ISBN-13: 978-1471407352
Confession - I ordered the wrong Owlcrate. I ordered the regular monthly instead of the Special Edition box! So I didn't get the matching book to my special edition Cruel Prince! Sob!!!!
I did get a lovely copy of The Gilded Wolves, which I'm looking forward to reading, but I couldn't wait to try and get my hands on the copy I wanted, so I got the Audible book and listened to it! Now, I know there is a stigma in the bookish community against audiobooks. But I have no issue with them. My brother could never sit and read, and would have read the Cliffs Notes (an invention I wish would go away) or failed Lit without them, so I personally love them. I'd much rather listen to a book during my commute and while I'm working than to wait until I have time to read!
Now, on to my review of The Wicked King. This book was highly anticipated, and it certainly did not dissapoint. Holly Black delivers again!
Sometimes when I read stories that are continual downers to the protagonist, I lose interest (The Walking Dead, anyone?) But Holly gives us just enough hope for Jude to keep us on our toes. Jude must protect Cardin, not just from outside threats, but also from himself, while forcing her growing feelings for him down by nursing the long held hate that she has carried for him.
Some threats you will expect. Her father will not take this lying down. Now that she has shown herself as a formidable foe, she cannot hide in plain sight anymore. She must keep the trust of her spies. She must protect the kingdom from behind a king she despises. Jude is one of my favorite characters, because she is FAR from perfect. She is not a hero, not by any means. And Cardin, don't even get me started on him. I feel a sort of sympathy for him, and find myself rooting for him, even though I know I should hate him. ALL THE FEELS PEOPLE! Holly will make you feel a much broader range of emotions toward her characters than most other authors. They are so dynamic!
There some surprises and plot twists, and I do need to tell you that it ends on a cliffhanger, which I HATE! But it's literally the only thing I disliked about the book. I wasn't sure if this series was to be a trilogy, but I can now assure you that there will be at least one more book we can swoon over in this series, and I will be biting my nails in anticipation of it. I've checked her site and as of now, there is no pending release date for the next book, but there is a companion novella (only available via eBook or Audible) to quell your bookish thirst a bit called The Lost Sisters, a story about Taryn. I've never really liked her much, so maybe the novella will give me some insight into her seeming lack of spine.
2019 has already been a great reading year for me; I encourage you to pick up this book, and if you haven't read it yet, you simply must read The Cruel Prince. You can safely read my review, I'm anti-spoiler! They are both a 5/5!
*I've been asked about these wireless headphones and wanted to share, I have sensitive ears and any headphones in or on the for extended periods of time really hurt! These things are lifesavers for me and I love them. They hold charge for over an hour, and then you stick them in the little capsule and it will recharge them up to 3 times!*