Considering the second books in trilogies can often suffer from “second book syndrome”, The Wicked King, much like The Cruel Prince, was a really pleasant surprise. Not only does the plot continue to move, with yet more intrigue and back-stabbing, but Holly Black also used the opportunity to expand the world of Faerie and introduce readers to Faerie’s underwater realm. I love the world-building in this series, it feels so fresh and yet also so classic, like a 21st century Goblin Market, and for someone who isn’t always the biggest fan of mermaid books I loved how sinister they were in this book.
By far my favourite thing about this book, though, was the evolving relationship between Jude and Cardan. I have a slight hatred for those dark, brooding love interests so prevalent in YA, particularly YA fantasy (the Darkling, for example, irritates me to no end as a love interest), so it says a lot about Black’s skill that Cardan is someone I actually really like. Is his relationship with Jude healthy? No, not in the slightest. They’re both terrible to each other, and yet on some level they’re almost like two sides of the same coin.
I just love the world Holly Black has created with these novels. I literally couldn't wait to read this follow up to The Cruel Prince (but had to - for waaayyy to long). I think other people have said enough about the plot.
By far my favourite thing about this book, though, was the evolving relationship between Jude and Cardan. I have a slight hatred for those dark, brooding love interests so prevalent in YA, particularly YA fantasy (the Darkling, for example, irritates me to no end as a love interest), so it says a lot about Black’s skill that Cardan is someone I actually really like. Is his relationship with Jude healthy? No, not in the slightest. They’re both terrible to each other, and yet on some level they’re almost like two sides of the same coin.
I just love the world Holly Black has created with these novels. I literally couldn't wait to read this follow up to The Cruel Prince (but had to - for waaayyy to long). I think other people have said enough about the plot.