Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Queen of Nothing
- Author: Holly Black
- Narrator: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 09:42:16
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 19/11/2019
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Teen, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Tough Topics
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I’ve always believed that stories are the truest maps to the human soul, guiding us through landscapes both real and imagined. So, when I stumbled upon the ‘Queen of Nothing’ audiobook by Holly Black, narrated by Caitlin Kelly, I knew I was in for a journey. This is the jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy, a series that’s been a beacon of dark fantasy for teen readers and beyond, weaving together elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and tough topics like betrayal and identity. Settling into this listening experience felt like embarking on one of my travel adventures – full of unexpected turns, treacherous paths, and moments of breathtaking beauty.
Let me take you back to a memory that colors how I experienced this audiobook. I remember driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the surreal, otherworldly expanse stretching endlessly before me, while listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The magical realism of García Márquez paired with the narrator’s warm, elder-like tone made the desert feel like a realm of enchantment. Listening to ‘Queen of Nothing,’ I found myself transported in a similar way. Holly Black’s Faerie Court of Elfhame, with its deadly politics and cursed intrigues, unfolded like that desert – beautiful, dangerous, and utterly alien. Caitlin Kelly’s narration became my guide through this treacherous terrain, her voice a tether as I navigated Jude’s exile and her fraught return as the mortal Queen of Faerie.
The story itself is a masterclass in tension and transformation. Jude, our fierce and flawed protagonist, is reeling from Cardan’s betrayal, powerless in the mortal world yet burning with ambition to reclaim what she’s lost. Black crafts a narrative that’s as much about inner conflict as it is about external war, forcing Jude to choose between her humanity and her hunger for power. The themes of ambition, betrayal, and family – embodied in Jude’s twin sister Taryn’s perilous situation – hit hard, especially for anyone who’s ever wrestled with loyalty to loved ones versus personal dreams. It reminds me of a time when I was staying with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother weave stories each evening. Her voice carried the weight of tough topics – loss, sacrifice, love – with a cadence that held us spellbound. ‘Queen of Nothing’ carries that same intimacy, that same raw emotional pull, especially in the way Black explores the cost of power through Jude’s eyes.
Diving deeper into the audiobook experience, Caitlin Kelly’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her narration captures the ethereal yet menacing tone of Faerie with a deftness that lets you almost hear the rustle of enchanted leaves or taste the bitter tang of betrayal in the air. She shifts seamlessly between Jude’s steely determination and Cardan’s sly, conflicted charm, giving each character a distinct voice that lingers long after the chapter ends. The audio quality is crisp, immersive, and perfectly paced for a story that demands your full attention. Kelly’s timing, much like that Oaxacan grandmother’s, uses silence and inflection to build suspense, making every plot twist feel like a cliff’s edge. For fans of teen fantasy audiobooks, her work here elevates an already gripping tale into a truly unforgettable listening experience.
That said, no journey is without its bumps. While ‘Queen of Nothing’ excels in character depth and world-building, some listeners might find the pacing uneven, especially in the middle where political machinations slow the momentum. As someone who’s trekked through remote villages and bustling cities alike, I appreciate a story that takes its time to unpack complex dynamics, but I can see how it might test the patience of those craving constant action. Additionally, while Kelly’s narration is stellar, there are moments where secondary characters’ voices blend a bit too closely, making it tricky to distinguish them without context. These are minor quibbles, though, in an otherwise exceptional audiobook.
Comparing this to other works in the genre, ‘Queen of Nothing’ stands shoulder-to-shoulder with dark fantasy epics like Sarah J. Maas’s ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series, sharing a similar blend of romance, danger, and morally gray characters. Yet, Black’s focus on tough topics like the struggle between ambition and humanity gives it a unique edge, appealing to teens and adults alike who crave stories with emotional depth. If you’ve enjoyed audiobooks in the sci-fi and fantasy realm that challenge societal norms and personal identity, this one’s for you.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves a tale of resilience and redemption, especially younger listeners navigating their own tough topics or older readers reminiscing on the messy beauty of youth. It’s a perfect pick for long drives, quiet evenings, or even as a companion on a solo hike – anywhere you can let the Faerie world envelop you. While I can’t confirm if there’s a free audiobook version out there, the value of this listening experience is worth every penny, and I encourage you to hunt for any audiobook free promotions if they’re available.
Reflecting on this story, I find myself thinking about the paths we choose and the prices we pay. Jude’s journey mirrors so many of the hidden histories I’ve uncovered in my travels – stories of people caught between who they are and who they must become. Holly Black, through Caitlin Kelly’s evocative narration, reminds us that power is fleeting, but humanity, with all its flaws, endures. This audiobook isn’t just a fantasy escape; it’s a mirror held up to our own struggles, and I’m grateful to have walked this road with Jude, Cardan, and the enchanted, perilous world of Elfhame.
Until our next adventure, keep seeking stories that challenge and change you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of Faerie magic and a road still calling my name.
