Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

“Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked is brilliant. Delicious as it is magical Maniscalco will have you ensnared from the beginning to end.”
Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink

The Story

Twin sisters Emilia and Vittoria are witches. Living among humans on a small island near Italy, hiding to escape being hunted, the girls’ uncanny powers lead them down a rabbit’s hole of trouble. A prophecy is made. One that involves the twins. And when Vittoria is found dead, Emilia is beyond devastated. Determined to find her sister’s killer, and seek revenge, Emilia will do anything, including using dark magic.

When Emilia summons Wrath, a Demon Prince from Hell, she and the prince find a common cause: to find out the identity of the murderer and why they murdered several young witches. But when the gates to Hell start to weaken and lesser demons start making their way to the human world, Emilia is tasked with the impossible: save the world and make a sacrifice that could cost her life.

My Review Kingdom of the Wicked

This book was so good!

I couldn’t put it down. From the prologue to the opening chapters I was instantly drawn in. The lore Maniscalco creates is fascinating. A combination of the old ways, Pagan beliefs of witchcraft verses Christianity and the fall of Lucifer, Maniscalco uses these threads to weave together a tapestry that is uniquely her own. While also including a murder mystery, a driving force of the story.

She builds and scaffolds a vividly rich world filled with magic inherently elemental. Our senses besieged by the delicious foods Emilia and her family prepares for their family owned restaurant Sea & Vine. This marrying of food and earth magic is intoxicating. Creating a hunger, a need, of wanting more.

More Thoughts

Using the seven deadly sins as actual Fae Demonic Princes, who hold court in Hell, is utterly captivating. We meet a select few of said Princes, who find their way into the human world. Wreaking havoc in their wake, like a hurricane destroying anything in its path, while using their talents to ensnare Emilia and gain what they most desire: power.

But, Emilia is a force of her own. She leads with a strong voice having no scruples in staying alive and keeping her family safe. Determined, clever, and filled with a rage that is equal to that of her Demon Princeling, Wrath. Emilia will be placed as a favorite badass female character among the YA pantheon.

A Few Last Thoughts

Maniscalco has sharpened her craft of storytelling. A true master of mystery and thrillers, in Kingdom of the Wicked she blends the two with dark fantasy, making for a satisfying read.

Wielding her pen, Maniscalco creates a harrowing tale that is splattered in blood, darkness and shadows creeping in like spilt ink, and a romance that you cannot get enough of. Gorgeously crafted, with a breathtaking attention to detail, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

Readers will devour Kingdom of the Wicked in a handful of days, if not hours. Packed with razor sharp teeth, devastating betrayal, and an ending that will tear your emotions into ribbons! Make sure to pick up this book and be prepared to experience every emotion.

Happy Reading ̴ Cece

RATING: – Exceptionally Inked

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Publisher: jimmy patterson

Publication Date: October, 2020

Pages: 448

ISBN-10: 0316428469

ISBN-13: 978-0316428460

Audience: 14 and up

Jacket Design: Liam Donnelly

Jacket Art: Megan Cowell / Revillion Images and Shutterstock

You can find Kingdom of the Wicked at Hachette Book Group

Similar Books to Kingdom of the Wicked Recommended by Sheaf and Ink

Capturing the Devil, Kerri Maniscalco

Serpent & Dove, Shelby Mahurin

The Gilded Wolves, Roshani Chokshi

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Sheaf & Ink has reviewed a number of Young Adult novels in fantasy historical fiction like Kingdom of the Wicked. Read A Golden Fury and The Gilded Wolves and Capturing the Devil reviews to find your next favorite book and join the conversation. We love hearing from you.

A Golden Fury by Samantha Cohoe