Demons, Desire, and Deception in the Underworld
In a world where sin reigns supreme and demons walk among us, Kerri Maniscalco’s “Throne of the Fallen” delivers a wickedly enticing tale of forbidden love and dangerous games. As the first installment in her new Prince of Sin series, this novel plunges readers into a richly imagined Underworld teeming with devious demons, sensual vampires, and cunning Fae. But at its core beats the heart of a classic romance—one where opposites attract and sparks fly between two unlikely lovers.
A Dance with the Devil
Meet Envy, the deliciously wicked Prince of Hell who’s never claimed to be anything but a villain. With his demonic good looks and penchant for sin, he’s the ultimate bad boy—emphasis on the bad. But when a mysterious game threatens his crumbling demon court, Envy finds himself facing an unexpected opponent in the form of Miss Camilla Antonius.
Camilla is everything Envy is not—virtuous, proper, and decidedly human (or so it seems). As an artist in Waverly Green struggling to keep her gallery afloat, the last thing she needs is to get tangled up with a demon prince. But a desperate bargain with the town’s most notorious rake leaves her with little choice but to play Envy’s dangerous game.
Sizzling Chemistry and Slow-Burn Romance
From their first electrifying encounter, the chemistry between Envy and Camilla is off the charts. Maniscalco expertly builds the sexual tension through heated glances, stolen touches, and witty banter that crackles with unresolved desire. But it’s the gradual emotional connection that truly captivates, as these two guarded souls begin to lower their defenses and reveal their hidden vulnerabilities.
Envy may be a demon, but Maniscalco gives him unexpected depth. Beneath his arrogant exterior lies a ruler desperate to save his people, haunted by past mistakes. And Camilla is far from the innocent mortal she appears to be, harboring secrets of her own that could change everything.
A Thrilling Journey Through the Underworld
As Envy and Camilla’s quest to solve the game’s riddles takes them deeper into the Underworld, Maniscalco’s world-building truly shines. From the opulent demon courts to the sultry vampire realm, each new setting is vividly realized and brimming with sensory details. The author seamlessly blends elements of Greek mythology, fairy tales, and classic gothic romance to create a unique fantasy landscape that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
Standout Scenes:
- The masked ball at Hemlock Hall, where sexual tension simmers beneath a veneer of polite society
- A harrowing escape through an icy tunnel beneath the vampire court
- Camilla’s first glimpse of House Envy in all its decadent, art-filled glory
A Cast of Captivating Characters
While Envy and Camilla steal the show, the supporting characters are equally memorable. Standouts include:
- Alexei: Envy’s enigmatic vampire second-in-command
- Blade: The cold-blooded vampire who becomes an unlikely ally
- Wolf: A seductive Fae with a mysterious connection to Camilla’s past
- Vittoria: The devious Goddess of Death who delights in causing chaos
Each character feels fully realized, with their own motivations and secrets that leave you eager to learn more.
Steamy Romance with a Dash of Danger
Make no mistake—this is an adult romance, and Maniscalco doesn’t shy away from the steamy scenes. The sexual tension builds to several scorching encounters that will have readers fanning themselves. But it’s the emotional intimacy that truly satisfies, as Envy and Camilla begin to see past each other’s carefully constructed facades.
Heat Level:
- Plenty of sexual tension and steamy makeout sessions
- A few detailed sex scenes, but not overly explicit
- Focus on emotional connection as well as physical
A Cliffhanger That Leaves You Craving More
Fair warning – “Throne of the Fallen” ends on a major cliffhanger that will have you scrambling for the sequel. While some readers may find this frustrating, it’s a testament to how invested you become in these characters and their world. The final chapters raise tantalizing questions about Camilla’s true nature and the high stakes of the game that leave you desperate to know what happens next.
Verdict: A Must-Read for Fantasy Romance Fans
With “Throne of the Fallen,” Kerri Maniscalco proves she’s just as adept at crafting swoon-worthy adult romance as she is at YA mysteries. This novel hits all the right notes for fans of the genre:
- A brooding, morally gray hero with a hidden soft side
- A strong-willed heroine with secrets of her own
- Sizzling sexual tension and steamy scenes
- Rich world-building and mythology
- High-stakes plot with plenty of twists
While the pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections, the strength of the central romance and the fascinating world keep you eagerly turning pages. Maniscalco’s prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Underworld and its inhabitants.
Who Will Love This Book:
- Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Laura Thalassa
- Readers who enjoy morally gray characters and enemies-to-lovers romance
- Anyone looking for an immersive fantasy world with a dash of Greek mythology
- Those who like their romance with a side of danger and intrigue
Who Might Want to Skip It:
- Readers who prefer closed-door romance or fade-to-black scenes
- Those looking for a standalone novel with a tidy ending
- Fans of strictly traditional high fantasy without romance elements
About the Author
Kerri Maniscalco is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series and Kingdom of the Wicked series. “Throne of the Fallen” marks her first foray into adult fantasy romance, showcasing her talent for blending historical elements with lush world-building and swoon-worthy romance.
What’s Next in the Series?
The second book in the Prince of Sin series, “Throne of Secrets,” is released in 2024. Readers can expect to dive deeper into the mysteries surrounding Camilla’s true nature and the high-stakes game threatening the Underworld.
Final Thoughts
“Throne of the Fallen” is a sinfully delicious start to what promises to be an addictive new series. With its perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and mythology, it’s sure to captivate readers looking for their next book boyfriend (or demon prince). Just be prepared—once you enter Maniscalco’s Underworld, you may never want to leave.
The Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a steamy, supernatural romance to heat up your summer reading list, “Throne of the Fallen” should be at the top of your TBR pile. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself desperately googling “how to summon a demon prince” after finishing the last page.