The Article below was published in Vol. 136, Issue 2 of the Lake Forest College Stentor on October 16, 2020.
By: Lauren Gantt ’21
A&E Editor
If you are looking for the perfect book to read this spooky season, Kerri Mansicalco has got your back. Kingdom of the Wicked is the first book in her newest historical fantasy series set in 19th century Italy and delivers all of the creepy, spooky, and mystical elements you could ask for.
Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia, a young witch who teams up with Wrath, a demon prince, to seek out and enact vengeance on her twin sister’s killer through whatever cost—even if it means using forbidden magic.
This book grips you from page one and doesn’t let go until you finish. I was truly and wholly obsessed with this book while reading it and it has quickly become one of my favorites of Maniscalco’s. I am not a scary-book type of person, and yet I have always been a fan of Maniscalco’s stories. I would highly recommend this book to someone like me who isn’t a fan of horror but likes a good spooky story every so often.
By far the best part of this book was the characters. There is a set of wonderful main characters, Emilia and Wrath, whose developments throughout the story were quite incredible to watch. Their banter and interactions in the novel were what kept me engaged when the plot ebbed and flowed. Additionally, a lot of the depth from the story comes from the interesting side characters, such as Emilia’s family, other demon princes and magical creatures, and even some completely normal humans.
The actual murder mystery part of the novel was interesting, but not as complex as some might want. However, the plot was not focused entirely on the murder mystery. There were plenty of scenes focusing on character relationships, family dynamics, foreshadowing, and little plot threads that set up the second book.
The ending was not what I expected at all and completely took me by surprise. Without spoiling anything, I will just use the classic phrase of, “I did not see that coming!” I will say that the ending was a bit quick after the long buildup throughout the novel, even if it was explosive. I would have liked to see it fleshed out in greater detail, but overall it was still a mind-blowing ending. Between that and the way the characters developed throughout the novel, I have to say that I am incredibly excited for the next book.
Kingdom of the Wicked releases October 27 in the US and UK in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats with a special edition available from Barnes & Noble. Read on for a specially curated mini-playlist inspired by the book!
Playlist
bury a friend – Billie Eilish
No Rest for the Wicked (feat. ZZycho Ward) – LVCRFT
Witchcraft – Frank Sinatra
Angel Down – Lady Gaga
my tears ricochet – Taylor Swift
