Staff Pick
I do not frequently have the luxury of finishing a book in one sitting. Nor do I often have the desire to do so. This time I did. After consuming the whole of Cruel Prince on New Year's Eve, I read the second installment, The Wicked King, just days after, also in the span of one day. Needless to say, I loved it! The Wicked King had me captivated, mesmerized by the intricate espionage of Jude's game in the High King's court, and eager to see what unsuspected turn Black would throw at us readers next. The end was not what I expected (which, by the way, is PERFECTLY fine) and it has left me eager for the next installment. Somehow, I will find the means to be patient. Maybe. Recommended By Samantha C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The enchanting and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Cruel Prince.
You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.
The first lesson is to make yourself strong.
After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.
When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.
About the Author
Holly Black is the bestselling author of contemporary fantasy novels, including Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale and the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick series. She has been a finalist for the Mythopoeic Award and the Eisner Award, and the recipient of the Andre Norton Award. Holly lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.