Kingdom of the Wicked Audiobook – Kingdom of the Wicked, Book 1

Some audiobooks demand to be experienced on stormy evenings, and “Kingdom of the Wicked” found me exactly there—curled up by my window as rain streaked down the glass, heart pounding in sync with every turn of Kerri Maniscalco’s gothic tale. I’m no stranger to stories about grief and vengeance, but this one wrapped its dark magic around me from the very first chapter.

Emilia and Vittoria are twins living double lives as secret witches in Sicily—a detail that instantly tugged at my fascination for old-world folklore and hidden histories. The shock of Vittoria’s murder felt personal; maybe because I have a sister myself, or perhaps because Marisa Calin’s narration imbued Emilia’s heartbreak with such raw intensity that it resonated deep within me. If you’ve ever lost someone or loved fiercely enough to imagine breaking rules for them, you’ll recognize yourself in Emilia’s relentless quest.

Maniscalco crafts a world dripping with atmosphere: candlelit crypts, perfumed herbs, whispered curses… The lush prose is so evocative that I could practically taste Sicilian sea air mixed with danger. But what truly sets this audiobook apart is how it blends romance and horror—the forbidden allure of Wrath (a prince from Hell who is equal parts infuriating and magnetic) keeps both Emilia and listeners guessing which side he really stands on.

As an avid listener, narration can make or break an audiobook for me. Here, Marisa Calin absolutely shines: her accents subtly evoke Mediterranean warmth while shifting seamlessly into icy authority for supernatural characters. She captures not just dialogue but also tension—the unsaid fears when Emilia dabbles deeper into forbidden magics—and gives each character distinct life without jarring transitions.

There were moments I found myself talking back to the story—pleading for Emilia to trust her instincts (or sometimes anyone but Wrath!), gasping at betrayals, rooting hard during spellbinding confrontations. The plot thrums along at a perfect pace; never dragging through exposition yet giving time to savor scenes heavy with family legacy or simmering desire.

If there’s anything I might critique, it would be that some secondary characters felt slightly underused—I longed for more depth among the other streghe—but even then, the focus on Emilia kept things personal and immersive. And while some YA tropes are present (brooding love interest! perilous bargains!), they’re rendered fresh by Maniscalco’s voice and Calin’s performance.

This book isn’t just fantasy escapism; it raises questions about what we owe our loved ones versus ourselves—and where the line between justice and obsession blurs dangerously thin. By story’s end (and what an ending—it begs you immediately start Book 2), I was left haunted in all the best ways: longing for answers yet satisfied by how much emotion lingered behind.

In short: If you crave moody mysteries laced with sensual magic, deliciously complex antiheroes, sisters’ bonds tested beyond death—and especially if you appreciate audiobooks that sweep your senses away—“Kingdom of the Wicked” belongs at the top of your listening list.