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A review by nikitanavalkar
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
5.0
Reread on audio: still a 4.5 but rounding it to 5 this time because hello, I’m rereading a book within a year of reading it? Clearly I’m in love. Also, the narrator does such a banging job with the accents and voices and with her sexy Wrath voice that enhanced the experience further. To add to that, it’s so well produced with the witchy sound effects and music and the whole vibe! I still adore Emilia and want to kneel for Wrath (sorry TMI) and am ready to finally read KoTC.
4.5 Deal with the Devil stars
Enemies to lovers is my jam, but mortal enemies who’d rather murder each other but have to be bonded together instead is like my super jam. Just give me all the “I want to kill you but really also kiss you” vibes and I’m a happy girl. I was instantly enchanted by this world the author has created in what is presumably (sorta alternate historical Italy) and even more instantly enamored with Emilia and Wrath and their crackling connection. There’s fireworks right from the start but it’s a serious slow burn, what with them being natural enemies and all. I’m so looking forward to seeing more of that sizzling chemistry, but certain events at the end of the book left me slightly terrified and seriously uncertain of the future.
I love unexpected strength in seemingly soft heroines and Emilia has that in spades; her evolution from introverted bookworm to fiercely protective warrior over the course of the book is beautifully captured. Wrath, that sexy beast, is perfectly sinfully evil and equally compelling, mysterious as he remains through most of the book. The gorgeous setting of Palermo and the deliciously evocative descriptions of food were just the cherry on top; I was simultaneously hungry and wanting to cook all the things!
The story progresses at a quick pace right from the start, but a lot of elements are introduced towards the end, making the conclusion feel slightly rushed. But this might just be due to the world building typical of a first book, and otherwise this book has alll the elements I love in fantasy and romance; interesting, complex magical systems, witches and vampires, mysterious, sinfully yummy demons, off-the-charts chemistry, and superb banter. The ending is pretty explosive and shocking, and the cliffhanger has me jonesing for the next book ASAP.
4.5 Deal with the Devil stars
Enemies to lovers is my jam, but mortal enemies who’d rather murder each other but have to be bonded together instead is like my super jam. Just give me all the “I want to kill you but really also kiss you” vibes and I’m a happy girl. I was instantly enchanted by this world the author has created in what is presumably (sorta alternate historical Italy) and even more instantly enamored with Emilia and Wrath and their crackling connection. There’s fireworks right from the start but it’s a serious slow burn, what with them being natural enemies and all. I’m so looking forward to seeing more of that sizzling chemistry, but certain events at the end of the book left me slightly terrified and seriously uncertain of the future.
I love unexpected strength in seemingly soft heroines and Emilia has that in spades; her evolution from introverted bookworm to fiercely protective warrior over the course of the book is beautifully captured. Wrath, that sexy beast, is perfectly sinfully evil and equally compelling, mysterious as he remains through most of the book. The gorgeous setting of Palermo and the deliciously evocative descriptions of food were just the cherry on top; I was simultaneously hungry and wanting to cook all the things!
The story progresses at a quick pace right from the start, but a lot of elements are introduced towards the end, making the conclusion feel slightly rushed. But this might just be due to the world building typical of a first book, and otherwise this book has alll the elements I love in fantasy and romance; interesting, complex magical systems, witches and vampires, mysterious, sinfully yummy demons, off-the-charts chemistry, and superb banter. The ending is pretty explosive and shocking, and the cliffhanger has me jonesing for the next book ASAP.