Read the core trilogy in order; companion works are marked optional:
The Lost Sisters sits between Books 1 and 2. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories follows the trilogy; A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters is an announced companion.
For the core trilogy alone, read The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing.
Sources: Hachette — The Folk of the Air Complete Gift Set, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers — How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories / 9780316540889, Alvina Ling Books — A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters / 9780316592642 · Verified Sep 21, 2026
First core novel.
Core trilogy finale.
Short answers, with sources.
After The Cruel Prince and before The Wicked King if desired. It is optional; Hachette identifies it as a companion ebook novella and its complete digital collection places it between Books 1 and 2.
Sources: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers — The Lost Sisters / 9780316310444, Hachette — The Folk of the Air Complete Gift Set
After The Queen of Nothing. The illustrated collection spans Cardan's life and includes material beyond the trilogy finale, so Shelf of Worlds places it after the trilogy.
No. Hachette classifies the forthcoming illustrated collection within The Folk of the Air, but it remains associated material rather than a fourth required core novel. Its US hardcover edition is dated November 3, 2026.
Sources: Alvina Ling Books — A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters / 9780316592642
They remain the separate Novels of Elfhame line and are not silently absorbed into the canonical Folk of the Air order.
Sources: Holly Black — FAQ / Elfhame
These sources support the reading order and important details about the books and their editions.