Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco (Book #12)

Title: Kingdom of the Wicked

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Dates Read: Feb. 1

Format: Audiobook

Rating: ★★★★1/2

Description: Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Emilia 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.

Review: I enjoyed this book much more than I expected! Unlike most YA books I've read, this one actually has a compelling mystery and I think Maniscalco did a great job of world building. Her concept of witches and magic as well as hell is super interesting. I got a little lost at the end, but I think that's because I wasn't expecting this to be the first book in a series. I should have expected it because most fantasy books are series, but I feel like I was speeding forward to find the conclusion of the story and instead you're left with a cliffhanger. So now I can't wait for the next book!

Final Note: This is a YA book, but the writing and plot is significantly better than many other YA fantasy books I've read. I think this was really well done.