45 pages • 1-hour read
Kerri ManiscalcoA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Emilia is an 18-year-old witch living in late 19th-century Palermo, Sicily. She works as a chef at her family's restaurant, Sea & Vine, and dreams of creating her own innovative menu. Unlike her twin sister, she adheres closely to their grandmother's teachings about avoiding dark magic. Following a devastating family tragedy, she pushes her boundaries and employs forbidden summoning spells to find answers.
Twin Sister of Vittoria di Carlo
Granddaughter of Nonna Maria
Summoner of The Prince of Wrath
Childhood Friend of Fratello Antonio
Friend of Claudia
Target of The Prince of Envy
He is one of the seven immortal demon princes of Hell, personifying the sin of wrath. He possesses a confident, guarded demeanor and holds vast knowledge of underworld politics. Bound to Emilia through an accidental summoning, he acts as a dangerous but necessary guide to the supernatural underworld of Sicily. He often answers questions vaguely, keeping his true motivations concealed.
Bound to Emilia di Carlo
Brother of The Prince of Pride
Brother of The Prince of Envy
Brother of The Prince of Greed
Employer of Anir
Brother of Lust
Vittoria is Emilia’s 18-year-old twin sister, a talented witch specializing in potions and perfumes. She chafes against the strict rules set by their grandmother and secretly dabbles in forbidden dark magic. She is bold and willing to take extreme risks. Her sudden, brutal murder serves as the catalyst for Emilia's entire investigation.
Twin Sister of Emilia di Carlo
Granddaughter of Nonna Maria
Romantic Interest of Domenico Nucci Junior
Secretly Connected to The Prince of Pride
Fratello Antonio is a young monk who grew up alongside Emilia and Vittoria in Palermo. He joined the Catholic brotherhood after the death of his mother. He maintains a warm, platonic friendship with Emilia, often teasing her while they cook together in the monastery kitchens. His devout religious beliefs place him in strict opposition to witchcraft, forcing Emilia to hide her true nature from him.
Childhood Friend of Emilia di Carlo
Childhood Friend of Vittoria di Carlo
Fellow Monk of Fratello Carmine
Nonna Maria is the matriarch of the di Carlo family and a powerful shadow witch. She holds extensive knowledge of ancient witch lore, the history of demons, and the prophecies tying their family to the underworld. She strictly enforces the use of light magic and constantly warns her granddaughters about bad omens and the dangers of the seven demon princes.
He is the highest-ranking demon among his brothers and the ruler of Hell. Long ago, he was cursed by the first witch, trapping him and his fellow demons in the underworld. He seeks a witch bride to break this ancient curse and open the gates to the human dimension. Though he operates entirely off-page early in the story, his search for a bride drives the actions of his brothers and followers.
Brother of The Prince of Wrath
Brother of The Prince of Envy
Brother of The Prince of Greed
Secretly Connected to Vittoria di Carlo
Master of Francesco
He is a demon prince representing the sin of envy. He desires to usurp his brother's throne and take control of the underworld. He operates aggressively in the human world, using fear and coercion to force witches to hand over powerful artifacts. He views humans as tools to be used and discarded in his quest for power.
Antagonist of Emilia di Carlo
Brother of The Prince of Wrath
Brother of The Prince of Pride
Master of Alexei
He is the demon prince of greed, operating a secretive, moving gambling den in Palermo. He trades in information, favors, and magical artifacts, always ensuring the bargains tilt in his favor. He is highly transactional, requiring exact payment or collateral for any answers he provides regarding the underworld or Vittoria's final days.
Bargaining Partner with Emilia di Carlo
Brother of The Prince of Wrath
Creditor to Domenico Nucci Senior
Claudia is a young witch and friend to the di Carlo sisters. Unlike Emilia, she openly practices the dark arts and is skilled in breaking spells and scrying. She willingly offers to help Emilia investigate Vittoria's cursed diary, putting herself at significant risk of attracting demonic attention.
Friend of Emilia di Carlo
Cousin of Valentina Rossi
Domenico is a local young man living in Palermo. His name is found in Vittoria's diary, indicating a connection between them before her death. He is deeply affected by Vittoria's murder, praying daily over her loss.
Romantic Interest of Vittoria di Carlo
Son of Domenico Nucci Senior
Domenico Senior is a resident of Palermo and a frequent patron of the underground gambling den run by the demon prince of greed. He carries heavy debts and is involved in secretive bargains to secure his family's safety and abilities.
Father of Domenico Nucci Junior
Debtor to The Prince of Greed
Salvatore is a merchant in Palermo known for his extensive knowledge of local gossip. Because his stall is centrally located, he observes much of the city's happenings and provides Emilia with crucial information regarding secret locations and recent events.
Merchant to Emilia di Carlo
Wary of The Prince of Wrath
Carolina is an older witch living in Palermo who is well-versed in the dark arts. Other witches seek her out when dealing with dangerous or unfamiliar magic. She quickly identifies demonic curses and warns younger witches about the severity of forbidden spells.
Acquaintance of Emilia di Carlo
Lust is one of the seven demon princes of Hell. He uses his magic to overwhelm humans with feelings of ecstasy, satisfaction, and desire, making them forget their inhibitions and fears. He frequently haunts gatherings to spread his influence.
Target of Emilia di Carlo
Brother of The Prince of Wrath
La Prima Strega is an ancient, mythological figure in witch history. Centuries ago, she cursed the devil and his brothers, trapping them in Hell as punishment for the devil falling in love with her daughter. Her ancient spells and hidden artifacts remain the foundation of modern witch practices and demonic conflicts.
Enemy of The Prince of Pride
Ancestral Figure to Nonna Maria
Francesco is an associate and messenger for the demon princes. He operates in the human world, passing information regarding witch candidates for his master's bridal curse. He is secretive and resistant to giving up his contacts.
Messenger for The Prince of Pride
Interrogated by The Prince of Wrath
Anir is an associate serving under the Prince of Wrath in the human dimension. He acts as a scout and spy, gathering intelligence on the movements of other demons and the locations of potential witch targets.
Associate of The Prince of Wrath
Alexei is a vampire working as an enforcer in Palermo. He uses his supernatural speed and intimidation tactics to force compliance from local witches, acting as a terrifying messenger for his demonic master.
Enforcer for The Prince of Envy
Threat to Emilia di Carlo