Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Spice Level: 
Release Year: 2020
The Kingdom of the Wicked series casts a spell that’s hard to shake, pulling you into a world where Sicilian witchcraft, demon princes, and forbidden romance swirl together with an almost edible intensity. The opening pages are lush with sensory detail—think simmering sauces, candlelit crypts, and the scent of danger on every breeze. It’s a series that doesn’t just set a mood; it marinates in it. The author’s love for Italian culture and cuisine is so palpable, you’ll find yourself craving pasta between chapters. The atmosphere is thick, gothic, and seductive, making every page feel like a midnight confession.
What really vaults this series into my top five romantasy picks is the relationship at its core. The dynamic between Emilia and Wrath is electric, all sharp edges and slow-burn tension. There’s a delicious antagonism, a banter that’s both witty and charged with undercurrents of desire. The romance is a slow build, simmering rather than exploding, which makes every stolen glance and reluctant alliance feel earned. Wrath, with his devil-may-care charm and hints of vulnerability, is the kind of anti-hero who lingers in your mind long after you’ve set the book down. The chemistry is undeniable, and it only intensifies as the series progresses.
And yes, the spice. While the first book keeps things relatively restrained—think longing, tension, and a few heated moments—the heat level ratchets up with each installment. By the final book, the series lands comfortably at a 3.3 on the spice scale: enough to satisfy those who crave romantic tension and payoff, but never so explicit that it overshadows the plot or character growth. The progression feels natural, mirroring the characters’ own journey from distrust to something far more dangerous and intimate. It’s a rare series where you can feel the author’s confidence growing, daring to push boundaries and deepen the romantic stakes as the story unfolds.
There are imperfections, of course. The plot can be labyrinthine, sometimes tripping over its own ambition. The world-building is rich, but occasionally muddled—especially when it comes to the hierarchy of Hell and the rules governing magic. Emilia’s narration can be unreliable, her motivations twisting as new revelations come to light, which adds a layer of complexity but can also frustrate. Yet, these flaws are part of the charm. The messiness feels human, the confusion echoing the protagonist’s own tumultuous journey. The series is not for those who crave airtight logic or perfectly linear storytelling, but for readers who thrive on mood, character, and emotional stakes, it’s intoxicating.
Ultimately, Kingdom of the Wicked is the kind of romantasy that lingers. It’s atmospheric, sexy, and unapologetically dramatic—a feast for readers who want their romance with a side of danger and their fantasy with a dash of sin. The series is not universally beloved, and it’s easy to see why: it’s bold, sometimes messy, and always intense. But for those who want to be swept away by a world where love and vengeance are two sides of the same coin, this series is a must-read. It’s earned its spot as my #5 all-time romantasy, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to be enchanted, provoked, and just a little bit scorched.
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