A review by just_one_more_paige
The Wicked King by Holly Black

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

3.0

 
Book two! I jumped into this immediately after finishing the first. I was right, they were a perfect choice for a busy vacation read - definitely entertaining but without the need for full and undivided attention or long stretches of reading at a time. 

I appreciated very much that, for the most part, this book avoided the major second book slump. It did absolutely serve as a connector, plot-wise, between the opening and the finale. But it did so while holding its own with drama and plot movement. Jude and Cardan both grew into the roles they chose (or had chosen for them) at the end of the first book - learning a lot about themselves, separately and together, along the way. There was enough drama and exciting moments to keep me engaged throughout. And I thought the ending offered a twist of trust and betrayal and revenge in mirror of the first that was really good. It weirdly left us in almost the same place that we started the whole saga (though of course with a variety of different alliances and betrayals having changed the interpersonal landscape quite a bit), so that's actually a bit of an odd circular feel. But the way we got there was a well-crafted journey and I'm in it for the full ride. 

I also want to shout out (I mentioned it in my review of the first book, but it is a highlight enough that I want to say it again) that I love the classic fae magic and aspects. In particular, the way that fae can’t lie, but can still deceive, in contrast with how Jude/humans can lie, but still have feelings/trust that leave them stuck in bad bargains and deals. It is so creative in wording and writing/plot development. 

All in all, ready to see how Black pulls everything together in the final installation, after so many machinations and maneuvering.  
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