The wicked king

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Average Rating
Series
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2019.
Language
English

Description

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.

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ISBN
9780316310352
9780316310338
9781549171321

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Also in this Series

  • The cruel prince (Folk of the air Volume 1) Cover
  • The wicked king (Folk of the air Volume 2) Cover
  • The queen of nothing (Folk of the air Volume 3) Cover
  • How the king of Elfhame learned to hate stories (Folk of the air Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These compelling fantasy series both focus on humans trying to navigate the treacherous faerie realm and the terse relationships between kingdoms while discovering surprising truths about their own lineage. -- Stephen Ashley
In both of these dark, intriguing tales, a modern teen girl is drawn against her will into fae court politics and complicated romantic entanglements with inhuman faerie royalty, struggling to outwit all their tricks and rules. -- Rachel Morris
Teens caught between magical and human worlds must decide how they identify and where they belong in these fantasy trilogies with hints of darkness and suspense. -- Hannah Gomez
Court intrigue, immersive world-building, and scheming characters feature in both young adult fantasy series. The Red Queen series is more action-packed than the intricately plotted Folk of the Air. -- Kaitlin Conner
Alluring world-building is a strong feature of both fantasy series in which main characters traverse settings populated by faeries and humans alike for the sake of keeping family together. Readers will also find romantic elements in both works. -- Basia Wilson
Mortals Jude (Air) and Feyre (Roses) are forced to live with hostile faerie royalty, but both decide to fight to protect the people they care about when they are threatened in these fast-paced fantasy series. -- Stephen Ashley
Though Henry (Chronicles) enters the Faerie world by choice and Jude (Air) is abducted, both of these action-packed fantasy series are filled with royal treachery and magical adventure. -- Stephen Ashley
High fantasy fans who enjoy intricately plotted stories with complex world-building and tough heroines will enjoy both of these series. Raven Rings features some romance, while Folk of the Air is a bit more suspenseful. -- Stephen Ashley
These compelling fantasy series with intricate world building both follow human teens who find themselves thrust into treacherous relationships with faerie courts. These Hollow Vows has a bigger emphasis on romance than Folk of the Air. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the appeal factors world-building and multiple perspectives, and they have the themes "faerie realm" and "court intrigue"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "rulers" and "imaginary kingdoms"; and characters that are "complex characters" and "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "faerie realm"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subject "imaginary kingdoms."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "faerie realm"; the genre "epic fantasy"; the subjects "rulers," "demons," and "imaginary kingdoms"; and characters that are "complex characters" and "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the themes "faerie realm," "court intrigue," and "to the rescue!"; the genre "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "rulers" and "princesses."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "court intrigue"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "rulers," "political intrigue," and "imaginary kingdoms."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; the subjects "conspiracies" and "courts and courtiers"; and characters that are "complex characters" and "well-developed characters."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
NoveList recommends "Immortal dark trilogy" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Witch Hall" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Betrayal prophecies" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Wicked lovely" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Raven rings" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Girls of paper and fire series" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Rise of the Empress" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Metamorphosis duology" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Beneath these cursed stars" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Unseelie duology" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "These hollow vows" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Red queen (Victoria Aveyard)" for fans of "Folk of the air". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Kat Beyer and Holly Black write dark urban fantasy for teens. While Beyer uses a more contemporary setting, both authors feature protagonists who are initiated into the family trade of paranormal professions. -- Pamela Manasco
Holly Black and Francesca Lia Block both write fast-paced, urban teen fantasy that features mature themes, faeries, and magic. However, while Black also writes books for older kids, Block's work deals with more controversial issues geared toward a more sophisticated teen audience. -- Kelly White
These authors explore the scarier side of faeries and magic in their suspenseful high fantasy novels. Both often feature political intrigue, steamy romance, pulse-pounding action, and dramatic storylines. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black both write teen and adult fantasies (whether epic, urban, or dark), and their books are known for their detailed world-building, fast-paced plots, and suspenseful tone. -- Kaitlin Conner
These authors write fast-paced, mystery-driven urban fantasy for teens. Although Holly Black's novels tend to be darker than Laura Powell's, fans of intricate world-building and strong teenage heroines will find plenty to love in both authors' books. -- Pamela Manasco
Both Holly Black and Kendare Blake's urban fantasy novels for teens share a focus on dark, supernatural mysteries. Although their books tend to be violent and full of action, these authors also often weave complicated, ill-fated romances into their stories. -- Pamela Manasco
Holly Black and Tessa Gratton write urban fantasy for teens, showcasing heroes and heroines with interesting magical powers and complicated love lives. Both authors often utilize dark themes in their writing and explore a variety of fantasy settings in their suspenseful books. -- Pamela Manasco
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the subjects "schools," "child wizards," and "witches"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These authors' works have the genre "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "rulers," "imaginary kingdoms," and "ghosts."
These authors' works have the genre "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "child wizards," "imaginary kingdoms," and "ghosts."
These authors' works have the genre "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "fairies," "preteen boys," and "ghosts."
These authors' works have the genres "epic fantasy" and "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "fairies," "rulers," and "imaginary kingdoms."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Jude Duarte is no stranger to uneasy alliances. Raised by the man who killed her parents, a liar in a court of faeries compelled to speak only the truth, and recently betrayed, for love, by her twin sister, Jude long ago learned to keep her motivations a secret and her heart safe. In a deft play in The Cruel Prince (2018), she both allied with and manipulated Cardan, the prince she's always had a dangerous relationship with. To keep her younger brother, the heir of Faerie, safe, Jude placed Cardan on the throne instead; now she and Cardan rule together through their tenuous, volatile partnership. But Faerie is a dangerous world, and Jude has never truly belonged there. Someone is working against her, endangering her life and the lives of her family, and Jude will need every ounce of cunning and every bit of hardness she's learned to make it out intact. This second in a series neatly avoids the second-book slump; readers of the planned trilogy's first volume will be expecting plot twists, so it's even more impressive that this manages to stay one step ahead of its readers. Black expands the reaches of her brutally beautiful world and the depths of her deadly, vulnerable characters, and the employ of yet another cliff-hanger ending will leave readers agonized. A sinister, singular thrill. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Black's practically a household name, the film rights to The Cruel Prince have been sold, and the six-figure marketing campaign for this installment means that the buzz is deafening.--Maggie Reagan Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 9 UP-By crowning Cardan High King of Elfame and holding him under her command for a year and a day, Jude Duarte is able to protect her brother Oak from their power-hungry father Madoc. Jude uses her ability to control Cardan and the Court of Shadows to her own advantage and to protect other mortals. As the power goes to her head and her feelings for Cardan change, Jude is warned that someone she trusts will betray her. Balekin, Cardan's murderous older brother, and Madoc both scheme to take the throne, but in the end, the worst betrayal may be the one she never expected. Caitlin Kelly captures the beauty and caprice of the fae, giving her voice an ageless quality that matches Black's richly developed world. Kelly gives Jude a strong and determined voice, but still shows Jude's youth and vulnerability. VERDICT Fans of Julie Kagawa and Melissa Marr, as well as those who enjoyed Black's other books, will want to pick up this suspenseful sequel to The Cruel Prince.-Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

A mortal raised in the realms of Faerie by the devious General Madoc, Jude Duarte has learned to play games of politics and intrigue quite well. By manipulating her onetime nemesis, Cardan (the titular Cruel Prince of the previous book, rev. 1/18; and Wicked King of this one), onto the throne and binding his will to hers for a year and a day, Jude has bought time for her young foster brother, Oak, whom Madoc would have thrust into power and controlled from the shadows. Using all of her resourcesher spy network, her inability to be glamoured, and her innate physical and intellectual talentsJude manages to keep Cardans numerous rivals in check. The growing trust between Jude and Cardan blossoms into an unlikely romance and ultimately a clandestine marriagebut one final betrayal threatens to undo all of Judes plans. The plot itself twists, turns, and dovetails perfectly with the assured character development; in this way, Black proves herself a master storyteller writing in the tradition of Megan Whalen Turner. jonathan hunt January/February 2019 p 85(c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

A heady blend of courtly double-crossing, Faerie lore, and toxic attraction swirls together in the sequel to The Cruel Prince (2018).Five months after engineering a coup, human teen Jude is starting to feel the strain of secretly controlling King Cardan and running his Faerie kingdom. Jude's self-loathing and anger at the traumatic events of her childhood (her Faerie "dad" killed her parents, and Faerie is not a particularly easy place even for the best-adjusted human) drive her ambition, which is tempered by her desire to make the world she loves and hates a little fairer. Much of the story revolves around plotting (the Queen of the Undersea wants the throne; Jude's Faerie father wants power; Jude's twin, Taryn, wants her Faerie betrothed by her side), but the underlying tensionsexual and politicalbetween Jude and Cardan also takes some unexpected twists. Black's writing is both contemporary and classic; her world is, at this point, intensely well-realized, so that some plot twists seem almost inevitable. Faerie is a strange place where immortal, multihued, multiformed denizens can't lie but can twist everything; Judewho can lieis an outlier, and her first-person, present-tense narration reveals more than she would choose. With curly dark brown hair, Jude and Taryn are never identified by race in human terms.A rare second volume that surpasses the first, with, happily, more intrigue and passion still to come. (map) (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Jude Duarte is no stranger to uneasy alliances. Raised by the man who killed her parents, a liar in a court of faeries compelled to speak only the truth, and recently betrayed, for love, by her twin sister, Jude long ago learned to keep her motivations a secret and her heart safe. In a deft play in The Cruel Prince? (2018), she both allied with and manipulated Cardan, the prince she's always had a dangerous relationship with. To keep her younger brother, the heir of Faerie, safe, Jude placed Cardan on the throne instead; now she and Cardan rule together through their tenuous, volatile partnership. But Faerie is a dangerous world, and Jude has never truly belonged there. Someone is working against her, endangering her life and the lives of her family, and Jude will need every ounce of cunning and every bit of hardness she's learned to make it out intact. This second in a series neatly avoids the second-book slump; readers of the planned trilogy's first volume will be expecting plot twists, so it's even more impressive that this manages to stay one step ahead of its readers. Black expands the reaches of her brutally beautiful world and the depths of her deadly, vulnerable characters, and the employ of yet another cliff-hanger ending will leave readers agonized. A sinister, singular thrill. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Black's practically a household name, the film rights to The Cruel Prince have been sold, and the six-figure marketing campaign for this installment means that the buzz is deafening. Grades 9-12. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 9 Up—It's been five months since the twist ending of The Cruel Prince. After Jude Duarte betrayed her family, killed her mentor, and tricked Cardan into being her puppet King of Elfhame, Jude has realized that seizing power is much easier than holding onto it. Every relationship feels broken or near to it—with Madoc, her parents' killer-turned-pseudo stepfather, her twin sister who is engaged to the fairy who toyed with Jude's heart, and most certainly Cardan the Crowned King. There's no time for emotion, let alone sleep, as the Queen of the Undersea is ready to make her move for power and Jude learns someone she trusts had already betrayed her. Readers are dropped right into another dark and entrancing tornado of Faerie chaos. Trust, lust, trickery, and deceit swirl through everything as Jude struggles to remain in control of Cardan, the kingdom, and herself. Elfhame is a cruel place but like Jude, teens can't help but be drawn to the flames. Action builds steadily to yet another devilishly cunning twist ending. VERDICT A stunning and compelling sequel that will continue to entice fans of the previous volume and the author.—Emily Moore, Camden County Library System, NJ

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.
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