resilience and cunning were an absolute joy to experience. Her character development throughout the series has been phenomenal, and in The Queen of Nothing, she fully embraces her strength and intelligence. Watching her navigate the dangerous world of Elfhame, outsmart her enemies, and claim her rightful place was exhilarating. And, of course, there’s Cardan. His character arc in this book was beautifully done, his transformation from an arrogant prince to a powerful and wise king was breathtaking. His dynamic with Jude remains one of my favourite aspects of the series. The tension, the banter, and the undeniable chemistry between them made every moment they shared electric. Their relationship is complicated, raw, and utterly compelling. The plot itself was fast-paced and unpredictable. Holly Black masterfully weaves in political intrigue, betrayals, and heart-stopping action while still allowing space for quieter, emotional moments that truly hit home. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, devouring every page, desperate to know what would happen next. The way the story unfolded, especially the way the curse played out, was so clever and unexpected that I couldn’t help but be in awe of Black’s storytelling. Another thing that makes this book stand out is the world-building. Elfhame is as enchanting and deadly as ever, and I loved how the setting played such an integral role in the story. The magic, the creatures, the court politics, it all felt so immersive and real, making it easy to lose myself in this world. By the time I turned the final page, I felt completely satisfied, yet also deeply emotional that this journey had come to an end. The Queen of Nothing is a book I know I’ll return to again and again because of how much I adore these characters and this world. It is a story of power, love, sacrifice, and finding one’s place, and it resonated with me in a way few books ever have. If you haven’t read this series yet, I can not recommend it enough. The Queen of Nothing is the perfect conclusion to a breathtaking trilogy, and for me, it will always be a favourite.

WARNING: May contain spoilers! Holly Black has done it again. “The Queen of Nothing” is a breathtaking, fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster that leaves you in a state of complete whiplash. One moment, you’re gasping in shock; the next, you’re swooning over love letters that should be classified as deadly weapons. The pacing is so wild that by the time you reach the end, you have no idea what day it is, where you are, or how you’re supposed to move on from this story. While “The Wicked King” may still hold the title as the most jaw-dropping book in the trilogy, this final installment delivers everything—action, intrigue, and romance—in a way that makes it impossible to give anything less than five stars. At the heart of this chaos is Jude Duarte, our fierce, cunning, morally gray queen, who has finally come into her own. From the very beginning, she has fought tooth and nail for power, refusing to back down even when the odds were stacked against her. But here, we see her not just as the ambitious, sword-wielding strategist, but as a woman confronting her own heart. Her relationship with Cardan—full of tension, longing, and inevitable devotion—reaches its peak. They are still enemies, still rivals, but also something deeper: partners who would burn the world for each other. And Cardan—oh, Cardan. If you thought you loved him before, “The Queen of Nothing” will have you worshipping at his feet. This book peels back the final layers of his character, showing us the full extent of his transformation from wicked prince to devoted king. He is sharp-tongued, playful, and devastatingly romantic. And his letters to Jude? Pure gold. Beyond the main duo, the Court of Shadows deserves its flowers. The Bomb, The Roach, and The Ghost are the unsung legends of this series. The Bomb is an icon—deadly, intelligent, and full of heart. Her quiet, unwavering loyalty to Jude and her almost-but-not-quite-there romance with The Roach adds a layer of depth that’s impossible to ignore. And The Roach himself? The ultimate mentor—charming, sharp, and deeply protective in his own way. His fate in this book had me holding my breath, and I will never forgive Holly Black for the emotional damage she inflicted upon me. Then there’s The Ghost—the sneaky, backstabbing, complicated assassin. He betrayed Jude in “The Wicked King”, and I was ready to throw him into the ocean, but somehow, Holly Black made me feel things for him again. His arc left me with so many questions, and my spider senses tell me he and Taryn might be endgame. I’m not saying I ship it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his own novella someday. And speaking of complicated relationships, there’s Madoc, the war general who created his own monster. He has always been one of the most fascinating characters in this series—a warrior, a father, a master manipulator. He thrives on power and bloodshed, and his relationship with Jude is one of the most complex dynamics in the entire trilogy. He raised her, trained her, and yet, in “The Queen of Nothing”, he finally realizes the terrible mistake he made: he created a daughter just as ruthless, just as cunning, and just as power-hungry as he is. And now, she is the one standing in his way. There’s something almost tragic about Madoc here. He’s a villain, yes, but he is also a father who, in his own twisted way, truly loves his daughter. And that’s what makes him unforgettable. Beyond the power struggles and betrayals, “The Queen of Nothing” also gives us a look at the quieter, more human relationships—especially when it comes to Vivi and Heather. Vivi has been a wildcard throughout the trilogy, rejecting the rules of Elfhame and making choices based entirely on impulse. And honestly? I love that for her. But in this book, we finally see her take responsibility—not just for herself but for her relationship with Heather. Her love for Heather is one of the most real, human things in this book. She screws up, big time—lying, manipulating, and dragging Heather into a world she wasn’t ready for. But here, she realizes that love isn’t just about her desires; it’s about understanding, compromise, and choosing to stay. And Heather—while her role isn’t the biggest—grounds this story in something real. She represents everything Vivi tried to run from: a normal, human life, untouched by fae trickery. She had every reason to leave, yet she gives Vivi a second chance. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes it real. Then there’s Taryn. Oh, Taryn. The character I have had many complicated feelings about. She spent the first two books making choices that made me want to scream, but in “The Queen of Nothing”, she surprised me. Did she redeem herself? That depends on who you ask. But did she finally do something that made me cheer? Absolutely. Her decision to kill Locke was a moment of pure catharsis. After everything he put her through—the manipulation, the humiliation, the mind games—she finally took back her agency. And not only did she take him down, but she also played a crucial role in helping Jude reclaim her throne. She may not be the warrior her sister is, but she has her own kind of strength. Am I ready to fully forgive her? Not quite. But do I see potential for her to grow into a character I can root for? Maybe. And finally, we have Oak, the future of Elfhame. He is still just a child in this book, but let’s be real—he is not just any child. He is the heir to the throne, the one everyone wanted to manipulate, the one whose very existence could have changed the course of history. And yet, instead of being a pawn, Oak is just… a kid. A kid who loves his sisters, a kid who wants to be normal, a kid who doesn’t fully understand the weight of what his future holds. I love how Jude and Vivi are both fiercely protective of him in different ways—Vivi, by wanting to keep him far away from Elfhame, and Jude, by wanting him to be prepared for what’s coming. His role in this book might be small, but it’s clear he is going to be important in future stories (cough The Stolen Heir cough). This book gave us everything—action, political intrigue, shocking twists (Cardan. Serpent. WHAT.), and some of the most breathtaking romantic moments in fantasy. “The Queen of Nothing” delivers an ending that is satisfying, bittersweet, and right. And those love letters? Yeah. I’ll be thinking about them forever.

01:24 und ich habe den dritten dann auch direkt fertig haha. Der dritte Teil ist genauso gut wie der Zweite und ich kann nicht genug von Cardan und Jude bekommen. Ich bin traurig dass ich die Reihe jetzt fertig habe aber es war ein tolles Erlebnis und ich bin froh diese Bücher jetzt in meinem Bücherregal stehen zu haben. Vielleicht kommt das Buch von Oak ja bald dazu :). ( Jetzt erstmal TikToks zur Reihe angucken)

I liked this book more than the first two, but even though I enjoyed the ending, something was missing for me. Maybe I am just too much of a romantasy reader and I need a bit more romantic energy, like some dramatic final kiss or something. Jude and Cardan are mostly just grinning at each other.

Finished it in one day. Action-packed, and nicely written. However, what in the lazy writing is this? A lot of plot holes, a lot of cheesiness, a lot of fading character traits from all of the strong characters in the beginning. Not surprised but disappointed, although the series wasn’t bad and very interesting, the ending seemed rushed and all the interesting bits killed off and dismissed. Anyway, long live the giant serpent meal! (tf?)

War ein superschöner Abschluss der Geschichte von Jude und Cardan. Die beiden sind mir mittlerweile richtig ans Herz gewachsen mit ihrer lockeren und untypischen Art. Die love story an sich war einf einzigartig, denn ihre Charakterzüge und Details sind einf speziell und unvorhersehbar. Super spannend!

Es war etwas besser als die ersten beiden Teile. Aber auch das Finale hat nicht richtig begeistern können. Es hat sich gehetzt angefühlt. Auch die Strategie und die Verhandlungen kamen viel zu kurz. Für mich konnte die Reihe im Großen und Ganzen weder als Reihe die sich mit Politik beschäftigt, noch als Reihe mit zweitrangiger Lovestory überzeugen. Da es aber angenhem geschrieben war, und ich mich auch nicht durch das Buch quälen musste, insgesamt 3,5 Sterne.

A short while ago, I read The Cruel Prince and posted about how I wasn’t totally sold on it. I said that I didn’t love it, but it left me curious enough to keep going—and I am SO glad I did because The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing absolutely blew me away! Holly Black has created the most incredible world, and in my opinion, it’s pure genius. While it took me a while to immerse myself in it while reading The Cruel Prince, by the time I dove into book two, it became so vivid, enchanting, and dark that I felt like I was truly part of the world. Victoria Aveyard wasn’t wrong when she said that Holly Black is the Faerie Queen. I’d go even further and say she’s the queen of plot twists. I always say I’m someone who can often easily guess the plot of movies and books, but the twists in The Folk of the Air series? I NEVER saw them coming. I was left speechless more than once—just sitting there, clutching the book, staring into space, trying to process everything. The ending of The Wicked King? I’m so grateful I had The Queen of Nothing ready to go because I needed answers immediately. The characters are just as amazing as the world they live in—so complex, so layered, and, honestly, so infuriating (in the best way). Jude and Cardan’s dynamic is EVERYTHING. I love how flawed they are, how unpredictable they are, and how their choices constantly keep you guessing. And as much as Jude boiled my blood at times, I love her for her strength and cleverness. She is a true queen. I totally urge everyone to give this series a chance, even if The Cruel Prince didn’t win you over, because it only gets better. I’m still recovering from my Folk of the Air hangover, but I’m so thankful I read this amazing story. Absolutely loved it!

Wow! Wie gut war bitte dieses Buch? Nach Band 2 war ich etwas verwirrt, da ich das Gefühl hatte, das Ende nicht verstanden zu haben. Band 3 startete dann sofort super intensiv, es ist ständig etwas passiert & dann auch noch so unfassbar spannende Handlungsstränge. Ich konnte es nicht mehr weglegen. Und auch das Ende von Band 2 wurde aufgeklärt. Ich habe es geliebt, wie Jude in ihre Rolle reinwächst und das politische Spiel in Elfhame spielt wie keine andere. Auch die Entwicklung von Jude und Cardans Beziehung war glaubhaft, intensiv und für mich einfach nur perfekt (wer in diesem Buch aber allzu viel Romance erwartet, wird enttäuscht - für mich war es das genau richtige Maß für eine so hochkomplexe politische Story). Und dann dieser Plottwist - ich wusste nicht mehr wohin mit mir! Das Ende ging zwar insgesamt recht schnell - das Buch hat im Englischen aber halt auch nur 300 Seiten - aber wirkte auf mich trotzdem glaubhaft und rund. Ich habe zwar schon geahnt, wie Jude handeln wird, das zeigt mir aber nur, dass die Autorin es geschafft hat, mir Jude als Charakter so nah zu bringen, dass ich sie einschätzen kann und das LIEBE ich. So fühlt es sich an, als würde man die Charaktere kennen. Insgesamt wirklich eine grandiose Reihe, die ich jedem Fantasyfan empfehle! The Queen of Nothing war für mich der beste von drei Teilen, wobei das Niveau insgesamt einfach wahnsinnig hoch ist. 5+/5 Sternen

This series was EVERYTHING. I flew through all three books, and my only complaint is that they weren’t long enough. I loved it all—the writing style, the world-building, the characters—just everything. Apart from the final "riddle," which was very predictable, the twists and turns constantly took me by surprise, leaving me gasping more times than I could count. I went through so many emotions while reading this. I loved how unpredictable it felt; I was completely engrossed yet always on edge, tiptoeing through the story alongside the characters. And Jude—my girl Jude—absolutely has my heart. I admired her unshakable courage and how she pursued the ultimate prize without fear of mockery. At the same time, she was so deeply self-aware of her own desires, which made her journey all the more compelling. Honestly, I could go on forever, but I don’t think I could ever write a “proper” review. All I know is that this series was amazing, and I’ll treasure it forever.

I loved the series and read it although I don‘t really like the writing style of Holly Black, I don‘t know why, it just feels strange. The world building and character development were great, like always and I really liked the new characters too. The last 100 were a bit disappointing though, it just wan‘t what I‘d expected, I think a battle would‘ve been better, I still enjoyed it and read it in only 3 days so ⭐️3.5

Ich habe dieses Buch innerhalb von 3 Stunden durchgelesen. Ich habe es sofort nach dem 2ten Teil angefangen. Ich habe alles an diesem Buch geliebt! Das Ende war so schön,mir kamen beim Lesen teilweise die Tränen kamen. Ich liebe Jude und Cardan so sehr ❤️❤️❤️ Schade das diese Reihe nun zu Ende ist. Ich kann jedem empfehlen diese Reihe zu lesen! 5 von 5 Sternen ⭐

Was soll ich sagen, ist wirklich einfach eine großartige Fantasy Reihe. Ich fühl das Pärchen nicht so aber weil es einfach auch 0 darum geht, ist es mir egal. Fand die ganze Welt, das ganze Konzept und die Politik einfach super spannend und diesen Schreibstil so toll! Ich kann einfach nicht wirklich differenzieren was ich kritisieren könnte und weil diese Reihe für mich wie ein einziges langes Buch wirkt, bewerte ich alle mit 5 Sternen. ⭐️