Okay, deep breaths everyone. Let’s talk about How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories. Like many fans, anticipation for this book was intense. For weeks, maybe months, it was a cycle of excitement, near-obsession, and then renewed hype, especially fueled by fanart and theories. The wait felt long, but finally, the day arrived to dive into Cardan’s backstory.
To be completely upfront? There’s a slight pang of disappointment lingering after finishing it.
Perhaps expectations were set a little too high. Hopes were pinned on seeing more “Jurdan” moments – those cherished interactions between Jude and Cardan that captivated readers in “The Folk of the Air” trilogy. Knowing this book focused on a younger King Cardan, there was still an expectation to witness events from The Cruel Prince through his eyes. Specifically, envisioning key scenes from Cardan’s perspective felt like a major draw.
It’s not that the book is bad, not at all. However, the narrative thread with Nicasia felt a bit too prominent. While Nicasia is undeniably important to the overall Elfhame story, and her character arc is understandable, her presence in How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories overshadowed the yearning for more Cardan and Jude nuances. The dynamic felt a little off-balance for those primarily invested in the central romantic tension of the series.
So, why the high rating despite this critique? The answer is simple: Cardan himself.
credit to Nan Fe!
(And, it must be said, the illustrations throughout the book are stunning. They perfectly complement the narrative and add another layer of depth to the Elfhame world. Also, the final story in the collection? Absolutely captivating.)
In conclusion, this book is still a must-read for fans deeply invested in the world of Elfhame and, particularly, in Cardan’s character. It’s a fascinating glimpse into his past and offers crucial context. And yes, admittingly, this might be less of a formal review and more of a testament to an enduring Cardan obsession – a confession many readers might share.
Consider this a perfectly sane endorsement. The allure of Cardan and Elfhame remains as strong as ever, even if the story didn’t unfold exactly as some might have envisioned. The wait for more Elfhame content continues, with all the accompanying anticipation and excitement.
