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Parents' Guide to

Kingdom of the Wicked, Book 1

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Compelling supernatural series starter can be violent.

Book Kerri Maniscalco Fantasy 2020
Kingdom of the Wicked, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 17+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Ashsh
Ashsh Adult
September 27, 2022
age 16+

Series great for ADULTS!

Book 1 is very fun as Emilia goes on a search to find her sister's murderer, and I think the narrator did a fantastic job of setting the scene with her many voices. However -- the story is full of vengeance and she often makes ridiculously bad choices that put her and others at risk. The problem with this is that she never realizes when she has made a poor choice. Even when she THINKS she is being logical (and the text says she is), she is completely ruled by her emotions for 97% of the book. I would say it's suitable for those 16 and up because we can see through her actions, but I think it would be a negative influence overall for those younger than that. Also it is violent and hints at sex. **The SEQUELS are only suitable for ADULTS 18+ that are okay with on-page sexual content and extremely raunchy descriptions! Since book 1 ends in a cliffhanger, I would HIGHLY suggest waiting to read book 1 until you're ready/of age for book 2!**
Elizabeth L.
Elizabeth L. Parent of 10 and 13-year-old
February 6, 2023
age 18+

ADULT series

Like others have mentioned great book AND way more mature than the authors other series which is more acceptable for teens. This book potentially okay for 16+ but then book 2 & 3 are DEFINITELY adult in explicit sexual content.
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

KINGDOM OF THE WICKED by Kerri Maniscalco follows Emilia, a Sicilian witch whose twin Vittoria is brutally murdered, one of several local young women from witchy families to wind up dead. Vittoria, the extroverted and bold twin, had been keeping a romance secret, so when Emilia finds her sister's journal of spells, she decides to try them but accidentally summons one of the seven Princes of Hell, also known as the Malvagi or the Wicked: Wrath (they're all named after the Deadly Sins, so the others are Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, and Sloth). Normally quiet and romantic Emilia is anguished and desperate to not only stop further killings but figure out what happened to Vittoria and avenge her death. Despite the warnings of her grandmother to be careful using the family magic, Vittoria forms an unlikely alliance with Wrath, who's every bit the sexy, never-aging bad boy readers of paranormal young adult novels would expect. In a world where demons, witches, shape-shifters battle for supernatural control, humans also deal with the influence of a dominant Catholic brotherhood.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Part paranormal romance, part page-turning thriller, this series-opener by Kerri Maniscalco is entertaining, fast-paced, and intricately plotted. Readers will be invested in the world building, the obvious slow-burn romance full of witty banter, longing looks, and sizzling chemistry between Emilia and Wrath. He's a seemingly ageless prince of darkness with anger issues, and she's a disciplined, hardworking witch on a mission. The opposites-attract romance practically writes itself. Maniscalco doesn't make the romance the center of the story, however -- that belongs to Emilia's quest to solve the mysteries of Vittoria's death and punish her killers, even if it means sacrificing her safety and that of her family.

Not everything in the book is heavy and hellish. There are many references to Sicilian food, since the twins' family owns a beloved local restaurant. The traditional Italian dishes are described in delectable detail, and readers will want to find the nearest authentic ristorante (or at the very least, cookbook) to try some of the meals Emilia mentions. There's also something immersive about being swept away in a supernatural story that takes place in another country, another century, another world. Be warned, there are plot twists and a cliffhanger that might confound, but will eventually just make readers count the days until the next installment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence depicted in Kingdom of the Wicked. Is the impact of supernatural or paranormal violence different than the impact of realistic violence?

  • Why are books about witches and demons so popular in young adult literature? What makes this one stand out in the genre of paranormal romance? Discuss some of your favorites.

  • Discuss how food is part of the story. How does food play a role in your family? What about your cultural heritage?

  • What do you think about the cliffhanger? What do you hope will happen in the next book? Why do authors utilize cliffhangers?

Book Details

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