Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Wicked King

also round of applause for chapter 15!!!! ( I re read it like three times, I don’t even mind the tail) starting a Taryn,Locke,and Madoc hate club. ALSO

Spoiler

I physically gagged when Balekin said ‘kiss me like I’m Cardan’ or Smth like that like WHAT and Cardan not finding out??? Cmon missed overprotective bf opportunity there

I want to take a moment to acknowledge how amazing Jude is like the SHADE she gives nicasia throughout the book to make her jealous of Jurdan (I think that’s Cardan and Jude’s ship name idek). Also ‘someone you love has already betrayed you’ (I dunno the actual line) BUT I WAS SHOCKED I WANTED TO CRY AND THROW HANDS. Miss gurl got betrayed by more than that person anyway bless her

Spoiler

ghost, Taryn, madoc, Cardan 💔

let’s also appreciate how the enemies to lovers was actually enemies to lovering in book 2 I was giggling and kicking my feet 🤭 anyway I understand why the next book (which I sadly have to wait 2 days for 💔 ) is called ‘Queen of nothing’ brb lemme go cry, and die.

Content Warnings

vendy_kha's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I absolutely LOVE fantasy that is complex and all political (kinda funny since I'd rather give mithridatism a go over getting into politics) XD There's schemes and riddles, tension and just a small bit of that enemies to lovers goodness... I'm in love with the MC's and "side characters" alike... Seriously how can Bomb be so deadly and cute...

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kaz_brekkerrr's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

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

5.0

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laneys_library's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This books is AMAZING! I couldn’t stop reading! I think it might just be my favorite book I’ve ever read. The ending shocked me and I can’t wait to start the Queen of nothing!

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matcha_pages's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-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? Yes

3.5

The Wicked King centers around Jude doing everything she can to keep her position of power. The first half of the book was slower than I'd like, we're introduced to new characters and the evolving political tensions in the Faerie realm. The investment in this groundwork pays off in the second half, the characters start to make power plays resulting in dramatic results and betrayals. We get to see new sides of characters that really highlight the cunning and cruelty of the Fae.

Jude, unfortunately, was a mixed bag didn't resonate with me as I hoped. I can't quite put my finger on it but I don't like the direction she's going. I get the author is portraying Jude as a human in Faerie, so she wavers between sides so to speak. It's rather frustrating because it holds her back, but maybe that's the point? Jude is very heavy handed, kind of like the writing at times. Cardan is the opposite, he's not as he seems. He's enigmatic nature and intricate relationships really dial up the political intrigue.

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lleer's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

OMG. I was not expecting to like this book THIS MUCH! I wasn't even going to give it at 4 starts but it really exceeded my expectations especially the ENDING!
I could not put the book down in the last 80 pages, and the last page before chapter 29 MADE ME SPEECHLESS!! Omg this book was so so good definitely better than the first one.
Why didn't I buy the third book already!!
Also yes I agree with some reviews, I really don't like Taryn either.

Spoiler

"Marry me," he says, "become the Queen of Elfhame"

Content Warnings

cosy_armchair_reader's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Can I just start with wow.
I gave both this book and the Cruel Prince a 5 star review, and let me tell you. This book puts the cruel prince to shame. Both books were good, but Holly Black excelled herself for this sequel
Black wraps you round her finger and weaves you into the tale. She spins an unforgettable story of faerie and a king with a dagger at his throat commanded by a human girl who bested him at his own game of kings and queens. To say this was magical would be wrong. Jude is cunning and Cardan is sly. It is a dark and twisting tale full of deceit and lies ( on Jude's part at least ). The Cruel Prince was a wondrous start but the Wicked King was an unfathomable book of the best story telling. The prince became a king for good or for ill.
Praise Holly Black rightfully the faerie queen.
Just to note, the review by solislibro is a worthwhile read and I found myself agreeing with what they have written. So thank you solislibro for that beautiful explanation, truly appreciated it 👍

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