The Wicked King

By Holly Black

I don't think I'll be able to wait til 2020 for the Queen Of Nothing. Like seriously. The Wicked King exceeded my all my exceptions and them some. I will never get over how Holly Black will make you believe one thing and then turn it into something you never expected. I couldn't put this book down. This book really played with my heart. The lies, betrayals and romance made this book so desirable.

**SPOILERS**

“You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring. The first lesson is to make yourself that strong.”

This book really gets you into the mindset of Jude. Raised by the hands who killed her parents. The idea of mortal children raised by Faeries is one of things that makes this book so unique. There are times while reading this that I wondered how Jude could be so relentless, determined and brutal enough to go through what she does. Her level of endurance is so high that I worry about what kind of future she could have. Jude has fought her way to get what she wanted but doing so has also made her a target.

The foreshadowing of Jude's fall made me believe it was gonna hit her hard and I kind hate that I was right. As strong as our girl Jude is, she can only take so much. I'm very worried about her relationships with her family and friends. Everyone has a motive in this world. Good or bad.

“Kiss me again,” he says, drunk and foolish. “Kiss me until I am sick of it.”

Cardan's character development has really taken a turn. I still can't decide if he's really wicked or very cunning. I'm not really sure at this point if little Oak should really be the one to have the crown.

“And the single last thing in my head: that 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.”

We have to talk about the romance. I'll admit I didn't think was gonna happen after the first book but this book has me sold. Books like these are my weakness. The love/hate or more so hate/love dynamics really make Jude and Cardan relationship so different. It crazy how it works out. The both of them are clearly in denial about their feelings for each other and I'm dying for the moment it becomes clear.

I can't say I love the ending but I'm so excited for the next book!

5 stars