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A review by hezzahrae
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
A solid read/listen. I really enjoy the way the author has clearly done her research on witchcraft or is possibly a practitioner herself. I'll have to look it up and update.
Emilia being 18 is both fitting and frustratingly accurate. At that age, it feels like the world is yours to explore, and it's time to make your mark in the world. Emilia was ready to take over the family business, debut her recipes and make the restaurant more successful than ever until she got caught up in dark plots of murder, betrayal, and the princes of Hell.
More than once though, I wanted to shake her. That age is also terrible for being stubborn and bull-headed, and she had that in spades. Her own beliefs were shaken to their core, and I understand it's a shock, but she needed to start questioning things a lot sooner. I forgot how invincible 18 year olds think they are; make them witches and it's 10x worse. By all rights, Emilia should have died at least 3 times and should have accepted help way sooner.
Wrath is still hard to pin, but there is clearly more to him than what was shown, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.
Solid characterization, and I was not expecting who the murderer was. Emilia will be a force to be reckoned with.
One thing I like about the audiobook is that it does feel more immersive. The background music during some of the more intense scenes really draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
TL;DR: Emilia is an oblivious 18yr old witch who gets in way over her head, but it's not her fault no one would tell her the truth. Hell is so not ready.
Emilia being 18 is both fitting and frustratingly accurate. At that age, it feels like the world is yours to explore, and it's time to make your mark in the world. Emilia was ready to take over the family business, debut her recipes and make the restaurant more successful than ever until she got caught up in dark plots of murder, betrayal, and the princes of Hell.
More than once though, I wanted to shake her. That age is also terrible for being stubborn and bull-headed, and she had that in spades. Her own beliefs were shaken to their core, and I understand it's a shock, but she needed to start questioning things a lot sooner. I forgot how invincible 18 year olds think they are; make them witches and it's 10x worse. By all rights, Emilia should have died at least 3 times and should have accepted help way sooner.
Wrath is still hard to pin, but there is clearly more to him than what was shown, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.
Solid characterization, and I was not expecting who the murderer was. Emilia will be a force to be reckoned with.
One thing I like about the audiobook is that it does feel more immersive. The background music during some of the more intense scenes really draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
TL;DR: Emilia is an oblivious 18yr old witch who gets in way over her head, but it's not her fault no one would tell her the truth. Hell is so not ready.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Violence, and Blood