Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Kerri Maniscalco, known for her captivating YA fantasy series, ventures into the adult realm with Throne of the Fallen, a novel that’s best described as utterly decadent and indulgently horny. Released on October 3, 2023, by Little, Brown and Company, this book plunges readers into a world of seductive fantasy, reminiscent of the early 2000s paranormal romances that many readers, including myself, grew up adoring. If you have a soft spot for powerful supernatural heroes, borderline corny yet delightful details, and plenty of sequel potential, Throne of the Fallen might just be your next obsession.
The narrative centers around Envy, one of the seven princes of Hell, whose court teeters on the brink of oblivion. His desperate attempt to save his realm leads him to a perilous game orchestrated by the Unseelie fae king. Enter Camilla, a gifted artist who skillfully crafts forgeries to keep her deceased father’s gallery afloat. Unknowingly, Camilla holds a crucial piece to Envy’s game, drawing her into a magical world she’d only heard whispers of in stories from her absent mother and late father.
Fans of Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy will recognize this world, as Throne of the Fallen expands upon it, this time with Envy’s brother, Wrath, taking center stage in the previous YA series. However, fear not if you haven’t read the trilogy – Throne of the Fallen stands alone, offering a fresh entry point into this rich universe. While prior knowledge might enrich the experience and provide extra context, it’s by no means necessary to enjoy this adult debut. Be warned, though, that Throne of the Fallen contains spoilers for the YA trilogy if you plan to delve into it later.
Speaking of “adult debut,” it’s crucial to emphasize that Throne of the Fallen firmly plants itself in adult territory. This is a decidedly horny book, venturing into erotic fantasy romance. If “danger boners” aren’t your cup of tea, proceed with caution, as they are abundant! This novel embraces its adult themes with fervor, making it a departure from Maniscalco’s YA works.
Camilla emerges as a heroine shrouded in mystery, harboring secrets that delightfully surprise. She’s vivacious and resourceful, never backing down from attempts to outwit demons and evade sleazy lords. Envy embodies the classic paranormal romance alpha hero – strong, possessive, and part of an elite brotherhood of sinful demons. While this archetype might not resonate with every reader, it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, echoing beloved series like Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark. The book introduces a plethora of intriguing fantasy characters, undoubtedly setting the stage for future installments. Lo, or Sloth, with his preference for bedtime snacks and all-night reading, immediately captures attention. Then there’s Blade, a pragmatic vampire with ambitions to usurp the current vampire prince.
Clocking in at over 600 pages, Throne of the Fallen is a substantial read. Camilla and Envy embark on an extensive journey, navigating a treacherous scavenger hunt. However, the length serves a purpose – immersing the reader in the expansive world and introducing key players, laying groundwork for future narratives. The book does exhibit elements of “First Book Syndrome,” as the protagonists traverse various fantasy kingdoms, encountering Envy’s brothers, vampires, fae, and more. It feels like a grand tour of settings, with much of the plot dedicated to unveiling environments, supporting characters, political landscapes, and magic systems. While not overtly info-dumpy, plot progression often hinges on revealing world details.
There’s a playful corniness woven throughout, adding to its charm. Envy adopts the alias Lord Synton, or Lord Syn for short – a touch that leans into the genre’s delightful tropes. And who could forget Blade, the vampire with a name that’s just…Blade. A particularly humorous moment arises when Envy inquires about Camilla’s opinion on wings, leading to a brief, giggle-inducing contemplation of chicken wings.
Throne of the Fallen is a book that demands you surrender to its “yes, and…” spirit, a challenge I wholeheartedly embraced. It’s brimming with clichés and beloved tropes, serving up the kind of fantastical nonsense that’s utterly irresistible. For readers seeking a decadent, horny, and nostalgic dive into adult fantasy romance, Kerri Maniscalco’s Throne of the Fallen is a resounding “yes.”
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Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
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