Book Review: Kingdom of the Wicked

Title: Kingdom of the Wicked

Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1

Author: Kerri Maniscalo

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Find it here: Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads: Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

My Review: I really enjoyed this read. There were a few tiny things that bugged me and I knocked a star off for them but for the most part I really enjoyed it. I liked Emilia and found her way of dealing with grief to be realistic and felt true to her character. I also really liked Wrath. The story line is great for the most part but gets a little wonky if you really think about it. I'm not gonna get into specific to avoid spoilers but I just felt like the trusting 8 yearolds with something as important as their necklaces and not explaining the importance seems silly. I also didn't really like the Grand mother or the parents. In one breath they are over protective and in the next Emilia is old all night and they barely bat an eyelash? I don't think so. The grandmother was also more annoying than anything. She could have been so much more useful! I also felt like the one major plot point was a bit predictable. Last little thing was that there were many character introductions in this one. I get that it was to set up the next book but it got tiresome. Overall though it was a good read and I'm looking forward to book 2.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.*