Review | Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco

Review of ‘Throne of Secrets’ (Princes of Sin #2) by Kerri Maniscalco. Discover the irresistible allure of Gluttony and Adriana’s fiery dynamic in this spellbinding sequel. Packed with romance, danger, and tantalizing twists, Throne of Secrets will have you hooked from the first page. Whether you’re a fan of Kerri Maniscalco’s captivating worlds or just diving into the Princes of Sin series, this review delves into everything you need to know about the characters, plot, and unforgettable moments that make this book a must-read.

‘Throne of Secrets‘ by Kerri Maniscalco delivers captivating romance and intrigue, with Gluttony and Adriana stealing the spotlight

Synopsis

A wicked prince determined to save his kingdom.

Gabriel Axton—infamous as the Prince of Gluttony, the self-proclaimed rake of rakes—has always lived for indulgence: in delicious food, in tantalizing women, and most of all, in the thrill of the hunt, where his love of danger can take over. But when his favorite adventure takes a deadly turn, he realizes something is very wrong in his demon court. With the clock ticking, he must turn to the only one who might uncover the truth: a journalist he has spent a decade avoiding…

A reporter hell-bent on finding the truth.

Adriana Saint Lucent has been on the hunt for years—if she could just report something damning enough about that no-good scoundrel Gabriel Axton, she knows others would finally see the demon as she does. But she never expected to turn up a rumor too terrifying to be believed: could the ice dragons to the north be growing restless? Drawn into the secrets of the Underworld, Adriana’s investigation leads her into the place she dreads most…Axton’s infamous court.

A dangerous rivalry—and deliciously twisted fairy tale.

To stop darkness from falling over their kingdom, Axton and Adriana will have to unite against an escalating danger. But with each holding tight to their own secrets, can they find the truth before it’s too late? And what will they do with an equally troubling rumor: that they might not actually hate one another, after all?

Review

Have you ever picked up a book that feels like it was written just for you? That’s exactly how I felt while reading this one by Kerri Maniscalco. As someone who’s a bit obsessed with her books, this one hit all the right notes for me—and then some.

While I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Throne of the Fallen‘, this installment took things to another level for me. Gabriel Axton, the Prince of Gluttony, and Adriana Saint Lucent, a fearless journalist, had such magnetic chemistry that I couldn’t help but fall for their story. Gluttony, in particular, completely surprised me. If I’m honest, he wasn’t the sin I was most looking forward to reading about, but wow, did he deliver. His indulgent, rakish charm paired with unexpectedly deep motives had me absolutely swooning. Beneath his love of excess and thrill-seeking lies a complexity that I didn’t expect but adored discovering.

In Throne of Secrets, Prince Gluttony finds himself confronting an escalating threat to his demon court, one that could unravel the entire Underworld. To uncover the truth, he reluctantly teams up with Adriana, a journalist determined to expose him. As their investigation deepens, so does their undeniable connection, marked by fiery banter, sizzling chemistry, and moments of vulnerability. Their journey is packed with danger, secrets, and betrayals, pushing them to confront not only external threats but also their own walls.

Their conenction and dynamic? Absolute perfection. The banter, the tension, and the romance were electrifying. It’s the kind of push-and-pull that keeps you glued to the page, rooting for them even when they’re at odds. Their partnership was as much about uncovering the truth as it was about peeling back each other’s layers, and I loved every second of it.

I also loved the dual POV, which gave such a rich insight into both characters’ thoughts and motivations. Seeing Gluttony’s perspective was a particular highlight for me, as it added so much depth to his character. It was fascinating to see how his mind worked, and it made his eventual growth all the more rewarding. Adriana, with her fierce determination and sharp wit, was a perfect match for him, both as a partner in solving mysteries and as someone who challenged him in the best ways.

Speaking of Adriana, I adored that she was a journalist. As someone who has studied journalism, her investigative drive and relentless pursuit of the truth felt incredibly authentic. It added an extra layer of connection for me, and I devoured this story like a journalist chasing the scoop of a lifetime.

The plot itself was engrossing—danger, intrigue, and a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic in true Maniscalco style. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The ending, while satisfying in some ways, felt rushed. I found myself counting the dwindling pages, wishing for just a bit more closure. It felt like a puzzle missing its final piece.

Additionally, I wasn’t a fan of the villain. The reveal didn’t land for me, and I felt like the story didn’t give Gluttony and Adriana the justice they deserved in confronting the antagonist. It wasn’t enough to ruin the book for me, but it left me wanting a stronger resolution.

Final thoughts

Despite its flaws, this book reaffirmed why I’m such a fan of Kerri Maniscalco’s writing. The romance, the banter, and the rich, immersive world kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re into dangerous adventures, sizzling chemistry, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, you’ll want this book on your shelf.

While I hope future installments take their time with the endings and deliver more satisfying resolutions, I’m still eagerly counting down to whatever Maniscalco writes next. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that her books never fail to sweep me off my feet.

Rating

9/10

Details

• Trigger warnings: Throne of Secrets contains mature themes, including explicit sexual content, violence, and depictions of indulgence and excess.
• Themes: The novel explores indulgence, redemption, the pursuit of truth, and the complexities of love and rivalry.
• Representation: The story prominently features a theme of personal growth and the struggle between duty and desire.
• Genre: Fantasy romance (adult)
• Pages: 512
• Publication date: October 29, 2024
• Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
• About the author: Kerri Maniscalco is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her gothic settings and captivating storytelling. She has written the Stalking Jack the Ripper series and the Kingdom of the Wicked series.