jillkaarlela's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Taylor Swift songs: “Don’t Blame me”, “…Ready for it?”, and “Vigilante Sh*t”
Disclaimer: I know this is portrayed as mostly a romance on Booktok, but it’s really not. It’s more of ya fantasy about the main character Jude, who is one of the only mortals in the Fae world of Elhame, fighting the prejudice against her and fighting for power. There’s some romance, but I know that it really only happens later in the series, but it is not the main plot of the book.
Woah, so much more happened in this book than the first book! If I wasn’t in school, I probably would have binged the whole thing in one or two sittings, it is that addicting. There is just plot twist after plot twist!!
The romance is a lot more developed in this book than the first book as well. I like that we get even more backstory on why Carden is the way that he is, and we get to see his character development. Again, I love how much of a mastermind/girlboss Jude truly is, and how she is not afraid to get things done if you know what I mean. She is such a strong character and I love her so much. And of course, I am a sucker for the “I hate you, but if you are capture or in trouble I would risk literally everyone and everything to get you back” trope. I am obsessed with reluctant allies/enemies to lovers. This is still more of a slow burn enemies to lovers, but we do see some payoff in this book. The last book’s payoff will be so worth it.
Overall I’m enjoying these books a lot more than I thought I would! I would definitely recommend these!
Age rating: 14+ (suggestive content, nothing explicit, but there is one implied s*x scene that is very brief, and one or two curse words)
Disclaimer: I know this is portrayed as mostly a romance on Booktok, but it’s really not. It’s more of ya fantasy about the main character Jude, who is one of the only mortals in the Fae world of Elhame, fighting the prejudice against her and fighting for power. There’s some romance, but I know that it really only happens later in the series, but it is not the main plot of the book.
Woah, so much more happened in this book than the first book! If I wasn’t in school, I probably would have binged the whole thing in one or two sittings, it is that addicting. There is just plot twist after plot twist!!
The romance is a lot more developed in this book than the first book as well. I like that we get even more backstory on why Carden is the way that he is, and we get to see his character development. Again, I love how much of a mastermind/girlboss Jude truly is, and how she is not afraid to get things done if you know what I mean. She is such a strong character and I love her so much. And of course, I am a sucker for the “I hate you, but if you are capture or in trouble I would risk literally everyone and everything to get you back” trope. I am obsessed with reluctant allies/enemies to lovers. This is still more of a slow burn enemies to lovers, but we do see some payoff in this book. The last book’s payoff will be so worth it.
Overall I’m enjoying these books a lot more than I thought I would! I would definitely recommend these!
Age rating: 14+ (suggestive content, nothing explicit, but there is one implied s*x scene that is very brief, and one or two curse words)
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing and Sexual content
aidamaria_reads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Just when you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to cunningly deceiving, secretively scheming and shamelessly betraying in The Cruel Prince … The Wicked King is a very worthy second instalment. I’m usually weary of sequels, but this one exceeded my expectations. And Jude does. Not. Back. Down! She might be my favourite heroine I’ve come across in a fantasy book. She is relentless, she is resilient, she will have the world torn to pieces before she gives up on reaching her goals. Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 out of 5 stars) from me! 🧚🏻♀️
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Injury/injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Violence, Vomit, and War
kinskinn's review
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol, Confinement, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Vomit
lucasxx's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
empathreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Spoiler
It seemed that Cardan was more humane than the mortal Jude. To reiterate, it seemed. The Elfhame High King has become more clever than ever I loved that part. What left an impression on me were Cardan's words, " As the High King, I must lead. But I must also be just." Love how he got it all covered, like two birds in one stone, it was an unnerving plan with lots of caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
More...