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The saga The Inhabitants of the Air (The Folk of the Air) is a series of young adult fantasy novels written by Holly Black, known for her talent in creating magical worlds filled with intrigue, complex characters, and unforgettable conflicts. Below, we'll explore the publication order, recommended reading order, and highlights of this fascinating saga.
A few brushstrokes on Holly Black
Holly Black is an American writer widely recognized for her young adult fantasy novels, especially for exploring the interactions between humans and magical beings. Born in New Jersey, Black was interested in fantasy literature and dark fairy tales from an early age., which is reflected in many of his works. Among his most notable works, in addition to The Inhabitants of the Air, is located The Spiderwick Chronicles.
Holly Black's narrative combines Overflowing imagination, characters with dark nuances and a modern vision of fairy talesHer talent has led her to win multiple literary awards and to become a reference in contemporary youth fantasy.
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Summary of the Saga: The Inhabitants of the Air
The saga The Inhabitants of the Air is set in Elfhame, a magical realm inhabited by fairies and other fantastic creatures. The story follows Jude Duarte, A mortal who is taken to the fairy world after the tragic death of her parents.. Despite being human, Jude aspires to gain a place of power in a world ruled by intrigue, danger, and the complex rules of the faerie courts.
Key topics include:
- The struggle for power and survival in a hostile environment.
- The exploration of identities and loyalties.
- Political intrigues and betrayals.
- A love story full of tensions between Jude and Cardan, the faerie prince.
Recommended reading order
1. The Cruel Prince (2018)
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered, and along with her two sisters, She was taken to the treacherous High Court of FaerieTen years later, despite being a mere mortal, she wants to belong to that place.
However, most faeries despise humans, especially Prince Cardan, the High King's youngest and most wicked son. To make a place for herself in the court, Jude must confront him and face the consequences., becoming embroiled in a web of intrigue between immortals and discovering her own knack for bloodshed.
2. The Wicked King (2019)
Jude has gained a precarious grip on the throne of Faerie, but maintaining power proves more difficult than she imagined. Navigating a sea of constant political betrayals is already complicated enough, but Cardan is also terribly difficult to control. He does everything he can to undermine Jude, although his fascination with her remains intact.
When it becomes clear that someone close to her plans to betray her, endangering her life and the lives of those she loves most, Jude must discover the traitor, fight her complex feelings for Cardan and maintain control of Faerie despite being mortal.
3. The Queen of Nothing (2020)
The exiled mortal queen of Faerie, Jude, is now powerless and still reeling from the betrayal she suffered. But she is determined to get back everything that has been taken from her.. His chance comes when his sister Taryn asks for his help because her life is in danger. Jude must return to the treacherous court of Faerie if he wants to save his sister.
But Elfhame is not what it was before Jude left; war is imminent. Jude will have to enter enemy territory to resume the bloody power game of the immortals. When a powerful curse is unleashed and panic spreads, Jude must choose between fulfilling her ambition or keeping her humanity.
4. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Fairy Tales (2020)
Before he was a cruel prince or an evil king, Cardan was a young faerie with a heart of stone. This story includes details of his life before "The Cruel Prince" and an adventure beyond “The Queen of Nothing,” as well as intimate moments experienced throughout the saga “The Inhabitants of the Air,” told from Cardan’s perspective.
Each chapter It has full color illustrations which make this book a perfect collector's item for both fans and new readers who want to discover the saga.
Alternative Reading Order
While publication order is a valid option, some readers prefer a sequence that offers a more chronological or contextual approach. Here is the recommended order:
- The Cruel Prince (The Cruel Prince)
The best way to enter the world of The Inhabitants of the Air. Introduces the main characters and establishes the basis of the conflict. - The Lost Sisters (In English)
This story can be read after The Cruel Prince to better understand Taryn's motivations, complementing the main narrative. I leave you the link although at the moment it has not been translated into Spanish. - The Evil King (The Wicked King)
The saga continues with unexpected twists and further character development. - The Queen of Nothing
It closes the main story of Jude and Cardan with an emotional ending. - How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Fairy Tales
This book is ideal for reading at the end, as it delves deeper into Cardan's perspective, offering an emotional and enriching epilogue.
Readers' Note:
Why should you read The Inhabitants of the Air?
The saga The Inhabitants of the Air It is perfect for those who enjoy stories full of political intrigue, Morally ambiguous characters and a tension-filled romanceHolly Black manages to build a detailed and fascinating world, combining the beauty and cruelty of fairies with an agile and captivating narrative.
Whether you're diving into this saga for the first time or looking for a way to revisit it, the recommended order ensures a complete and satisfying experience. 🌟
And you? Have you read it yet?