A review by cosy_armchair_reader
The Wicked King by Holly Black

adventurous dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

Can I just start with wow.
I gave both this book and the Cruel Prince a 5 star review, and let me tell you. This book puts the cruel prince to shame. Both books were good, but Holly Black excelled herself for this sequel
Black wraps you round her finger and weaves you into the tale. She spins an unforgettable story of faerie and a king with a dagger at his throat commanded by a human girl who bested him at his own game of kings and queens. To say this was magical would be wrong. Jude is cunning and Cardan is sly. It is a dark and twisting tale full of deceit and lies ( on Jude's part at least ). The Cruel Prince was a wondrous start but the Wicked King was an unfathomable book of the best story telling. The prince became a king for good or for ill.
Praise Holly Black rightfully the faerie queen.
Just to note, the review by solislibro is a worthwhile read and I found myself agreeing with what they have written. So thank you solislibro for that beautiful explanation, truly appreciated it 👍

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