The Wicked King | Holly Black’s | English Book

In “The Wicked King,” the second installment of Holly Black’s captivating series “The Folk of the Air,” mortal protagonist Jude Duarte finds herself entangled in a web of political intrigue and dangerous alliances within the Faerie realm. Having tricked faerie prince Cardan onto the throne and bound him to her for a year and a day, Jude’s hold on power is tenuous at best. Despite their shared connection, Cardan remains a formidable adversary, using his newfound authority to undermine her at every turn.

As Jude grapples with the complexities of ruling a kingdom teeming with treachery and deceit, she discovers that an enemy lurks within the court, scheming against her and threatening the stability of the realm. With her life and the lives of those she loves hanging in the balance, Jude must navigate a perilous landscape of shifting loyalties and deadly betrayals, all while confronting her own conflicted feelings for Cardan.

Holly Black expertly crafts a narrative that is equal parts exhilarating and heart-wrenching, exploring themes of power, love, and the lengths one will go to protect what they hold dear. Through richly drawn characters and a meticulously constructed world brimming with magic and intrigue, Black immerses readers in a mesmerizing tale of courtly politics and forbidden romance.

“The Wicked King” is a masterful blend of fantasy and romance, delivering a gripping narrative that will leave readers breathless until the very last page. With its irresistible blend of dark enchantment and forbidden desire, this sequel to “The Cruel Prince” solidifies Holly Black’s reputation as the reigning queen of faerie fiction, captivating audiences with her spellbinding storytelling prowess.