The Queen of Nothing

Synopsis

GOODREADS BEST FANTASY YA 2020. The intoxicating and bloodthirsty finale to the New York Times bestselling The Cruel Prince, nominated for the CARNEGIE MEDAL, and New York Times bestseller The Wicked King, Best YA Fantasy in the Goodreads Choice Awards 2019. After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watching reality television, and doing odd jobs, including squaring up to a cannibalistic faerie. When her twin sister Taryn shows up asking a favour, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, who she loves despite his betrayal. When a dark curse is unveiled, Jude must become the first mortal Queen of Faerie and break the curse, or risk upsetting the balance of the whole Faerie world.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Mortal Realm

* Jude Duarte, now High Queen of Faerie, faces political turmoil and challenges to her authority.
* She receives a visit from a mortal, Vivienne, who claims to be her twin sister. Vivienne's existence threatens Jude's identity and grip on power.
* Jude investigates Vivienne's claims, discovering evidence that could support her story.

Chapter 2: The Court of Shadows

* Cardan Greenbriar, Jude's former enemy and now her husband, navigates the treacherous politics of the Court of Shadows.
* He uncovers a plot against him by Nicasia, the Lord of the North, who desires to reclaim the throne.
* Cardan confronts Nicasia and outsmarts him, maintaining his position as High King.

Chapter 3: The Mortal Queen

* Jude travels to the mortal realm to confront Vivienne.
* She learns the truth about her origins: she is a changeling, swapped with Vivienne at birth. Vivienne is the rightful High Queen of Faerie.
* Jude struggles with her identity and the implications of her true parentage.

Chapter 4: The Court of the Air

* Cardan faces a new threat from Prince Balekin, the heir to the Court of the Air. Balekin seeks to overthrow Cardan and take the throne.
* Cardan allies with Nicasia to defeat Balekin. However, Nicasia betrays him and tries to seize power for herself.
* Cardan outwits Nicasia and emerges victorious.

Chapter 5: The Winter Court

* Jude and Vivienne journey to the Winter Court to confront the Lady of the Whispering Woods, a powerful Fae who may hold the key to Vivienne's legitimacy.
* They encounter obstacles and dangers along the way, including a treacherous forest and a hostile court.
* Jude and Vivienne form an uneasy alliance to defeat the Lady of the Whispering Woods.

Chapter 6: The Mortal World

* Jude and Cardan confront Madoc, Jude's mortal father and a former enemy.
* Madoc reveals his true motives and the extent of his betrayal. Jude and Cardan must confront their own past and the consequences of their actions.
* Jude chooses to spare Madoc's life, acknowledging their complex relationship.

Chapter 7: The High Queen's Choice

* Jude and Vivienne face off in a battle for the throne of Faerie.
* Jude chooses to abdicate her position as High Queen, recognizing Vivienne's rightful claim.
* She and Cardan depart Faerie, returning to the mortal realm and embracing their new identity as mortals.