The Queen of Nothing: The Folk of the Air
#3 of 3 in The Folk of the Air Series
on Goodreads (83,932)
What’s inside...
In Holly Black's New York Times bestselling fantasy, The Darkest Part of the Forest, siblings Hazel and Ben live in Fairfold, a town where humans and the Folk coexist. They grew up enamored with the horned boy sleeping in a glass coffin, hoping he would be different from the dangerous faeries they knew. As children, Hazel and Ben fantasized about being a knight and a bard fighting evil. However, as Hazel grew older, she dismissed these fantasies, believing the boy would never awaken. Unexpectedly, he does wake up one day, forcing Hazel to revisit her childhood dreams and become the knight she once pretended to be. Amidst new love, shifting loyalties, and betrayals, Hazel finds herself navigating a world turned upside down as she tries to protect her town from the upheaval that follows the boy's awakening.
Character compass
Jude Duarte
Cardan Greenbriar
The Bomb
Nicasia
Grima Mog
Vivi Duarte
Taryn Duarte
Madoc
Benjamin "Ben" Evans
Jack Gordon
Hazel Evans
Discussion points
How do you think Jude felt when she was thrust into the world of Elfhame, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
What do you think about the decisions Jude makes to secure her power? Do you think they were right or wrong, and why?
How do the relationships between the characters, like Jude and Cardan, influence their actions and the story's outcome?
In what ways do loyalty and betrayal play a role in the story? Can you identify any moments where these themes really stood out?
What lessons do you think can be learned from the challenges Jude faces? How might these lessons apply to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child if they agree or see things differently. This encourages open dialogue.
Ask your child to relate the characters' experiences with their own. It can help them personally connect with the story.
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind a character's actions. This helps develop empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the different aspects of the magical world in the book. This can help spark your child’s imagination and creativity.
Lead discussions that connect the book's themes to real-world scenarios your child might face, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Jude, faces numerous challenges and betrayals throughout the story, yet she remains determined and resilient.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of decisions
Explanation: Jude makes several critical decisions that have lasting impacts on her life and the realm of Elfhame. This illustrates the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the choices they make and to consider the long-term effects those decisions might have.
Example Lesson: The value of diplomacy and negotiation
Explanation: Jude’s role as a seneschal involves negotiating with different factions. Her ability to strategically navigate these complex interactions highlights the importance of diplomacy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to resolve conflicts with peers through discussion and compromise, developing effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Building and maintaining trust
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jude learns about the significance of trust in relationships, especially in a politically charged environment like Elfhame.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of building trust in their relationships and being cautious about whom they trust.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for oneself
Explanation: Jude demonstrates courage in standing up to those who try to undermine or harm her, regardless of their power or position.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assert themselves in situations where they feel undervalued or bullied, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence.