The Wicked King by Holly Black book cover

🌶️🌶️ Mild

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The Wicked King

336 pages 2019 YA Fantasy, Fae Fantasy 🌶️🌶️ Mild Standalone

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The Vibe

Jude has Cardan on the throne and herself pulling the strings — but the puppet king is not as controllable as she thought. Power games, betrayals, and a kiss that changes everything. The sequel to The Cruel Prince cranks up every element that made the first book addictive.

Spice Check

🌶️🌶️ Mild

Mild — YA-level tension and one steamy scene.

Content Heads-Up

Violence
Betrayal
Manipulation
Toxic family

Is This Book for You?

Skip if you dislike:

Need adult spice
No fae politics

Ending: Devastating cliffhanger

Pacing: Fast

What This Book Feels Like

Moods: Dark Political Addictive Romantic

Tropes: Fae Court Enemies to Lovers Political Scheming Power Games

If You Loved This, Try These

The Cruel Prince

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Same fae court enemies-to-lovers

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Samantha Shannon

Same epic fantasy political intrigue

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read The Cruel Prince first?

Essential — direct sequel.

Is the cliffhanger bad?

Devastating — have book 3 ready.

Is Cardan redeemed?

Complicated — that's what makes him irresistible.

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