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

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black is an intoxicating and bloodthirsty sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Cruel Prince, also nominated for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2019. This gripping continuation of Jude and Cardan's story plunges readers deeper into the treacherous land of Elfhame, where betrayal lurks around every corner, and power is perpetually in flux. Jude has managed to maneuver her way into the political machinations of Faerie, but her position is far from secure.

Having tricked Cardan onto the throne and bound his loyalty to her for a year and a day, Jude is now the power behind the throne. She seeks to solidify her control over the new High King, but Cardan's unpredictable antics and his endless attempts to humiliate and undermine her make this task increasingly difficult. Despite his behaviour, the magnetic pull between them remains undeniable.

Meanwhile, danger escalates as a traitor in the Faerie court schemes against Jude. As political alliances shift and threats both external and internal continue to grow, Jude must navigate a perilous path to protect not just her power, but also the lives of those she holds dear. The complexity of her emotions towards Cardan adds another layer to her struggle, making her mission all the more challenging. With time running out, a year and a day begins to feel exceedingly short.

Holly Black masterfully combines suspense, romance, and intrigue in this enthralling novel that explores themes of love, power, and betrayal in the intricate and often dangerous world of Faerie. Fans of the first book will find this sequel just as, if not more, compelling, as it builds on the intense dynamics and high-stakes drama established in The Cruel Prince.

'Holly Black is the Faerie Queen' - Victoria Aveyard