A review by vr_alyssa
Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

Not the worst, but definitely not the best.

Maybe I am a bit harsh/picky, as I've read a fair amount of YA/NA fantasy. Especially some that include a significant amount of similar aspects, such as world-building, history, important secondary characters, and sex. I have seen it done in ways that work, but Kingdom of the Feared did not have a proper balance between world-building - history - sex - emotional connection - character development - character background - etc.

I was very put off by the first 15 pages. It did not feel like the beginning of a new book, but rather a new chapter. Like, give a reader some time to reconnect with the characters before the porn ensues. Furthermore, Emilia getting her memories back it is a big anti-climax, because the reader does not really learn anything. The story just goes on with very little change. I would have liked to some conversations or flashbacks or something to show the reader how much had happened before. Here there is a lack of 'show'.


All in all, I think the author tried to do too much and as a result nearly all aspects fell short for me.
I do think that if the execution had been different, the story could have hit better. I definitely think there was potential for Emilia and Wrath. 
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