The Wicked King

Plot Summary
The story takes off after the events of The Cruel Prince, in which Jude manipulated her way into a position of influence within the faerie court. Now, she is about to become advisor to Cardan-the wicked king of Elfhame. But Jude will soon discover that the dynamics of the world of faeries don’t make much for trust. In fact, she’s going to find it exactly the opposite: everywhere she turns, there’s betrayal waiting.

Jude and Cardan face external threats, not to mention rival factions seeking to overthrow Cardan’s rule during the complicated relationship. Jude’s ambitions put her in bold risk-taking positions but in turn, they have unforeseen consequences that work out for her as she fights to protect the position she manages to secure for herself and those close to her.

Themes:
Power and Manipulation: The novel exploits the intricate issues of power where the characters work with manipulation, tactics, and strategy to get what they want.
Identity and Morality: Here, she finds herself torn between issues of identity since she is human in a world completely dominated by faeries. She questions her morality and what has to be sacrificed so that she remains alive.
Love and Betrayal: the love between Jude and Cardan was tense; the way it is expressed in terms of love, betrayal, and lack of trusting in a world created with a foundation of lies all make it all worthwhile.
Rich in intrigue and politics and whims of character development, The Wicked King is full of this luscious world building. Because of Holly Black’s master storytelling skills, readers stay on the edge of their seats, captivated by the sequel as Jude’s and Elfhame’s futures are played out to higher stakes in depth.