Reviews with content warning for Self harm - The Wicked King

I love this series and the ease at which the author twists the plots. I love the dance of the romance, the mysteries of the deceptions constantly in motion, and the way the story makes Jude's actions and thoughts both understandable and frustrating though in a way that is satisfying in the end.

I also love the nod to other stories written by Holly Black. I especially enjoyed the direct reference to The Darkest Part of the Forest.

Content Warnings

anigirl524's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

[17 june 2023—update]
i'll be re-reading this book at some point this year. to be honest, i don't remember most of what happened, and i think it will be good to actively read it and write a better review.

[3 january 2023—initial review]
this book was loads better than the cruel prince. i definitely enjoyed seeing how the characters developed in this novel, especially cardan (he still confuses me immensely though).

now i have to wait ~8 weeks for the queen of nothing audiobook or find time to read it physically once i get back to school 😭😭😭 i just want to know what happens next.

Content Warnings

lilyane's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

pattyblom's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Good second book. Not predictable and am now curious to read the third.

Content Warnings

katreadswaytoomuch's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Content Warnings

sierra0107's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Haven’t read Queen of Nothing yet, but I think I can already say this is my favourite in the series. The first half was a little slow after all that happened at the ending of Cruel Prince, but it quickly ramped up. I enjoyed every second!

If you’re into the romance of the book, I would find another. The romance isn’t centre stage. What I adore about this series is the politics and character growth. I really liked how much we got to know Cardan, but him and Jude still kept up with their antics. Jude’s growth was amazing and I can’t wait for her to kick butt in the last book.

If you’re looking for spice, find it somewhere else. I was told this book was spicy, it is not even close, sadly. If you like enemy to lovers and knives to throats, then this is for you! Again, have to remember it is YA, so it never goes as far as I would like but still pretty gruesome for a YA novel.

Lastly, even though there are parts that could have been better, I give it 4.5 stars because I think this book has the best character growth I have ever read. As well, politics!! I love the deception and scheming that goes along with the politics of the Courts.

Content Warnings

More...