it is so rare to come across a book series that is a back to back 5 star rating, but the wicked king blew me away. the characterisation of jude and cardan are consistent and CRUEL, and that alone deserves a fountain of praise. i haven't had a novel make me gasp and whisper-scream at the pages in a Long time! neither have i had a book surprise me so much, usually plot twists become predictable but a number of the ones in the wicked king tripped me up So Bad!!!! the writing is once again unforgettable, pure poetry at points and will be lines that i will rot over for WEEKS. but honestly i think this series might be one that changes me forever, changes how i write forever, how i Think about writing forever. holly black is one of the best examples of a writer yet.