Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco starting on August 6, 2024.


Happy Reading!

Thank you!

Tentative Schedule:
1. Kingdom of the Wicked (Aug 6)
2. Kingdom of the Cursed (Sept 6) [LinkTBD]
3. Kingdom of the Feared (Oct 6) [LinkTBD]

Audiobook: No universal library/subscription copies
Eyebook: No universal library/subscription copies

Keep an eye out for sales! Currently (May 4 2024) on sale on Chirp as a series bundle.

I started this this evening, and am enjoying so far. Through Track 27, which is apparently Chapter 26, 65% in. Feels a little YA, probably romantasy--but so far, not emo. Witches, demons, and set in a witch-burning-era Sicily. Not sure if the romance is going to be between the MC and her childhood friend who turned religious, or a demon... really hoping not a love tripod though. (view spoiler)[I wasn't expecting the twin to end up dead so quickly, but her murder and the bundle of secrets surrounding it and her family makes for a good simple impetus for plot. Mostly floating through, but finding it entertaining. (hide spoiler)]

I just finished it. I wasn’t a fan. Felt very YA. The “romance” was strange. The MFC is an idiot. (view spoiler)[My sister summoned a demon and it got her killed. Let me do the same thing with no preparation or protection. (hide spoiler)].

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "I just finished it. I wasn’t a fan. Felt very YA. The “romance” was strange. The MFC is an idiot. [spoilers removed]."

frr the demon thingy😭😭

I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't make me tear my hair out.

Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't make me tear my hair out."

I like romantasy. Or I guess I like the idea of it cuz I love romance books and I love fantasy but I do not be like most of the romantasy books I’ve read 😭😭. But on a side note: after I finished this one I started Blackbird and Butcher (which I didn’t have huge expectations for since it’s a Booktok favorite (booktok and I tend not to agree) and is also romantasyish) but I’m loving it so much and I’m massively embarrassed by this 🙈😂

I read this today and for a romantasy book it was not terrible. I agree that the MC was not emo but still behaved incredibly stupidly a good part of the book. What I think will happen (view spoiler)[she is not marrying the demon she is engaged to, something is up with Wrath for sure. I would not be surprised if the sister is trapped in Hell somehow and not dead, how can she be with that prophecy? (hide spoiler)]

I liked it enough to continue with book 2 providing it isn't 1 million pages long lol

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't make me tear my hair out."

I like romantasy. Or I guess I like the idea..."

I adored Butcher & Blackbird <3

Ann-Marie wrote: "I read this today and for a romantasy book it was not terrible. I agree that the MC was not emo but still behaved incredibly stupidly a good part of the book. What I think will happen [spoilers rem..."

I really didn’t enjoy this book, but it was light and easy and I might still continue with the series 🙈

Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't make me tear my hair out."

I like romantasy...."

It’s Dexter meets Hannibal Lecter meets You meets something else but I didn’t write down my notes so I don’t remember lol. It wasn’t an incredibly researched or well thought out book but it was fun to read and I love the premise.

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't make me tear my hair out."
..."

Did you listen to it? The narration sealed the deal for me, I loved how they both narrated their character's lines regardless if it was a male or female POV chapter.

Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0. This one didn't ..."

I did! The narration was great! The male narrator has a very sexy voice. And accent. I would happily listen to every piece of filth he narrates 😅

Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turned my expectations down to 0..."

Tha narrators are different for the sequel and the male narrator was so good, like so, so good lol

Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Ann-Marie wrote: "Diana Stormblessed wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "I think it helped that once I realized it was romantasy I turne..."

Oh! Can’t wait to listen to it!

Ditto on B&B--the dual narration was *mwah*. That's probably my favorite version of audiobook--when the book isn't abridged, there's a cast, and each read their own lines...

I also really like how you described your opinion/reaction to this book, @Ann-Marie--you summarized my feelings as well... I have a lower threshold for emo than for stupidity--I yell at stupid, but roll eyes at emo... and I like yelling, lol. And I really like your guess (view spoiler)[on the sister maybe being in Hell somewhere, not fully dead! Definitely something goin on with Wrath... (hide spoiler)]

I'd like to wrap up the series. Does the 6th of the month going forward work for y'all?


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Nirkatze wrote: "Ditto on B&B--the dual narration was *mwah*. That's probably my favorite version of audiobook--when the book isn't abridged, there's a cast, and each read their own lines...

I also really like how..."

That should work timing wise :)

Requests made for Sept 6 & Oct 6! Will update when threads are live.