A review by durrareadsstuff
The Wicked King by Holly Black

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

3.5

Okay, I thought this book was significantly better than the first one. Cardan got more "screen time" and I like him much much better. Although I wish I could read things from his pov, but never mind. I also liked Jude and her ruthlessness, however there were times I felt that she was kinda stupid and should've seen it coming, but hey, no one's perfect, right? I was hoping to see the characters get more vulnerable but maybe in the last book? 

As I am an impatient person, I have to complain about the pacing of the book, or at least the first half. I understand that slow pace can be ideal for character development or scene setting or world-building, and I appreciate that but I honestly don't care what Nicasia is wearing right now 😫😫 Thankfully, though, things got a lot more interesting in the second half and I loved reading that part so much. 

As for the characters, at least now I got two favourable characters instead of one, and I guess The Bomb and The Roach are cool. Okay fine, they're super cool. They better have their happy ending or else I'm coming for you Holly.
I can't believe Taryn is that twisted. I mean, aren't twins supposed to be like, bonded forever and therefore they love each other an insane amount that no one else can comprehend? Out of all the characters, I didn't expect to hate Taryn most of all. And she's freakin stupid? Like why the hell would you marry the F-boy that is Locke?? He's awful and just WHY IS HE STILL BREATHING?? But I did enjoy how Jude threatened him.
Maybe you thought I was too busy to take my revenge? Well, Locke, I want you to understand that for you, I will make time."
Dayummmm girllll. 

I loved the banter in this book, there were a lot of time I went like dayummmm. You know? Hmm plotwise, I thought it was cool. There were some that were like just very messed up like I had to just put it aside and "did I just read that?" and had to sort of process stuff. But I get it, faeries are awful and they're twisted and they're crazy. I just hope Holly got this info from folklore and she didn't think of it herself cause I'd be pretty worried about her. 

I have very high hopes for the last book, and you better give me romance cause IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A FANTASY ROMANCE. Okay, yeah, that's probably it.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings