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pgmoon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
I was so excited to get to the next book, and it has me truly on the edge of my seat!
Here’s some of my favorite parts:
The character development of Jude is stellar; we truly see her come into her own as she navigates the treacherous waters of Faerie and beyond. Although this isn’t her ideal situation, Jude excels and proves her capabilities. I love the duality of Jude, and she is a really fun MC.
One of the standout elements of the book is the character interactions, particularly between Jude, Madoc, and Cardan. The relationship between Jude and Madoc has always been complex, and this story drives them further apart, adding depth to their dynamic. Meanwhile, Cardan undergoes significant development. While he has done reprehensible things, the layers to his character make it hard not to sympathize with him, which adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
Additionally, The palpable tension between Jude and Cardan makes them such a compelling pair to follow. Their witty exchanges not only highlight their chemistry but also keep the reader engaged. This tension is further intensified by the introduction of the sea folk, who serve as formidable antagonists. I found them fascinating, can’t wait for more Nicasia honestly~
As for Taryn, I know many readers have mixed feelings about her, but I still found myself on her side. I feel genuinely sorry for her in so many ways - at least until the end, lol. How she came to where she did, especially in relation to Madoc, add another layer of complexity to the story. I need to know what happened there ! Even the smaller characters, like Vivi and Heather, left an impression, and I hope to see more of Heather in the future. COME BACK QUEEN PLS! On the other hand, Locke and The Ghost? They can catch these hands, I said what I said
As for the writing, Holly Black’s prose remains addictive and poetic yet straightforward, making the reading experience immersive and enjoyable. The political intrigue throughout the novel is exactly what I love in fantasy, expertly keeping me hooked from start to finish and the dialogue between characters is fresh and snappy.
And then there’s the ending. 🤯 I saw it coming but somehow didn’t at the same time, which made it all the more satisfying. I don’t want to reveal too much more because going in with no idea truly amps the experience. Overall, The Wicked King was a triumph. I already knew I liked the first book more than most readers, and I was curious to see if the sequel could maintain that momentum. It absolutely did, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book! I don’t hand out too many of these, but for me, this is a five star book.
Here’s some of my favorite parts:
The character development of Jude is stellar; we truly see her come into her own as she navigates the treacherous waters of Faerie and beyond. Although this isn’t her ideal situation, Jude excels and proves her capabilities. I love the duality of Jude, and she is a really fun MC.
One of the standout elements of the book is the character interactions, particularly between Jude, Madoc, and Cardan. The relationship between Jude and Madoc has always been complex, and this story drives them further apart, adding depth to their dynamic. Meanwhile, Cardan undergoes significant development. While he has done reprehensible things, the layers to his character make it hard not to sympathize with him, which adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
Additionally, The palpable tension between Jude and Cardan makes them such a compelling pair to follow. Their witty exchanges not only highlight their chemistry but also keep the reader engaged. This tension is further intensified by the introduction of the sea folk, who serve as formidable antagonists. I found them fascinating, can’t wait for more Nicasia honestly~
As for Taryn, I know many readers have mixed feelings about her, but I still found myself on her side. I feel genuinely sorry for her in so many ways - at least until the end, lol. How she came to
As for the writing, Holly Black’s prose remains addictive and poetic yet straightforward, making the reading experience immersive and enjoyable. The political intrigue throughout the novel is exactly what I love in fantasy, expertly keeping me hooked from start to finish and the dialogue between characters is fresh and snappy.
And then there’s the ending. 🤯 I saw it coming but somehow didn’t at the same time, which made it all the more satisfying. I don’t want to reveal too much more because going in with no idea truly amps the experience. Overall, The Wicked King was a triumph. I already knew I liked the first book more than most readers, and I was curious to see if the sequel could maintain that momentum. It absolutely did, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book! I don’t hand out too many of these, but for me, this is a five star book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Murder
Minor: Sexual content
uselesspirateraven's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Torture, and Gaslighting
Minor: Confinement, Sexual content, and Vomit
seastheday's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down. Okay, I only did because I have young children. But, otherwise I wouldn’t have put this book down! Listening to Jude slowly talk herself into paranoid madness was so fun to watch. I love and hate Carden’s incongruous ways. He was foolish but learned to play the game. He is akin to Sansa Stark in that way. I love the push and pull of power between Cardan and Jude. Most of the time I’m not even sure who I want to have the power. As a side note, I fucking hate Locke. STILL. And now Ghost AND Taryn’s are on my list with their names underlined! I don’t think any of them can really be redeemed. And I don’t think they’re meant to be. I want to pick up Queen of Nothing RIGHT NOW. But alas, I cannot as I have not bought it. I want to know what happens next and steam roll through it this weekend. But I must wait on the library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Minor: Child abuse, Slavery, Torture, and Vomit
suerte_encantada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
spatterson7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Toxic relationship, Blood, Medical content, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Drug use, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Torture, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
katharina90's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
The plot was paper-thin, boring and dragged on for what felt like forever.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual content
alexjoneswrites's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Blown away, such a gripping and captivating read. Each page always leaves me on me on the edge of my seat
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Kidnapping
Moderate: Blood, Murder, and War
noellegrace8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As stated in my review of The Cruel Prince, I really struggled to get into that first book. But I guess I got used to all the oddities, because I couldn't put this one down. There was less fluff, more politics, and it finally felt like the characters were the correct age for the things that are happening. They are adults now, making adult decisions and playing a dangerous adult game of power, authority, and death. I would no longer categorize this as "teen" literature, but "young adult." What really impresses me is that Holly Black manages to make me root for characters that are truly not good people, which is not typical for me. I wanted Jude to win in the first book. I was smug when she turned her knife on Cardan. But now in this one, I wasn't sure who to vie for. It seems like every time a character does something worth celebrating, they also do something that makes you hate yourself for liking them. The betrayals are painful but enticing. Also the cliff hanger??! My library is backed up 10 weeks for the last book and I am REELING about it. I don't know how I'm going to wait that long. This is fantasy done right, and true enemies to lovers (hopefully? Jury is still out on whether "lovers" is true...).
I don't factor the audiobook performance into my rating of the material itself, but I give Caitlin Kelly 4.5/5⭐. Again, by the second book in a series, I tend to get used to whatever problems I had with the voicing in the first. But honestly, there didn't seem to be as many parts where I felt the narrator wasn't portraying the correct emotion or tone of voice. A good performance, overall.
I don't factor the audiobook performance into my rating of the material itself, but I give Caitlin Kelly 4.5/5⭐. Again, by the second book in a series, I tend to get used to whatever problems I had with the voicing in the first. But honestly, there didn't seem to be as many parts where I felt the narrator wasn't portraying the correct emotion or tone of voice. A good performance, overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Xenophobia, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
chqrmspoken's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was thoroughly entertained. The enemies were enemying, the lovers were lovering. And trying to keep up with Jude's schemes was a nice challenge. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book and how valid their marriage is. I'm still not entirely convinced.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Murder
marshsano's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
Personally, I find the second book far outperforms the first book. The stage has been set, and we’re finally given a chance to watch these characters breathe in the world that has been created around them. Jude is an excellent protagonist, balancing her kind nature with her deeply cautious attitude. I spent a lot of time angry at her decisions before immediately backtracking because in the sense of her character, she’s totally valid. Holly Black has done a great job at making these characters stand on their own.
This book also did a much better job as genuinely throwing me through a loop with outlandish betrayals and interesting schemes. I genuinely never knew what direction it was going in with each turn of the page.
My only wish is that I wish that Cardan’s journey had been portrayed more. There’s a scene in the end pages of the book where we are meant to believe he’s gone on this incredible self discovery journey, and while I think the bread crumbs were laid, I find his actual arc lacking. I love Cardan though, and he’s a fun character. I just wish we could’ve seen these developmental moments the book tries to make us believe happened.
This book also did a much better job as genuinely throwing me through a loop with outlandish betrayals and interesting schemes. I genuinely never knew what direction it was going in with each turn of the page.
My only wish is that I wish that Cardan’s journey had been portrayed more. There’s a scene in the end pages of the book where we are meant to believe he’s gone on this incredible self discovery journey, and while I think the bread crumbs were laid, I find his actual arc lacking. I love Cardan though, and he’s a fun character. I just wish we could’ve seen these developmental moments the book tries to make us believe happened.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Torture, Violence, and Vomit