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…
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Kerri Maniscalco brought me back to my love of YA Paranornal! Kingdom of the Wicked is such an intriguing tale that held me captive, stuck on the edge from page one!!
Ominous and dark, everything from the premise to the characters to the world of witches and demons was enticing and swept me away. I loved every moment, but fair warning this novel may trigger some people.
Our heroine, Emilia Di Carlo is a Strega Shadow Witch. Her and her twin sister Vittoria secretly live among humans, avoiding being noticed and evading persecution. But one night something is amiss. Vittoria is found murdered, her body desecrated. Emilia wants revenge and will stop at nothing until she finds who killed her beloved sister.
Soon Emilia dives into the dark magic and her path brings her to one of the Wicked princes of Hell, Wrath.
“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.”
From the moment Emilia and Vittoria’s amulets touched 10 years ago, a chain of events were unleashed. The gates of Hell are slowly crumpling and soon demons and the like will infest Earth. Shrouded in mystery, secrets, and intrigue, you will not want to put this action packed novel down!!
Enough said about the forbidden slow burn romance between a witch and a demon. Emilia and Wrath’s relationship is filled with animosity in the beginning but the moments when they let their guards down are tender and sweet. I especially loved the witty banter between them #swoon. There is so much more to come with this couple that I feel we won’t be prepared for!! With that ending I don’t know how I will be able to wait for the second book!!
This is my first read by Kerri Maniscalco and I can reassure you it will NOT be my last! I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for that bit of darkness mixed with the world of fantasy.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Jimmy Patterson Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
I’m a huge Maniscalco fan! Love her writing and the stories she spins! I was super excited to see what type of new book she would bring to the table after I finished the Stalking Jack the Ripper series! And she did not disappoint!
This was a page-turning world that had me glued to the story at page 1! I loved the twin bone between Emilia and Vittoria! And also the food and the family! Emilia was a strong character and when she met Wrath, I just knew things were going to get awesomer!
Wrath was the kind of book guy I like, where you don’t know if he’s hiding secrets or not but you love him regardless! I wanted to pinch Emilia at times and tell her to just go hug and kiss Wrath, but I understand why it would be hard to trust a prince demon of Hell! There chemistry and bickering was just excellent!
But seriously, I highly recommend to read this book! And yes, there is a dreaded cliffhanger, one that will leave you yearning for book 2, which is a great thing!
I fell into this book like Alice fell down the rabbit hole. The blurb intrigued me and then I fell in head first and the book consumed me.
I am scolding myself now for not picking up a book by Kerri Maniscalco sooner. Her storytelling really spoke to me. Her writing style was pure perfection. Words you feel at home reading, perfect story rhythm, and flowery prose that wasn’t over the top. The premise for this series is original and compelling. I was so enthralled by the content of the story. The plot was cleverly constructed and the author kept the reader on the brink of curiosity the entire time. The world-building was rich and detailed. I loved the historical elements that were complemented by the unique paranormal aspects of the story.
I fell head over feet for our leading lady, Emilia. Everything about her screamed at my soul, and I mean in a good way. I have the biggest heart eyes for this girl. Her character was so distinct and multi-faceted. She had so many endearing qualities. I love the way that her brain worked and the things that she said always put a smile on my face. The way that she simply phrased things was delightful. I loved that she was as flawed as anyone else and that she was true to herself. She was so realistic and relatable. I really loved her evolution in the story. Wrath’s character is harder to place but I loved him just as much. There is more mystery surrounding the demon prince but his actions in the story when it came to Emilia really endeared me to him. I think that there is a lot more underneath the surface when it comes to Wrath. I can’t wait to uncover more in the next book. He is definitely an intriguing character that you can’t help but feel infatuation for. I loved all of the secondary characters. They each had their own voices in the story and I loved the added layer of depth they provided the story.
This is one of those enemies-to-lovers stories that will get under your skin in all the best ways. This is also one of those mortal enemies type of stories with a forbidden romance that is just so delicious. The chemistry that Emilia and Wrath have from the start is full of electricity that will set your skin on fire. A lot happens between them in the story so I won’t get spoilery, but this is one romance that I am absolutely here for.
Overall, this book was phenomenal and it is definitely going on my reread shelf! If you love compelling stories that have an interesting premise, fresh world-building,
exceptionally crafted storytelling, and memorable characters then this series will hit all of those marks for you. This is truly a brilliant book and I am so hooked on this series now. Goodbye to all my extra spending money because I’ve just found a new author to stalk.
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What a phenomenal start to what promises to be a richly imaginative, darkly addictive series. Kingdom of the Wicked launched into my top five reads of the year, and I’m highly anticipating the second installment.
I love murder mysteries, and I’m a complete goner when magic, witches, demons, strong familial bonds, and romance are woven in as well. Maniscalco flawlessly integrates all of these in her story, and it’s a combination that packs one heck of a punch. Her world-building in this book is amazing, and I felt as if I were there with the characters as they tried to solve the mystery of Vittoria’s death.
In addition to the engrossing plot, the characters are complex and intriguing. I lived for the moments when Emilia and Wrath shared scenes because their chemistry is off-the-charts hot. There were some surprises along the way that had me smiling and yelling at my phone, and their banter was *chef’s kiss* so good. One of the things I appreciate is that not only are they interesting as a duo, they stand strong on their own as well. I seriously could not get enough of them. I also enjoyed meeting and learning more about the other princes. I need more!
Word to the wise: don’t read this on an empty stomach. You’ll get your fill of fabulous words, but you’ll also crave delicious Italian food.
Thrills and chills abound in Kerri Maniscalco‘s new release Kingdom of the Wicked. I don’t know where to start! This story will leave you on the edge of your seat begging for more. Following Emilia as she seeks vengeance for her twin sister, Kingdom of the Wicked takes the reader on an adventure where up is down and down is up. Reader beware, this story isn’t for the faint of heart.
Emilia has cemented herself as one of my favorite female characters. She is strong and resilient. Fighting a force she doesn’t quite understand, Emilia wants one thing: revenge. She wants to find her sister’s murderer and do to them what they did to her. She wants them to suffer, and so begins Emilia’s path to the dark side of witchcraft. My heart broke for her over and over again as her world turned topsy-turvy. Everything she thought she knew, all the lessons her Nonna taught, turned out to be half-truths and lies. Emilia is left to her own devices, chasing shadows and cavorting with demon princes. All of this occurs while a murderer is on the loose targeting witches. When Emilia inadvertently binds herself to Wrath, one of the Princes of Hell, her world implodes.
Wrath is a bit of a mixed character. Having finished the book, I’m still not sure how to feel about him. I wanted to love him, but I struggled with his motives and if he could be trusted. Anger rules him which makes him the perfect partner for Emilia as she seeks her revenge. It’s clear he’s keeping secrets from Emilia, the question is what?
The plot follows Emilia and Wrath as they hunt for who is killing the witches. This takes Emilia on an adventure through the dark side of her city. She learns that demons are real, they are not contained to Hell, and her magic won’t keep her safe. The pacing here is not even. At times, when the author is building the mythology and introducing characters, it moves slowly. At others, when action is happening (which is quite often), I couldn’t read quickly enough. This was a bit distracting for me, and one of the reasons I rated it lower despite loving the story itself.
My other reason for rating it lower is the blurb promises “an intoxicating romance.” Where? It’s missing! Don’t get me wrong. There is a hint of romance, and you understand pretty quickly who the love interest is. However there is very little in the way of romance, especially when I’m promised one.
Despite the uneven pacing and lack of romance, I really enjoyed Kingdom of the Wicked. I’m hoping that since the characters are fully introduced now the pacing will flow with the next novels. I’m also hoping for more of that intoxicating romance. The thrill of mystery and the fantastic world-building will please any fantasy fan!
*I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley. This does not effect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.*
21 frickn’ days for me to obtain my first 5 star read for the YEAR!!!! YIPPEEEE!!!
The audiobook is sooo fantastic that in its opening lines it gave me CHILLS!!! Oh man the tension is so strong between Amelia and Wrath. This book was one big build up and I hear book 2 is even better. My audiobook loan needs to come quick and I already added the finale to my tbr.
Narrator Marisa Calin did all the characters and accents so well.
Once I heard of this book, I knew I had to read it. I was always fascinated with stories with demons and hell and how the human mind can create an incredible dark and mysterious adventure with those bases. That being said, it wasn’t one of my favorites, but I did enjoy the book. I wish it was a little darker, we are dealing with princes of Hell and witches and all sorts of demons so for me I felt like it was missing a little bit more of a dark vibe.
It starts slow, we get so see our main character Emilia with her family and friends. I didn’t like Emilia that much in the beginning, she annoyed me with her self-righteous issues and saying she would avenge her sister no matter what, and she did put herself through some danger to find out what happened, but she still doesn’t get what will take of her to actually get answers, she is to innocent, so shocked with betrayal and violence, like come on she is a witch that grew up with stories of the Wicked she should know what she was getting herself into. She starts to figure that out slowly through the book so I hope we get to see a version of Emilia more prepared for this world in book two, she needs to become darker, and let go of all that anger she has and use it, otherwise she will keep going in circles.
Vittoria… I wasn’t even a little sad, we know she dies from the beginning, but for all the love the sister are supposed to have for each other I found Vittoria selfish and that she didn’t care that much. Another member of the family that stinks of secrets is Nonna, she lied on so many things, forbid the sister from doing all sorts of magic, she is hiding something and I don’t think she is as good as Emilia thinks.
Wrath…liked him we don’t get to see that much of who he really is, we know he has an agenda and schemes of his own but I liked his mysterious vibe. The romance is nice but nothing much happens. Hope we get to see more of them together in book two, they have chemistry that’s for sure and an enemies to lovers set which is my favorite so I wished we had a little more.
The plot is promising that’s for sure and we have a super interesting line to follow for book two, I’m curious to see how this is turning out but at the same time I’m dreading a love triangle and hope that doesn’t happen. Another thing I’m hoping we get to see more are the princes of Hell, we get a good taste of how they are and operate and they are dangerous and cunning.
On an overall I liked the book and the second one seems promising, my main problem was Emilia herself in the beginning, but she slowly changes and I ended up liking her by the end of the book, so let’s see how she avenges her sister and how low she is going to play to do it.
Slow start but then bam, totally sucked in and book 2 is awesome as well!
I greatly enjoyed this read, highly rec!
This is billed as a NA fantasy, which I’m so glad to see this classification now! It’s not quite YA, not quite Epic, which means it’s quite up my alley. And yes, I’ll read the other two subgenres also.
Twin witches, Vittoria and Emilia, are living amongst the humans with strict rules to not practic3 magic in a way that they’d be found out. With witch hunters about, it’s really for the best. Unfortunately, a devastating murder pushes them out of their relative comfort zone and into the more dark and sinister.
There’s a bit of suspense and romance that keep those pages turning. Kerri’s witch princes are enough to make me squirm with angst and maybe a little delight.
Being the first book that I have read by Author Kerri Maniscalco, The Kingdom of the Wicked has truly grabbed my full attention! Twin witches, Emilia and Vittoria were taught the realm of their magic by their Nonna, but it seems she left a lot of the truth out of her lessons. When Vittoria is brutally murdered, Emilia will stop at nothing to find her murderer, even making a pact with the devil. Emilia soon discovers the treachery behind the seven princes of hell but the only one that consumes all of her thoughts and passions is Wrath. Will vengeance cause Emilia to lose more of her self respect or will the handsome Wrath be Emilia’s own hell on earth?
I was kind of on the fence with this book for a while before I decided to read it for myself. I never have considered these type of stories to be something I would particularly find interesting but oh how wrong I was. After reading the first chapter, I did not want to put this mind-blowing book down. The excitement that was brought onto the scene when Wrath appeared certainly made my attention go on high alert! I highly applaud Author Kerri Maniscalco for her amazing writing talents and her ability to bring the imagery, of each scene, to the delight of the readers imagination! The next installment in the wicked series is already in my hand !
I’m a little torn here on how I feel about the book.
The premise is excellent and I was intrigued from the beginning but it was a struggle to get through to the end. I kept waiting for it to get going and I feel like outside of the ending, it never really did.
The writing is amazing but I couldn’t connect to the main character at all. I really didn’t care for Emilia and I feel like there wasn’t enough on page time between the two main characters. (If we’re considering Wrath a main character?)
I did enjoy meeting the princes of Hell they added just enough zest for the story to keep me intrigued where Emilia was putting me to sleep.
I ended the book with A LOT more questions so I will be picking up book too to see how this all unfolds and whether or not what I predict to happen actually happens.
• •
: Kingdom of the Wicked
: Kingdom of the Wicked #1
: Kerri Maniscalco
: 4/5
I found the beginning of the book to be a bit slow and some things where confusing at times. There weren’t many surprises in the book for me since I felt some of the plot twists coming. That said, in the end I was hooked on the story and I liked it a lot. The writing was nice and I felt that everything flowed easily, the pacing was a bit off for me in the beginning, but definitely picked up somewhere in the middle of the book. I liked the characters a lot though and I mean Enemies to Lovers? Do I need to say more? I love the vibes and tension that it gives to the story. What I also liked is that the book is about witches, I feel like there are more “witchy” related books lately and I am so here for it! I think you will either click with this book or you won’t, so I definitely recommend trying it out for yourself, especially if you are into stories about witches and demons! Lastly, just so you know, it ends in a cliff hanger… luckily for me the next book should be out next month and I will definitely read it.
A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld
Kerri Maniscalco is a awesome writer and in her new series Kingdom of the Wicked I see another great series to get hooked on. This book has witches,demons and vamps and all kinds of different supernatural villains. Their is also some shady humans who just might be the real villians of the piece. Kerri is a first rate storyteller who keeps you turning the pages eager to solve the mystery of who’s been behind killing and taking the dead witches hearts. Its easy to blame the princes of hell because of the curse but things just aren’t adding up. These new characters like Wrath one of the wicked princes of hell who is bonded to our heroine Emilia when she calls him from hell to help open her dead twins diary she soon realizes she might be over her head wrath is secretive,sexy and intense and not happy about being trapped by a witch and all hell breaks loose when emilia realizes he’s the man that was standing above her dead sister’s body licking the blood from his fingers, she goes into a rage and keeps the diary a secret and questions him instead why he was their. The chemistry between these characters is very good and while their was no physical interaction except kissing you can feel that these two will become more and end up eventually together. I will say that the other wicked princes like Lust,greed and the sexy but dangerous Envy a villain all the way were intriguing and I want to know more. It ended on a cliffhanger but it has grabbed my attention so i cant wait for book 2 Kingdom of the Cursed ! I love Kerri Maniscalco books and have read everyone! For somebody so young her storytelling and way with words is simply amazing! Until next time Luv’s
what a major cliffhanger!!!
need the second book ASAP
But I really really love this book!
so much SLOW BURN!!!
Don’t leave me hanging! I need Book Two like a cardiac arrest needs a shot of adrenaline to the heart. I could not put this book down. I found it to be unique, intriguing, full of the Wicked, and a need to cheer on the heroine. Just curious, what year are the characters living in? I don’t know much about Sicily but modern technology was never mentioned. But in no way did that detract from the story. Can I get the next book now? Please?
Loved, loved, loved this book!! I can’t wait for the next one “Kingdom of the Cursed.” Can I just say that I am now a Wrath fan. Do yourself a favor and read this book! It does not disappoint.
TW: Witchcraft, demons, witches, murder, blood, sexual themes and gore.
From the trigger warnings alone you can already tell this book was right up my alley. Even though this was a more tamed, YA read – which I usually don’t go for – it had a great world building, wonderful cultural setting in Italy, great characters, the vibes were right and tingly in all the right places and I loved the demon/witch bickering enemies to lovers plot.
It ended on a huge cliffhanger and I am so excited for the next book that is coming out very soon. There is nothing I love more than demons and witches, and then she also decided to include the demons as rulers of the seven sins and that is how you win me over.
Wrath is everything you want in a morally grey love interest, he is smart, hot and steamy, mysterious, keeps to himself, he will keep you guessing, wishing, hoping…and I loved our main character as well, she was driven, she wasn’t whiny and she is was slowly growing on me. The book is slow-paced, however we get some pretty exciting and memorable moments. This is probably one of my favorite YA reads of this year so far.
Kingdom of the Wicked
Oh man, where to start!? How about with food! There is so much food in this book and I was so hungry reading throughout it! Tomatoes, mozzarella, and a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil on bread Just believe me when I say that Kerri Maniscalco paints an exquisite picture of food.
The world building and characters in KoTW are outstanding and once again you can envision yourself there.
Dark alleys, the buildings, the streets.. the smells.
This story is filled with love, betrayal, grief and loss; it’s written so well and will keep you flipping through the pages to see what happens next!
Also, did I mention there are demons and witches?????
Seriously, I am absolutely delighted to have gotten the opportunity to read Kingdom of the Wicked. Please please read this phenomenal book! Please please read it, it is amazing!!
Thank you Netgalley, Jimmy Patterson Books and Kerri Maniscalco for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved it! It grabbed my attention right from the start. Great storyline and characters. I look forward to book two.