Kingdom of the Wicked: A Dark Magic Review
My review
For those seeking a review of Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco, you’re in the right place. The book introduces an intriguing premise with a dark magic setting and a witchy atmosphere. While it offers a familiar foundation for fans of the genre, it may not bring as many fresh elements to the table as some readers might expect Emilia, the protagonist, starts off with a clear mission—seeking revenge for her sister’s murder—but as the plot unfolds, some readers might find the story predictable, and the pacing a bit slow. Some readers may find the pacing slow, and The writing in Kingdom of the Wicked is straightforward, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. While it may not have the lyrical quality of other fantasy works, it effectively supports the plot and character development. The relationship between Emilia and Prince Wrath adds an important layer of tension to the plot. While their dynamic evolves over the course of the story, there are moments when it could benefit from more depth and development. While the worldbuilding is strong, the plot’s mystery and character development don’t always hold up, especially after a second read. If you’re in the mood for a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this may not be it. However, if you still want to explore this witchy tale, you might enjoy the atmosphere and the potential for deeper character growth in the next installments.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the world of Kingdom of the Wicked, explore the full review in the article below, where we break down the character arcs, worldbuilding, and writing style in more detail. If you’ve already read the book, you might find some of the insights helpful, or perhaps it’ll motivate you to continue with the series, especially as the next installment, A Wicked Road to Murder, is expected to improve on the issues found in the first book. Happy reading!
Characters & Development
When I first picked up Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco, I was drawn to the intrigue and dark magic woven throughout the story. Reading Kingdom of the Wicked immediately immerses you in a world filled with dark magic and witches, led by the fiery and determined Emilia. Her quest for revenge against the forces responsible for her sister’s murder becomes the driving force of the story. The main character, Emilia, is a witch with a sense of purpose that unfolds quickly, making her a relatable figure despite her extraordinary abilities. From the beginning, Emilia feels grounded in her family values and her mission to seek justice for her twin sister, Vittoria. However, as the plot progresses, Emilia seems to become a little too predictable, which can be frustrating for readers who love more dynamic characters. Her anger and determination are clear, but some of her choices, especially when dealing with the Prince of Wrath, feel out of place. It’s a bit like being stuck in a reading slump, where the excitement you felt at first begins to fade away. That being said, Prince Wrath adds a compelling dynamic to the story, and the chemistry between him and Emilia is undeniable, even if I personally didn’t fully connect with their growing bond. The tension between these characters is electric, and their relationship keeps the plot moving, even when it sometimes feels like it could have used more depth.
The worldbuilding in Kingdom of the Wicked is strong, with the Seven Circles offering a vivid, mysterious backdrop to Emilia’s journey. As she seeks vengeance for her sister’s murder, you can feel the weight of the mission she’s on, even though the pacing slows in parts. What stood out to me was how Kerri Maniscalco doesn’t shy away from including elements of seductive and sinister magic, which truly helps Emilia find her own voice. The dark atmosphere is evident throughout, drawing readers into a complex, morally gray world where everyone has something to hide. Despite the initial giddiness I felt about the plot, As Emilia’s inner conflicts grow, they add complexity to her character. While some readers may find these developments hard to follow, others might appreciate the layers they add to her motivations and actions. Still, the concept behind the book—Emilia’s evolving strength and the mysterious Prince of Wrath—keeps things interesting, offering just the right mix of magic, tension, and revenge.
Writing and Plot Analysis
When diving into “Kingdom of the Wicked”, I couldn’t help but feel that the writing was fairly ordinary, especially when compared to other fantasy novels in the YA genre. While it wasn’t exactly bad, it didn’t quite stand out either. The story was accessible enough for YA readers, and I found myself breezing through it without much effort. Still, there’s something about the plot that felt weak, especially when revisiting it after my first read. It didn’t capture my attention as it did initially, and at times, I felt myself drifting into a minor reading slump. However, the dynamics between Emilia and Wrath, as well as the tension between the characters, did offer some redemption. The encounters with princes from hell were interesting but didn’t quite have the same impact I expected. There were moments where the pacing seemed off, building slowly at times, and I couldn’t help but wish it was a bit more dynamic.
While the pacing and character development leave something to be desired, the atmospheric world-building and the intriguing elements of Hell create a captivating setting that draws readers The inclusion of Italian food references throughout the book adds an interesting cultural element that complements the setting. These moments help ground the story in its Italian roots, providing a richer backdrop for the plot. The shift from the lighter mood in the kitchen to the more serious and tense moments with Wrath felt like a natural transition. The second book, Kingdom of the Cursed, improved on many of these issues, with deliverance and a more engaging story. While still not perfect, it was far more enjoyable than the first, and I felt more intrigued by the characters and their development. It seems like the series is beginning to hit its stride, and I’m curious to see how it evolves in the coming installments.
Personal Reflections on the Book
Rereading Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco was an interesting experience. At first, I was excited to revisit the story, but I found that the excitement I once felt was missing. The book seemed much simpler this time around, and it didn’t spark the same thrill. I had anticipated that the complexity of the mystery would still capture me, but the story felt less engaging after two years. The characters, especially Wrath and Emilia, didn’t have the same impact on me as before, though I did appreciate the dark and witchy atmosphere they created. Wrath’s snark and their relationship remain a central part of the story, but I couldn’t help feeling that their dynamic was a bit predictable. It felt like their relationship-driven narrative was central to the purpose of the story rather than the mystery or larger plot. Emilia’s vicious character arc and the ruthless Queen of Hell concept intrigued me, but it felt like I had already seen it before in other books.
Despite all of this, there was something undeniably compelling about the witchy atmosphere and the mysterious world of Hell. The powerful magic and dark forces were intriguing, but as time passed, I couldn’t help but feel that the translation of the story came a little too late. The genre has evolved so much, with better books released in the meantime, that I felt somewhat detached from the plot. I have to admit, though, many Dutch readers are still enjoying it, reading it for the first time, and their enthusiasm reminded me of my initial excitement. While I found Kingdom of the Wicked insufferable in English, I’m still curious about how I will enjoy Kingdom of the Cursed in Dutch. To support the publisher, I’ve already pre-ordered a copy and am eagerly awaiting the next book. Overall, I still feel there’s something here, but the excitement has certainly waned for me, even though I know others are just beginning their journey with this series.
