A review by pgmoon
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

adventurous challenging emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

After the surprise ending of The Wicked King, I was eager to dive into The Queen of Nothing, and it did not disappoint. This installment is a much faster-paced read compared to the earlier books, but it still delivers on what makes the series so engaging: the characters.

Jude's journey in this book stands out as particularly compelling, with her facing some of her biggest challenges yet. Her inner conflict, especially with
her relationships—like those with her (step?)father Madoc and Cardan—
drives much of the story's tension. I found myself constantly invested in how these dynamics would evolve, especially as Jude and Cardan navigate their complicated feelings. I do wish there was a bit more of Cardan, though!

One of the most surprising moments was
Taryn murdering her husband! good for her, they could NEVER make me like you Locke
  It’s interesting how polarizing Taryn can be among readers—I still don't really get the hate.

The subplot between Vivi and Heather was a rollercoaster, breaking my heart only to sew it back together by the end. In fact, the majority of the side characters felt well-rounded and fascinating, adding depth to the story.

The plot itself was intriguing and kept me hooked; at its core, the heart of the story is Jude and Cardan’s relationship and what propelled the story forward, and not just their romance. Their
dynamic—whether they could truly trust each other and let go despite their feelings—
was beautifully written, truly poetic cinema! Both of them grow not just as individuals but
as rulers
, making their journey even more satisfying to follow.

Overall, The Queen of Nothing wraps up the series in a satisfying way, and I’m thrilled I finally got around to reading this series. I’ll definitely be checking out the supplementary and companion novels to keep the magic going!
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