A review by blueskyvibes1point0
Wicked Court by May Sage

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Vlari has long understood her position: banished by the unseelie queen to the outskirts of court. Despite being the youngest royal, born into poverty, she sought to support herself as an assistant and avoid trouble. However, trouble finds her in the form of Drusk, dark, compelling, and harboring his own agenda, who persistently disrupts her life. When chaos envelops her world, she faces a choice: fade into obscurity with the rest of the unseelie kingdom alongside friends and foes, or defend a court that has never shown her kindness.

Overall score: 4.2/5

Ratings:

1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 5/5 Great storytellers have a way of bringing a book to life, and I felt that May Sage achieved this remarkably well in her concise 200-page novel. It immediately captivated me, holding my attention for the duration of my reading, and prompting me to immediately purchase the sequel.

2. **Characterization:** 4/5 The characters were skillfully crafted, though I wished for a bit more insight into the individual histories of some. Nonetheless, I believe these details could be fleshed out in subsequent installments.

3. **Writing Style:** 4/5 I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptive prose, which vividly painted scenes without delving excessively into high fantasy world-building. The pacing was commendable, with no noticeable lags throughout. My only suggestion would be to extend the story into a longer novel to allow for more detailed exposition.

4. **Originality:** 5/5 This fantasy felt refreshingly unique to me. While courts and fae are common tropes within the genre, the nuanced interactions and political dynamics presented in the novel felt entirely fresh and captivating.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 3/5 While the book succeeded in drawing me in, I didn't form a strong emotional connection with the characters. Nevertheless, I found the conclusion satisfying, and the epilogue effectively set the stage for the next installment, leaving me eager to discover what unfolds next.

I do recommend that you purchase this book. I enjoyed annotating my paperback copy. There are lines in it that will that are epic and others that will make you giggle. Whatever reading format you like best - definitely go purchase this book. 

If you're looking for another recommendation, I suggest checking out "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss. It features rich storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters that will draw you into an epic fantasy adventure. With its lyrical prose and captivating plot, it's sure to provide another immersive reading experience that you'll enjoy.