Parents' Guide to

The Wicked King: The Folk of the Air, Book 2

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Politics take center stage in suspenseful fantasy.

Book Holly Black Fantasy 2019
The Wicked King: The Folk of the Air, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

nofrigatelikeabook
nofrigatelikeabook Adult
January 31, 2021
age 13+

Mild kissing scenes, the characters DO NOT in fact sleep together. Mild violence, but not heavily described. Lovely cliffhanger ending, and a beautiful continuation of the series.
S273H
S273H Adult
January 25, 2022
age 11+

THE BEST BOOK EVER

This book was great and I loved it so much. Most of the people say it’s for kids over the age of 13 but I think it’s fine for 11+ years old. It does have a little swearing and some 18+ scenes but I think it’s fine.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As THE WICKED KING begins, mortal Jude is measuring the consequences of the double-cross she perpetrated on immortal Cardan. He may sit on the throne, but she is able to force him to do as she orders. The spell will last only about a year, though, and Cardan does his best to humiliate Jude whenever he can. Jude faces other threats, including news that someone close to her will betray her. When war erupts between the denizens of the land and the sea, Jude must use all her skills to protect her family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (29 ):

The first volume of this fantasy series ended with a crackerjack plot twist, and this volume deftly explores the consequences of getting what you think you want. Jude is a resourceful, brave, and passionate protagonist, driven to prevail over her antagonists, and The Wicked King spotlights her at a particularly vulnerable point. Author Holly Black delivers plenty of magic and mayhem, but the emphasis here is on politics. The Folk are manipulators of the first order, and Black keeps the stakes high as Jude tries to outmaneuver them. There are plenty of surprises and suspenseful set pieces. No one who's fallen under Black's spell will consider breaking it at this late date.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Wicked King uses Celtic folklore to generate the plot. What do ancient myth and folklore have to say to modern readers? Why is fiction about Faerie interesting to modern readers?

  • Jude and Cardan are attracted to each other, despite being polar opposites. Why do people sometimes choose romantic partners who have different values?

  • What would it be like to be unable to tell a lie? How would complete honesty affect your relationships with people?

Book Details

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