: The book is heavily featured with Rovina Cai’s ethereal and dark artwork. Many reviewers note that the high-quality illustrations are worth the purchase alone.

: Rather than a standard plot, it uses a recurring folktale told to Cardan at different ages. As he grows, the way he interprets the story's moral changes, cleverly mapping his character development.

Holly Black’s How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is a visually stunning companion novella that offers a deep, non-linear dive into High King Cardan's life before, during, and after the events of The Folk of the Air trilogy. Primarily a gift to longtime fans, the book provides vital context for Cardan's "cruel" nature and his evolving relationship with stories.