NetGalley Review: Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Hey all, Dani here.

I’m already gearing up for “spooky season.” It happened around this time last year as well. Just over a year ago Damian and I decided to watch “Hocus Pocus” which then got us in the mood for fall colors, Halloween decorations, and watching so-called spooky movies and shows. With the way the world has been for the past year and a half, it stands to reason that those comforting fall feelings are needed early once again. Actually, to be honest, our fall-themed wreaths and garlands were never put away from last year…partly due to laziness, I can admit, but also because we enjoy fall. It’s why we planned for a fall wedding last year…that got pushed back to fall this year…and it’s looking like it might get pushed back to fall next year. Le sigh.

Anyway, today’s review is a LONG OVERDUE one, featuring a book with some spooky season vibes to it. I legitimately read this book last October on what would have been our honeymoon vacation…because we still did the cabin getaway since it was already booked and paid for. On the plus side, the sequel for this book is almost out, so it still feels appropriately timed. Anyway, let’s go ahead and jump into the review.

A James Patterson Presents Novel

From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series!

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 Thoughts:

Rating: 4 stars

I need to re-read this book. I say this because it has been almost a year since I read it, but I also say this because I remember it being a pretty good book. I enjoyed Kerri Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper series for the historical setting and for the way the atmosphere and the setting helped to evoke a sense of danger and concern and creepiness. So, I was expecting that to happen again with this one, although with a bit more magic or paranormal flair.

From what I remember, this definitely hits the mark on that front. I loved the descriptions. They helped the setting and the story feel more concrete, and since the family has a renowned restaurant, there’s also descriptions of food, which I always enjoy in books.

Emilia and Vittoria are somewhat typical mischievous little girls, and even when they reach their teen years, they seem to push their boundaries, particularly Vittoria.

Then Vittoria misses dinner service at the restaurant, and Emilia finding her sister’s body is what really gets this story going, because childhood events caused Emilia to be a little more reserved and a little more rule following, so it would take an event such as this to propel her into action…and it certainly does that.

I also remember that I enjoyed the dynamic of the partnership between Emilia and Wrath, not that I can recall exact details at the moment. So, yeah, I know I definitely need to give this book another read.

I did really enjoy reading this one in the October chill while relaxing on a screened in porch at a cabin in the middle of the woods next to a pond, and later in the evening by the campfire. It definitely fits that fall vibe, so if you’re looking for a good read for the spooky season, for the autumn chill, then this is a book I recommend.

Hmm…I might have to put it on my to-read shelf so I can pick it up again soon. I’d like a refresher before Kingdom of the Cursed comes out.

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All right. That is all from me for today. Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll be back soon with more geeky content.