(The Folk of the Air #2) The Wicked King By Holly Black

The Wicked King by Holly Black cranks up the stakes from The Cruel Prince, plunging you deeper into Elfhame’s treacherous faerie courts. Jude Duarte, a mortal who clawed her way to power, is now the puppetmaster behind Cardan, the cruelly beautiful High King she tricked onto the throne. Holding him under a magical leash for a year and a day, she’s juggling court politics, assassination plots, and her sister Taryn’s messy engagement to Locke, all while dodging her own forbidden feelings for Cardan. Their enemies-to-lovers tension is a slow, delicious burn—think sharp banter, stolen glances, and moments that’ll make your heart race. But as a rival queen from the sea and traitors in her inner circle close in, Jude’s grip on power slips, leading to a betrayal that hits like a dagger to the gut. The 336-page sequel is packed with cunning schemes and fae intrigue, though some fans say Jude’s choices frustrate or the romance teases too much. TikTok and BookTok can’t stop screaming about that cliffhanger—it’s a twisty, addictive ride that’ll leave you desperate for The Queen of Nothing.

Who Should Read It? This is for YA fantasy fans who love morally gray characters and political intrigue, readers obsessed with enemies-to-lovers with a magical edge, or anyone hooked after The Cruel Prince. If you vibe with A Court of Thorns and Roses or Caraval and don’t mind triggers like violence, manipulation, or mild spice, grab this—but read book one first and check trigger warnings for sensitive content. Perfect for teens and adults craving a dark, scheming fantasy that keeps you guessing.