The Lost Sisters
The Folk of the Air Novella
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Narrated by:
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Caitlin Kelly
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By:
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Holly Black
About this listen
Sometimes the difference between a love story and a horror story is where the ending comes
While Jude fought for power in the Court of Elfhame against the cruel Prince Cardan, her sister Taryn began to fall in love with the trickster, Locke.
Half-apology and half-explanation, it turns out that Taryn has some secrets of her own to reveal.
The Lost Sisters is a companion novella to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince, by master writer Holly Black.
©2018 Holly Black (P)2023 Bonnier Books UKShort Story OK, but too Short for the Money
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This is such a short story, and while it delivers an emotional punch, I couldn’t help wishing for deeper exploration; more feeling, more complexity, and especially more insight into why Taryn hurt Jude the way she did. That said, I loved the choice to have Taryn directly address Jude. It makes the entire narrative feel intimate and raw, like a confession you’re not entirely sure you want to hear.
And wow; does she have a lot to answer for.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t really feel like an apology. Not a true one, anyway. Taryn never quite comes across as remorseful, and if I were Jude, I’m not sure I’d stick around to listen. Her actions read as deeply selfish, and throughout the story she never fully sheds that image. It’s frustrating… but in a way that works.
Because while Taryn may not be redeemable here, she also isn’t the true villain. That role belongs firmly to Locke, whose manipulative and calculated nature casts a long shadow over everything. Taryn feels more like someone who wants to be better but has no idea how to get there, and maybe isn’t trying hard enough.
As always, Holly Black’s prose is beautiful and sharp, and the storytelling is compelling even when the characters themselves are difficult to love. In fact, that’s part of what makes this story so engaging; the characters are messy, flawed, and, at times, impossible to forgive.
And honestly? That makes it all the more enjoyable.
A frustrating, fascinating read that I just wish had been longer. Definitely worth picking up.
Taryns apology with beautiful story telling
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So good
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You get it here. This is Taryns point of view and yes both Locke and Taryn absolutely deserve eachother. They are both awful persons!
Conformation of a suspicion
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Only 1.5hrs
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