Announcing LitJoy’s The Prisoner’s Throne Annotated Special Edition by Holly Black
Fans of Holly Black’s enchanting faerie world, brought to life in The Cruel Prince and the Folk of the Air series, have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the Stolen Heir Duology. LitJoy is proud to reveal The Prisoner’s Throne Annotated Special Edition, a collector-level volume that completes this unforgettable series with beauty, artistry, and Holly’s own voice woven throughout.
The Dream Within These Pages
Our vision for this edition was to ensure that The Stolen Heir and The Prisoner’s Throne stand side by side as a matched set. Inspired by golden age illustrator fairy-tale books, every detail of this special edition was created with cohesion and artistry in mind. From border treatments with hidden story elements to breathtaking artwork, this book is designed to be as immersive and magical as the tale it holds.
The Cover Design
The custom cover, designed by artist @timbeeren, features intricate golden filigree that shimmers with fae magic. True to Holly Black’s worldbuilding, the design is rich with easter eggs from the story: twin swords, blusher mushrooms, an ice crown for Wren, a key to the Ice Citadel, and icicle-laden trees. It’s a design that invites readers to linger, discovering new details every time they look.
Endpaper 1: A Scene of Power and Pain
The front endpaper, illustrated by Annalise Jensen (@annalisejensen), was personally requested by Holly Black. It depicts Oak’s confrontation with Wren after escaping the Ice Citadel. In this moment, Wren invokes the power of Grimsen’s bridle, forcing Oak to kneel and experience the same humiliation she once endured. This powerful scene reflects themes of trauma, control, and the deep scars left by betrayal.
Tip-In Artwork: Scenes That Bring the Story to Life
Tip-In #1 by Janna Sophia (@jannaphia): Oak storms the throne room of the Ice Citadel and boldly declares to Elfhame’s ambassadors that he and Wren are engaged. This daring gambit forces Wren to either deny the claim and reveal her secrets or play along with Oak’s dangerous ruse.
Tip-In #2 by Soni Alcorn-Hender (@bohemianweasel): Oak and Wren meet in the palace gardens at midnight, where their longing overwhelms their walls of distrust. This moment of passion captures the fine line between love, rage, and power. The dialogue—“Charm me. Rip me open. Ruin me.”—crystallizes the raw intensity of their bond.
Tip-In #3 by Natalia Klimczak (@2ghosts on Cara): Amid a storm conjured by Bogdana, Oak and Jude face each other in a sword battle. Though it appears fierce, the fight is a ruse to protect their family and allies. This thrilling scene not only highlights Oak and Jude’s complicated sibling relationship but also treats fans to a cameo from beloved Folk of the Air heroine Jude Duarte.
Holly Black’s Contributions
No special edition would be complete without Holly Black’s personal touch. This edition includes a digital signature from Holly, as well as exclusive handwritten annotations throughout the text.
These notes provide rare insight into Holly’s creative process, deepening the experience for fans who have followed her work since The Cruel Prince captivated the world.
Collector-Level Quality
Every element of this edition has been designed with collectors in mind:
Gilded page edges that shimmer with elegance ❄️
A custom cover rich with symbolic detail
Character endpapers and three tip-in illustrations by celebrated artists
Holly Black’s annotations and signature
Sewn binding for durability and ease of reading
Printed on acid-free archival paper to preserve the beauty of the edition for generations
Ribbon bookmark for a touch of luxury and practicality
Together, these features create an heirloom-worthy book that will stand proudly alongside The Stolen Heir Annotated Special Edition, The Folk of the Air Special Edition Box Set, and The Darkest Part of the Forest..
Purchasing and Shipping Details
Price: $50.00
Lunacorn Member Early Access: October 28, 2025 at 10AM MT
Public Preorder Opens: October 29, 2025 at 10AM MT
Estimated Shipping: Spring 2026
The Prisoner’s Throne Annotated Special Edition is more than a book—it’s a treasure for fans of The Cruel Prince, The Stolen Heir, and the entire Folk of the Air series. With unmatched artistry, rare annotations from Holly Black, and a design that completes the duology, this is the edition collectors will cherish for years to come.
