A review by booksandbongs
The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

“It is said we learn more from our failures than our successes.” 

👑🖤REVIEW🖤👑

The Wicked King is the second book in the Folk of the Air series by Holly Black. 

Picking up a few months after Cruel Prince ends, Jude works to keep her brother safe and maintain control while navigating Faerie as a mortal. When betrayal arises, Jude must stop the traitor to protect those she loves, and the crown. 

(Minor spoilers below!)

This is another series for me where the second book is better than the first! This book explores the conflict between power and morality, and is full of betrayal and scheming. The political intrigue really expanded in this book and pulled me in. 

While Jude is flawed and human, she is really smart and I love that she communicates well. I enjoyed the deeper look into the characters and the dialogue throughout. Jude’s complicated relationship with Cardan is so satisfying to watch unfold, true enemies to lovers and the slow burn is real!

The Court of Shadows betrayal shocked me, my jaw was on the floor- I didn’t see it coming at all. I was also shocked by the ending! I know Cardan is doing some sort of scheming of his own, and probably protecting Jude - but wtf?!

A fantastic continuation of the series, I can’t wait to pick up The Queen of Nothing! All of the things I look for in a fantasy book and I’m really loving Black’s writing. Definitely give this series a read! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️