Review of "The Wicked King" by Holly Black

 Review of The Wicked King by Holly Black

The Wicked King is the second book in Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series, and it takes the tension and drama of The Cruel Prince to the next level. The story picks up months after the events of the first book, with Jude now in a position of power as Cardan’s advisor and secret manipulator. However, her control is fragile, and the political games in Elfhame are more dangerous than ever.

This book shines in its exploration of court intrigue and power struggles. Jude is constantly walking a tightrope, balancing her desire for control with the ever-present threat of betrayal. The stakes are higher, the dangers more intense, and the secrets more shocking. Black’s ability to weave suspense and tension through every chapter keeps the reader completely engrossed.

Jude and Cardan’s relationship continues to evolve, filled with even more complexity, tension, and ambiguity. Their interactions are charged with underlying attraction and hatred, making their dynamic one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Cardan becomes a more layered character, revealing new sides of himself that add depth to the story.

The pacing in The Wicked King is fast, with new revelations and twists around every corner. The world-building remains rich and immersive, and the stakes feel even more urgent as Jude faces threats not only from enemies outside the court but from those she once trusted.

With its sharp twists, political intrigue, and morally grey characters, The Wicked King is a thrilling sequel that raises the bar for what’s to come in the final book of the trilogy. Fans of dark fantasy and complex characters will not be disappointed.