Kingdom of the Wicked

Kerri Maniscalco

45 pages 1-hour read

Kerri Maniscalco

Kingdom of the Wicked

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

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.

Key Relationships

Twin Sister of Vittoria di Carlo

Granddaughter of Nonna Maria

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Twin Sister of Emilia di Carlo

Granddaughter of Nonna Maria

Romantic Interest of Domenico Nucci Junior

Secretly Connected to The Prince of Pride

Supporting Characters

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Grandmother of Emilia di Carlo

Grandmother of Vittoria di Carlo

Descendant of La Prima Strega

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Antagonist of Emilia di Carlo

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.

Key Relationships

Bargaining Partner with Emilia di Carlo

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

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.

Key Relationships

Enforcer for The Prince of Envy

Threat to Emilia di Carlo