Let me just say that this book is AMAZING and much better than book one to me. Mainly referencing the fact that there is no slow down and no stilted parts.Holly Black has her stride in The Wicked King and the results are phenomenal.Quick recap, Jude and Cardan are reluctant cohorts, Madoc underestimated Jude, Vivi has Oak, and Taryn is kind of a rude sister that allowed her fiancé to screw over her twin. (I think I’m bias.)Let me just share my love relationship with all the characters being developed in this book though.Madoc: I think he is amazing and I need more of his involvement in everything.Taryn: Worst sibling ever and I’m still not over book one. Side eye for life.Nicasia: Hardest eye roll I can manage followed by a mean girls hand wave.Locke: I would guess he wears a popped collar. TELL ME I’M WRONG.Vivi: The most human faerie ever.Jude: You are everything I’d hope you’d be in book one and more.Cardan: You sir, are fantastic and make all the ladies stare.The fact that I can now have opinions about almost every character introduced makes me so happy. This book gives everyone some screen time and story detail. The additional information we get of the other courts and the details of what it means to be High King are everything.The world Holly Black has built is exceptional and I’m saying it now, I’d be okay with spin-off books of this series. I’d love to read side stories of some of these characters and history of Cardan’s father and his siblings. It would be riveting to piece it all together.Holy sweet mother of cliff hangers though. Fair warning to all, we’re left on the edge by the end of this book. Book one was a rough ending with questions but I think this one is way way rougher. Cruel Prince we peeked over the cliff and knew it was going to be a long wait. Wicked King we’re scrambling to hold on and hoping that book three maybe drops sooner than 2020? Can we send Holly some smoke signals to find out? A fruit basket to coerce?ither way, I give this book my full throttle recommendation. If you enjoy YA and fantasy, read this series so you can read this book. If you enjoy intrigue and action, you will enjoy this book. Jus go get this book. Do it. I’ll wait