Dickens & Rumi
Cover of KINGDOM OF THE WICKED

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KINGDOM OF THE WICKED

Kerri Maniscalco

Emilia's quest to seek out her sister's killer and exact vengeance. (Ages 16 and up)

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Dark supernatural violence, murder, grief, threatening demons, intense peril, and sensual romantic material suit mature teens. Sexual content is suggestive rather than explicit. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Romance4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A sister’s murder drives the story; other deaths and grief are important to the mystery and character motivations.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

The murder of the twin is described with some disturbing, graphic detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some moderate language and harsh insults consistent with the setting.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Not a primary focus of this narrative.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

The story incorporates heavy themes of witchcraft, Catholicism, and demonic mythology.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

A central enemies-to-allies romance develops through attraction, tension, flirtation, and emotional vulnerability.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Demons, Hell-related imagery, sinister crimes, threatening encounters, and sustained danger create a dark, suspenseful atmosphere.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild sexual tension and suggestive situations, but no explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to wine or potions, handled in a fantasy context.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Murder investigations, attacks, magical combat, threats, and violence involving demons and witches are recurring and sometimes intense.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist confronts murder, supernatural threats, grief, and powerful enemies with persistence and personal bravery.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The novel uses imaginative witchcraft, demon princes, magical courts, curses, and inventive supernatural world-building.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Set in Italy with a specific cultural focus, though limited diversity beyond the primary setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may encourage curiosity about folklore and mythology, but education is incidental rather than the book’s purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Loyalty, care for family, and compassion appear, but the plot emphasizes suspicion, vengeance, and dangerous alliances.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes include loyalty, grief, justice, trust, revenge, sacrifice, and resisting assumptions about good and evil.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show determination, loyalty, and resourcefulness, but they also pursue revenge and make morally risky choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in KINGDOM OF THE WICKED would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in KINGDOM OF THE WICKED, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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