Seven Princes and a Vow of Vengeance: Why Kingdom of the Wicked Summons Readers

 


If you crave a fantasy novel that wraps you in a thick blanket of gothic atmosphere, mixes gruesome mystery with dark romance, and serves up a thrilling blend of witches, demons, and historical Italian settings, then look no further than Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco. This book is a delicious dark treat, starting a series that will pull you into the world of the wicked and the powerful.

 

The Plot: Seeking Justice Among the Sinful (no Spoilers!)

Our story centers on Emilia, a young witch who lives in Sicily alongside her twin sister, Vittoria. Both are Strega, skilled witches who secretly walk among humans, avoiding the powerful demon princes who rule the seven circles of Hell.

When Vittoria is tragically and violently murdered, Emilia is devastated and consumed by a singular, dangerous purpose: Vengeance. Ignoring all the sacred warnings of her family, she turns to forbidden dark magic to uncover her sister’s killer.

Her quest for justice inadvertently summons Wrath, one of the seven wicked Demon Princes of Hell, who is immediately suspicious of Emilia's intentions. Bound by a volatile and unwilling alliance, Emilia and Wrath must work together to solve the mystery of the murders, which threaten to expose the world of witches to the wrath of the demons.

The central tension of the book is Emilia’s moral struggle: how far is she willing to go, and how many dark bargains will she strike, to find the truth? And can she truly trust a handsome, terrifying Prince of Hell, who seems to know far more than he lets on?

 

Personal Review: A Deliciously Dark Debut

Kingdom of the Wicked is a wonderfully atmospheric read, capturing the sights, sounds, and—most notably—the tastes of Sicily. Maniscalco weaves in descriptions of food and the Italian setting that grounds the fantasy in a lush, real-world texture.

The first book shines as a dark fantasy mystery. It's suspenseful, with gruesome clues and a compelling "whodunnit" element woven throughout the search for the killer. Emilia is a determined and sharp heroine, and her dynamic with Wrath—the ultimate forbidden love interest—is captivating. Their interactions are loaded with witty sparring and a palpable tension that defines the best kind of slow-burn romance. You’ll be constantly questioning Wrath’s motives, which adds a fantastic layer of complexity to their relationship.

While the series shifts into more explicit romantic territory later, the first volume focuses heavily on establishing the world, the magical pacts, and the mounting intrigue. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy a spooky, gothic vibe combined with high stakes and a central romantic tension that promises a rewarding payoff.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. A brilliant blend of fantasy, mystery, and forbidden romance that leaves you desperate for the next book.

 

Note on Content: Please be aware that the sequels to this book (Kingdom of the Cursed and Kingdom of the Feared) escalate in content and contain explicit New Adult (NA) romantic scenes.

 

For Fans of... 

Might Kingdom of the Wicked be your next great read? Well, it might be your cup of tea if you enjoyed the following books:


  • Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (For the enemies-to-lovers trope and powerful magic)
  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (For the dark court intrigue and forbidden dynamics)
  • Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (For the determined assassin heroine and high-stakes plotting)
  • Stalking Jack the Ripper also by Kerri Maniscalco (For more historical true-crime vibes)

 

About the Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Kerri Maniscalco is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating blend of historical true crime and fantasy. Before diving into the world of Italian witches, she gained massive popularity with her Stalking Jack the Ripper series.

With Kingdom of the Wicked, she showcased her ability to transition seamlessly into high fantasy while maintaining her signature blend of atmospheric mystery. Her writing is celebrated for its strong sense of setting and its commitment to developing intense, slow-burn romantic relationships. Maniscalco has openly stated that the series was designed to mature with the main character, explaining the shift in the sequels from a Young Adult mystery/fantasy focus to a more explicit New Adult fantasy romance focus. She continues to be a major voice in both the YA and NA fantasy communities.

 

Have you already made a pact with a Prince of Hell? Which House would you belong to? Share your thoughts on Kingdom of the Wicked below!


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