Into the Books

The Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy- by Kerri Maniscalco

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my final thoughts on The Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy by Kerri Maniscalco. This series has a lot going for it—an intriguing central concept, a dark and immersive atmosphere, and plenty of romantic tension that keeps things engaging throughout. It’s easy to see why so many readers have fallen in love with this world. However, while the ideas are strong, I found that the execution didn’t fully live up to its potential. Issues with pacing and overall focus made the experience feel uneven at times. In the end, I’d rate the trilogy a 6 out of 10—right in the middle. Not bad, but not particularly memorable either. Tune in to hear a deeper breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and why this series might still be worth picking up.

Bride and Mate- by Ali Hazelwood

In this episode of Into the Books, I discuss Bride and Mate by Ali Hazelwood, two novels I received as a Secret Santa gift and probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own. Sometimes the most unexpected books turn out to be the most interesting! Join me as I share my first impressions of Hazelwood’s writing and whether these stories won me over. A quick note: I’m recording with a bit of a cold, so you may hear it in my voice. Thank you for bearing with me! If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intotheb00ks/ [https://www.instagram.com/intotheb00ks/] and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ireneriderelli?_r=1&_t=ZN-94C2LkancDW [https://www.tiktok.com/@ireneriderelli?_r=1&_t=ZN-94C2LkancDW] for more bookish content.

A Fate Inked in Blood- by Danielle L. Jensen

Welcome back, everyone! I’m so excited to kick off Season Four of the podcast. In this first episode, we dive into A Fate Inked in Blood, exploring its themes, characters, and everything that makes it unforgettable.If you’d like more content, feel free to check out my YouTube channel as well! https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos]

The Little Prince- by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“What is essential is invisible to the eye.” In this episode, we journey through The Little Prince, a timeless story that reminds us to look at the world with wonder, care, and curiosity.This marks the final episode of the season — thank you for listening, reflecting, and dreaming with me. See you again in 2026.

Dracula- by Bram Stoker

In this episode, we dive deep into the gothic roots of Stoker’s Dracula and trace how Luc Besson reimagines the legendary vampire for a new audience—unpacking themes, style, character shifts, and the timeless fascination with the undead. Here's the link to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@IntoTheBooks23/videos]