Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco: A Dark, Gothic Mystery with a Hint of Forbidden Romance

If you're craving a new adult fantasy romance with moody atmosphere, a dash of murder mystery, and a side of forbidden attraction, Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco might be your next read. This book blends paranormal romance with a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers dynamic, layered in a gothic Italian-inspired setting that's equal parts eerie and enchanting. But fair warning: the romance is a simmer, not a sizzle—at least not in this first book.

Synopsis: Sisters, Secrets, and Sinister Princes

Set in 19th-century Sicily, the story follows Emilia, a young witch living in secret among humans. Her twin sister is murdered under mysterious circumstances, and Emilia becomes consumed with uncovering the killer. Enter Wrath, one of the feared Princes of Hell, who may hold the key to solving her sister's murder—but trusting him could be just as dangerous as whatever creature is hunting witches.

The book unravels like a classic "whodunit," with Emilia chasing clues and discovering just how much she doesn't know about her world, her powers, and the demons that lurk just out of sight.

Tropes and Themes to Sink Your Teeth Into

• Enemies to Lovers Vibes – Wrath and Emilia have a classic "I hate you but you're also kind of hot" energy. Their banter crackles, but this is very much a slow burn—like molten lava under a glacier kind of slow.

• Forbidden Romance – Emilia is a witch. Wrath is, well, a literal Prince of Hell. Their chemistry is undeniable, but everything about them screams "this shouldn't happen."

• Murder Mystery – The real heart of this book is the "who killed my sister?" plot. It's more mystery than romance, so if you love solving puzzles with your fantasy, you're in for a treat.

• Atmospheric Worldbuilding – Maniscalco's writing is lush and immersive, dripping with gothic vibes, candlelight, and the scent of herbs and blood. It's a sensory experience.

• Innocent but Smart Heroine – Emilia is relatable, impulsive, and determined. She makes mistakes, but you root for her because she’s grieving and growing.

Romance: A Slow-Burn with Fiery Potential

While Kingdom of the Wicked is marketed as a NA romance, don't expect pages of steamy scenes right away. The first book is all about the setup: Emilia and Wrath circle each other like wary predators, constantly trading barbs, secrets, and the occasional moment of sizzling tension. Their dynamic leans hard into enemies-to-lovers territory, with an emphasis on "slow." If you stick around for the rest of the series, though, you’ll be glad you did.

Who Should Read Kingdom of the Wicked?

✅ Readers who love new adult fantasy romance with a dark and mysterious twist

✅ Fans of paranormal romance with supernatural politics and forbidden love

✅ Mystery lovers who want a fantasy setting with a good old-fashioned whodunit

✅ Anyone obsessed with atmospheric, gothic worldbuilding

✅ Readers who don’t mind waiting for their romance payoff

However, this book might not be for you if:

❌ You want instant romance or steamy scenes from page one

❌ You prefer lighthearted fantasy without darker themes

❌ You don’t enjoy slow-paced mysteries and heavy internal monologues

Final Thoughts

Kingdom of the Wicked is a deliciously dark fantasy that builds a world of intrigue, witchcraft, and temptation. With a mystery that keeps you turning pages and a forbidden romance that simmers beneath the surface, it’s a perfect blend of romantasy and gothic suspense. While it may not deliver full-blown romance in book one, the promise of what's to come makes it a compelling start to a completed series worth reading.

Have you read Kingdom of the Wicked? What did you think of Wrath and Emilia's slow-burn tension? Let me know in the comments!