Kingdom Of The Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco: Your Complete Guide
Kingdom of the Wicked is a young adult dark fantasy novel by American author Kerri Maniscalco, published in October 2020. Set in 19th-century Sicily, it follows Emilia, a teenage witch who summons a demon prince named Wrath to help her hunt down her twin sister’s killer. The novel blends Italian mythology, gothic atmosphere, and slow-burn romance into a gripping first instalment of a trilogy. If you’re searching for Kingdom of the Wicked in Sri Lanka, you can order it with convenient island-wide delivery from bookshopnearme.lk.
Key Takeaways
- Kingdom of the Wicked is Book 1 of a YA dark fantasy trilogy by Kerri Maniscalco, published in October 2020.
- The story follows Emilia di Carlo, a Sicilian witch who strikes a dangerous deal with the demon prince Wrath to uncover who murdered her twin sister Vittoria.
- The novel draws on Italian folklore, Sicilian culture, and demonology centred on the Seven Deadly Sins — making it a distinctive read in the YA fantasy genre.
- It is best suited for readers aged 14 and above who enjoy gothic romance, mythology, revenge-driven plots, and richly atmospheric historical settings.
- The full trilogy — Kingdom of the Wicked, Kingdom of the Cursed, and Kingdom of the Fallen — is a fan favourite among YA readers worldwide.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Kingdom of the Wicked |
| Author | Kerri Maniscalco |
| Published | October 2020 |
| Genre | YA Dark Fantasy / Historical Fiction |
| Series | Kingdom of the Wicked (Book 1 of 3) |
| Pages | ~352 |
| Setting | 19th-century Palermo, Sicily |
| Publisher | Jimmy Patterson / Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
| Key Themes | Mythology, Revenge, Romance, Demonology, Identity |
What is “Kingdom Of The Wicked” about?
Kingdom of the Wicked is the story of Emilia di Carlo, a young Sicilian witch living in Palermo in the late 1800s. Her world is shattered when her beloved twin sister Vittoria is found brutally murdered — her death bearing unmistakable signs of dark, ritualistic magic.
Desperate for answers and consumed by grief, Emilia does the unthinkable. She summons a demon — and the one who answers is Wrath, the most feared and ruthless of the Seven Princes of Hell, each of whom represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
What follows is a reluctant alliance. Emilia and Wrath strike a deal: she will help him with his own mysterious agenda, and he will help her find Vittoria’s killer. But the deeper Emilia digs into Palermo’s shadowy underworld, the more she realises that the truth is far darker than she imagined — and that the line between good and evil is not as clear as she was raised to believe.
The book is narrated in first person from Emilia’s perspective, and Maniscalco does a superb job of bringing 19th-century Sicily to life — the street markets, the salty sea air, the Catholic traditions tangled up with old superstitions and folk magic. There is also a slow-burn romantic tension between Emilia and Wrath that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
Without giving too much away, the story ends with a significant twist that makes it nearly impossible not to pick up Book 2 immediately. This is a series you will want to read in one go.
You can explore the full book listing and get your copy delivered anywhere in Sri Lanka via the Kingdom of the Wicked product page.
Who is Kerri Maniscalco?
Kerri Maniscalco is an American author best known for writing atmospheric, dark historical fiction aimed at young adult readers. Before Kingdom of the Wicked, she made a name for herself with the Stalking Jack the Ripper series — a four-book YA thriller set in Victorian England that reimagines the infamous Jack the Ripper murders through the eyes of a sharp, ambitious young woman named Audrey Rose Wadsworth.
Maniscalco began her career working as an editor at Little, Brown, which gave her a deep understanding of what makes stories compelling. She brings that editorial instinct to her own writing — her prose is vivid, her pacing is tight, and she has a genuine talent for building tension.
Her writing is heavily influenced by Gothic literature, folklore, and history. She has spoken in interviews about her passion for researching the periods and mythologies she writes about, and that dedication shows in how rich and specific her settings feel. The Sicily of Kingdom of the Wicked does not feel like a backdrop — it feels like a character in its own right.
What sets Maniscalco apart in the YA fantasy genre is her ability to balance dark, morally complex themes with emotionally engaging characters. Her heroines are not passive — they are driven, flawed, and fiercely determined.
To discover more of her works and biography, visit the Kerri Maniscalco author page on bookshopnearme.lk.
What makes “Kingdom Of The Wicked” worth reading?
Kingdom of the Wicked stands out for several concrete reasons that go beyond simple entertainment.
1. A genuinely unique mythology. Most YA fantasy leans on Greek, Norse, or generic European folklore. Maniscalco instead builds her world around Italian and Sicilian demonology — particularly the concept of the Seven Princes of Hell, each embodying one of the Seven Deadly Sins. It is fresh, detailed, and unexpectedly absorbing.
2. A protagonist with real agency. Emilia is not waiting to be saved. She is grieving, angry, and determined — and she makes choices, including terrible ones, that drive the plot forward. She feels human rather than idealistic.
3. Atmospheric historical writing. The 19th-century Palermo setting is rendered with impressive detail. Street food, religious festivals, gender expectations of the era, family loyalty — Maniscalco weaves all of it in naturally, without ever turning the book into a history lesson.
4. Slow-burn romance done well. The tension between Emilia and Wrath develops gradually over the course of the book. It never overwhelms the plot, but it adds emotional stakes that make the story more involving.
5. A mystery that genuinely surprises. The whodunit at the heart of the novel is not obvious. Maniscalco plants clues fairly while still managing to deliver a twist that recontextualises much of what came before.
6. It is part of a complete trilogy. All three books in the series are published, which means you can read the full story without waiting. For Sri Lankan readers who want to binge-read a series, that is a real advantage.
Who should read this Book?
This book is a great fit for a wide range of readers, but it will particularly appeal to specific reading personalities.
You will love Kingdom of the Wicked if you enjoy:
- Young adult dark fantasy with historical settings
- Mythology — particularly demonology and folklore from non-mainstream traditions
- Strong female protagonists with genuine emotional depth
- Slow-burn romance with witty, antagonistic chemistry
- Gothic atmosphere — dark, moody, sensory writing
- Mystery and suspense woven into fantasy
- Series fiction you can binge through from start to finish
In terms of age: The book is marketed as YA, making it appropriate for readers aged 14 and above. It contains some violence (the murder of Vittoria is described graphically in places) and mature themes around death, grief, and moral ambiguity. Parents of younger teens may want to review it first.
In terms of reading level: The prose is accessible but not simplistic. It is a comfortable read for high school students, university students, and adult readers alike.
Sri Lankan university students and young professionals who enjoy fantasy but have not yet explored the dark YA subgenre will find this a satisfying introduction. It reads quickly — most readers finish it in 2 to 3 days — making it ideal for a long weekend or a train journey.
Books similar to “Kingdom Of The Wicked”
If you enjoy Kingdom of the Wicked, here are some other titles worth exploring — each available through bookshopnearme.lk with island-wide delivery.
For readers who love mythology and epic storytelling: Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue offers a rich dive into one of the world’s greatest mythological traditions. If the ancient gods and moral complexity of Kingdom of the Wicked appeal to you, the Mahabharata delivers that on a grand scale — and it connects beautifully with the kind of myth-driven narrative Maniscalco is working in.
For readers drawn to the historical fiction element: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a masterpiece of historical fiction centred on two women navigating impossible circumstances. It shares with Kingdom of the Wicked a fierce female lens on history, a European setting, and deeply emotional stakes.
For readers who love historical fiction with a biographical edge: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. by Sandra Gulland is an immersive historical novel told through the private journals of Napoleon’s wife. It shares the atmospheric 19th-century European world-building that makes Kingdom of the Wicked so vivid.
For readers captivated by the romance subplot: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood delivers the same kind of sharp, reluctant-romance dynamic — two people who start out on opposing sides and find themselves drawn together despite themselves. Different genre, same emotional satisfaction.
Where can I buy “Kingdom Of The Wicked” in Sri Lanka?
Finding specific international YA fantasy titles in Sri Lanka can be tricky at physical bookshops, which is why online ordering has become the practical choice for most Sri Lankan readers.
bookshopnearme.lk stocks Kingdom of the Wicked and offers delivery across Sri Lanka — whether you are in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, or anywhere in between. The ordering process is straightforward, and the site is designed specifically for Sri Lankan readers who want access to quality books without having to rely on international shipping timelines or high import costs.
Why order from bookshopnearme.lk?
- Island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka
- A curated selection of English-language books for all reading interests
- Easy browsing by author, genre, and reading level
- Reliable stock of popular YA, literary fiction, and non-fiction titles
- Support for Sri Lankan readers who want access to globally popular books
If you are buying as a gift for a student, a teenager, or a fellow book lover, Kingdom of the Wicked is a reliable choice — it is the kind of book that gets passed around among friends once the first reader finishes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingdom of the Wicked part of a series?
Yes. Kingdom of the Wicked is the first book in a trilogy by Kerri Maniscalco. The series continues with Kingdom of the Cursed (Book 2, published October 2021) and concludes with Kingdom of the Fallen (Book 3, published October 2022). All three books are published and available, so you can read the complete story without waiting for future releases.
What age group is Kingdom of the Wicked suitable for?
Kingdom of the Wicked is classified as young adult fiction and is generally recommended for readers aged 14 and above. The book contains scenes of violence, themes of grief, and morally complex situations. It is not graphic to the point of being inappropriate, but parents of younger teens may wish to preview it before gifting it.
Is Kingdom of the Wicked based on mythology?
Yes. The novel draws heavily on Italian and Sicilian folklore, as well as the concept of the Seven Princes of Hell — each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins (Pride, Envy, Wrath, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, and Sloth). The mythology is not Roman or Greek in the conventional YA sense; it is rooted in a more specifically Southern Italian demonological tradition, which makes it feel fresh and distinctive.
Does Kingdom of the Wicked have romance in it?
Yes, but it is a slow-burn romance rather than a central love story. The romantic tension develops gradually between Emilia, the protagonist, and Wrath, the demon prince she is allied with. The chemistry is built on antagonism, mutual respect, and hidden vulnerabilities. Readers who enjoy a “enemies to allies to something more” arc will find it satisfying.
Can I buy Kingdom of the Wicked in Sri Lanka with home delivery?
Yes. Kingdom of the Wicked is available through bookshopnearme.lk with island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka. Whether you are in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, or any other part of the island, you can order online and have it delivered to your door.
Do I need to read Kerri Maniscalco’s other books before Kingdom of the Wicked?
No. Kingdom of the Wicked is the first book in its own standalone trilogy and is completely separate from Maniscalco’s earlier Stalking Jack the Ripper series. You can start here without any prior knowledge of her other work. That said, if you enjoy Kingdom of the Wicked, the Stalking Jack the Ripper series is well worth exploring — it shares the same gothic historical atmosphere.
How long does it take to read Kingdom of the Wicked?
At approximately 352 pages, most readers finish Kingdom of the Wicked in 2 to 4 days of regular reading. It is a fast-paced novel that is difficult to put down, particularly in the second half when the mystery begins to unravel. It is an ideal read for a long weekend, a holiday, or a daily commute.
Whether you are a longtime YA fantasy reader or someone looking for a gripping, atmospheric novel that offers something different, Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is a strong choice. It is well-crafted, emotionally engaging, rooted in a mythology most readers will not have encountered before, and it leads into a complete trilogy you can power through without interruption.
Ready to get your copy? Order Kingdom of the Wicked from bookshopnearme.lk today with island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka. And if you want to explore more from the author, head over to the Kerri Maniscalco author page to see her full collection.