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A review by hownovelofher
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Binged this in about a day - which probably speaks volumes. I truly found it hard to put down. While it wasn’t mind-blowing, it was such a fun, fast-paced, and tension-filled read.
The main reason I didn’t rate it 4 or even 5 stars is simply based on the fact that the plot, while interesting, didn’t leave too much to guessing (I guessed the token “bad guy” like literally 4 chapters in), coupled with the sheer enormity of convenience crutches littered throughout the book.
Wrath is a wonderful character - he checks off every cliché Bad Boi box and I’m perfectly fine with that. Dark, handsome, tattooed, and moral gray? I mean, I’ll likely never say no to that.
Twin trope is alway fun, but not my favorite. Enemies to lovers is *chef’s kiss*. Emilia and Wrath aren’t quite lovers yet, but let’s be real with ourselves : THEY WILL BE.
Side characters were decent, but Nonna was a bonefide thorn in my ass and made so many unwise decisions when it came to Vittoria and Emilia’s lives.
All the witchy elements were perfect. I don’t know much about witchcraft, but Kerri Maniscalco makes it all very believable in a way that makes you feel like you’re watching over a strega’s shoulder in rapt fascination.
The fact that there is so much FOOD and Italian heritage weaved into the story is something that I personally hadn’t experienced in books. I was pleasantly comforted by it and the familial resonance within.
Can’t wait to read the next book!
The main reason I didn’t rate it 4 or even 5 stars is simply based on the fact that the plot, while interesting, didn’t leave too much to guessing (I guessed the token “bad guy” like literally 4 chapters in), coupled with the sheer enormity of convenience crutches littered throughout the book.
Wrath is a wonderful character - he checks off every cliché Bad Boi box and I’m perfectly fine with that. Dark, handsome, tattooed, and moral gray? I mean, I’ll likely never say no to that.
Twin trope is alway fun, but not my favorite. Enemies to lovers is *chef’s kiss*. Emilia and Wrath aren’t quite lovers yet, but let’s be real with ourselves : THEY WILL BE.
Side characters were decent, but Nonna was a bonefide thorn in my ass and made so many unwise decisions when it came to Vittoria and Emilia’s lives.
All the witchy elements were perfect. I don’t know much about witchcraft, but Kerri Maniscalco makes it all very believable in a way that makes you feel like you’re watching over a strega’s shoulder in rapt fascination.
The fact that there is so much FOOD and Italian heritage weaved into the story is something that I personally hadn’t experienced in books. I was pleasantly comforted by it and the familial resonance within.
Can’t wait to read the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content