Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Wicked King from Pansing Books, a regional distributor, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black • contains 326 pages • published January 8, 2019 by Hot Key Books, Bonnier Zaffre • classified as Fantasy, Young Adult • obtained through Pansing Books • read as paperback • shelve on GoodreadsSynopsis:
Jude has tricked Cardan onto the throne, binding him to her for a year and a day. But the new High King does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her, even as his fascination with her remains undimmed. Meanwhile, a traitor in the court is scheming against her. Jude must fight for her life and the lives of those she loves, all while battling her own complicated feelings for Cardan. Now a year and a day seems like no time at all...
The Wicked King was everything I look for in a sequel. In fact, I was so engrossed in it, I breezed through it in just about two days. I hardly wanted to put it down but you know, responsibilities…
Anyway, on some fronts, I did predict quite a number of the bigger twists. Although, I think that was because Holly Black laid a groundwork that made for a very fluid plot progression. Yet, she still managed to turn things upside down with many more twists that I didn’t expect.
Middle books in trilogies often suffer from being bridges instead of thickening the plot. With The Wicked King, that was not the case. Instead, it continued escalating the chaos from The Cruel Prince and introduced a great deal more layers, which I was obviously very happy about.
It was gruesome yet still fun and exceedingly satisfying, especially due to all the trickery up those faeries’ sleeves. I think part of what elevated this series for me in general were the quick exchanges between the characters so far. Jude’s been quite hot-tempered, which has produced some very entertaining and intense scenes.
The Cruel Prince was one of my favourite books last year, and now I can say with absolute certainty that The Wicked King will be a firm favourite of 2019. I dare say, it has surpassed The Cruel Prince.
Naturally, I’m super excited for The Queen of Nothing to be released later this year, in November. Yes, the publication has been brought forward, so get on this series, if you haven’t yet!
thecritiquesofafangirl says
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Tasya @ The Literary Huntress says
I’m so excited to read this book, everyone seems to love it more than TCP that even people that hate TCP fell for this book! As always, fantastic review Josephine!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
I don’t really read MG but this novel has gotten so much hype, it makes me want to pick it up! Especially knowing that this sequel gets more gruesome and helps thicken the plot more! Lovely review!