Reviews

Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco

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readerlog's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

alkruger_readinglibrary96's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

astarions_bhaal_babe's review against another edition

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3.0

"Rise," he said softly. "Just as they always feared you would."

You know when they say be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it?
This book was everything I'd wish for this final book to be, and yet, I'm sad to admit I probably should have wished for something else, too, to completely satisfy my Kingdom of the Wicked addiction.

(I'm sorry in advance if this bunch of nonsense will be full of typos and incongruous, but it's late and I've been awake since 2012, but I just finished this book and I can't start another one or do anything else really, without putting down some thoughts, first)

Let's be honest.
Writing sequels worthy of a spectacular first book mustn't be an easy job, but if there's an author I know would accept the challenge and ace it, it's Kerri Maniscalco.
I'm putting myself in her -and every author I'm a fan of's- shoes as I write this review.
It's not a completely positive one, but I'd like to spend a moment before the book analysis to tell whoever's reading this that, yep, this final book was objectively disappointing, but in my heart, it was also a perfectly imperfect novel that I don't regret reading.

My obsession with this series is pretty recent. I've read Kingdom of the Wicked for the first time in January and even if I simply loved it, I didn't feel like I was ready for the sequels. That is, until a few months later (about a couple weeks ago), I stumbled upon a beautiful fanart and I just had to pick up the whole thing again and loved it even more this second time around.
Kingdom of the Cursed wasn't perfect -and I've explained why in my review-, but I still felt like the majority of it worked for me.
And finally we have this book that was, yes, a nice way to end a trilogy I've come to love, and yes, very entertaining but also...not.

I have to agree with those reviewers who said this book felt different and that the plot was a tad all over the place while also getting lost amidst too much smut, at the same time. I also felt really overwhelmed by how things concerning the stratospheric build-up the author's been crafting around Emilia's identity eventually ended.
Sure, all the questions I've had ever since I first read KotW were answered, but I didn't expect them to be presented so matter-of-factly and with little to no conflict.
Sure, some things felt a little rushed and some loose threads will unfortunately remain such, but I feel like the author had so many holes to cover, she said fuck it, and chose to focus on those she thought the readers would like to see fixed the most.

One of the things that I loved the most about this series is that the general setting and the characters reminded me of one of my favorite trilogies, The Worldwalker by Josephine Angelini, and the whole atmosphere gave me major Constantine meets and have a threesome with ACOMAF vibes; it basically was a mix of a lof of pieces of media I simply adore, with the addiction of an original plot and an enemies-to-lovers romance to die for.
Kingdom of the Feared gave me all of this, but spoiled it with a familiarity, a steadiness I wasn't ready for.
Nothing felt new, the plot staled and the romance I found so exciting and breathtaking in the previous books, was a little too prominent in this one.

Remember how a week ago I almost chocked on a slice of pizza while reading a steamy scene from KotC? And it was a mild sexual one, even?? KotF brought me the whole thing, several times, and the only thing I chocked on was a blasphemy because, come on???
And mind it that this is coming from someone who lives by the the smuttier, the better mantra.
I just wanted some actions, damn it, and for once it wasn't of the in the sheets kind.
There were moments I felt my heart sink a little for how ridiculous they were, and moments I was amazed by Maniscalco's genius.
It was honestly a rollercoaster I shouldn't have rode on on a full stomach.

I know I'm making it sound like this book was a disaster, but I promise it wasn't.
There were many things I liked, in the end; for example, I appreciate the positive turn Emilia's character's made since the slight downfall it endured in the second book. She confirmed herself like the real badass I knew she'd become.
I know, I know, the fact that she was constantly making eyes at Wrath and begging for his demon disco stick turned old after a while, but honestly, can't blame her, especially if being horny all the time didn't get in the way of her getting shit done.
I'm a huge fan of the soulbond aspect of their relationship. Very romantic and very Feysand-like of them.
Something I've got to give Maniscalco's credit for is that Emilia and Wrath, as the main couple, don't ever spend a lot of time apart and, while they (and me, vicariously through them) have never experienced the emotional moment of reuniting after a long period, they work great together, solving mysteries and threading plots between a fuck and a blowjob, like the two warm-blooded royal bitches they are. Super cheesy, yes, but overall worthy of a favorite ship title.
Where Wrath is concerned, I couldn't be happier with his development. I read a couple reviews complaining about how dull his character felt, especially for a demon prince who's the embodiement of wrath, and while I can see where they're coming from, I personally didn't notice that big of a difference in his behavior or overall characterization. I actually found him to be very linear and coherent, and it was nice seeing him lose control when his Emilia was involved. You know what would have made this even better, tho??? A chapter or two from his perspective.
I'll keep dreaming, and maybe one day I'll be rewarded for my strong will and weak panties.
I also really really reeeeeeeeally loved we got to see more of the other demon princes and the witches lore was interesting to learn about.
Finally, I can't not mention the world-building. I think the underworld Maniscalco's created is interesting and while hell looks more like the set of Bridgerton than the fire and torture version we're all used to, it was a nice take and an effort I didn't dislike.
While this wasn't my favorite book of the trilogy, KotF definitely was the one that was fuller in terms of plot and the one that entertained me the most after the masterpiece that is KotW.
I also might have or might have not teared up a little when I turned the page, read ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and realised I'd reached the end of the series.
Sorry for being a sap and for having a soft spot for dark and broody immortal boys and their badass wives, I guess.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There are so many more things I could say about this book, but I'm trying to keep this review as spoiler-free as I can and I wouldn't be able to collect all the thoughts I have roaming around my head right now, anyway, so I'll just leave it here and maybe revise it in a couple months.

Soooo, in conclusion: this book sucked a little and it could have been 100 times better than it actually was, but it also wasn't as bad as I probably made it sound to be.
I expected perfection because that's what KM's got me used to, and I shouldn't blame her for slipping.
I, however, give myself permission to sulk for a day or two.
After that, I'll dig out all the Kerri Maniscalco's books I haven't read, and binge on them like there's no tomorrow.

Thanks for the journey, dear author.
E' stato un piacere.

ACTUAL RATINGS 3,5/5

live_love_books's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

rhecelle's review against another edition

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5.0

this was so good i love all the demon princes so much (envy is my man) and afaik i wont be saying bye to this universe just yet :p anw i love love love the how everything played out in the end i laughed i cried i giggled and everything else i really enjoyed the journey of emilia throughout the trilogy, couldn't be more proud and happy for her!! and i love wrath sm!! im gonna defend this trilogy till my last breathe