Kingdom of the Cursed

Kingdom of the Cursed continues the dark fantasy romance that began in Kingdom of the Wicked. After making a deal with the Prince of Pride, Emilia descends to the Seven Circles as a bride to one of the Princes of Hell. In Hell's royal court, Emilia must navigate politics, deception, and her growing powers while uncovering the truth about her sister's murder. Her complex relationship with Wrath evolves as she learns more about the demon princes and their connection to recent events in the mortal realm. The novel expands the mythology established in book one, revealing more about the demon princes, witch covens, and ancient powers at play. Magic, betrayal, and forbidden romance drive the plot forward as Emilia faces increasingly dangerous obstacles. This second installment explores themes of vengeance, power, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The story questions whether the ends justify the means and what someone might sacrifice for those they love.

Readers praise the darker tone and spicier romantic elements compared to book one, with many highlighting the chemistry between Emilia and Wrath. Multiple reviews note the detailed world-building of Hell and its demon princes. Readers liked: - Fast-paced plot with political intrigue - Character development, especially Emilia's growth - Steamy romance scenes - Rich descriptions of the demon realm Common criticisms: - Middle section pacing drags - Some plot points feel predictable - Less murder mystery focus than book one - Romance overtakes other storylines Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (64,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (5,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (450+ ratings) One reader noted: "The stakes feel higher and the world more complex." Another criticized: "Too much focus on romance at the expense of the original revenge plot." The book draws frequent comparisons to ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash series in terms of romance style and pacing.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout A mortal woman discovers her ties to immortal beings while navigating romance with a brooding prince in a kingdom of violence and supernatural power.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas A human huntress enters a dangerous faerie realm and forms a bond with a powerful High Lord while uncovering dark secrets.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen A trained spy princess enters an arranged marriage with an enemy king, leading to political intrigue and forbidden attraction in a world of ancient magic.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan A thief infiltrates two opposing faerie courts to save her sister, becoming entangled with two princes and dark magic.

The Plated Prisoner by Raven Kennedy A woman marked as property in a kingdom where people are painted in metallic colors fights for freedom while developing forbidden powers.

🌙 The book is the second installment in the Kingdom of the Wicked series, which draws heavily from Italian folklore and Catholic mythology about demons and the seven deadly sins. 💫 Author Kerri Maniscalco worked as a makeup artist before becoming a full-time writer, and she often incorporates her knowledge of cosmetics and beauty rituals into her historical fantasy novels. ⚔️ The main character Emilia's journey through the eight circles of Hell in the novel was inspired by Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" from The Divine Comedy. 🗝️ The series' intricate world-building includes a complex magic system based on witchcraft traditions from southern Italy, particularly those from Sicily and Naples. 🖋️ The book debuted at #2 on the New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller list, marking Maniscalco's fifth consecutive NYT bestselling novel.