Story Summary
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is a dark fantasy romance set in 19th-century Sicily, filled with witches, demons, curses, and forbidden attraction.
The story follows Emilia di Carlo, a young witch living in secret among humans with her twin sister, Vittoria. When Vittoria is found murdered, her heart torn out, Emilia vows to uncover who — or what — is responsible.
Her search leads her straight to Wrath, one of the seven demon princes of Hell. Reluctantly joining forces, Emilia discovers a world of magic, deception, and ancient curses that tie her fate to the wicked realm below.
It's a story of grief, vengeance, and temptation — where the line between love and danger is as thin as a blade.
Main Characters
Emilia di Carlo
Age: 18 | Ethnicity: Sicilian | Hair Color: Dark brown | Eye Color: Hazel
Identity: Witch / cook / avenger
Brave and stubborn, Emilia will burn the world for answers — even if it means trusting a demon.
Wrath
Age: Immortal (appears mid-20s) | Hair Color: Black | Eye Color: Gold
Identity: Prince of Wrath / soldier of Hell
Cold, powerful, and impossibly tempting — Wrath hides both cruelty and compassion beneath his sharp tongue.
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Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
Kingdom of the Wicked is a slow-burn fantasy romance, but the chemistry between Emilia and Wrath builds with every scene — sharp words, dangerous glances, and reluctant trust. The spice isn't explicit yet, but it's charged with physical tension and power play that teases what's coming in later books.
Chapter 12 – The Summoning
In her grief over Vittoria's murder, Emilia performs a summoning spell in the family crypt, expecting a minor demon. Instead, she calls Wrath, a powerful prince of Hell. He appears shirtless and wounded, with glowing gold eyes. As tension fills the air, Emilia feels a mix of fear and fascination as he steps closer, testing her courage.
"He stood before me, bare-chested and gleaming with gold, every inch carved from sin."
Chapter 17 – The Bargain
After Wrath saves Emilia from an attack, she confronts him in the catacombs. Their exchange is tense, with her demanding answers and him mocking her. As he circles her, he speaks in a low tone, increasing the tension. Finally, he agrees to an alliance, leaning in so their faces are inches apart.
"He leaned in until I could count his heartbeats — if demons even had them."
Chapter 27 – The Bath Scene
After a fight, Emilia wakes in Wrath's chambers. He insists she take a bath to heal and stays nearby, amused. As she enters the water, the tension rises. He kneels beside her to check her shoulder wound, his fingers brushing her skin.
"Steam curled between us, the air heavy with something I couldn't name."
Chapter 33 – The Masquerade Dance
At the masquerade ball, Wrath, in a dark suit and gold mask, approaches Emilia. They dance closely, exchanging flirtatious banter. His hand on her waist and their locked gaze create intense tension.
"He smiled like sin, and I forgot what I'd come to fear."
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Goodreads Reader Reactions
Kingdom of the Wicked averages 4.0 stars on Goodreads, praised for its rich atmosphere, gothic mystery, and slow-burn chemistry.
Positive Reactions
- "It's dark, romantic, and deliciously tense."
- "The slow burn between Emilia and Wrath is torture — in the best way."
- "The world feels like stepping into an Italian fairy tale with teeth."
"It's foreplay for the rest of the series — and I mean that as a compliment."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kingdom of the Wicked about?
It follows Emilia di Carlo, a Sicilian witch who investigates her twin sister's murder and teams up with the demon prince Wrath to find the killer.
Q: How spicy is Kingdom of the Wicked?
This book is low-to-medium spice — tension-heavy, with a few charged scenes and flirtation, while later books (especially Kingdom of the Cursed) become fully explicit.
Q: Kingdom of the Wicked series — how many books?
There are three books in the series: Kingdom of the Wicked, Kingdom of the Cursed, and Kingdom of the Feared.
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