Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is a dark, captivating YA fantasy with a richly detailed world and intriguing plot. Readers praise its gothic atmosphere and well-crafted characters. However, some find the pacing uneven and the romance underdeveloped. Despite these critiques, it remains a compelling start to a promising series.

Readers who enjoy Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco are typically young adults who favor dark fantasy, supernatural mysteries, and strong female protagonists. Ideal for fans of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series, it blends romance, intrigue, and magic in a richly atmospheric setting.

In Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked, young witch Emilia di Carlo seeks to solve her twin sister Vittoria's murder using her magical abilities, uncovering a complex realm of Wicked demon princes who rule Hell, and discovering a prophecy they must stop to prevent dire consequences. The novel includes depictions of violence and mild sexual content.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Fantastical / Romantic

- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is the first book in a series that mixes themes of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, set against an Italian backdrop inspired by the author's love for the culture and food of Italy.
- The book delves into rich Italian folklore, intertwining its narrative with traditional stories of witches and demons, which adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the supernatural elements of the story.
- Kerri Maniscalco is also known for her bestselling series, Stalking Jack the Ripper, showcasing her knack for creating atmospheric and historically infused settings in her novels.

**Emilia di Carlo**  
The main protagonist and narrator, Emilia is an 18-year-old Shadow Witch living in Palermo, Sicily, who is driven by a strong sense of justice and learns to navigate the complexities of magic and morality. She shares a special bond with her twin sister, Vittoria.

**The Prince of Wrath**  
One of the seven princes of Hell, embodying the sin of wrath, he is a multifaceted character who allies with but also opposes Emilia, creating tension and intrigue throughout the story.

**Fratello Antonio**  
A local monk in Palermo, Antonio initially appears as a peaceful and supportive figure, whose involvement with the main characters unfolds in a surprising manner.

**Nonna Maria**  
Emilia and Vittoria's maternal grandmother, a shadow witch who mentors them in magic and serves as a protective figure while guarding family secrets.

**Claudia**  
A witch and friend to Emilia and Vittoria, Claudia practices dark magic and aids Emilia in discovering the truth about her world, illustrating the potential dangers of her magical craft.

**The Prince of Pride**  
The highest-ranking prince of Hell, embodying the sin of pride, whose presence is felt throughout the novel despite not appearing in Emilia's realm.

**The Prince of Envy**  
A prince of Hell who personifies envy, frequently causing trouble for Emilia with his single-minded ambition and treachery.

**The Prince of Greed**  
A ruler of a gambling house in Hell, representing greed, who embodies characteristics such as deceit and temptation.

**Vittoria di Carlo**  
Emilia's twin sister and a talented witch, whose death deeply impacts the narrative and is explored through Emilia's memories and discoveries.

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Prologue and Chapters 1-9

Kingdom of the Wicked Prologue and Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-21

Kingdom of the Wicked Chapters 10-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-32

Kingdom of the Wicked Chapters 22-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-40

Kingdom of the Wicked Chapters 33-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-48

Kingdom of the Wicked Chapters 41-48 Summary & Analysis

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Kingdom of the Wicked Character Analysis

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Kingdom of the Wicked

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