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A review by pgmoon
The Wicked King by Holly Black
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