Review: Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Throne of the Fallen

by Kerri Maniscalco

October 3, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

Sinner. Villain. Ruthless.

These are wicked names the Prince of Envy welcomes. They remind him what he isn’t: a saint. And when a cryptic note arrives, signaling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows he’ll be called much worse before it ends. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players, nothing will stand in his way. With a powerful artifact and his own future at stake, Envy is determined to win, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sin—and passion—like no other…

Talented. Darling. Liar.

The trouble with scoundrels and blackguards is that they haven’t a modicum of honor, a fact Miss Camilla Antonius learns after one desperate mistake allows notorious rake—and satire sheet legend—Lord Phillip Vexley to blackmail her. And now it seems Vexley isn’t the only scoundrel interested in securing her unique talents as a painter. To avoid Vexley’s clutches and a ruinous scandal, Camilla is forced to enter a devil’s bargain with Waverly Green’s newest arrival, enigmatic Lord Ashford ‘Syn’ Synton, little expecting his game will awaken her true nature . . .

Together, Envy and Camilla must embark on a perilous journey through the Shifting Isles—from glittering demon courts to the sultry vampire realm, and encounters with exiled Fae—while trying to avoid the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love.

Review

I have many thoughts when it comes to Throne of the Fallen. On one hand I loved how conflicted yet driven the characters were. On the other hand, the plot twists were predictable and the romance sometimes felt cringey.

Throne of the Fallen was quite the dramatic story with the writing equally over the top. I didn't love the writing style but thought it suited the book well. When the characters were tortured (emotionally), I felt their despair. When they were turned on, I felt their desires. But what really fueled me reading Throne of the Fallen was the mystery. The truths were easy to guess but hearing them from the characters had definite effects.

Headstrong and stubborn, Camilla took good care of herself. She owned her sexuality and boldly stated her needs. Envy matched her. He never backed down and elicited sensuality between them. Despite both their efforts to conceal their true feelings, their moments together were surprisingly full of emotions. Though I really could have done without some of the cheesy dialogues :P

Although we didn't get a lot of scenes with the Princes of Hell all together, their bickering and teasing had me snickering along. They sure knew how to rile each other up. I'm curious which brother's story will be next. Going off the hints we got in Throne of the Fallen, I'm positive it'll be a saucy one.

Although I didn't love everything about Throne of the Fallen, the story was still most intriguing and enjoyable. As long as Kerri Maniscalco writes strong and opinionated female characters, I'll keep reading her books.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.