A James Patterson Presents Novel From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series… Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe — witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding … itself…
And an intoxicating romance.
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…
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…
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…
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…
more
Mystery combines with witches, demons, and curses to form a tale, which is darkly beautiful and sinfully dangerous.
Although they help their family run a restaurant in Sicily, Emilia and her twin sister aren’t humans. They are witches, born in a special bloodline and constantly hiding from those who would do them harm. Their strongest charms are the pair of necklaces around their necks. They never remove them or allow them to touch because their Nonna claims that doing so would bring Hell to Earth. Not that they completely believe Nonna’s tales. But when Emilia finds the body of her sister sacrificed with the heart ripped out of her and a man licking her blood, Emilia is determined not to let the murder go despite the warnings of approaching evil and eternal fires. But even Nonna and the others aren’t aware of the true scope of terror about to be released.
From the very first page, this book grabs and refuses to let go. Emilia and her sister are a wonderful pair—love each other fiercely but yet have their own personalities and secrets. And their Nonna is simply a treat. When this group appears in the delicious setting of red wine, oranges, tomatoes, fresh bread and spices, it’s hard not to want to get lost in their world. The author paints a rich culture and family scene before allowing the darker contrast to settle in. And then, the hook is so deep, that it was impossible to put this one down.
This is a world of magic and secrets…of monks chanting while dangerous creatures lurk in the shadows, promising to fulfil every heart’s desires but with terrible costs. Lies weave with half-truths and trust is a commodity which no one can afford. And it was simply fun to join Emilia as she heads so determined from one cursed situation to the next, but not encountering anything with simplicity or direct results. The evil is twisted and cunning and has a long term goal. It creates a tight weave and made it hard to guess what would happen next. Even when the book ends, it’s unclear if it’s for good or worse.
I also found it intriguing that the seven demon princes (the ones in this book are all super hot and amazing, of course) each carry simple names like Lust, Wrath, Greed and such. The author allows the temptations to flow free, and it’s understandable why they have an allure, and yet, it’s clear that each one is deadly and has their own scheme in place. It’s simply a wonderful mix, which shows how hard it is to resist sins.
My only complaint is that book two won’t be out until next year because I would have snatched it up already and been lost in the next stage of this adventure. In other words, I enjoyed this one.
I don’t read many YA fantasy novels but I’ll constantly try one now and then, especially if I see them suggested by some of my favourite readers around Bookstagram, hence this review and my love for the author’s words because let me tell you something, I’m in love and never seen it coming!
Rome, one of the most fascinating places in the world even from thousands of years ago , with its hidden passages and mysterious habitants, it’s one of my to-visit places yet to tick off from my list, even more now after reading this charmingly written story.
I admired how our heroine is illustrated as a strong inexperienced girl, assertive and loving of her family, how underneath her warrior shield, she is compassionate and her love doesn’t have limits for her sister. Thus, her heart is driven by a revenge mission where twists and turns that kept me on the edge throughout the story won’t stop her from finding the truth. She is willing to make a deal with the devil, and something wicked comes out of it.
If you love enemies to lovers, suspenseful and mystical world build, you need to read this book.
From the moment they revealed the title of this book, it’s been on my MUST READ IMMEDIATELY list. As a huge fan of Kerri’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series, I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to fall in love with another set of characters so thoroughly, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t! In true Kerri Maniscalco style, she created a captivatingly original world while writing about tried and true favorites of the paranormal and fantasy genres, taking witches and demons to another level entirely.
As the first line of the book says, “Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo” – “If I cannot bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell” and with all the delicious black magic witchery inside this book, Emilia’s quest to find justice and vengeance for her sister is one that leaps off the page and grabs you by the throat, dragging you along with her. Emilia’s journey is one that makes her one of the most unforgettable heroines I’ve read in a long time.
In comes, Wrath, and holy wicked hotness, get ready to fan yourself, because the chemistry between them is pure hell-fire (pun intended), and I can’t wait to get more of these two in the next book!
Thanks so much to Jimmy Patterson books and Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review! I couldn’t put it down, and I can’t wait to put all the special edition copies I ordered on my shelf!
When Emilia’s twin sister is brutally murdered she is devastated. She swears a blood oath to stop the killer at any cost, including using dark magic to summon a demon. Unfortunately, it’s not just any demon she summons but one of the princes of hell, Wrath.
This book was just ok for me. I had problems with the pacing of this book. First it took me a while to get into the story and I never really loved either characters. They just didn’t really work for me. I found Emilia to be boring and at points annoying with her negativity towards demons. I also had problems with the pacing in the middle of the book. It felt like it was constant start/stop between the action and then normal scenes that it was slightly jarring at points.
This world with witches and demons to be quite fascinating. I loved the idea of six demon princes all with the control of different sins. While I do wonder how the prophecy will play out I don’t know if I will actually read the next book. For me, I need to like the characters to want to continue a series but I didn’t really love Emilia or Wrath. I will make my decision when book two comes out.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
“There are seven demon princes, but only four di Carlos should fear: Wrath, Greed, Envy, and Pride. One will crave your blood. One will capture your heart. One will steal your soul. And one will take your life. The Wicked.”
Since their birth, Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria have been warned of the coming of the Wicked—the seven Princes of Hell. Emilia has always been the more cautious of the two, but when her sister begins sneaking out and obviously hiding a secret, Emilia thinks it’s nothing beyond perhaps seeing her lover…never dreaming she would stumble upon the mutilated body of her beloved twin. Vowing to the Goddess to find Vittoria’s killer, Emilia turns to the darker side of their family magic and summons an unlikely partner in her quest for vengeance. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but for Emilia, it will be as hot as the fires of Hell…if she can stay alive long enough to serve it…
Witches, demons and the Princes of Hell…oh my! Conjure up a few deadly sins and a serial killer, what more could you possibly need in a frightfully good story? No spoilers here! Enjoyed the beginning to what is sure to be a wickedly good series, although I’m not thrilled with a cliffhanger ending! Would recommend to fans of this genre!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley and chose to leave a voluntary review. Thank you!*
This was the perfect October read. It has witches, demons, curses and so much more.
I really enjoyed Emilia and loved seeing her grow into her power and confidence.
I like that she is not perfect and makes mistakes and has moments of weakness, but always dusts of her dress and gets back up.
Wrath, well. He was a bit hard to judge, he seemed nice enough but we really don’t know much if him, other some of the thigs he does and we see from her eyes. But we really don’t know what he is up to and what he really does. But I enjoyed him for the most part.
I actually enjoyed all the princes of Hell, or least the ones we have met. Yes, they are not nice but hey, they are princes of Hell after all.
I also like the “who done it?” murder aspect gave it a bit more of a mystery feeling.
We get a little of everything in this book, mystery, romance, action and some twists and turn.
Some of the things I saw coming early on, but I still super enjoyed and it had my heart racing a few times.
The ending? I didn’t see that coming, well at least not that way but I’m super excited for the next book in the series and this series in general.
I rate it 4 as some parts were a bit on the slower site in the beginning.
Spellbinding and Sinful! This book will utterly captive you as it navigates the world of twins
Emilia and Vittoria. They are born witches but the ways that they’ve been taught are not all there is to their story. It’s a bit more thrilling and dangerous then they ever believed it could be. This is rife with chills, twists and things that go bump in the night.
Tragedy strikes and Vittoria dies a violent death that leaves Emilia feeling lost and vengeful. She enters a world that she thinks she knows but she really has no idea what she’s in for. When Emilia summons Wrath, everything changes. She doesn’t know who to trust and the pull she feels towards the demon prince is both delicious and dangerous. Does he have her best interest at heart, or is he keeping his desires and duties the priority? You’ll have to enter this world to find out!
This is seriously one of the best books you’ll read this year! It’s a page turner with surprises that will leave you gasping. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it wasn’t this! Throw all your expectations out the window, this is so much better! I can’t wait to read the next book because all of the residents of Hell better watch out! Emilia is coming and she’s going to let her vengeance reign!
Damn! This must have been one of my most anticipated books this year! It’s no secret that I adore Audrey Rose and Thomas and even though we can all agree that technically Maniscalco’s books aren’t perfect, they touched me in a way that only few other books can do. I was therefore very curious if her new characters would manage to capture my heart in the same way. And I was probably even more curious to discover what Maniscalco would do with a fantasy setting! You can imagine how happy I was when I got an ARC from Netgalley.
Let me start with saying that the setting of this book is downright amazing! There are so many witchy details, so many nice touches and the feeling of being haunted and constantly on your guard is so incredibly strong. At times it’s a lot of information to handle and remember, but even though I surely didn’t memorize everything, I could still very much enjoy the story and I liked how a lot of things came together in the end quite nicely.
That doesn’t mean I had to wait for the end of the story for the book to get exciting! The prologue is already quite intriguing and quite soon things are already happening. The action packed scenes, where danger is actively threatening our heroes, are mixed with calmer scenes, where the characters get to talk and contemplate what’s going on. Therefore we especially get to know our main character Emilia quite well.
What I like about Emilia is that she’s clearly growing and changing throughout the story. She starts being a certain someone, but circumstances force her to grow slowly into someone else. That growth and change goes very naturally and slowly and therefore the ending, that would have been out of character for her at the beginning, feels very fitting in the end. And then there is our prince of hell. I’m still kinda making up my mind what to think of him, but I like that. It feels like there’s still a lot to figure out
And I guess that’s the main feeling I have after this rollercoaster of awesomeness. There’s so much still to learn and discover and figure out. So many questions are still unanswered and that ending! I really can’t wait for the next book!
(ps. Do prepare to have snacks ready while reading this book. This book makes you hungry…)
Four and a half
My first book by this author but definitely not my last because I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough ! I loved that the story had me salivating because the descriptions of the food were truly mouth watering. Ok I need to explain here that Emilia works in her families restaurant and she frequently gets ideas for things she wants to see on the menu. She’s a twin to lively Vittoria and they are both part of a long line of Witches. Emilias life takes a horrible turn when she discovers her sisters body with the heart torn out and a stranger licking blood off his fingers !
There’s a strong feeling throughout this story that Emilia has been lied to and indeed she has. Suddenly Prince’s of Hell are walking the streets and Witches are being brutally murdered. Emilia is fuelled by her need to find her sister’s murderer and as she embraces her magic she takes chances she knows could well lead to her own destruction. A prophecy hangs over her head, she isn’t sure who to really trust and she carries a burden that she has no idea will lead her to Hell !
I genuinely loved this and if you enjoy books by the likes of Laura Thalassa or Sarah J Mass but without lots of bump and grind then I think you too will enjoy this. It isn’t particularly steamy but there’s a strong possibility of romance so watch this space ! I admit though as it ended I honestly couldn’t predict what will happen next.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of this truly incredible book.
I’m still recovering a day later from this truly phenomenal dark fantasy. A perfect read I’m going to say to read with the nights drawing in.
I am new to Kerri Maniscalco’s work but Kingdom of the Wicked has made me a firm fan and I will be playing catch up on all the no doubt incredible tales I have missed out on so far. (There goes my tbr pile to 450!) I feel that I have been missing out on some truly phenomenal tales if this story of witches, demons and other monsters who live in the shadows is anything to go by.
If as we are told in Kingdom of Wicked; there are seven Princes of Hell, then Maniscalco must be indeed the Queen.
This dark tale will have you on the edge of your seat and uundoubtedly like myself, reading ‘just one more chapter’ when you should have been asleep hours before! Maniscalco has created characters that are so well written that you cannot help but become immersed in their world.I love the attention to detail whether it be Emilia’s wonderfully written Nonna telling her beloved granddaughters about why there is the need for the two of them to keep their heritage secret or the daily preparation for the entire family at their Sicilian restaurant. So well is it done that I found myself at times convinced I could smell the delicious sounding food prepared by our heroine.
The Princes are seductive as only the seven rulers of Hell can be, they’re charming and they can entrance even the strongest witch even if they’re natural enemies. The witches of Sicily are fierce and yet painfully fragile despite their heritage and strong belief that all will be well and their faith that the Gates are secure doesn’t waver.
This book has everything you want, and no doubt moments you wish you didn’t. Emilia’s tale is one of fire and of folly and I can promise you that when you come to the last page? You will be left craving more be that magic or a moment in Hell.
I met Kerri Maniscalco’s pen thanks to Stalking Jack the Ripper. A magnetic writing, which immediately fascinated me.
When I saw the Kingdom of the Wicked review request available, I knew it had to be mine!
Surplus that convinced me to read it? It is set in Italy, specifically in 19th century Sicily.
Everything revolves around a family of witches who live secretly among humans. The family is made up of two twin sisters: the first, Vittoria, is the loudest and most reckless, while the second, Emilia, is the calm one, who thinks before acting. She likes to stay at home reading and certainly not out solving witch murder cases.
But when one of the victims is her sister Vittoria, Emilia demands revenge.
She begins the investigation to find the culprit, dabbling in the dark arts and alliances with demonic princes.
One of these principles is Wrath (there are seven demonic princes and each of them has the name of one of the seven deadly sins). He is the classic arrogant and powerful protagonist who will make you fall in love and end up in a jujube soup (I have a soft spot for her male protagonists, as it happened with Thomas Creswell).
Emilia and Wrath can’t stand each other, but in my opinion this is what makes the story more interesting!
The books are really super intriguing! Murder and magic give that extra pinch to the story.
As for the magic, the theme is not very deep, but I didn’t think much of it.
Another fact that I loved? The escalations in Italian. When I found “vaffanculo a chi t’è morto”, there I decreed the Maniscalco one of my favorite authors!
I am Italian and sincerely finding a part of Italy in one of the books of a super established author, makes me a little bit proud.
The Kingdom of the Wicked is a must to read. If you loved the Stalking Jack The Ripper series, you will undoubtedly love this one too.
Arc privided by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Witches, Demons, Curses, Religion, Dead Bodies and Mediterranean Food Delights. I don’t know which held my attention more the story or the glorious foods. Just wait, you’ll see.
This is my 4th book from this author. She loves strong women who don’t follow societies rules and limits well. This one stared a witch, one whose family owns a restaurant, a Mediterranean month watering one. The story follows Emilia, a young witch who finds her twin sister’s body deep in a church with a man dipping his fingers into her open chest and he’s tasting her blood. There are rumors, ancient stories and and lot of danger as to what is going on. Someone is killing witches, the why and who are a tricky thing. Emilia will do anything to find the killer, and does unleashing Wrath. Nothing comes easy, nothing comes without cost, nothing is as it seems.
Oh this was fun. I really loved the characters, they all fit so well into their parts. They were written well I felt I knew even the smallest one without a long backstory. Wrath, my favorite naughty character. I was left gasping, that ending ! I can’t get my hands on the next book fast enough, well right after I eat my cannoli. 😛
I received a copy from the publishers for an honest review