Title: Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Derek Landy
First published August 30, 2012
607 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007480227 (ISBN10: 0007480229)
Rating: 4.48
Overview
Get ready for another thrilling adventure in the world of Skulduggery Pleasant with Derek Landy’s latest book, Kingdom of the Wicked. Magic has become a dangerous disease and normal people are suddenly developing wild and unstable powers, endangering themselves and those around them.
The only hope for the land lies with the Sanctuary, and Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain are needed more than ever. But when a group of corrupted teenagers wielding the magic of gods threatens to tear the city apart, Skulduggery and Valkyrie must step up to stop them.
With action, humor, and magic around every corner, Kingdom of the Wicked is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Get ready for another wild ride with Skulduggery Pleasant!
About the Author
Derek Landy, a talented Irish writer and screenwriter, is best known for his popular Skulduggery Pleasant series. This supernatural mystery series follows the adventures of Skulduggery Pleasant, a witty skeleton detective, and Valkyrie Cain, a young female magician.
Alongside his successful book series, Landy has also written two screenplays that were adapted into films: the IFTA award-winning “Dead Bodies” and the IFTA-nominated “Boy Eats Girl.” Landy himself has been recognized for his writing skills with an IFTA nomination for Best Script.
Despite his numerous accolades, including the Irish Book of the Decade and Red House in the UK, Landy remains incredibly humble. He even keeps all of his awards on display on his mantelpiece! Landy is also too modest to mention that his first book was named a Publisher’s Weekly Best Book of the Year.
However, he would love to invite Oprah over for tea to thank her for selecting his book for the Oprah’s Book Club Kids Reading List.
In his free time, Landy enjoys playing video games, reading comics, and watching movies. He currently resides in Ireland with his many cats.
Although he prefers the company of fictional characters, he will occasionally converse with real people when necessary.
Editoral Review
Derek Landy’s “Kingdom of the Wicked” is a gripping dark fantasy novel that will transport the reader to a world of demons, magic, and intrigue. First published on August 30, 2012, Landy has crafted a novel that will appeal to fans of the genre who are seeking an immersive and captivating read.
The story follows twin sisters Emilia and Vittoria, who live in a small village on the island of Sicily. However, when Vittoria is brutally murdered, Emilia sets out on a quest to avenge her sister’s death, discovering along the way that her family’s dark secrets run deeper than she ever could have imagined.
The narrative is atmospheric and fast-paced, drawing the reader into the world of witches and demons. Landy’s writing style is both descriptive and engaging, giving the story a rich texture and creating a palpable sense of foreboding throughout.
The characters are well-developed, with Emilia being the standout protagonist. She is strong-minded and independent, a fierce fighter who is determined to uncover the truth behind Vittoria’s death.
One of the strengths of “Kingdom of the Wicked” is the way in which Landy weaves in historical and cultural context, setting the story against the backdrop of Sicily’s fascinating history. This adds depth to the narrative and grounds it in a real-world context.
Critically, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing slow in parts, with a lull in action that can detract from the overall experience.
Additionally, the ending may be underwhelming for some readers, as it feels rushed and concludes somewhat abruptly. Overall, “Kingdom of the Wicked” is a thrilling dark fantasy novel that will captivate readers with its haunting atmosphere, well-developed characters, and intriguing plot.
It is an excellent addition to the genre, and fans of authors like Neil Gaiman and Holly Black will find a lot to enjoy here. For those looking for an immersive and engaging read, “Kingdom of the Wicked” comes highly recommended.
It is a stunning novel that will keep readers hooked until the very last page. Rating: 4/5 stars.
