The Wicked King

Power is sweet… but in Elfhame, it’s always poisoned.

The Wicked King by Holly Black is the thrilling, twist-filled second book in The Folk of the Air series—a must-read fantasy for fans of dark politics, enemies-to-lovers tension, and fae court intrigue. After the jaw-dropping ending of The Cruel Prince, Jude Duarte is now the power behind the throne, controlling the wicked and charismatic King Cardan from the shadows.

But keeping control in the faerie world is no easy task. As betrayal brews, enemies close in, and Cardan proves to be more dangerous—and more alluring—than ever, Jude must fight to hold onto power without losing herself. Secrets unravel, loyalties shift, and every move is a dangerous game.

This is the best book for readers who love high-stakes fantasy, morally complex characters, and sizzling slow-burn tension. The Wicked King raises the stakes with every chapter—and delivers a twist you’ll never see coming.