The Wicked King (The Folk Of The Air #2)

Jude is going to the extreme limits to keep her family and the world of Faerie safe. Dodging enemies and deadly politics... the worst thing is, she likes it.This follows on from The Cruel Prince, where Jude tricks her long-time enemy, Prince Cardan, into becoming the new King of Faerie. Not only that, he has sworn to be under her command for a year and a day.Using her puppet king, Jude is able to manipulate Faerie, making it strong, and making it safe for when her little brother Oak is old enough to take the crown. Being a human that can lie becomes so important, as Jude navigates family drama, threats to the crown, and the constant belittlement from the Fae, who don't realise this puny human is their real leader.I had glimpsed a few reviews and comments about this book, before I read it (thankfully no spoilers), and I was surprised at all the hate that Jude's twin sister was getting. Yes, Taryn is simpering and annoying. Yes, she had a hand in breaking Jude's heart...Post book - I hate Taryn.I also really wanted to hate Cardan in the end. Wanted to, not sure if I can manage it.There were some great twists in this book that I didn't see coming. I think it's amazing how deceptive and sly this race is, when they can't tell lies.I don't want to say anything else, because I'm afraid I might spoil it.I can't wait for the third book!

"Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to..."The story continues with Jude and Carden now in control of Elfhame but trouble is afoot with Carden pushing against his new role and a traitor in their midst.This sequel exceeded my expectations and, like the first book, it kept me on my toes with endless scheming and political intrigue (both of which I love). There are some twists that caught me off guard and that ending had me running to my bookshelf at 3am to grab the final book and see how things panned out. The tension between Carden and Jude was amazing, and we did get some more romance this time around. There are also hints at how their romance will develop and I can't wait to find out in The Queen of Nothing.I seriously wish, even more so from when I finished The Cruel Prince, that this series was New Adult. The dynamics of the characters, the relationships and violence could have had even more of a chance to flourish if they weren't constrained within the parameters of YA.

I just wrote a review for the last book and my memory of this one is a little fuzzy but,I am not great for being able to focus on a book for usually longer than an hour but I found this book so captivating I just couldn't put it down.Each turn of the page was filled with uncertainty I just had to know more.This is by far the fastest I've read a book as finished it the day I got it.Dont get me started on how amazing the end was I loved the book all the way through and trying my hardest to avoid spoilers was so worth it!!And can we take a second to appreciate the amazing cover art,Omg its really something, as soon as I saw it I was in love.I have recommended this series to my friends and they have loved reading it too.I just got another series from sjm called a court of thrones and roses and im starting it as soon as I get home.Definitly read this book and the one ofter because both are amazing!!!

After reading the cruel prince I was not super excited or enthralled to pick up this book and read it. After rereading the cruel prince I decided to pick up this book as I thought that the series could get better the longer it goes on.For this book the characters & the story developed in a quicker & more exciting way, I loved the the dynamics between Jude and the court of shadows I thought that she finally found some friends that aren’t her sisters or little brothers, she could be her true self with all her grey morals & they don’t judge her.Throughout his book I found the relationship between Cardan and Jude non existent I don’t understand where the romance is supposed to be as all she did was control him & he did what she wanted him to, I found no romance or really any enemies.The end half of the book was exciting & held my attention & I will definitely read the final book.

Although The Cruel Prince is spectacular, this book is definitely even better than the first book of the series. The Wicked King exquisitely develops the story line of The Cruel Prince. Holly Black's beautiful writing develops the relationship between Cardan and Jude and we learn more about their life ruling in the land of the fae (or should I say Jude's). Jude's power over Cardan really intensifies in this novel and Cardan tries to wriggle out of her hold on him. Holly Black's character building on our ruthless protagonist Jude flourishes throughout this book as we are brought into understanding her lust for power and also her fear of losing it. The Wicked King still follows the enemies to lovers trope as we are shown the intense and hateful tension between Jude and Cardan. Holly Black brings more drama and adventure in this book which has draw dropping plot twists. My only wish that would improve this book would be that Holly developed Cardan's character more and included even more scenes with Jude and Cardan. :)