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The Wicker King by K. Ancrum
Review by Lauren
source: copy from ALA17; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add on Goodreads): When August learns that his best friend, Jack, shows signs of degenerative hallucinatory disorder, he is determined to help Jack cope. Jack’s vivid and long-term visions take the form of an elaborate fantasy world layered over our own—a world ruled by the Wicker King. As Jack leads them on a quest to fulfill a dark prophecy in this alternate world, even August begins to question what is real or not.
August and Jack struggle to keep afloat as they teeter between fantasy and their own emotions. In the end, each must choose his own truth.
Review: I read an ARC of The Wicker King and I must get my own finished copy ASAP. This is such a fantastic novel. It follows August and Jack as Jack starts to hallucinate a new world where he’s the wicker king. As it gets worse and worse, August does what he can to help Jack. Everything except tell an adult or bring him to the hospital. While this might not make sense at first, it starts to when you read the book. August might not be “mad” like Jack, but he is in a co-dependent relationship with Jack that borders on abusive. August is adamant that he’s not in love with Jack – and he has relationships with two girls throughout the book – but he’ll do almost anything for Jack even if it harms himself. It would definitely not be called love, but it’s close to obsession. August needs to be possessed by Jack, in a way, and he’s willing to go along with Jack’s fantasy world if that means that Jack stays with him.
Styled Book Review: The Wicker King by K. Ancrum (with products to match the cover!) #bookreview #styled Share on XI love the set up of the book – and I’m sure the final version is even better – because it includes relatively short chapters, actual photos, and the pages of the book even start to get darker as the book goes on. It’s definitely a metaphor for the spiral that August and Jack go down as Jack’s fantasies grow more vivid and August finds himself almost trapped in that world with him. The Wicker King is a bit difficult to explain without giving away spoilers, so really, you should just read the book for yourself. It’s absolutely fantastic. Plus, it says The Wicker King #1 on Goodreads, so *fingers crossed* that means a sequel. It ends at a moment that could definitely lead to more and I’d happily read more about these two young men.
This is my first ever Styled Book Review. These posts will include items (mostly fashion and/or beauty related) I feel fits a character, the book as a whole, or even just the cover. For The Wicker King, I’m using the cover as inspiration as I love that black and gold look!
Let me know what you think in the comments: does the book sound good? Do any of these black and gold products call your name? Let’s Talk!
I didn’t know about this one but I really love the cover and the story looks good too!
Sounds like a good book! I like a book with short chapters and photo’s in it is a big bonus! 🙂
Alright I am in. That Wicker King book sounds fantastic!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us 🙂
This sounds like the type of book you need to hold in your hands just to see what it looks like in all its glory. I love the idea that the pages get darker as it goes along.
Love those shoes! I remember seeing this book when it first came out and wanting to read it, so glad you liked it so much!
Oh this book sounds really good! I like that the physical book itself mimics the character’s spiral–so creative. I may have to pick this one up!!
This book sounds fascinating! I think I might have to check it out. And these shoes are amazing, great picks!
This books sounds great, thanks for sharing.
I’m big on referencing Goodreads before I pick up a book! Which is silly. But, so far, I’ve loved all the recommendations so I head there first before I purchase a new one. This looks like one I have to check out!
Sounds like a truly complex relationship between the two main characters. I’ll be looking forward to more styled reviews!
It must be good if you want a published copy after reading the ARC.
Oh wow, the format alone sounds incredible, I’ve never seen ombre type pages before. It sounds brilliant Lauren and love the book styling! That journal is absolutely stunning, so much want! Fabulous review <3
I need to find a good book to read. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us again soon.
I absolutely LOVE descent-into-madness stories, so this sounds perfect. Adding it to my list of library holds!!
Very intriguing Lauren.
I saw like the format for this and loved it, I think I’d really want a physical copy to read this in
That black and gold dress from JCP looks really pretty! I have some gold polish that I love to wear.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I only found out about this book around a week ago and I need to read it! I don’t know why people haven’t been talking about it because it just sounds so good. I’ve put it on hold at my library so I’m hoping it will come in soon so I can read it 😀
I really like books that explore friendships, and it looks like The Wicker King really takes that to the next level. I cannot wait to read about August and Jack – they sound incredibly interesting.
Your Styled Book Review is such a fun idea! I love black and gold, and I think the shoes you picked are great matches for the cover 😀
Lovely review, Lauren!