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The Wicked King

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description The Wicked King Overview

"The Wicked King" is a 2019 young adult fantasy novel by author Holly Black, serving as the second installment in "The Folk of the Air" trilogy. The story follows Jude Duarte, a mortal girl navigating the lethal politics of the faerie High Court after stepping into a position of power. To survive, she must manipulate alliances and control Cardan, the newly crowned High King of Faerie. The book blends elements of political intrigue and enemies-to-lovers romance, concluding with a significant narrative cliffhanger.

help The Wicked King FAQ

What is the reading order for Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series?

The Wicked King is the second book in the series, sitting directly between The Cruel Prince (2018) and The Queen of Nothing (2019). You must read the first book to understand the faerie court politics and character dynamics that carry over into this installment.

How long is the blood oath between Jude and Cardan in The Wicked King?

In the plot of the 2019 novel, Cardan is magically bound by a blood oath to keep Jude alive and to allow her to maintain covert control over the Faerie throne for one year and one day. The impending expiration of this oath drives much of the book's political tension.

Does The Wicked King end on a cliffhanger?

Yes, Holly Black concludes The Wicked King with a massive cliffhanger that drastically changes Jude's circumstances and her relationship with Cardan. The shocking betrayal at the end directly sets up the premise for the final book in the trilogy.

Who is the main antagonist in The Wicked King?

The book features multiple shifting antagonists, notably including Cardan's treacherous family members like his father, Balekin, and the manipulative Undersea Queen Orlagh. Jude must constantly navigate assassination attempts and political coups from these opposing faerie factions.

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