Books similar to "The Wicked King"
Discovering your next great read has never been easier! If you like "The Wicked King" by Holly Black, you're in the right place. Our curated list features books that share similar themes, styles or vibes.
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Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas weaves a high-stakes tale of intrigue, magic, and romance in "Throne of Glass." The narrative follows Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin who is drawn into the dangerous world of court politics as she competes in a deadly contest to become the king's champion. Similar to "The Wicked King," this book features a strong, captivating female protagonist navigating a treacherous political environment, balanced with a blend of strategic maneuverings and romantic entanglements.
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
In "Six of Crows," Leigh Bardugo concocts a thrilling story set in the Grishaverse, revolving around a group of outcasts and criminals led by cunning Kaz Brekker who undertake an impossible heist. This book echoes "The Wicked King" in its dark and complex world-building, morally ambiguous characters, and the intricate dynamics of power and loyalty, making it a compelling read for fans of political intrigue.
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Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge
Rosamund Hodge's "Cruel Beauty" offers a captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a dark twist. Nyx, the heroine, is betrothed to an evil ruler as part of her father's betrayal and plans to kill him. Similar to "The Wicked King," this novel presents a rich fantasy world infused with myth and romance, coupled with a story of complex relationships and the struggle for power.
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Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard's "Red Queen" unravels in a dystopian world where society is divided by blood color. Mare Barrow finds herself entangled in the royal world after discovering her unique abilities. Much like "The Wicked King," the story is enriched with a tension-filled atmosphere, a fierce heroine, and a treacherous court, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and identity.
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The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
In "The Cruel Prince," the prequel to "The Wicked King," Holly Black introduces readers to the deadly and seductive world of Faerie through the story of Jude Duarte. This book sets the foundation for the political intrigue and courtly drama that unfolds in "The Wicked King," highlighting themes of ambition, power, and the struggle to belong in a world that demands both cunning and bravery.
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Graceling
by Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore's "Graceling" transports readers to a world where certain individuals possess extreme skills known as Graces. Katsa, the protagonist, is Graced with killing, and must navigate political machinations while challenging the expectations set by her uncle the king. Like "The Wicked King," this book features a romantically charged fantasy realm with a strong female lead facing complex political and personal adversities.
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An Enchantment of Ravens
by Margaret Rogerson
Margaret Rogerson's "An Enchantment of Ravens" unfolds in a world where a talented painter, Isobel, becomes entangled with the fae after inadvertently creating a portrait revealing their vulnerability. Resonating with "The Wicked King," this narrative immerses readers in an enchanting and perilous fae world filled with nuanced characters and deep-seated tensions between different realms.
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The Young Elites
by Marie Lu
Marie Lu's "The Young Elites" is a dark fantasy tale that explores the rise of a group of superpowered outcasts known as the Young Elites. This novel shares similarities with "The Wicked King" through its emphasis on a tense political atmosphere, morally complex characters, and the rise of an unlikely heroine who must wield her power wisely amid deception and intrigue.
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An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir's "An Ember in the Ashes" unfolds in a brutal world inspired by Ancient Rome, where Laia goes undercover as a slave to save her imprisoned brother. Like "The Wicked King," this story thrives on tension, dark themes, and intricate political dynamics, while contrasting the resilience and determination of its protagonists with the oppressive forces ruling their world.
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Queen of the Tearling
by Erika Johansen
Erika Johansen's "Queen of the Tearling" introduces readers to Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, a young princess who must reclaim her late mother's throne and save her kingdom from ruin. The book's portrayal of a woman rising to power amid political chaos and danger, coupled with elements of intrigue and strategic warfare, mirrors the themes presented in "The Wicked King."