The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) Paperback – by Holly Black | YA Fantasy Novel

Experience the Thrilling Conclusion to the Folk of the Air Series with The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

About the Book

The Queen of Nothing is the spellbinding conclusion to Holly Black’s internationally bestselling Folk of the Air trilogy. After being exiled to the mortal world by the High King she once loved, Jude Duarte must navigate life without power, purpose, or the faerie realm she fought so hard to claim. But when a threat emerges that could destroy everything she left behind, Jude is pulled back into the treacherous world of Elfhame—where every alliance is fragile, every promise is a trap, and reclaiming her crown means risking her heart all over again. This is a story of resilience, revenge, and the fierce determination of a girl who refuses to be forgotten.

From the Back Cover

“After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watching reality television and doing odd jobs, including squaring up to a cannibalistic faerie. When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking for help, Jude must return to the treacherous High Court of Elfhame. But Cardan is in trouble, and Jude will have to risk everything to save him—and Faerie itself.”

About the Author

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over thirty fantasy novels for kids and teens, including the acclaimed Folk of the Air series and The Cruel Prince. Her work has been translated into 32 languages and adapted for film. A master of dark, lush fantasy worlds filled with morally complex characters, Holly has won the Mythopoeic Award, Nebula Award, and has been a finalist for the Eisner Award. She lives in New England with her husband and son, crafting tales of magic, danger, and fierce heroines who refuse to play by the rules.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for readers who love high-stakes fantasy, morally gray romance, and heroines who fight their way back from exile. If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, or darker YA fantasy with political intrigue and swoon-worthy tension, The Queen of Nothing is your next must-read. It’s ideal for teens and adults who crave stories where power is earned, not given, and where love and ambition collide in the most dangerous ways. Whether you’ve followed Jude’s journey from the beginning or you’re jumping into the finale, this book delivers the epic, satisfying conclusion fans have been waiting for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to read the first two books before The Queen of Nothing?
Yes, this is the third book in the Folk of the Air trilogy. To fully appreciate Jude and Cardan’s complex relationship and the political intrigue of Elfhame, it’s highly recommended to start with The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King.

Is The Queen of Nothing appropriate for younger teens?
The book is generally suitable for ages 13 and up, though it does contain fantasy violence, some darker themes, and romantic tension. Parents may want to preview it for younger or more sensitive readers.

What makes Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series so popular?
Holly Black masterfully blends dark fae mythology with morally complex characters, enemies-to-lovers romance, and high-stakes political drama. Readers love Jude’s fierce determination and the unpredictable, addictive tension between her and Cardan.

How long is The Queen of Nothing and how quickly can I read it?
The paperback edition is approximately 336 pages. Most readers finish it in 1–3 sittings because the pacing is gripping and the story is impossible to put down once you start.

Will there be more books after The Queen of Nothing?
The Queen of Nothing concludes Jude and Cardan’s story arc. However, Holly Black has written a companion novella, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, which offers Cardan’s perspective and additional context to the series.