The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) Paperback – by Holly Black | YA Fantasy Romance Novel

The Wicked King by Holly Black – A Dark Fantasy of Power and Betrayal in the Faerie Courts

About the Book

The Wicked King is the thrilling second installment in Holly Black’s bestselling Folk of the Air trilogy. After the shocking events of The Cruel Prince, Jude has fought her way to power in the treacherous High Court of Faerie—but her position is more precarious than ever. As the secret power behind the throne, she must outwit enemies who would destroy her while managing her complicated feelings for Cardan, the unpredictable High King she helped crown. This intoxicating tale weaves political intrigue, breathtaking betrayals, and a slow-burn romance that will leave you desperate for more.

From the Back Cover

“I have heard that for mortals, the feeling of falling in love is very like the feeling of fear.” Jude has bound the wicked king to her service, but the cost of power is higher than she ever imagined—and in the world of Faerie, trust can be the deadliest mistake of all.

About the Author

Holly Black is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and master of dark, enchanting fantasy. Known for her Modern Faerie Tales series and The Spiderwick Chronicles, she brings decades of storytelling expertise to her work. Black’s ability to craft morally complex characters and lush, dangerous worlds has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted global readership. She lives in Massachusetts with her family and an ever-growing collection of fantasy novels.

Who is this book for?

The Wicked King is essential reading for young adult and adult fantasy lovers who enjoy morally gray characters, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance. If you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, Caraval, or Shadow and Bone, this book belongs on your shelf. Readers who appreciate strong, ambitious heroines, complex anti-heroes, and richly imagined faerie worlds will find themselves completely absorbed. Whether you’re a longtime Holly Black fan or new to her work, this book delivers the perfect blend of danger, desire, and devastating plot twists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to read The Cruel Prince before The Wicked King?
Yes, The Wicked King is the second book in the Folk of the Air trilogy and directly continues the story from The Cruel Prince. Reading them in order is essential to understand character development, plot events, and the complex political landscape of the faerie courts.

Q: Is The Wicked King appropriate for teen readers?
The Wicked King is recommended for readers aged 13 and up. It contains some violence, political scheming, and mature themes typical of young adult fantasy, but no explicit content. Parents may want to preview it for younger teens depending on individual maturity levels.

Q: What makes The Wicked King different from other YA fantasy books?
Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series stands out for its morally complex characters, sophisticated political intrigue, and a heroine who fights with her mind rather than magical powers. The romance is layered and earned, the stakes feel genuinely high, and the faerie world is both beautiful and brutally dangerous.

Q: How long is The Wicked King and how fast can I read it?
The paperback edition contains approximately 336 pages. Most readers finish it in 1-3 sittings because the pacing is intense and the plot twists are addictive. Many fans report staying up all night to finish it—the story is that gripping.

Q: Will there be more books after The Wicked King in the series?
Yes, The Wicked King is the second book in a complete trilogy. The final book, The Queen of Nothing, concludes Jude and Cardan’s story. Holly Black has also written a companion novella, How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories, which offers Cardan’s perspective.