Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco

Indulging in Sinful Delights

Once upon a time, in a realm far darker and more delicious than our own, there lived a devilishly handsome prince with an insatiable appetite for danger. Sound familiar? Well, buckle up, dear readers, because Kerri Maniscalco’s “Throne of Secrets” is about to take you on a wild ride through the Underworld that’ll leave you breathless, bothered, and begging for more.

A Tantalizing Taste of Temptation

Let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good enemies-to-lovers story? Throw in some demons, ice dragons, and a healthy dose of sexual tension, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for one hell of a page-turner. Maniscalco, known for her knack for blending romance with mystery in series like “Stalking Jack the Ripper” and “Kingdom of the Wicked,” has outdone herself with this second installment in her “Prince of Sin” series.

The Story: A Dance of Desire and Danger

Our tale follows two delightfully stubborn protagonists:

• Gabriel Axton: The infamous Prince of Gluttony, a self-proclaimed rake with a penchant for indulgence and a secret heart of gold (though he’d never admit it)
• Adriana Saint Lucent: A feisty journalist determined to expose Axton’s wicked ways, all while battling her own inconvenient attraction to the infuriating prince

When rumors of restless ice dragons threaten the realm, these two rivals are forced to work together to uncover the truth. But as they dig deeper into the secrets of the Underworld, they might just discover that the greatest danger lies in their growing feelings for each other. Oh, the horror!

Worldbuilding: Welcome to the Seven Circles of Sin

Maniscalco has crafted a richly imagined Underworld that’ll have you wishing you could book a one-way ticket to House Gluttony (first class, of course). The Seven Circles, each ruled by a devastatingly attractive Prince of Sin, are a playground of indulgence and intrigue. From the opulent parties at Axton’s castle to the mysterious Seven Sins club where masks and secrets reign supreme, every setting drips with atmosphere and sensuality.

Standout Elements:

• The magic system: A clever blend of demonic powers, blood oaths, and hexed objects that keeps you guessing
• The ice dragons: Majestic, terrifying, and possibly hiding a dark secret (no spoilers here, folks!)
• The supporting cast: A colorful array of demons, suitors, and shady characters that bring the world to life

Characters: Falling in Love with the Damned

Let’s talk about our leading couple, shall we? Gabriel Axton is the kind of hero you love to hate… until you just plain love him. His journey from unrepentant rake to a demon wrestling with unexpected feelings is a joy to watch unfold. And Adriana? She’s a spitfire with a pen sharper than any sword, determined to resist Axton’s charms (spoiler alert: it’s not going well for her).

But it’s not just our main duo that shines. The supporting cast is equally captivating:

• Val: Axton’s no-nonsense second-in-command (someone give this woman a raise)
• Eden: Adriana’s sister and unexpected suitor in Axton’s bride hunt (awkward family dinners, anyone?)
• The other Princes of Sin: Each more intriguing than the last (is it too early to start shipping?)

Romance: A Slow Burn That’ll Set Your Soul on Fire

If you like your romance with a side of witty banter and simmering sexual tension, you’re in for a treat. Maniscalco excels at building the attraction between Axton and Adriana, their verbal sparring matches crackling with electricity. And when they finally give in to temptation? Let’s just say you might want to keep a fan handy.

Swoon-Worthy Moments:

• The masked encounters at the Seven Sins club (identity porn at its finest)
• Axton’s growing protectiveness over Adriana (he’s not jealous, he swears)
• That kiss. You know the one. (If you don’t, what are you waiting for? Go read this book!)

Plot: A Labyrinth of Secrets and Schemes

While the romance is undoubtedly a highlight, “Throne of Secrets” doesn’t skimp on the plot. Maniscalco weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue, magical mysteries, and personal vendettas that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that’ll have you saying “just one more” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the book.

Key Plot Points:

• The ice dragon attacks: What’s causing them, and can they be stopped?
• Axton’s bride hunt: A clever cover-up or a genuine search for love?
• The blood oath: A magical bond that forces our leads together (as if they needed the excuse)

Writing Style: A Feast for the Senses

Maniscalco’s prose is as indulgent as Axton himself, rich with vivid descriptions and clever turns of phrase. She has a knack for balancing humor with heat, creating a reading experience that’s both entertaining and emotionally satisfying. The dual POV structure allows us to delve deep into both Axton and Adriana’s minds, making their eventual coming together all the more rewarding.

Comparisons and Context

If you enjoyed Throne of the Fallen or Maniscalco’s previous works, you’ll find familiar elements here—the mystery-solving heroine, the swoon-worthy love interest, the historical-fantasy setting. But “Throne of Secrets” takes things up a notch, with more mature themes and steamier content than her YA offerings.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series or Jennifer L. Armentrout’s “From Blood and Ash” will find plenty to love here. The blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue is reminiscent of C.L. Wilson’s “Tairen Soul” series, while the demon court setting might appeal to readers of Kresley Cole’s “Immortals After Dark.”

Critiques: A Few Bumps in the Underworld Road

No book is perfect, and “Throne of Secrets” does have a few minor issues:

• The pacing can feel rushed at times, particularly in the latter half of the book
• Some secondary characters could use more development (but hey, that’s what sequels are for, right?)
• The worldbuilding, while rich, occasionally leaves you wanting more explanation

However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.

Final Verdict: A Sinfully Good Time

“Throne of Secrets” is a delightful romp through a world of sin, secrets, and smoldering looks. Maniscalco has crafted a tale that’s equal parts sexy and suspenseful, with characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re being idiots). It’s the perfect escape for anyone looking to indulge in a little fantasy romance.

Reasons to Read:

• Enemies-to-lovers romance that’ll make your heart race
• A unique fantasy world full of demons, magic, and intrigue
• Strong, complex characters with genuine growth arcs
• A plot that keeps you guessing until the very end
• Enough heat to melt even the iciest of dragons

So, dear readers, I implore you—give in to temptation. Pick up “Throne of Secrets” and let yourself be seduced by Maniscalco’s wicked imagination. Just don’t blame me if you end up selling your soul for the next book in the series.

Remember, in the immortal words of our dear Prince of Gluttony: “Stay scandalous, sweet sinners.” Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to book a one-way ticket to the Underworld. Anyone know a good travel agent for interdimensional journeys?