Review: Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked #2)

• Title: Kingdom of the Cursed

• Author: Kerri Maniscalco

• Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #2

• Genre: NA Fantasy / Fantasy Romance / Paranormal

• Rating: ☆☆☆☆

“Love and hate are both rooted in passion.”

I was really conflicted on how to rate this story, much as the first in this series. I struggled harder this time because I had clear reasoning for why Kingdom of the Wicked fell short. Those complaints were solved a little in this one. I had a major problem with the pacing in the first book, and in this one, it was much more to my liking. The first third of this novel was mostly delightful. I enjoyed learning about Emilia’s new residence in the Seven Circles of Hell and what her place would be. However, Emilia herself, much as she had been an issue for me in KOTW remained frustrating within this second novel. I spent many times cursing her out for her ignorance and claimed naivety. Her ability to constantly insult both Wrath and the reader was quite an impressive skill. The back and forth of her characteristics, even if I am aware of the sins at play, really bothered me. She is not a formidable main character which I was hoping would be redeemed in this second book. If anything, she annoyed me more in this one. Again, as I found with the first, I really enjoyed Wrath a great deal and how he challenged Emilia endlessly. Also, getting to see how some of the other demon princes were in this book was quite pleasing. I especially enjoyed the return of Envy and the welcome of Gluttony. The storyline is weaved well, and for some time, I found myself thinking my troubles with this world (aside from Emilia) were lessened. However, there were a lot of moments, especially in the last third of the book, where I was disappointed with the twist or put off by the journey of the story. Thanks to the slower pacing, it gave enough time for most things to make sense as they happened. The closer to the end, with all the new revolutions, this tidiness came loose, and I suspect it is intentional to show the flurry of Emilia’s emotions and challenges. Still, it didn’t make for an eager read, if anything, I was tired of the race and grateful when the book did end. Fair warning, there is a great deal of sexual thought, and steamy scenes - a great contrast from Kingdom of the Wicked. It came very early into the book also, which was a surprise. Though I liked some sexual elements and appreciated it in the first chunk of this book, the longer and lewder they became, the more it left me in poor taste. Still, I can acknowledge the storyline held strong, answered some questions, posed a great deal more for the final in this trilogy, and drew out many emotions - even displeasure - and that is why I’ve given this four stars. I’m eager to see how this world will close out, however, there is a good portion of me who has grown tired of Emilia that wonders if I will be disappointed in the culmination of Kingdom of the Feared.

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Reviews of this series: Kingdom of the Wicked | Kingdom of the Feared (coming soon)