A review by jillkaarlela
The Wicked King, by Holly Black
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