The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2)

Favorite Quotes…

“Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.”

“Kiss me until I am sick of it.”

“If you’re the sickness, I suppose you can’t also be the cure."

“I like him better than I’ve ever liked anyone and that of all the things he’s ever done to me, making me like him so much is by far the worst.”

“Your ridiculous family might be surprised to find that not everything is solved by murder,” Locke calls after me. “We would be surprised to find that,” I call back.”

“Pain makes you strong, Madoc once told me, making me lift a sword again and again. Get used to the weight.”

“I wasn’t kind, Jude. Not to many people. Not to you. I wasn’t sure if I wanted you or if I wanted you gone from my sight so that I would stop feeling as I did, which made me even more unkind. But when you were gone—truly gone beneath the waves—I hated myself as I never have before.”

“Nothing is sweeter,” he says, kissing the back of it, “but that which is scarce.”

by Holly Black

4 out of 5 stars

In the world of young adult fantasy, few authors manage to capture the essence of their imagined realms as vividly as Holly Black. Her sequel to "The Cruel Prince," aptly titled "The Wicked King," is a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and the complexities of relationships. This review aims to delve into the subtleties of the characters and their evolving dynamics, set against the backdrop of a world as enchanting as it is perilous.

"The Wicked King" picks up almost seamlessly where "The Cruel Prince" left off. Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who has clawed her way into the political landscape of Elfhame, is now the power behind the throne. As the seneschal to High King Cardan, she finds herself walking a tightrope of political alliances, betrayal, and deceit. The stakes are high, and the allure of power is intoxicating, yet fraught with danger. The plot is a labyrinthine web of twists and turns, each more unexpected than the last, making it impossible to put the book down.

Jude Duarte is not your typical young adult protagonist. She is a complex character, driven by a blend of ambition, vulnerability, and an insatiable desire for recognition. In "The Wicked King," we see her evolve from a young girl caught in the machinations of a world she doesn't fully understand, to a formidable player in the politics of Elfhame. Her journey is fraught with moral dilemmas and ethical quandaries that force her to question her own motives. Is she the hero of her own story, or is she becoming the villain she has always despised?

King Cardan, initially portrayed as a cruel, heartless ruler, undergoes a transformation that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying. His relationship with Jude is complicated, to say the least. They share a love-hate dynamic that is as confusing as it is compelling. As the layers of his character are peeled back, we see glimpses of vulnerability and a yearning for acceptance that make him relatable. His evolution from a one-dimensional antagonist to a multi-faceted character adds a layer of complexity to the story that is utterly captivating.

One of the standout aspects of "The Wicked King" is the refined portrayal of relationships. The relationship between Jude and her twin sister, Taryn, is a testament to the complexities of familial bonds. Their shared history and experiences in the mortal world contrast sharply with their diverging paths in Elfhame, adding a layer of tension that is unmistakable. Similarly, the relationship between Jude and Madoc, her adoptive father and general of the High King's army, is a complicated tapestry of love, respect, and betrayal. These relationships serve as a mirror to the larger political landscape, highlighting the blurred lines between allies and enemies.

Black's writing style deserves special mention. Her prose is lyrical, her descriptions vivid, and her world-building impeccable. She has the ability to transport readers into the heart of Elfhame, making them feel the magic and danger that lurk around every corner. The pacing is well-balanced, offering a blend of action, introspection, and character development that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

"The Wicked King" is a triumph in storytelling. It takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving them breathless and eager for more. The character development is exceptional, offering a refined portrayal of complex individuals navigating a world of power, betrayal, and shifting alliances. The relationships are intricately crafted, adding depth and dimension to an already compelling narrative. In a genre that is often criticized for its lack of complexity, "The Wicked King" stands out as a beacon of subtle storytelling and character development. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the complexities of power, the subtleties of relationships, and the allure of a well-crafted fantasy world.

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