Synopsis
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes the sizzling, sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked.
One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell.
After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.
She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria . . . even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.
The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world . . or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature?
Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves . . .
Mini Review
Just a few lines about that one.
First I am a huge fan of Kerri Maniscalco and I think Stalking Jack the Ripper is one of my top favorite series of all times.
Second, I really loved Kingdom of the Cursed and Kingdom of the Wicked was one of my most awaited books of 2021.
Third, that series is certainly not YA but definitely adult!
Fourth: the saving grace of that book was Wrath (he was amazing, everything I could have wished for) and the last 20% of the story.
Fifth: I will read the sequel without a doubt because I need to know the truth!
So, why the three stars?
Mainly because there is not a lot that is happening for a very long time in the book! It felt like stalling, with many wild theories and clues popping here and there but leading nowhere most of the time and just…confusing me.
I think this is a “middle of the series” book syndrom here.
Emilia was …irritating. On the one hand, I loved that she seemed to find confidence and was decided to grow. But on the other hand, her behavior seemed a little bit reckless and erratic. Powered by rage and revenge. I can’t pinpoint what grated on my nerves exactly but something rubbed me the wrong way.
When I said that this is NOT YA, I mean that you have a lot of steamy sex scenes and.. it was a bit too many for my taste. Again, it felt like filler instead of allowing the story to progress further and finally go somewhere!
Luckily, Wrath’s part was amazing!I love how he is powerful yet considerate, how he doesn’t hesitate to mete out bloody punishment yet would never hurt Emilia. How he is strict about decorum yet the lesser evil among the cursed. How he seems distant yet you can feel his dedication to Emilia!
What saved the book was also the last 20%. FINALLY we got somewhere. Pretty shocking revelations, secrets beginning to see the light and.. a cliffy!
I hope the third book will be packed with action, will answer all our questions and that Wrath will still be so amazing! If Emilia could be powerful but without overdoing it, I’d be in heaven!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Great review! I found Emilia exasperating in the first book and it’s been holding me back from picking up this sequel.
Maybe you’d love her more here Kayla!
Thank you so much for the heads up about this book! When I pick it up I’ll keep all of those hiccups in mind and here’s hoping that helps me out. 🙂
You are welcome Jen!
Man! I was going to buy this sequel for a teen on my list, but I think I will go with something else! 😉
Well if it’s a nearly adult teen …:-)
I expected so much from this book and maybe I’ve been spoiled but I don’t feel like there was enough sexual content. But the lack of nothing happening and having to make myself continue at times wasn’t fun.
My thoughts exactly Jamsu!
I need to meet Wrath! I hope the next book is full of action
Me too Tammy! Sincerely!
Oh wow, I hate it when a middle book in a series just feels like filler. Sounds like this might have been better as a duology.
I think so too Suzanne!
I’m on the last 50-ish pages, and feel EXACTLY the same way. I think my one-word review is “unsatisfying”.
OK. But, really. When is Blogmas 2021 being announced??? **checking blog daily**
Damn Em! I didn’t plan on doing Blogmas this year as it’s exhausting posting every day but if you insist…I’ll come up with something tomorrow or at least before the end of the week!
oh! My bad!!
Do you want to collab? Seeing that I’m dragging you back in, it’s the least I can offer!
Don’t worry! I found a compromise. A lighter blogmas where we won’t post every day but every other day. Shorter selection but I think it will work anyway
There is a line for me, and I want more story than sex. I would be frustrated by the imbalance you described.
Probably in one year Trisy! :-)))
Oh no! I found Emilia irritating in the first book so I’ll probably want to swap her with a fish in this book! I still haven’t read as haven’t got my Fairyloot copy yet!
I haven’t started this series yet because cliffies give me anxiety, LOL! When does book 3 come out or did it already? Great review Sophie!