I got this handsome hardcover, with lovely illustrations by Rovini Cai, at a local thrift shop, for another release copy.

It's a collection of short stories about Prince Cardan, a main character from the "Fair Folk of the Air" trilogy, and includes episodes from his childhood as well as a tale set after the conclusion of the trilogy.

I haven't read the novels - and given the hints as to significant cruelty, conspiracies, and betrayals, I'm not sure I want to, even knowing how things turn out for the main characters - but I did enjoy this collection. Part of it was the really stunning illustrations, but the stories provided entrancing snippets of Cardan's life as well as that of Jude, the feisty, tormented human girl who became an excellent warrior (and spy, and killer) out of self defense. There's a running theme of interpreting one's own story and of taking the initiative to change the narrative, even when it seems impossible.

[There's a TV Tropes page on the trilogy, with some entertaining tidbits.]

I left this book in this new-to-me Little Free Library; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in MA here.]

Released for:

** 2024 May Royalty challenge **

** 2024 April Showers/May Flowers challenge **