“Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.”
Still on the fence about The Wicked King? I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- A spoiler-free plot breakdown
- Character analysis that goes beyond the surface
- The real scoop on that enemies-to-lovers romance
- Whether this sequel lives up to The Cruel Prince
Many readers worry about the “middle book syndrome,” where second books disappoint. Is Holly Black’s follow-up worth your time and money?
As someone who’s reviewed fantasy for over a decade, I can help you decide. I’ve read the entire Folk of the Air series multiple times and understand what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re new to Faerie or eager to return, this honest review will tell you exactly what to expect from Jude and Cardan’s continuing story. No hype, just helpful insights from a trusted fantasy fan.
Plot Summary
“I want to tell you so many lies.
Faerie is a dangerous place where words are weapons and promises are chains. Let’s dive into the treacherous world Holly Black creates in this sequel.
I’m going to tell you what happens in this exciting book set in the treacherous world of Faerie.
After tricking Cardan into becoming the High King of Elfhame, Jude now pulls the strings from the shadows. But her power is fragile. She only has one year to keep him under her control.
The stakes are higher than ever.
Jude struggles to maintain her grip on the kingdom while threats emerge from all sides:
- A traitor lurks within the Court of Shadows
- The Queen of the Undersea has dangerous plans
- Her twin sister Taryn is keeping secrets
- And Cardan? He might be more clever than Jude bargained for
As Jude navigates court politics, she faces impossible choices about loyalty, power, and her complicated feelings for the wicked king himself.
Characters and Character Arc
The heart of any great fantasy lies in its characters. The Wicked King shines by giving us complex people who evolve in surprising ways.
Jude Duarte grows even more complex in this installment. Her hunger for power clashes with her vulnerability. She’s smart and ruthless, but she’s also afraid. Her journey from outsider to puppetmaster shows just how far she’ll go to belong.
Cardan Greenbriar surprised me the most. The cruel prince becomes a reluctant king with secrets of his own. His layers slowly peel back to reveal someone more calculating – and perhaps more feeling – than we first thought.
Other key players include:
- Madoc: The general whose ambitions clash with Jude’s plans
- Taryn: Jude’s twin whose choices bring unexpected consequences
- Locke: The trickster whose games become increasingly dangerous
What Genre (and Tropes) Does It Focus On?
Understanding a book’s genre helps set proper expectations. This story blends multiple elements into something uniquely captivating.
The Wicked King is YA Fantasy with dark fairytale elements that feel both ancient and fresh.
About the Genre
What makes it special? The blend of contemporary teen angst with ancient faerie lore creates something uniquely compelling. This isn’t your childhood fairytale—it’s darker, sharper, and deeply political.
About the Tropes
The tropes are delicious:
- Enemies to lovers (with genuine hatred and attraction tangled together)
- Court intrigue & political scheming (where one wrong move means death)
- Morally gray protagonists (you’ll question who to root for)
What to Expect
It is a fast-paced story where the ground constantly shifts under your feet. Every alliance feels temporary. Every confession hides another lie.
The writing is lyrical yet accessible, with dialogue that crackles with tension and subtext.
Spice Level
Many readers want to know exactly what kind of romance to expect. Here’s the breakdown of the relationship dynamics you’ll find in these pages.
Let’s talk romance!
- Romance Intensity: Medium – the slow burn continues to simmer with delicious tension.
- Steam Level: Low – it’s more about yearning glances and charged moments than explicit scenes.
- Emotional Chemistry: High – the push and pull between Jude and Cardan crackles with betrayal, power plays, and reluctant attraction.
- How It Compares: This book has more tension than The Cruel Prince but less steam than something like A Court of Thorns and Roses. It’s all about the build-up.
Spice Rating(2/5): This book focuses more on romantic tension than explicit content. Expect heated glances, charged arguments that blur into attraction, and a few passionate kisses, but nothing that ventures into truly steamy territory. The emotional intensity between characters drives the romance.
Awards & Recognition
Critical acclaim can be a good indicator of quality. This book has received significant recognition in the fantasy community.
The Wicked King isn’t just popular – it’s acclaimed:
- Nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best YA Fantasy (2019)
- Featured on multiple “Best YA Books of the Year” lists
- New York Times Bestseller
- Praised by fantasy authors and reviewers alike
Ratings and Reviews
What are real readers saying about this book? Let’s look at the honest feedback from people who’ve already journeyed through these pages.
“His mouth curls into a smile. His eyes shine with wicked intent.”
Goodreads Rating and How Many People Rated It
On Goodreads, The Wicked King boasts a 4.3/5 rating from over 250,000 readers.
That’s pretty good!
What Goodreads Readers Say
- “Even better than the first book! The political intrigue and betrayals kept me guessing until the very end.”
- “That ending left me absolutely SHOOK. I immediately had to get the next book.”
- “Cardan and Jude’s relationship is everything I want in enemies-to-lovers.”
What Amazon Readers Say
- “Black’s writing transported me completely into the world of Faerie.”
- “The character development in this sequel is masterful.”
- “A page-turner that had me staying up way too late to finish.”
What Makes This Book Special
What makes this book stand out? The unpredictability. When most YA fantasies follow familiar patterns, The Wicked King zigs when you expect it to zag.
The world-building deepens rather than expands. Instead of introducing tons of new locations, Black delves deeper into the politics and hidden corners of Elfhame.
And the characters! They make choices that surprise you yet feel absolutely true to who they are.
Who Should Read This Book?
Not every book is for every reader. Here’s my honest take on who will love this story—and who might want to skip it.
Age and Content Warning
Age/Content Warning: Best for readers 14+ due to violence, betrayal, and mature themes.
You’ll love this if you enjoyed:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Looking for stories with complex characters, dangerous politics, and romance tangled with power? This book is for you.
Book Recommendations if You Liked The Wicked King
Have you finished the book and need more? I’ve got you covered with titles that offer similar vibes, themes, and satisfying character arcs.
If you enjoy The Wicked King, you might want to check out these books:
- The Cruel Prince (Book 1) – Start from the beginning!
- The Queen of Nothing (Book 3) – Continue the story
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Conclusion
After spending time in the treacherous courts of Faerie, what’s the final verdict? Is this sequel worth your precious reading time?
The Wicked King isn’t just worth the hype—it exceeds it. Holly Black has crafted a middle book that avoids the dreaded sequel slump, instead delivering something richer than its predecessor.
What makes it special? The masterful balance of political intrigue and personal stakes. The way characters grow in unexpected directions. That jaw-dropping ending will have you reaching for book three immediately.
If you’re on the fence, take the plunge. This is YA fantasy at its finest—dark, twisty, and utterly addictive. The faerie court awaits, and trust me, you won’t want to leave.
More from This Author
Can’t get enough of Holly Black’s writing style? Here’s what you should know about the author and her other works.
Brief Overview of the Author
Holly Black writes with a dark, lyrical style that makes the dangerous world of Faerie feel real enough to touch. Her talent lies in creating characters who are neither heroes nor villains but something gloriously in between.
Known as the “Queen of Faerie,” Black has been crafting modern faerie tales for years, blending the ancient with the contemporary in ways that feel fresh and compelling.
Other Books by This Author
- The Cruel Prince (Book 1 in the Folk of the Air series)
- The Queen of Nothing (Book 3 in the Folk of the Air series)
- The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
- The Darkest Part of the Forest
