The Queen of Nothing

Holly Black, Caitlin Kelly

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Clock82 Min Reading Time
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cover backgroundThe Queen of Nothing

About this book

Exiled and powerless, Jude, the mortal Queen of Faerie, reels from Cardan's betrayal. She plots her revenge, but a desperate plea from her twin sister, Taryn, offers a chance to return to the treacherous world of Elfhame. Drawn back into the Faerie Court's web of intrigue, Jude confronts her unresolved feelings for Cardan amidst a brewing war. When a dark and ancient curse threatens to consume the land, Jude faces an impossible choice: reclaim her power or sacrifice her ambition to save the kingdom and those she loves. In this stunning conclusion to The Folk of the Air trilogy, Jude must decide what she values most before Elfhame is lost forever.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Redefining Identity Beyond Kingdoms

    Jude's struggle to define her identity is central to the novel. Exiled from Faerie and stripped of her power, she is neither fully human nor fully fae. This liminal space forces her to confront who she truly is and what she values, independent of titles or positions. Her journey involves reclaiming her power not just in a political sense, but also in a personal one, embracing her cunning, ambition, and capacity for both love and ruthlessness. Ultimately, Jude forges an identity that transcends the boundaries of the human and fae worlds, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with on her own terms.

  • The Corrupting Nature of Power

    Power and its corrupting influence are prominent themes throughout the series, and reach a critical point in this final installment. The novel explores how the pursuit and wielding of power can change individuals, testing their moral boundaries. Jude's relationship with power is complex; she both desires it for protection and control, but also recognizes its potential for abuse. This key idea examines the different forms power takes – political, physical, and emotional – and how they intertwine to shape the characters' decisions and the fate of Faerie.

  • The Price of Sacrifice

    Sacrifice is a recurring motif in "The Queen of Nothing", highlighting the difficult choices characters make for the greater good or for the sake of those they love. Jude, Cardan, and other characters are forced to sacrifice their desires, their safety, and even their freedom to protect Faerie and its inhabitants. These sacrifices reveal the depth of their commitment and the complexities of leadership, demonstrating that true power often comes at a personal cost. The novel questions the morality of these sacrifices, asking whether the ends justify the means.

  • Love and Trust Across Fae Boundaries

    The complex and evolving relationship between Jude and Cardan forms the emotional core of the trilogy. In "The Queen of Nothing", their love is tested by separation, political intrigue, and their own internal struggles. The novel explores themes of trust, forgiveness, and the challenges of building a relationship across vastly different backgrounds and expectations. Their journey highlights the power of vulnerability and the importance of communication in overcoming obstacles and forging a lasting bond.

  • The Enduring Power of Family

    Family, both by blood and by choice, plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' actions and motivations. Jude's loyalty to her siblings, both human and fae, influences her decisions throughout the series. The novel examines the complexities of familial bonds, including the sacrifices made for family, the rivalries that can arise, and the enduring power of love and loyalty. It also explores the idea of found family, highlighting the importance of the relationships we choose and the support they provide.

  • The Quest for Belonging

    The idea of belonging is central to Jude's journey. As a human raised in Faerie, she constantly grapples with her identity and her place in the world. Exiled at the beginning of the novel, she is truly the queen of nothing, belonging nowhere. Her quest to reclaim her power and find her place ultimately leads her to redefine what belonging means, creating a space for herself that transcends the traditional boundaries of Faerie and the human world. She learns to create her own sense of belonging through her actions and relationships, independent of titles or kingdoms.

Chapter Recap

Chapter 1Jude Duarte, the exiled High Queen of Elfhame, finds herself in the mortal world, spending her days in a mundane routine of television and, when permitted, training her brother Oak. Nights are occupied with errands for local faeries. She reflects on her initial imaginings of returning to the human w
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About The Author

Holly Black

Main Quotes

"“All power is cursed. The most terrible among us will do anything to get it, and those who'd wield power best don't want it thrust upon them.”"

"“I am going to keep choosing you, until you leave me no choice.”"

"“Love is stupid. All we do is break one another's hearts.”"

"“You’re the beginning and the end.”"

"“If you’re a huge jerk and a threat to Elfhame, I’ll pop your head right off.”"

"“I missed you so much, it hurt. Like pins in my heart.”"

"“I choose you over and over again. Even when you don’t choose me.”"

"“Perhaps being king is nothing more than being the champion of your own weakness.”"

"“We don't all get to choose our fate. But we can choose what we do with the fate we're given.”"

"“I am the Queen of Elfhame. Even though I am the queen in exile, I am still the queen.”"

Who Should Read This Book

Young adults interested in fantasy fiction

Readers of young adult literature with themes of social issues and political intrigue

Fans of fairy tales and folklore

Readers who enjoy strong female characters and complex relationships

Those who have read and enjoyed the previous books in "The Folk of the Air" trilogy

Readers looking for a series with a satisfying conclusion

Individuals aged 13-19

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