The Wicked King Summary
Holly Black

The Wicked King Overview

The Cruel King, by Holly Black, is the second installment of the Folk of the Air series. Jude was taken to Elfhame where she lived as the adopted daughter of Madoc. It was there that she learned the intricacies of intrigue at court and among the Folk. Jude has manipulated the situation to get Cardan on the throne but under her control. Her plan is to have him hold the position until her younger brother, Oak, is of age to take his place. There are problems, however, including the romantic feelings Jude harbors for Cardan and her tenuous control over the entire situation. The novel's main themes are coming of age, the lure of power, and the effects of cruelty.