content warnings: neglectful parents, codependent relationship, hallucinations, violence, depression
representation: main m/m romance, bi main character, bi love interest, latina side character, minor korean-american character

I completely understand how this book couldn't be for some people, but god I absolutely loved it. K. Ancrum has constructed this beautiful world full of beautiful characters and I already can't wait for her next book.

One of my favourite aspects was the codependent relationship between Jack and August, and specifically the way it is treated within the narrative. The author never condones their relationship, but always understands it, something which I don't think we get a lot of in books. Their reliance on one another is toxic and we're told this multiple times, but we also empathise with the characters and we understand why their relationship is the way it is.

I loved the painfully slow burn that is the romance. It's so subtle and beautiful, which is exactly what I would want from a book with a tone like this one. August would sometimes give me real Aristotle Mendoza vibes with how oblivious he was to his own feelings and to other people telling him his feelings, and I loved every second of it.

Also, the writing, my god the writing. It was so wonderfully atmospheric and draws you into the world instantly, and yet it's also so simple and never feels pretentious. That's a hard balance to strike, and K. Ancrum did it beautifully.

If you're going to read this book, you need to read the physical copy. The mixed-media format is used to its full advantage, giving you both important plot threads as well as small character things, and there's never a time when the graphics feel unnecessary.

The one negative I have is through no fault of the book. Every time the titular Wicker King was mentioned, my brain would immediately connect it with Nicolas Cage being attacked by bees. Not the books fault, just thought I would mention it.

I cannot wait for K. Ancrum's next book, especially as it's going to include August, Jack and Rina plus space lesbians (also, you should follow K. Ancrum on twitter because she's incredible)