Kingdom of the Wicked

Kingdom of the Wicked
Kingdom of the Wicked Book One
Written by Kerri Maniscalco
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Witches, Romance
Published October 27th 2020
448 Pages
Thank you to Jimmy Patterson Books
Add to Goodreads
★★★★☆

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...

As children, Emilia and Vittoria listened intently to the stories of their grandmother and the Dicarlo family grimoire, monsters, demons and the stregheria, the matriarchal families of the Sicilian town of Palermo. As the ocean gathers the changing winds, the demon world becomes restless, it's been an age since demons were banished into the netherworld and with a solemn prophecy from their grandmother, the underworld has arisen. 


Emilia and Vittoria are contrasting characters, Vittoria is spirited whilst Emilia is passionate about literature and culinary delights, a kitchenhand in their family owned restaurant Sea & Vine. As children, Emilia and Vittoria confided in one another but are now distant, Vittoria secretively indulging in parties and tumultuous love affairs until her body is found within the local monastery, her heart removed in a ritualistic killing. Emilia's sorrow is palpable and although the sisters have grown distant in recent years, she is determined to avenge her sister.


Throughout the narrative, Emilia discovers that Vittoria harboured a dangerous grimoire as she summons a demon from the underworld, the unsuspecting war general, the demonic prince of Wrath. Capturing the devastatingly handsome general for information. Wrath is one of seven demonic princes, each representing the seven houses of immortality. To freed the brothers, a willing bride must be chosen to break the binding spell placed upon the underworld. These princes are deliciously sinful and almost impossible to resist. Yes, they're evil but so incredibly handsome that you almost forget they're in the business of stealing souls. Because handsome. 


Wrath is ridiculously attractive. He and Emilia share a vested interest in finding who killed Vittoria, reluctantly agreeing to work together. Over the course of the narrative, Wrath begins to care for Emilia and although she's more than capable of fending for herself, he is a wonderful yet alluring support for Emilia. Remember when you first discovered Twilight and couldn't get enough of the sexual tension? This


Emilia is a vengeful witch, Wrath is a demonic prince and the mortal enemies to maybe lovers, smouldering attraction and very much wanting to get it on romance is slow and simmering and how I'm here for it. Chef kisses all round friends. If you've read the Stalking Jack the Ripper series with Audrey Rose and Thomas then you'll be well aware of the smouldering, agonising Kerri Maniscalco romances and this was painful in the most delicious meaning of the word. 


Kerri Maniscalco writes incredible narratives, mysteries with dangerous undercurrents and passionate romances and Kingdom of the Wicked was intensely brilliant. So much so that I've run out of words. It's sexy. Damn sexy and hot as hell. Literally. 


In summary, this is one of those reads you'll sell your mother for. 

21 comments

  1. Replies
    1. You definitely won't be disappointed, looking forward to seeing what you think of it!

      Delete
  2. I need to read it.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just love your reviews - those last few lines are great. I just got my copy of this in the mail yesterday and I'm so excited!! Granted, I still want to re-read SJTR two and three, because I have the fourth but haven't read it yet.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't finished the series either Lauren but reading this has given me the kick I needed. Her writing is absolutely spectacular and that sexual tension! You'll love this Lauren and can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  4. I have never read anything by Maniscalco, and I was not expecting romance in this book, and a passionate, smoldering one at that. Glad you enjoyed this I hope the series maintains this level of greatness for you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Going by her Stalking Jack the Ripper series, no doubt it'll get even better with each installment. It's absolutely brilliant and that romance is superb!

      Delete
  5. OMG! Sounds like I need this book in my life. Sexy smoldering Prince of hell, YES PLEASE, sign me up lol.

    XOXO Sarah.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah, it'll melt your loins. Remember the sexual tension from when you read Twilight for the first time? This takes it to a whole new level. And there's multiple ridiculously attractive demonic princes!

      Delete
  6. oh my my my, I need this on my TBR after that review, Kelly! This sounds utterly delicious!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's absolutely brilliant, a little sultry and lots of sexiness. It's one of those reads that's impossible to put down!

      Delete
  7. Oh wow I am sold at demon princes. I can imagine all the tension!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh it's delicious Amber, I can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  8. I just finished this one too. Such a great read and I completely agree about the sexual tension between Wrath and Emilia. So hot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't it amazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed it too Suzanne, I can't wait for the next in the series!

      Delete
  9. Oh wow, this sounds amazing and now I want to read it too! I especially like the sound of Emilia as a character and her interests. Wrath intrigues me, as well as all of these sexy scenes you're mentioning... Yup. Sounds like one I am going to have to dive into for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's brilliant Olivia, the intensity of the romance really surprised me and it ended up being one of my favourite aspects. I love a smoking hot villain!

      Delete
  10. Ooh this sounds perfect!!! I love the setting and the inclusion of prince of hell (I don't think I've read any books containing this element) but the romance sounds like it would absolutely destroy me!!!

    Tasya // The Literary Huntress

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohh Tasya, you're in for such a treat. It's painful in the best way possible. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

      Delete
  11. I’m just about to post my review of this one. I didn’t love it as much as you did but agree the author has talent when it comes to writing good romances!

    ReplyDelete

© Diva Booknerd. Design by Fearne.