Reading order
The Folk of the Air Reading Order
The Folk of the Air should be read in publication order for a first read. The central trilogy carries Jude and Cardan's political and emotional arc, while companion books and related Elfhame titles work best afterward.
Last checked: August 19, 2026.
Quick answer
Read The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing first. Then add How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories and later Elfhame books.
Before you start
The Folk of the Air is a sharp fae politics route, not an adult court-romance replacement for ACOTAR. Go in expecting ambition, cruelty, bargains, humiliation, strategy, and a romance thread that develops through power rather than softness.
Why this order helps
The order protects Jude and Cardan's power arc. The companion and later Elfhame books are richer after the original trilogy because they rely on the reader knowing the court, the betrayals, and the emotional history.
Main reading order
- The Cruel Prince
- The Wicked King
- The Queen of Nothing
- How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories illustrated companion
- The Stolen Heir
- The Prisoner's Throne
Best path by reader type
| Reader type | Best path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time reader | Main trilogy first | The power shifts and romance tension need the original order. |
| Cardan-focused reader | Add King of Elfhame after trilogy | The companion book works best after you know the arc. |
| Elfhame completionist | Continue with Stolen Heir / Prisoner's Throne | Those later books expand the world after Jude and Cardan's core arc. |
| ACOTAR reader | Expect sharper YA fae politics | This is crueler court maneuvering, not adult fae romantasy spice. |
Recaps and companion notes
Folk of the Air recaps are not currently live. Use Fae Romantasy and Enemies to Lovers for adjacent routing.
Series notes
- Holly Black's official site separates the main Folk of the Air trilogy from later Elfhame novels.
- The companion book is best after the trilogy, not before.
- This is a YA crossover fae politics route, so heat expectations differ from adult romantasy.
- Use Romantasy Books With Fae if you want adult fae paths after this.
Reader FAQ
What order should I read The Folk of the Air in?
Read The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, then The Queen of Nothing. Add companion and later Elfhame books afterward.
Should I read How the King of Elfhame first?
No. It works best after the original trilogy because it depends on your understanding of Cardan.
Is The Folk of the Air like ACOTAR?
Only in the broad fae-court sense. It is sharper, more political, YA crossover, and less adult-romance-forward.
Where do The Stolen Heir and The Prisoner's Throne fit?
Read them after the original trilogy and companion material if you want the expanded Elfhame path.
What to read next
Use Fae Romantasy, Enemies to Lovers, or ACOTAR for adjacent fae routes.