Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco

The Wicked Princes are back…

52735921._SX318_SY475_
Title:
Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Thoughts:
This is the first novel I’ve read by Kerri Maniscalco. I’ve heard about her before, and her Stalking Jack the Ripper novels, although I have yet to get around to read those. I found the story-line of Kingdom of the Wicked interesting. It’s cool that it’s set out in Italy – a beautiful country which I’ve visited once. I’m still not sure though which time period we’re in, but I guess it’s before the era of phones lol. (I just found out it’s shelved as historical on GR so I guess that solves it haha)

I really enjoyed the adventure our main character, Emilia, goes on. It really made me sad though that she had to lose her sister in order to go on it. On contrary to what I believed before I begun the novel, we actually had the opportunity to get to know Vittoria, Emilia’s twin, a little. I really felt from those few passages that they really, really cared about one another so that that ended up to be Vittoria’s fate was heart wrenching. I can’t even believe how that would feel like. But a novel isn’t really a novel unless the heroine/hero has a goal. And Emilia’s is to find her sister’s killer.

I also really like that this novel has witches in it! I find witches extremely intriguing, so the spells etc. was very fun to read about.

I have to admit I had some trouble with the way Maniscalco writes – unfortunately it wasn’t really my cup of tea. It’s hard to explain what I dislike with it, but I just got this this-is-not-for-me-vibe. Although, I will say that the story-line of this novel made up for that! Maniscalco is definitely good at coming up with interesting and entertaining novels. I really loved the element of the Wicked Princes. I do love me some bad boys. And Wrath, our main boy – sassy and gorgeous, amazing – is definitely a bad boy. I would’ve wanted a bit more chemistry between him and Emilia though, but perhaps that’s for future companions of the series. Although, it was quite fun to read their scenes when they were looking for clues together and I deffo see the potential.

My favorite thing about this novel was the ending actually. WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK HAPPENED?!?!? I’m still not quite sure honestly, but it definitely made me want to read the sequel. I was legit shell-shocked, and it really didn’t go the way I figured it would. I am so excited to see how Emilia and Wrath’s future will turn out, and to finally, hopefully, meet the rest of the seven princes. We got to meet some in this, but there’s definitely a couple left. I just also need to mention that the turn Wrath takes in the ending… I’m not really sure what I’m feeling about it but I bet we’re in for a hellish (lol) ride.

I hope you all have a beautiful day!

Hugs!

Read This Month, February & March 2021

Hello!

I hope you all feel well and are ready for a fantastic week! I hope that the Swedish weather will bless us with some sun, but considering it has been raining and snowing (?!?!) for the last couple of days I doubt it. However, one shall always hold on to hope lol.

Anywayssss, I realized I forgot to update you guys about the books I read in February *face palm*. Although that was probs for the best since I’d only read one book – in my defense, that month was quite busy for me and it’s a short month. So I though that what couldn’t be better than to “kill two birds with one stone” (first time I’ve ever written that saying in English – quite barbaric ain’t it).

I will present the six (6) books I’ve read in bOTH Feb and March, and for those of you who don’t know the drill I will begin with a rating, a synopsis of the novel from Goodreads and then 5 words that will some-what describe my thoughts regarding the particular book. Let’s dive in!


53138095


Title:
A Court of Silver Flames
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #4
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance – and healing – in each other’s arms.

Five words about it:
AMAZING, finally-i-got-to-read-about-nesta-and-cassian, gwyn-freaking-berdara-i-adore-you, heart-wrenching and i-simply-just-fell-in-love-with-this-book-if-it-isn’t-obvious-already.

You can read my full review of it HERE!


43877254
Title:
The Play
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Briar U #3
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need a new philosophy: hockey and school now, women later. Which means that I, Hunter Davenport, am officially going celibate… no matter how hard that makes things.

But there’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t be friends with a woman. And I won’t lie – my new classmate Demi Davis is one cool chick. Her smart mouth is hot as hell, and so is the rest of her, but the fact that she’s got a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her.

Except three months into our friendship, Demi is single and looking for a rebound.

And she’s making a play for me.

Avoiding her is impossible. We’re paired up on a yearlong school project, but I’m confident I can resist her. We’d never work, anyway. Our backgrounds are too different, our goals aren’t aligned, and her parents hate my guts.

Hooking up is a very bad idea. Now I just have to convince my body – and my heart.

Five words about it:
Cute!, quick-read, romance-to-swoon-for, Hunter-Davenport-I-really-really-like-you and bad-ass-chicks.


52237961
Title:
Out of My League
Author: Sarah Sutton
Series: Love in Fenton County #2
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.

Sophia Wallace is convinced her life is over when her high school cuts the journalism program. Without the elective, she loses her chance to intern with the biggest newspaper company in the county, and why? All because the baseball team needs more funding.

To make matters worse, her boyfriend publicly dumps her at a party, which is mortifying. But the icing on the cake is when the captain of the baseball team and the most popular guy at Bayview High, Walsh Hunter, decides to be chivalrous. He jumps in, throws arms around Sophia, and declares his undying love for her. In front of everyone.

Suddenly, Sophia is thrown into a world of fake relationships and undercover journalism, and she realizes she’s way, way out of her league.

Good thing she’s got the team captain to teach her how to play. But faced with choosing between saving her journalism class or her newfound feelings for Walsh, will she strike out or hit a home run?

Five words about it:
Fast-paced, sweet, fake-relationship!, tough-choices and finding-yourself.


239272
Title:
Things Fall Apart
Author: Chinua Achebe
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Okonowo is the greatest warrior alive. His fame has spread like a bushfire in West Africa and he is one of the most powerful men of his clan.

But he also has a fiery temper. Determined not to be like his father, he refuses to show weakness to anyone – even if the only way he can master his feelings is with his fists. When outsiders threaten the traditions of his clan, Okonowo takes violent action. Will the great man’s dangerous pride eventually destroy him?

Five words about it:
The-MCs-name-is-really-Okonkwo, read-for-my-english-class, this-novel-hurt-my-feminist-heart-since-the-male-lead-is-misogynistic, interesting-to-learn-more-about-african-culture and all-around-intriguing.


52735921._SX318_SY475_
Title:
Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Five words about it:
Love-me-some-wicked-princes, a-hellish-ride, mysterious, would’ve-wanted-a-bit-more-romance and what-the-actual-heck-was-that-ending?!? Full review will be posted on April 23rd!


55215339
Title:
A Touch of Darkness
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Series: Hades & Persephone #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bets does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows – and it’s forbidden.

Five words about it:
Greek-mythology-for-life, steamy-romance, not-how-i-expected-it-to-turn-out, intriguing-bond-between-the-MCs and this-cover-is-so-beautiful lol. Full review will be out on April 30th!


So these were all the 6 novels I read during the months of February and March! I’d say it was a good bunch of books! Some of which I liked, some that I really liked and one that I completely fell in love with. Hopefully you’ve found one or two books that have peaked your interest! Happy reading!

Hugs!

New to the bookshelf #1

Hi!

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas, as well as New Year’s! Now it’s been some days since they occurred, hahah, but this Christmas I was gifted two new books, which I wanted to talk about. I’ve also bought three new novel’s so I thought I could bundle them up together and make a New to the Bookshelf post! Down below you will see the books along with a synopsis and some pre-thoughts from me! 😀


51029810._SY475_
Title:
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V. E. Schwab

Synopsis (Goodreads):
A life no one will remember. A story you will never forget.

France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

Pre-thoughts:
This book reminds me of the movie The Age of Adeline, both based by the name and the synopsis. An extraordinary life, adventures and, what I guess, an immortal woman. I am very excited to read the story of Addie LaRue and to see the journey she will go on. I’m also very thrilled that she, yet again just what I think hahah, will meet her love-interest in a bookstore. I mean come on, a bOOKSTORE. That’s just the dream. It’ll also be interesting to see why she was cursed and if it will ever be lifted..? So many question… I guess I’ll have to read it soon to finally get some answers.


40024139
Title:
Serpent & Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Series: Serpent & Dove #1

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle, thou shalt not suffer a witch to love. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union – holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

Pre-thoughts:
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE! (high-pitched scream)

I’ve wanted to read this for a while, and it seems like I’m not the only one in Sweden since it’s been sold-out for some time. However, now I’ve finally gotten it! Hooray! Magic, witches, marriage, enemies to lovers (at least that’s the vibe I’m getting) and romance! Can it get better? I think not. So safe to say is that I’m incredibly stoked about this, and I’m definitely reading it as soon as possible.

(i also just must mention the cover, how beautiful is that?! w o w)

update: so i finished this a couple of days ago – and i really really really liked it! (i wish i could insert the emoji with star eyes 😦 )


53439886._SY475_


Title:
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories
Author: Holly Black
Series: The Folk of the Air #3.5

WARNING! This is a novella part of a trilogy.

Synopsis (Goodreads):
An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame.

Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.
Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was faerie child with a heart of stone. Revealing a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan, this tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.

This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector’s item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

Pre-thoughts:
Cardan, Cardan, Cardan. I love him. So I guess you can imagine my excitement over this novella. All written in HIS perspective. Sigh.

I have already finished it, which makes it hard to give this novel some pre-thoughts haha – bUT, before I read this I most vividly remember my pure giddiness. I literally sprinted to the bookstore to get this. Yeah. It was awesome, I most likely will write a review about it so get excited about that lol. And just to have it mentioned, if you haven’t read Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air trilogy you mUSt do IT– they’re great.


52735921._SX318_SY475_
Title:
Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Pre-thoughts:
Ever since I’ve heard about Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper I’ve wanted to read something of hers. Unfortunately I have yet to read and own that novel, but I see it as something that I will be excited about in the future. Anyways, I saw Kingdom of the Wicked in the bookstore and I just felt “yes”, and now I own it and I’m very stoked to read it. An intoxicating romance sounds incredibly intriguing, and I can’t wait to meet Wrath. I mean a wICKED PRINCE?!? It’s like this novel was written for me.

Although, I can’t help but already feel sad for Emilia and her sister 😦 This vengeance that will unleash Hell itself will be one hell of a ride (lol).


44778083
Title:
House of Earth and Blood
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Crescent City #1

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Bound by blood. Tempted by desire. Unleashed by destiny.

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life – working hard all day and partying all night – until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll of whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.

Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose – to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.

As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion – one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it.

With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom – and the power of love.

Pre-thoughts:
I finished this last night… and it completely ruined me. I laughed, cried and just felt with these character’s and their journey. A full review of this novel will come out soon. So for now, I can simply say – BUY IT AND READ IT. You will absolutely not regret it.


To summarize, these were the novels I was gifted and bought this Christmas holiday! I am very excited about them all. Especially since the three I’ve read already were awesome. If anyone of you have read either of them before you’re more than welcome to comment your thoughts about them! 😀

I hope you all have a nice Friday, and that your weekend will be awesome! (but of course safely at home)

Hugs!