**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher via NetGalley.**
Title Kingdom of the Wicked
Author Kerri Maniscalco
Description from Amazon
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 at is seems…
Release Date October 27, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I was so excited to read this book. When everyone was receiving their ARC packages I was insanely jealous! But, someone wanted me to read this one early and I received an e-ARC on NetGalley on my birthday.
Some Things I Liked
- Enemies to lovers romance. Yes, I’m starting here. It was the best thing about this book for me. The witty banter, the palpable tension, the romance itself. It was all perfect. While I’d probably be a better fit for House Gluttony, I’d sign my allegiance to House Wrath any day of the week.
- Spooky and witchy vibes. This is a perfect Fall / Halloween book without being overly scary. I’m easily frightened but this book was dark and eerie in all the right ways that didn’t cause me to have nightmares. I loved the witchy elements.
- Italian influence. Once again, I was blown away by the rich descriptions of the world and especially the food in this story. Emilia loved to cook and the passion and way she described meals literally had my mouth watering while I was reading.
- Plot twists. I was so here for the twists and turns. I loved it all. The story had so many jaw dropping moments and I loved each and every one.
Series Value
Ok, first of all, how dare you, Kerri Mansicalco. That ending! It was so much and I’m dying to know the next part of the story. Second, I’m obsessed. I cannot wait to continue with this series.
Lastly, there’s a ton of reread value here. I’d definitely like to try this one as an audiobook before I read the sequel.
Final Thoughts
I adored this book. Definitely one of my top reads of the year and by far my favorite read of October. I was a fan of Kerri Maniscalco’s after reading the Stalking Jack the Ripper series but this was even better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco – if you enjoyed the writing style and the dark plot elements in Kingdom of the Wicked, try Kerri’s first series. You won’t be disappointed.
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – if you liked the witchy elements as well as the unpredictable plot twists, try this series.
Books Over Everything 