Synopsis
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself . . . From the #1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco!
Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin. . . Desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.
Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems. . .
Review
“Kingdom of the Wicked” by Kerri Maniscalco is a young adult fantasy novel that blends elements of mystery, witchcraft, and romance. While the book showcases Maniscalco’s flair for atmospheric settings and introduces an intriguing premise, it ultimately delivers a mixed reading experience.
Set in 19th-century Sicily, the story follows Emilia, a young witch seeking revenge for her twin sister’s murder. The narrative takes a dark turn when Emilia summons a demon named Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell, to aid in her quest. As Emilia delves deeper into the supernatural underworld, she uncovers family secrets and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of power and deception.
The novel effectively explores themes of revenge, power, and the moral complexities of justice. Maniscalco skilfully weaves a world where witchcraft and demonic lore exist alongside human society. However, the book sometimes struggles with pacing, with key plot points and character development occasionally feeling rushed or under-explored.
As a reader, I was initially captivated by the novel’s premise and the rich historical setting. Emilia’s character shows potential for growth, and her interactions with Wrath provide intriguing dynamics. However, the romance subplot, while central to the story, sometimes overshadows the novel’s more compelling mysteries and the richly drawn magical world.
“Kingdom of the Wicked” is at its strongest when delving into its mystical elements and the lore of the witches. However, the narrative is hampered by uneven pacing and a focus on the romantic angle that can feel forced. The novel’s potential is evident, but the execution does not always do justice to its intriguing setup.
Fans of Maniscalco’s “Stalking Jack the Ripper” series may find “Kingdom of the Wicked” less engaging in terms of character depth and plot complexity. While it offers an enticing premise and some genuinely suspenseful moments, it lacks the consistency in pacing and character development seen in her previous works.
This novel is recommended for readers who enjoy young adult fantasy with a strong romantic subplot and are intrigued by dark, supernatural elements. Those interested in witchcraft lore and historical settings may also find aspects of the book enjoyable. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy Holly Black’s “The Folk of the Air” series, or Sarah J Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses”.
“Kingdom of the Wicked” by Kerri Maniscalco presents a world brimming with potential, blending historical fiction with fantasy elements. While the book offers moments of intrigue and atmospheric storytelling, it falls short in delivering a fully cohesive and satisfying narrative. It earns a solid three-star rating, appealing to readers who are drawn to its particular blend of romance and supernatural mystery.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The Ink Thief 