Scan barcode
jacks_beloved's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was an absolute feast for me during my reading slump era, which has been prevailing over my life for as long as I can remember. The Kingdom of the Wicked was everything I was hoping it would be, and honestly, more. The pacing was fast and engaging. The mystery element was such that I couldn't put the book down even if I wanted to. The storyline of this book was all I could think about during my waking hours, and sometimes it even encompassed my dreams. The world-building by the author was absolutely amazing and the way she introduced us to the Princes of Hell and slowly immersed us deeper into the Kingdom of the Wicked (literally) had me on my toes, and on the edge of my seat. I can say with firm assurance that I was not bored for a single second.
The only reason I'm not giving this book a perfect rating is because I feel that the writing didn't flow so smoothly and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with where the author was taking us, because it seemed like she expected the reader to already have some idea about her vision. Secondly, I didn't feel the chemistry between Wrath and Emilia, and I feel their character exploration was comprised amidst the fast-moving story.
Overall, however, I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, since it's rapidly carved it's way into my heart (pun) as one of my favourite fantasies of all times.
The only reason I'm not giving this book a perfect rating is because I feel that the writing didn't flow so smoothly and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with where the author was taking us, because it seemed like she expected the reader to already have some idea about her vision. Secondly, I didn't feel the chemistry between Wrath and Emilia, and I feel their character exploration was comprised amidst the fast-moving story.
Overall, however, I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, since it's rapidly carved it's way into my heart (pun) as one of my favourite fantasies of all times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Gore and Grief
Minor: Vomit
gingerlaura's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book had all the right ingredients but lacked one major thing: world building. After reading this I still don't know the names of all the 7 princes of Hell, what era this book takes place in, what witches and demons are actually capable of, how the magic truly works...
Disappointed. That's what I am, because I was ready to love this book. The beginning started out strong, I was genuinely creeped out. And then I got bored for the rest of it.
The writing wasn't necessarily bad but there was just nothing interesting happening in this book. I also didn't really care for the characters, I thought Vittoria was the most interesting but she was dead throughout most of this book, so I guess that says enough. It just all felt like one big filler book for what's to come, if that makes sense.
I do think the idea of the story is interesting, and I get the picture the author is trying to paint but it didn't turn out quite that well. That doesn't mean I hated this book, it was just meh. Like I said, disappointing.
I don't think I'll be reading the rest of this trilogy, seeing the reviews it doesn't age that well, especially the last book in the trilogy. But by all means do pick this up if you like romantacy, you might like this more than I did.
Disappointed. That's what I am, because I was ready to love this book. The beginning started out strong, I was genuinely creeped out. And then I got bored for the rest of it.
The writing wasn't necessarily bad but there was just nothing interesting happening in this book. I also didn't really care for the characters, I thought Vittoria was the most interesting but she was dead throughout most of this book, so I guess that says enough. It just all felt like one big filler book for what's to come, if that makes sense.
I do think the idea of the story is interesting, and I get the picture the author is trying to paint but it didn't turn out quite that well. That doesn't mean I hated this book, it was just meh. Like I said, disappointing.
I don't think I'll be reading the rest of this trilogy, seeing the reviews it doesn't age that well, especially the last book in the trilogy. But by all means do pick this up if you like romantacy, you might like this more than I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Torture, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
the_bookroyal's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Blood, Self harm, Grief, Murder, and Death
Minor: Excrement
kiara_bilyk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Violence, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
kelseyfontaine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I don’t normally read fantasy, but this is what my book club chose, so it’s my first read.
Even though it’s not what I gravitate toward, I really enjoyed the book overall. I’m normally a romance reader, so I would’ve loved to see some more banter/enemies-to-lovers stuff between Emilia and Wrath, but I can get behind keeping the integrity of the story.
There were some parts of the book that confused me a bit, and required me to reread past parts to fully understand what was going on. I chalk it up to being new to magic-based writing, so it was hard for me to keep track of in my head. But, I absolutely loved the setting everything was placed in and fell even more in love with Sicily (and Italian food)!
While it’s not my normal read, I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the series to find out what else is in store for Emilia.
Even though it’s not what I gravitate toward, I really enjoyed the book overall. I’m normally a romance reader, so I would’ve loved to see some more banter/enemies-to-lovers stuff between Emilia and Wrath, but I can get behind keeping the integrity of the story.
There were some parts of the book that confused me a bit, and required me to reread past parts to fully understand what was going on. I chalk it up to being new to magic-based writing, so it was hard for me to keep track of in my head. But, I absolutely loved the setting everything was placed in and fell even more in love with Sicily (and Italian food)!
While it’s not my normal read, I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the series to find out what else is in store for Emilia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Grief and Violence
rangerelik's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Torture
Minor: Murder and Death
zeefox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
ernea_navish's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Gore, Murder, and Death
samflowerv6's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A good book was its own brand of magic, one I could safely indulge in without fear of getting caught by those who hunted. I loved escaping from reality, especially during times of trouble. Stories made everything possible.
This world is so fun and entertaining. The witchy vibes, mystery, demon princes, spells, HOT DEMON PRINCES, feminist messaging, solving a murder, Italian culture in a fantasy setting and the food imagery. I devoured the imagery and beautiful prose. The banter between Amelia and Wrath was so good. I love them and he was hilarious. I love poetic men who have been around since the beginning of time. I think it's my kink. Eternally sexy poetic beings who are a little, if not a lot evil. The fanart of him had me keeling over like how is this fictional man taking me out. Anyways, the vibes were beautiful. I can't wait to see more of this world and more of Amelia and Wrath. I hope she gets meaner and maybe a little smarter but overall amazing vibes. I love witches.
“I do not wish to taint my body with the foulness of human food," I mocked. "But desserts are acceptable.” - Wrath, cannoli lover.
A reckoning awoke in me. The more I gave, the more he returned. We traded kisses like blows. And if this were a fight, I wouldn't know who was winning. I understood why some thought kissing one of the Wicked was addictive. Each time his tongue touched mine, it felt as if the ground beneath me quaked. Like we were a cataclysmic event that shouldn't be.
“Why do villains always wear black?”
“Better to hide the blood with, witch.”
His annoyance joined mine in unholy matrimony.
“One day you'll call me death. For now, Wrath will do.”
Cooking was magic and music combined. The crack of shells, the hiss of pancetta hitting a hot pan, the metallic clang of a whisk beating the side of a bowl, even the rhythmic thwack of a cleaver against a wooden cutting board.
Grief carved me in half. And fury honed the pieces into a weapon. Now it was time to unleash it.
This world is so fun and entertaining. The witchy vibes, mystery, demon princes, spells, HOT DEMON PRINCES, feminist messaging, solving a murder, Italian culture in a fantasy setting and the food imagery. I devoured the imagery and beautiful prose. The banter between Amelia and Wrath was so good. I love them and he was hilarious. I love poetic men who have been around since the beginning of time. I think it's my kink. Eternally sexy poetic beings who are a little, if not a lot evil. The fanart of him had me keeling over like how is this fictional man taking me out. Anyways, the vibes were beautiful. I can't wait to see more of this world and more of Amelia and Wrath. I hope she gets meaner and maybe a little smarter but overall amazing vibes. I love witches.
“I do not wish to taint my body with the foulness of human food," I mocked. "But desserts are acceptable.” - Wrath, cannoli lover.
A reckoning awoke in me. The more I gave, the more he returned. We traded kisses like blows. And if this were a fight, I wouldn't know who was winning. I understood why some thought kissing one of the Wicked was addictive. Each time his tongue touched mine, it felt as if the ground beneath me quaked. Like we were a cataclysmic event that shouldn't be.
“Why do villains always wear black?”
“Better to hide the blood with, witch.”
His annoyance joined mine in unholy matrimony.
“One day you'll call me death. For now, Wrath will do.”
Cooking was magic and music combined. The crack of shells, the hiss of pancetta hitting a hot pan, the metallic clang of a whisk beating the side of a bowl, even the rhythmic thwack of a cleaver against a wooden cutting board.
Grief carved me in half. And fury honed the pieces into a weapon. Now it was time to unleash it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Violence, and Death
alxisrae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
This book is the CW of YA. It wouldn’t surprise me if this became a CW series, and I don’t mean that as a compliment. Just…no. First 1/2 I was interested and it quickly became a muddled mess of a FMC that was reckless beyond belief and a messy as fuck timeline. Also there is no spice (not that a good book needs one) but for booktok to scream of the “spice” in this book….there is one make out scene. ONE. Just do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Vomit