the wicker king by K. Ancrum

51st book of 2021

First book in the The Wicker King series

Reading period: June 18th 2021 – June 19th 2021

Summary

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.

Rating

Review

I read this book for two days, but I could have read it in one. This story is quick to read, but the subjects are hard.

I like how the book is constructed as each “chapters” are only one page or two, and you have many mixed media pages. I liked that element as they show more about the characters, and it feels like you’re reading a personal journal.

From the beginning, the relationship isn’t healthy between the two main characters (Jack and August), but it doesn’t bother me. However, the more I was reading, the more I was a little taken aback by it as it intensifies. I kind of understand why they have it, but it doesn’t feel safe for either of them.

The biggest problem that I had while reading and makes me sad was that no adults help them. They are alone except for some friends, but they aren’t numerous. This element makes me sad and especially when you understand August’s feeling at some point in the story. I just wanted to help them during my reading.

The ending surprises me, I didn’t imagine that at all, but I was happy about it. It was a good end for a book that can be difficult for some to read.

Liz.