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orakuruno's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Drug use, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
vereadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oak is safe and sound in the human realm with Vivi. Cardan sits on the throne, still controlled by Jude, who operates behind the scenes, scheming and strategizing every move. Jude tries to stay one step ahead, knowing enemies surround her. She lays the groundwork for her plans, but she faces strong opponents.
The Queen of the Undersea, Orlagh, seeks to break the peace treaty she had with the previous king. She thinks Cardan is weak and uses this opportunity to rule the Fae Realm. Meanwhile, Prince Belkine schemes against Cardan from prison. And then there is Madoc. His dual role in Jude’s life is intriguing. Madoc is her father figure but also the murderer of her parents. He sees her potential and respects her to some extent, which means he wants to take the power she holds.
This book is absolutely insane. The intricate political maneuvering and unexpected plot twists captivated readers in The Wicked King. The fairies are dangerous. Its fickle and treacherous nature is even more pronounced in this installment.
The chemistry between Cardan and Jude is electric. This is truly an enemy-to-lovers story. Their mutual hatred is intense, yet the attraction between them is so strong that they cannot deny it. I still haven’t gotten over that ending. (I knew he would betray her. I didn’t imagine it would be like this.)
Holly Black is the queen of the fairies. Through her writing, this fantastic, wicked, and harsh world comes to life, trapping us in its web with no way out.
The Wicked King is addictive, like fairy fruit. This book contains political intrigue, deception, romance, fantasy, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, betrayal, and a lot of drama within its pages.
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
2blueshoes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Yes, the FMC is still deeply un relatable to me, and her choices made me want to pull my hair out in frustration.
Yes, all of the characters continue to operate so far beyond morally grey areas they are all difficult to root for.
And yet, somehow in the midst of the ever-more-complicated political schemes and endless list of confusing character names… I found myself loving this story. The plot twists were plentiful and intelligently written (I guessed exactly one). There was such steep character development that the FMC and MMC became entirely different people. There was relationship angst, but it was elegant rather than despicable. There was exactly one spicy scene and it was fade to black. The MMC’s tail wasn’t mentioned, praise be.
If you don’t care much for back story or world building, read a synopsis of book one and jump to book two. It will absolutely have you on the edge of your seat - or in my case - yelling “OMG” loudly in the car.
I will immediately read book three.
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Gore, Slavery, Suicide, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
taylor219's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Moderate: Gore and Murder
Minor: Death and Toxic relationship
picaresquedreamer's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying and Emotional abuse
kal517's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Torture, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content, Vomit, and War
jcrawford31's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
bo0ks_are_cool91's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Maybe it’s because my expectations were so high, but The Wicked King fell flat for me compared the first book. There wasn’t enough action, and though the political intrigue was well done, it took over the story in the latter half of the book. Jude and Cardan are amazing as ever though:)
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent
cherryfreckle's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug use, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Vomit, and War
rafacolog's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder