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aurora4847's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Kingdom of the Wicked is a lot of fun. It intertwines familiar aspects of Catholicism with a new twist with the sins as Princes of Hell. While the magic system could have been fleshed out further, it felt more balanced than many others, showing some of the consequences of using too much power. The banter was bantering for sure. The more tender moments were very sweet, and I can't wait to see how the relationships develop in the sequels. It's fairly obvious who the original enemy is, but there were enough twists and turns and additions along the way that it didn't matter as much that that was predictable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Mental illness, Sexual content, Torture, Excrement, Vomit, Stalking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Classism
The main characters are postitioned against the local church and a religious brotherhood. There are portrayals of people driven mad by magic, displaying signs similar to certain types of schizophrenia. These people are positioned as victims, and are not regarded with kindness from all. There is a relationship between an 18 year old and an ancient demon. There is a lot of sexism from the religious order towards witches and women in general. There is a moderately graphic description of evisceration. Mild sexual content, nothing further than intense kissing. Blood in rituals. Loss of a close family member and multiple forms of grief associated with that. Two brief but lightly graphic torture scenes.kbowles24's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Vomit, Stalking, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
mattiedancer's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
**SPOILERS**
Writing: 2.5⭐️/5
The writing in this novel was serviceable at time, but lacked any real beauty. At times, the writing felt robotic: the rhythm of the sentences were unvaried, the word choices odd and chunky, and the emotion lacking from vital moments. It’s a shame the writing was so poor, because elements of the story were definitely compelling but lacked execution.
Characters: 3⭐️/5
I wanted to like the characters more than I actually did. Emilia had a very cool conception, but I wanted more depth with her emotions. While her personality itself was interesting, it wasn’t brought to life as well as I would have wanted on the page. I thought there were a couple of great character moments between Emilia and Wrath, yet I wish so deeply there could have been more. I also think that while Emilia’s family was relatively well-rounded, I would have loved more than a passing glimpse at her sister’s personality. It felt mainly like Maniscalco wanted her to be fun and quirky, and yet it came off as a bit chaotic and underdeveloped.
Plot: 3.25⭐️/5
The concept of this story is fascinating. And, while its execution was a little clumsy in spots, it read fairly well. A few snags, slow parts, and plot holes aside, I did fly through the story fairly quickly. At first glance it was fun; on deeper analysis, it’s definitely lacking depth and nuance. I do want to say that if you’re looking for a fun, fast-moving plot, this definitely might be for you!
World: 3.75⭐️/5
The world of this novel really grabbed me. On a personal level, I’ve heard many aspects of Sicilian folklore before, so it was rather fun to see them brought into this world as real-life magic. I enjoyed a lot of the references to Italian culture. I do think certain elements could have been introduced and explored a bit more deeply, but I did have fun with the world.
Who Should Read This Book?
Readers looking for a fast and fun book; Those who know some elements of Italian/Sicilian culture; fans of a decent, fast-paced fantasy romance mystery novel.
Content Warnings?
Blood, murder, injury, injury detail, murder, gore, body horror, sexual content (mild),
Post-Reading Rating: 2.5⭐️/5
The ending felt a bit forced to me. I didn’t enjoy it near as much as I did aspects of the middle, and I don’t feel a huge pull to read the next one.
Final Rating: 3⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
ramakn22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Murder
abcdefgerda's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Would totally be a 5 star but I don't really give 5 stars to firsts in a series because I feel like the story's just starting and I'm getting to know the vibes and characters. There's growth you know.
Okay I was getting some serious Cruel Prince(Holly Black) and Gilded(Marissa Meyer) vibes, both of which are some of my top 10 books so suffice to say I was really liking this story.
Emilia is badass and hot femme fatale but also scared and vulnerable and makes dumb mistakes and we love her for it honestly.
Wrath is a Drama Queen and it just might be the best thing I've witnessed this year. Truly. If drama was a sin, he'd be named that instead.
Overall we have a ton of demons and dangerous beasts and betrayal and mystery and familial love and spells and betrayal and dark princes. And the gorgeous gowns and hairstyles and gowns(!!!!)
Okay I was getting some serious Cruel Prince(Holly Black) and Gilded(Marissa Meyer) vibes, both of which are some of my top 10 books so suffice to say I was really liking this story.
Emilia is badass and hot femme fatale but also scared and vulnerable and makes dumb mistakes and we love her for it honestly.
Wrath is a Drama Queen and it just might be the best thing I've witnessed this year. Truly. If drama was a sin, he'd be named that instead.
Overall we have a ton of demons and dangerous beasts and betrayal and mystery and familial love and spells and betrayal and dark princes. And the gorgeous gowns and hairstyles and gowns(!!!!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Vomit, and Religious bigotry
purplehulk713's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Not that I didn’t enjoy Kingdom of the Wicked, but I had higher hopes for it from reading its preview. Maniscalco’s writing was sometimes confusing—too ambiguous to be understood upon a first or second reading of the section. It was frustrating. But the magic was bewitching, especially the culture of the streghe and their myths (some true, others false) about the Malvagi (the Wicked) and La Prima Strega (the First Witch). The romance was pretty good, I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, but I hate how Emilia (like many other YA protagonists) judged Wrath so simply every time she saw a new side of him, and didn’t realize that just because he is one of the Wicked, that does not mean he is heartless or totally evil or whatever. Kerri Maniscalco did do a good job of leaving me wanting more, despite if it was for reasons of ambiguous writing on her part. I’m still confused about the details of the devil’s curse. Envy as a character also seemed rather predictable. Basically, as much as I enjoyed Kingdom of the Wicked, it didn’t wholly satisfy me as a reader.
Beware the Malvagi, fellow streghe…
Beware the Malvagi, fellow streghe…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
mellysay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
AAAAGGHHH OMG THIS BOOK😩😩😩
I loved it so much<333 this is really a five star book and I will recommend it to everyone I come across. I’m gonna order the next book like right now because i need to find out what’s going to happen with Emilia!! I laughed, almost cried, bit my tongue in anger while reading this book. I admit it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, the first 60 pages were very boring and confusing, I was about to the put the book on dnf. I’m glad I didn’t! The main character is amazing. I love her so so so much, she is the best. I also live Wrath but we will se how that turns out in the second book. However easily a 5⭐️ Book 📚
I loved it so much<333 this is really a five star book and I will recommend it to everyone I come across. I’m gonna order the next book like right now because i need to find out what’s going to happen with Emilia!! I laughed, almost cried, bit my tongue in anger while reading this book. I admit it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, the first 60 pages were very boring and confusing, I was about to the put the book on dnf. I’m glad I didn’t! The main character is amazing. I love her so so so much, she is the best. I also live Wrath but we will se how that turns out in the second book. However easily a 5⭐️ Book 📚
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content