KINGDOM OF THE WICKED BOOK REVIEW

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is a gripping fantasy novel that blends mystery, magic, and romance, set in a darkly atmospheric version of 19th-century Sicily. The story follows Emilia, a headstrong young witch, as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her twin sister Vittoria’s brutal murder. Along the way, Emilia is forced to ally with Wrath, one of the enigmatic and dangerous Princes of Hell.

Plot Overview The novel opens with Emilia’s seemingly peaceful life, marked by her family’s restaurant and secret witchcraft. Her world is shattered when she discovers Vittoria’s body, sparking a vengeful quest to track down her sister's killer. Maniscalco’s plot thickens with twists and supernatural intrigue as Emilia delves deeper into the world of demons and witches, with dark magic always lurking at the fringes.

Character Development

Emilia’s journey from a naive, rule-following witch to someone willing to embrace dangerous magic for justice is compelling. Her relationship with Wrath, filled with tension, mistrust, and undeniable chemistry, forms the emotional core of the novel. Wrath, while brooding and mysterious, develops complexity as Emilia unravels his motives.

Atmosphere and World-Building Maniscalco masterfully constructs a gothic setting that feels alive with ancient magic. The richly described streets of Palermo, coupled with the dark allure of the supernatural underworld, create a vivid backdrop. The detailed depictions of Italian folklore and witchcraft traditions also ground the story in a unique cultural context.

Themes At its heart, Kingdom of the Wicked explores themes of grief, vengeance, and moral ambiguity. Emilia’s desire for retribution makes her a flawed, but relatable protagonist. The novel also probes questions of trust, power, and the consequences of making deals with darker forces.

Critique While the novel’s pacing occasionally stalls, especially in its middle section, the tension builds toward a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. Some readers may find the romance between Emilia and Wrath slow to develop, but the slow-burn approach adds depth to their dynamic.

Conclusion Kingdom of the Wicked is a captivating tale perfect for fans of dark fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romances. With a well-developed world, complex characters, and an intriguing plot, Kerri Maniscalco delivers a spellbinding start to what promises to be an exciting series. I got this book as a Christmas gift from my coworker, and honestly, I was a little hesitant to read it because of how trashy Dark fantasy romance these days, like ugh, I don't get why the smut can be so unrealistic and the characters making the dumbest decision to f*ck a fae or demon, (this steams from my trauma of Sarah J. Maas's books. I'm sorry if you're a fan but I don't like it anymore.)

I'm sure I'm going to read the next book, and I hope it won't waste my time like those other Fantasy romance series. I'll be giving it 5/5 stars. If you like dark fantasy romance where it's much focused on the plot. You guys should give it a shot! #books #bookreview #Booklovers #bookreccommendations #youngadultbooks