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Worse Than Wicked
A fisherman’s daughter marked by the sea.
A bitter queen desperate to regain a dark magic.
A contest no outsider has ever won.
All her father’s riches can’t buy what Sofija wants most: a chance to be seen for herself, not the girl with a red starfish etched on her cheek. Convinced the Merfolk can fix her, Sofi plans a secret visit only to have her scheme crushed when she learns the truth about her family. Now her mother is the mermaid queen’s prisoner, trapped in a cave guarded by a wraith.
The price of freedom? Journey deep into the forest and challenge a coven of hedgewitches for an ancient magic stolen from the Baltic Sea, a power that grants its bearer absolute control. But that fearsome sorcery is wielded by a cold-blooded enchantress and she’s determined to send Sofi home as crushed and broken as every contender who came before.
Because once Sofi casts a spell, she won’t be able to stop.
A story of loss, courage, and dark desires, Worse Than Wicked is perfect for readers who enjoy the lure of the supernatural.
A bitter queen desperate to regain a dark magic.
A contest no outsider has ever won.
All her father’s riches can’t buy what Sofija wants most: a chance to be seen for herself, not the girl with a red starfish etched on her cheek. Convinced the Merfolk can fix her, Sofi plans a secret visit only to have her scheme crushed when she learns the truth about her family. Now her mother is the mermaid queen’s prisoner, trapped in a cave guarded by a wraith.
The price of freedom? Journey deep into the forest and challenge a coven of hedgewitches for an ancient magic stolen from the Baltic Sea, a power that grants its bearer absolute control. But that fearsome sorcery is wielded by a cold-blooded enchantress and she’s determined to send Sofi home as crushed and broken as every contender who came before.
Because once Sofi casts a spell, she won’t be able to stop.
A story of loss, courage, and dark desires, Worse Than Wicked is perfect for readers who enjoy the lure of the supernatural.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2018
11 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Jankowski
1 book1 followerKathryn Jankowski is a writer of Slavic/Hispanic descent who loves myths and legends. She’s taught inner-city children, reported for local media, and helped maintain parks. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys reading, movies, The New York Times’ crossword puzzles, and the serenity of her garden, which is a certified National Wildlife Habitat. She loves accordions and owns a vintage Delarosa from Italy, where she once spent a rainy winter in an unheated garret.
Learn more about her work at www.kathrynjankowskibooks.com.
Learn more about her work at www.kathrynjankowskibooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this!
This book is innovative and delightful. For the most part I really liked all the characters, the flaws and all. The world building was perfect and the growth of the characters throughout the book kept it from getting stale. The only reason I'm giving this 4/5 Stars is because there were moments where things moved slowly. Other than those few moments, the pages seemed to disappear quickly.
This book is innovative and delightful. For the most part I really liked all the characters, the flaws and all. The world building was perfect and the growth of the characters throughout the book kept it from getting stale. The only reason I'm giving this 4/5 Stars is because there were moments where things moved slowly. Other than those few moments, the pages seemed to disappear quickly.
May 10, 2018
This book kept me engaged. I liked that it was was not clear sailing for Sofi. She had many challenges throughout the story. I wondered whether Sofi was going to keep using her power or give it up. This felt really true to life as far as how a young person would go back and forth trying to make a decision.
October 14, 2018
Worse Than Wicked is a darker tale of the temptation of power. Making her own decisions instead of listening has led Sofi down a path that leads her to make desperate and rash attempts to save her family. This thrilling read keeps you on edge and is a wonderful debut that hopefully leads to other new works.
September 22, 2018
A Great Story!
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work!
"Worse Than Wicked" was a fascinating and incredible story. With impressive world building and thrilling, well-written characters
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work!
"Worse Than Wicked" was a fascinating and incredible story. With impressive world building and thrilling, well-written characters
October 15, 2018
Sofi wants to save her mother from the Merfolk and is willing to do whatever it takes. Of course things get worse before they can get better. Sofi is a bit spoiled and that caused her some issues, but she may just learn her lesson.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it.
August 13, 2018
Example of power corrupts. Can the draw of unlimited power be harnessed or fought off?
Read
October 4, 2018What happens when a idealistic young girl who has lived a quite protected and privileged life gets her hands on the most powerful magical object around and discovers it has a mind of its own?
Is the power too much to handle? Will Sofi be able to resist becoming the type of person who punishes others for the wrongs they have done her? Will she be able to control the power or will it control her?
I was not sure to what to expect when I started reading this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Is the power too much to handle? Will Sofi be able to resist becoming the type of person who punishes others for the wrongs they have done her? Will she be able to control the power or will it control her?
I was not sure to what to expect when I started reading this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 2, 2018
Full RTC Monday
09/01-- My feelings are very conflicted with this one.
09/01-- My feelings are very conflicted with this one.
July 30, 2019
I love the Character Sophi To smart and her dynamic where the Queen was Was a was amazing stillunderstand why the Queen didn't want her around
October 18, 2020
Worse than Wicked by Kathryn Jankowski is a YA fable inspired by aspects of Eastern European folklore. The book follows sixteen year old Sofi on a quest to reclaim a magical artefact and rescue her mother who is being imprisoned by the Queen of the Merfolk. The sting in the tale is that Sofi is the grand daughter of this powerful queen, her mother was cast out of the kingdom years before when she fell in love with Sofi's father, who was not only human, but also a son of the Gypsy King. Once Sofi learns about the secret history of her family she is determined to reclaim the artefact which was stolen from the Baltic Sea years before, feeling sure that the sea in her blood will give her the power she needs. Along the way she will meet some family members from both sides and will face some very difficult decisions.
While the book is a little slow to start, once Sofi sets out on her adventures it does pick up pace and that pace is maintained to the end of the book. I liked that the author used the story to look at the concept of vengeance and the damage it can do , and the question of how to wield power fairly .
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher ,all opinions are my own.
While the book is a little slow to start, once Sofi sets out on her adventures it does pick up pace and that pace is maintained to the end of the book. I liked that the author used the story to look at the concept of vengeance and the damage it can do , and the question of how to wield power fairly .
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher ,all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2019
Mermaids | Magic | Family secrets
Rating: 2 stars, I did not finish this book, only managed to read 5 chapters/+/- 18% of the book, but I definitely see potential in it, that's the only reason I'm not giving it a 1 star.
If the author had spend more time editing/rewriting/... this book could've definitely gotten a 3 or 4 star rating with ease. There are quite a few issues with the writing though sad enough. I fear the author was too impatient and just wanted the story too quick out in the world. First, it's very incohesive/incoherent/choppy/jumpy, there wasn't any smooth flow from 1 sentence to the other, from one paragraph to the other. It went from 1 event/thought/action to the other without much of a transition. This could've very easily be solved in my opinion if the first draft, or 1 of the edits was just put to the side and then picked up after a few days. It is very much like the author had so many ideas, they just wrote them down one after the other, without paying much attention to connecting it. The writing itself was very odd at some points, which again, if the author would've taken the time and been much more patient, more diligent with their editing it probably wouldn't been like this. There were here and there some lines, some paragraphs that I actually found written well, but it was few. Nevertheless I definitely see a lot of potential in the writing. The story/concept and characters itself are interesting so that is definitely a plus. However it wasn't enough in combination with the writing for me to continue further into the book. The writing really held me back in fully enjoying this.
Would I recommend this book ? I don't know in all honesty. On one side I would like people giving it a chance, maybe they'll enjoy it more then I did, but on the other hand, I truly believe the writing isn't up to par and I can't knowing that, fully recommend this book.
Rating: 2 stars, I did not finish this book, only managed to read 5 chapters/+/- 18% of the book, but I definitely see potential in it, that's the only reason I'm not giving it a 1 star.
If the author had spend more time editing/rewriting/... this book could've definitely gotten a 3 or 4 star rating with ease. There are quite a few issues with the writing though sad enough. I fear the author was too impatient and just wanted the story too quick out in the world. First, it's very incohesive/incoherent/choppy/jumpy, there wasn't any smooth flow from 1 sentence to the other, from one paragraph to the other. It went from 1 event/thought/action to the other without much of a transition. This could've very easily be solved in my opinion if the first draft, or 1 of the edits was just put to the side and then picked up after a few days. It is very much like the author had so many ideas, they just wrote them down one after the other, without paying much attention to connecting it. The writing itself was very odd at some points, which again, if the author would've taken the time and been much more patient, more diligent with their editing it probably wouldn't been like this. There were here and there some lines, some paragraphs that I actually found written well, but it was few. Nevertheless I definitely see a lot of potential in the writing. The story/concept and characters itself are interesting so that is definitely a plus. However it wasn't enough in combination with the writing for me to continue further into the book. The writing really held me back in fully enjoying this.
Would I recommend this book ? I don't know in all honesty. On one side I would like people giving it a chance, maybe they'll enjoy it more then I did, but on the other hand, I truly believe the writing isn't up to par and I can't knowing that, fully recommend this book.
October 14, 2020
This tale is a coming-of-age story set in a magical world. The protagonist is Sofi, a young girl who is shunned for the scar on her cheek which bears evidence of her mixed heritage...a mermaid mother and a gypsy father. Sofi must overcome many physical challenges to save her mother, and in doing so, faces her own ethical shortcomings when tempted by powerful magic. While I found the book reasonably entertaining, I gave it three stars because the author's repetitive message of choosing forgiveness over revenge got a bit heavy handed for my taste, and I thought the book could have used a good editor to tighten up the story and polish the writing.
October 7, 2018
Sofi was insufferable for the majority of the book. The adults so condescending that it's no surprise she didn't listen to them. Relived to finish this
January 2, 2019
3 1/2 stars
August 1, 2022
I read this book in 2 hours or less it just sucked me right in. Great story and characters! Would love to see more by this author
October 9, 2018
I really didn't care for this book. It's most redeemable aspect is that it had a decent storyline and a complete character arc. Oh, and I love the name and cover art; those are probably the best parts of the book. The writing was a bit amateur, even for an indie author, and I really disliked the main character.
Sofi annoyed me so much that I almost gave up on this book a few times but the overall storyline was interesting enough to keep me from doing that. was a bit bored with the writing though. It lacks the quality that draws me and let's me get lost in the story. I won't reread the story and I wouldn't be able to recommend it to anyone I know.
*I volunteered to read and honestly review a Kindle copy of this book*
Sofi annoyed me so much that I almost gave up on this book a few times but the overall storyline was interesting enough to keep me from doing that. was a bit bored with the writing though. It lacks the quality that draws me and let's me get lost in the story. I won't reread the story and I wouldn't be able to recommend it to anyone I know.
*I volunteered to read and honestly review a Kindle copy of this book*
February 13, 2019
(Review from the author)
What would you do with the power to control everything?
The dark magic Sofi retrieves is meant to free her mother from a mermaid queen's supernatural prison. But she's young and brash and can't resist the temptation to use sorcery. (Could you?) As for the consequences of her spells and curses . . . well, let's just say they aren't what she envisioned.
Fast-paced and thought-provoking, WORSE THAN WICKED will take you on a journey of self-discovery in an alternative ancient Lithuania, where humans live in dubious harmony with supernatural creatures.
What would you do with the power to control everything?
The dark magic Sofi retrieves is meant to free her mother from a mermaid queen's supernatural prison. But she's young and brash and can't resist the temptation to use sorcery. (Could you?) As for the consequences of her spells and curses . . . well, let's just say they aren't what she envisioned.
Fast-paced and thought-provoking, WORSE THAN WICKED will take you on a journey of self-discovery in an alternative ancient Lithuania, where humans live in dubious harmony with supernatural creatures.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews