The Folk of the Air

The Folk of the Air follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living in the dangerous realm of Faerie after being taken there as a child. She navigates court politics and intrigue in Elfhame while contending with the cruel and beautiful Prince Cardan, who becomes central to her story. The series takes place in a world where faeries cannot lie but delight in twisting the truth, forcing Jude to become skilled in deception and strategy to survive. Power dynamics shift throughout the trilogy as Jude moves from outsider to key player in the High Court of Faerie, while her complicated relationship with Prince Cardan evolves. The narrative builds through courtly schemes, betrayals, and political maneuvering as Jude fights to secure her place in a realm that views mortals with contempt. The stakes escalate with each book as the fate of both Faerie and the mortal world hang in the balance. The series explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of ambition, while questioning whether it's possible to maintain one's humanity in a realm built on cruelty and deceit.

Readers praise the complex political intrigue, morally gray characters, and enemies-to-lovers romance between protagonists Jude and Cardan. Many reviews highlight Black's unique take on the fae world, describing it as darker and more brutal than typical YA fantasy. Positives from reviews: - Sharp dialogue and court politics - Character development across the trilogy - Unpredictable plot twists - Strong female protagonist Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first half of book one - Romance feels rushed in later books - Some find Jude's decisions frustrating - Violence level too high for younger YA readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (500,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (15,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (3,000+ ratings) One frequent reader comment notes: "The world-building hits the sweet spot between familiar fairy tale elements and fresh innovations." Critics often mention: "The romance overshadows the political plot in books 2-3."

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson A mortal portrait painter navigates the treacherous world of the fae courts while falling into a forbidden romance with a powerful fairy prince.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller A girl schemes to win the heart of the Shadow King in order to kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan A human thief infiltrates two opposing faerie courts and becomes entangled in a political web of magic, betrayal, and royal intrigue.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa A girl discovers her true identity as a faerie princess and must navigate the dangerous Nevernever while choosing between two powerful fae princes.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout A maiden chosen by the gods becomes involved in court politics and supernatural warfare while falling for her forbidden guard in a kingdom of magic and deception.

🧚‍♂️ The name "Folk of the Air" comes from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," referencing supernatural beings who travel through the air. 🗡️ Holly Black began worldbuilding this series by collecting antique swords and studying medieval combat techniques to accurately portray fight scenes. 🎭 The author lived in a Victorian house filled with oddities and taxidermied creatures while writing the series, drawing inspiration from her surroundings for the faerie world. 👑 The character of Prince Cardan was partially inspired by Howl from "Howl's Moving Castle" and the historical figure of King Richard II of England. 🌿 The series incorporates authentic folkloric elements about faeries, including their inability to lie, their aversion to iron, and their complex rules of etiquette and obligation.