Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco (Kingdom of the Wicked Book 2)
4 stars
Out: Everywhere
Emilia, having sold her soul, vows to avenge her sister and in the court of the Wicked she must trust no one. Maybe not even Wrath who is keeping secrets. As Emilia tries to solve her twin's murder and also save her island in the process, every possible obstacle is thrown in her path. She searches through Courts and Hell to unlock the past and get the answers she needs...
The book starts with a prologue of a curse and a deal, that tickles your curiosity. It then continues with Emilia's arrival at the Seven Circles. With a narrative inviting as hell (pun intended) the author's writing paints a dark, shock to the senses world with danger nipping at our heels and deception lurking everywhere. The vivid images conjured by the figurative speech often make me jealous of the author's ability. The 1st person POV delves deeply into Emilia's emotions, shining with potent honesty, we 'feel' along with her, 'want' along with her.
I love reading Wrath, he is a force to be reckoned with. Presenting that exhilarating kind of sexy, that feels like the edge of a knee, he always manages to surprise with how cold his heart is not. Always steals the air from the room, and the scene. I do get impatient with Emilia (sometimes her musings do drag a bit, though there are amusing flourishes) but I admire how fiercely she loves and cares. I also admire her quest for the truth. Her inquisitive mind. And she certainly is no damsel in distress. Wrath and Emilia's battle of wits is all the money. Their desire for each other is delicious and breath-stealing.
In House Wrath is where the mystery ignites, the court machinations begin, and where the book shines. Truth is until then I did struggle, really wishing the author would have picked up the pace (and in a few other places). I did love working out the clues and the mysteries along with the protagonist. The mythology is captivating and one of the better aspects of this story. And the great reveal we all wanted is glorious even if like Emilia I had figured it out. I still loved it.
The main theme here is choice, whereas it can be power or it can be illusion. It also talks a lot about fear and truth, sin and desire. This is a gasp-worthy, smirk-worthy, read-worthy, sexy and enticing sequel.
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