Kingdom of the Wicked

Written by Kerri Maniscalco

Narrated by Marisa Calin

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 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...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Oct 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781549184055

Kerri Maniscalco

Kerri Maniscalco is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, the Kingdom of the Wicked series and her adult fantasy romance Prince of Sin series, including Throne of the Fallen, Throne of Secrets and Throne of Nightmares. Kerri grew up in a semi-haunted house outside New York City, where her fascination with dark, atmospheric settings began. To date, her books have been translated into more than twenty languages and have been viewed on TikTok a few hundred million times.

Reviews for Kingdom of the Wicked

[headinherbooks_27 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great first book in starting the series. Very intriguing. I am curious how the plot will play out.

[smashbasile · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Gah, I wanted to love this, but it really felt flat for me. I can't decide if it's worth reading the rest of the series... It wasn't bad, I guess, but I just didn't really connect.

[raedcordova · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Like the ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) series, this was another series that I was hesitant about because (in my library at least) it's listed as YA. And again, like ACOTAR, the first book is fine when it comes to young adult, but after that, the rest of the books in the series should be considered "new adult." This story is about two sisters in Italy who, after one of them is murdered, discover there's more to their shared history and family than they realized. The surviving sister, Emilia, is thrown into a world of more powerful magic than she could have ever guessed, and finds herself face-to-face with Wrath, a prince of Hell, who she has trapped and has asked for help in finding her sister, Vittoria's, killer. Throughout their time together, she realizes that perhaps Wrath isn't as "wicked" as she thought, and they actually come to care for each other. The book had me guessing the entire time about who the killer was, and as someone who comes from an Italian family, I loved the fact that much of the magic talked about, and the words used, were Italian. Again, this is another great book with a very strong female character and amazing world building.

[belbo713 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The best part about this book was the Italian folk magic.

I'm interested to see where the story goes, but for now it feels as though the only thing pulling you through the series is the promise of romance and plot, not the actual presence of it.

[megan_demers-714991 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Its an okay book. In my opinion, it kind of lacks creativity.

[danielle.desrochers · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't wait to read book 2! What is coming next?!?!

[randymorgan-144387 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Twins Emilia and Vittoria were raised learning the local lore of witches, demons, and mythical creatures. These stories become all too real when fellow witches were found murdered and mutilated. Vittoria included.

Overcome with grief, Emilia is filled with vengeance. Her overwhelming compulsion to find her sister's killer keeps her from mourning. Emilia begins to follow clues through the shadow-ridden Sicilian streets, as more and more witches fall to the same fate as Vittoria.

Kerri wrote a young adult magic and mythical creature’s fantasy. It is filled with loss, romance, vengeance, and mystery. It is a slow start, and I almost did not finish it. I am glad I did because now I have the next two books on my hold shelf.

[jonez-6 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2.75-3.0

I love a good witchy read. This delivers on the witchy, but it also delivers a pretty predictable read. Unfortunately, if you read enough YA fantasy you can pretty much figure out where the insta-love is going to come in and with whom, the conflict, the reveal of how the ultimate conflict needs to be resolved, and the major twists at the end of who will be the betrayer/real foe.

The writing is good. The pacing is good, and it is interesting enough that I plan on continuing on, at least into the next book. For YA fantasy readers that are new to the genre and love a good witchy read, I would recommend it. It is a good, slightly better than average YA read.

But if you are old hat to fantasy, and in particular to YA fantasy, this one may be a take or leave it.

[RyofuAndrea18 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the whole book, I need the second part now!!! I love/hate Wrath. Emilia, one of the best protagonists I've read. (Translated from Spanish)

[thinktink93 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Stories twist each time they're told. Maybe it's all fiction now."

I really liked the world building and the magic aspect of this book.

The plot and characters were decent enough but didn't hit the way I had hoped they would.

Overall, I'm not sure how I feel about this book, so I'll be interested to see how the second book goes.

[EliaIvett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book promised so much. I saw so many good reviews, and unfortunately, it was my first disappointment of the year.

The plot is dull, and what about the plot twist that many were talking about? It was something I suspected since chapter 12.

This book would have been very different if the author had taken the time to weave the plot in a way that would have blown your mind while reading. The potential was there; I can taste it, but it wasn't fully exploited.

Nevertheless, to each their own, maybe my opinion will change when I read the next book. (Translated from Spanish)

[Paz7M · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3⭐
Well, I'm going to give my own synopsis...

The kingdom of the cursed is set in Palermo (Italy), filled with witches, both good and those who practice dark arts, but with one thing in common: to prevent the gates of hell from opening and demons from coming into this world to end all known life.
Nona María, an ancient witch and grandmother of Emilia (our protagonist) and Vittoria (Emilia's twin sister), tells her granddaughters stories of the seven cursed ones (the seven princes of hell, each related to a different house corresponding to the seven deadly sins), especially about four of them, and how to defend themselves against these with magic, plants, candles, and amulets like the ones the two girls wear around their necks, amulets that must never touch, because if that happens, hell will unleash upon them and a curse will follow... But as 8-year-old girls, one stormy night, in their shared room, Vittoria gives her amulet to her sister and Emilia holds it in her hand without letting it touch hers... But something changes and a hellhound seems to howl outside...

I love the setting (please don't read the synopsis, it reveals things I think are better left unknown). But although the premise of witches, cursed ones, demons, curses, religion, men who have power over women... and enemies to lovers, my favorite cliché in life... It had everything for me to love it... but it turned out to be a bit disappointing.
At first, I struggled a lot, really a lot, to get hooked (up to page 200, almost halfway, nothing at all). I felt like I was reading a book of Italian recipes and that took me out of the fantasy and made me laugh, and then at moments of greater action, it seemed like pages, scenes, or something were missing... It was exasperating. It didn’t have any memorable plot twists for me, to be honest, and while it has a lot of action, it's very abrupt; it didn’t feel natural. And if we talk about characters, Emilia, who is the protagonist, seems to me a huge bore haha I don't like her much, only in the last few pages does she seem to start forging her personality and a real strength, not induced by absurd vengeance.
Thank goodness we have Wrath, who is a wonderful male character, a "villain," sexy, intelligent, brilliant... I think he has so much to offer (give me everything haha).
The main mystery line, surrounded by more intrigues, turns out to be simple and lacks a strong pull of bold mystery; fortunately, since it's surrounded by more mysteries, it holds up and seems to offer much more, but I believe that in this first installment, it’s not handled in the best way, though it may have a lot to do with the fact that I'm not a fan of Emilia and the story is narrated by her xD.
Anyway, the second half of the book, if only for Wrath, kept me very hooked and I read it in a snap. It’s easy to read and quick and leaves you wanting to know more, with a glimmer of hope that the continuation promises many better things than this first book. That's why I give it three stars, for the hope haha
Come on Emilia, you have more to give for sure ? (Translated from Spanish)

[anawantspizza · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am very disappointed with this book because I expected more from it. The relationships between the characters make no sense, I don't like Emilia's decisions, and the story developed in a strange and boring way. Also, Wrath didn't appear enough, and I only read it for him. (Translated from Spanish)

[jmchshannon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kerri Maniscalco first came to light with her brilliant Stalking Jack the Ripper series. With Kingdom of the Wicked, she continues to provide fabulously strong and independent heroines alongside a sexy sidekick but this time with a kick of fantasy instead of science. And let me say that the addition of magic and the sultry demons are a VERY welcome addition.

Emilia is the most fantastic of heroines. Learning to stand on her own cognizance after years following in her twin’s shadow, we see not only her strength and her strong morality but also her vulnerability. Anger and grief may fuel her mission in the beginning, but as she becomes more comfortable with breaking her self-imposed mold, you see her grow into someone whose intelligence and strength of character will take her far. It is an intriguing character development, especially as it makes her more attractive to the demons she was taught to avoid.

Let’s speak of those demons for a minute. Ms. Maniscalco knows how to write sexy characters, but I think she has outdone herself with the seven princes. Seven princes of hell with each one representing/manifesting one of the seven deadly sins means seven times to create characters who you should fear but who you really want to meet. Thankfully, I feel as if we only scratch the surface when it comes to the princes and their machinations, so the next books in the series mean plenty of time to spend with these gorgeous but deadly minions of hell.

Kingdom of the Wicked is the first book in a series, so there are the requisite world-building and character introduction. Yet, Ms. Maniscalco avoids the tedium that such things can bring, melding both into her story so that we are learning while the story unfolds. All this means is that Kingdom of the Wicked is a story that grabs your attention with its luscious descriptions of food and holds it with its even more delicious descriptions of deadly princes of hell while watching Emilia learn her way among this treacherous new world. The cliffhanger ending is sufficiently annoying and enigmatic as to leave you wanting more. I am really excited to see where Ms. Maniscalco takes the series next!

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Be prepared to toss out the old adage 'better the devil you know, than the one you don't,' after reading this. Then plan on reading the sequel when it comes out. This is twisty, crafty and is the sort of book that pulls one in and allows you to visualize the story quite easily. A very enjoyable tale that leaves plenty hanging at the end while still satisfying.

[bethyacoub · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kingdom of the Wicked felt like a little guilty pleasure. It had it all:
- Sassy, stubborn female MC with a well of untapped power? CHECK!
- a slow burn that might end up fizzling before it had time to mature... possibly sent reeling right back into the realm of Hate? CHECK!
- Loads of yummy food talk? Check!
- Begrudging respect --> profound deceit (that was easy to suss out early on)? Check!
- World developement that sucks you in and manages to have you believing in supernatural places/beings/objects? Check!!
- Realistic characters (for better or worse)? Check!
- Character(s) so complex, and yummily gray that you can't help but fall for them... AHEM, Wrath!CHECK!!
- Succinct, solid writing? Check!
- Great pacing with little to no slogging? Check!
- A cliffhanger ending that leaves you lusting, fiending, craving for more? DOUBLE CHECK!!

For some reason I feel the Twin bond so deeply you'd think I had one of my own but alas, no second half here (unless you count my handsome, yet surly, crank of a husband). It feels so inviolable that thinking of it being (traumatically) severed, and one twin having to navigate life without their other half, seems like utter desolation. Our MC, Eliana turned out to be a rash beast in lambs' clothing... an easily provoked, overconfident, rage feuled monster looking for Revenge... at any cost... the payment due would most likely be the ultimate price, the one that can only be paid in full with the relinquishing of your very own Soul. Sounds dramatic right?? It is, and it's worth every minute spent living in this world beside these odious, deliciously duplicitous, insidious, perfidious (and loads more -ious adjectives) characters.


Overall:

I really enjoyed this book! There is a tame, non Sexy-Time scene that is steamy for about 3 seconds but otherwise the book is suitable for teens through geriatrics. The rest of the story has good old Witches, Sapeshifters, Demons, Vampires, Holy men et al...

AND that ending... wow!! I need book #2 in my life STAT!!

If you like Fantastical Magical Realism infused with a variety of preternaturally occult elements culminating in a well thought out Cliffy then this book is for you!

~ Enjoy

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

[eldafdz1999 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved it. It’s entertaining, the protagonists are very good, all this about the princes of Hell and the witches is really interesting, the ending promises a lot! (Translated from Spanish)

[karlapiscina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

04/03/2021
This is the first real fantasy book I have read, and it was a story that hooked me from the very first moment.

Witches, spells, death, devil, deadly sins, romance, mystery.

What more could you ask for?

Aside from a strong and bold protagonist!

I found this story ADDICTIVE; Emilia is a very strong and determined character.
Ira seemed exactly like what I would imagine a prince from hell to be.

The hysteria is original, at least from what I have read; it is very well written, and personally, I never found it boring.

This is the first book I’m reading where its continuation has not yet been published; I can't wait?

Besides, I read it in digital format. (Translated from Spanish)

[Daanro ? · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't handle that ending, I want the next book already.
I don't know if I can wait until mid-year! (Translated from Spanish)

[krau0098 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in The Kingdom of the Wicked series. I got this book through NetGalley to review.

Story (3/5): I have kind of mixed feelings about this one. The story started out pretty slow and it's one of those books that when you think back on it not a ton happened. However, once the story got moving (about 30% through) I did find myself drawn into this historical Italian setting with witches and demons, and found that this made for a decent Halloween read.

The story involved Emilia and her twin Vittoria who are Strega in hiding. When Vittoria is killed, Emilia accidentally summons one of the Wicked, a prince from hell named Wrath. With Wrath’s dubious help Emilia hopes to avenge her twin’s death while solving the mystery behind the murders of numerous witches.

Characters (3/5): I think my biggest struggle with this book (aside from the pacing) was how much I disliked our heroine, Emilia. Emilia constantly makes dumb mistakes over and over again and I found her very frustrating to read about. She always talks about how she isn't the adventurous twin but she is constantly throwing herself into very dangerous situations with very little thought. She was my least favorite part of the story and I wanted to smack some sense into her many times throughout the book. Additionally, I thought her character was really inconsistent; almost like she was a bit crazy... at one point she'd be blushing in embarrassment and then she'd be throwing herself at Wrath. She'd desperately want to be saved and helped, but then would ignore everyone's advice and run headlong into danger...it was just so...all over the place. It honestly just didn't make a lot of sense.

Setting (4/5): I enjoyed the setting. This whole book seems to be set in a historical Italian village. I don’t remember the time frame really being mentioned but some of the surroundings make me think this is historical. I love the atmosphere of this small Italian town and loved how cozy and yet creepy it felt.

Writing Style (3/5): The writing style was okay but I struggled with some of the same issues I had when I read “Stalking Jack the Ripper”. The story moves a bit slow and the characters are inconsistent and hard to engage with. A lot of people really seem to love Maniscalco’s stories but they just have never really drawn me in….I always find them a bit lacking.

My Summary (3/5): Overall this was okay but not great. The story starts out pretty slow and I could not get over how stupid and impulsive our supposidly intelligent and timid heroine is. If you can get over the main character and her inconsistencies and flat out dumb decisions, it’s not a bad book. Some of the side characters, like Wrath and his brother, make up for Emilia’s craziness. I don’t plan on reading anymore of this series. Since this is the second Maniscalco book I have read that I have been so-so about, I don’t plan on picking up any more of her books in the future either.

[theyodamom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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. :P
I received a copy from the publishers for an honest review