A review by lainiereads
The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

God, I love fantasy politics. I read this book in two sittings, and when I slept, I dreamt of fantasy politics. It's the BEST. I also love Jude and Cardan (yes, he has grown on me, I now get why everyone loves him), but I will be needing to talk about that ending later! Because WOWZA, I can't stop thinking about it!

I think Jude is one of my favorite fantasy protagonists. She just perfectly combines being normal and relatable with being absolutely unhinged and bonkers. I really love seeing how she analyzes the situations she is in, and the tactical way that she thinks; if I was in such a cut throat world, I like to think that I would act similarly, so in a way she's relatable ? I guess? But she also doesn't win every "battle" she's in (she actually loses waaaaay more often), which somehow makes me love her more. I think it's because of the way that she holds grudges and doesn't let people off the hook easily after they cross her. She's just very strong despite all the awful things happening to her; even when she faces weakness and loses her strength, she doesn't give up and I love her for it.
I also love Cardan now. He somehow seems like the most trustworthy character ?? Despite doing sneaky things and tricking people a lot, he has the most clear set of morals and motives out of everyone. Like, sure he may do something completely unexpected, but he did it for a good reason. I think. 

Okay, now spoiler time. 
THAT ENDING. WHAT THE HECK?? I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what happened, and I am like 99% sure that Cardan just did it to keep her safe because the water people wanted to kill her, but it was just so unexpected! Did he plan to do that? Or did he decide when he heard she killed his brother (I don't remember his name oops)? And the way he just let her embarrass herself with the queen thing! Ow! I know he was just doing it so she would have no choice but to leave, and no one would listen to her argue to stay, but it still hurt. Also, how much of the next book will Jude and Cardan be in the same room? Because they barely interact enough as is, and I don't think her being exiled will help that! I need more JudeCardan scenes! Please!
 

Okay, spoilers are over! I think this book would've been an easy 5 stars if there had been more communication between Jude and Cardan. Them being secretive is like their whole thing, so I get it, but I would've really loved to see them express their feelings more clearly than just implying them at times. But I definitely liked this one more than the first, and could not put it down. I hope the 3rd one doesn't kill me.
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