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Death and Debauchery

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Standing on the gallows with a noose around his neck is the last place Adrian Moore ever expected to be, especially when he's just found the proof he needs to condemn Edrich Salbrent, the man who destroyed his life. A breath before the gallows drop, salvation comes from the most unlikely place, Bishop, the man he tricked into loving him as more than a friend. However, Bishop hasn't bought his freedom, only the trial he was denied.

In a normal court, Adrian could lie and use his charms to sway the jury, but this trial is far from normal. Magic will be used to find every truth that Adrian desperately wants to hide. Secrets he has kept buried for years will be pulled from his mind. He will relive everything that made him who he is, from his time living on the streets as a criminal to his training with the king's elite guard. Every sin, every humiliating moment, and every loss he's ever felt will be laid bare.

If he's found innocent, he will be forced to confront everything he's sacrificed for revenge. If he's found guilty, then perhaps his revealed secrets will be enough to see Edrich hanging from a noose beside him.

His life is balanced on a blade's edge, and his fate rests in the hands of Bishop's overprotective brother, the most law-abiding man Adrian has ever met.

681 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

M.A. McCrackin

6 books21 followers
It is my core belief that a good story should evoke emotions. There should be times when you smile, frown, cry or want to choke the life from the author. You should feel, because if you don’t, then you are not invested. I strive to breathe life into my characters. If they laugh, I want you to smile. If they cry, I want you to sniffle. If I fail in that, then I have failed to tell the story as I see it in my mind.
I don’t try to teach moral lessons with my books. I don’t try to drown you in poetry or suffocate with descriptions. My books are simply written. I seek to entertain and draw you away from the reality you were trying to escape when you picked the book up.
The worlds I create and the characters that fill them are my own escape from reality. My stories are my way to share them. I hope you find the sanctuary in them that I do.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
9,376 reviews140 followers
August 19, 2024
This is a well written book with strong characters and a dark fantasy with an intriguing storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in, keeping me reading from start to finish. The scenes are painted perfectly, bringing the story to life. It's not a short read so be prepared for a marathon read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Viktimka.
116 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2024
If I could, I would give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read the blurb and when it comes out, just read it. This book is my number one read of 2024. If you love Jay Kristoff, you NEED this one.
Profile Image for Elaina Wall.
230 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2024

"𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓. 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒐𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒏."
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

"Death and Debauchery" is one of a kind, singular in nature, and I will never read it's like again.

We meet the prognostic Adraina, or as you will come to know him, Fancy, at the gallows with a noose around his neck. Before the platform is prepared to drop, Calen, the king's advisor, presents Fancy with a final chance to prove his innocence. He must undergo a magical trial designed to extract and manifest the pivotal moments of Fancy's twenty-two years of life. Will Fancy submit and reveal his most personal memories to be exonerated of his alleged crimes, or will he discover that reliving the hardest parts of your life is a death sentence of its own?

⚔️Grimdark Setting
⚔️Standalone
⚔️Highstakes
⚔️Character Driven

This book made me SOBBBBBB.....literally more than once!
Profile Image for Amanda Counts.
59 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2024
Death and Debauchery is the perfect title for this dark fantasy by M. A. McCrackin. The things that happen in this book will keep you captivated! The story follows a man about to die and takes you through his whole life. The story is very long but it is filled with detailed descriptions, character arcs, vivid world building, and some sexy scenes.

I really enjoyed the story and how the author writes such detailed imagery and really helps paint a picture of the plot. The premise kept me interested and invested.

Be warned though and make sure you check the trigger warnings, there is a scene of nonconsent among other triggers.

Thank you to the author and Booksprouts for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Ashley Mcmichael.
13 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2025
Book review.
Author name: M.A. McCrackin
Name of book: Death and Debauchery
Genre of book: Dark Fantasy
I love the book Death and Debauchery it was a collective story follow by Fancy, Bishop, Erajess, Desmond, Lauren, and the main character Adrian, in the story we find out the Adrian is not only facing near death but is also facing the person he thought would love him he tries to because to cover up the pass and redeem himself for the better in turn that’s not the case we see that everyone has something to hide. And through each person’s story we see their dark side that follows, and love does not always win even if it was fake. 100% would read this all over again.
Profile Image for Elizabeth  Espinoza.
150 reviews36 followers
August 22, 2024
This book was well written. I loved how much exposition the author put into this book. The imagery is very well executed. I often times felt like I was inside of the book itself.
Profile Image for Jen Smith.
122 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2024
Received an arc of this book and really enjoyed reading it.

So much detail went into helping you see and understand the mmc’s story. I felt like I was along on the journey with him. Magic, strong character’s, amazing writing.

Trigger warning, just to note there is a scene without consent.
Profile Image for Nicky.
1 review
July 29, 2024
I think perhaps I need to rethink my scoring system. I give 5 stars to books that I really enjoyed and the writing was good.

Death and Debauchery requires a whole other level of scoring.

I'd read The Fallen Virtues Trilogy by M. A. McCrackin and fell in love with a few characters in particular. Fancy, was one of them. So I was thrilled when I heard she was writing his backstory! But nothing prepared me for this book.

Reasons:

1. It.Is. A. Long. Book. Be prepared for a marathon reading session. But don't be put off. You will not be sorry. Not at any point in this epic length of a book, did I feel the need to scan read over a part of it to get to the next part. Everything was needed and relevant to help you understand how this character became Them. Every bit of physical, mental, emotional pain and every bit of wonder and joy, we experience in immense and brilliant detail, giving us an understanding of why Fancy is Fancy, and why he is such a lovable rogue.

2. The detail. The detail of the scenes, the characters the situations, the emotions, it was all there and all relevant. And it was all vivid. I was in that world with him. I felt everything.

3. This is a literal journey of Fancy's life, and you won't be sorry you got to re-live it with him.

4. Brilliant writing.

Note to the more sensitive of us:

There are some vivid and downright saucy scenes - but they are relevant to Fancy's back story, not just unnecessary porn.

There are some shockingly gory bits that make you gasp, or make you feel ill, but you've read it and can't unread it. However, it does add to the story and it works. It's not gore just for gore's sake.

If you want to be taken on a rollercoaster of a ride, read it.

If you're new to fantasy (or in this case, rather dark fantasy), let this be your introduction. Read it.

The writing is genius level. I just feel like I can't do it justice with my words. See for yourself. Read it.

And stars I would give if I could? I can't. Priceless.
Profile Image for Chaos & Courtships~ Lauren.
206 reviews
January 3, 2025
This wasn’t just a book, it was a visceral experience. Written in absolutely gorgeous prose, and brimming with intricate details, this grimdark fantasy truly transported me into the pages, and threw me into this brutal world, filled with magic, mayhem and treachery, with a pinch of humor sprinkled in at just the right moments. It’s an absolute beast of a book, and I definitely took my time working my way through it. And I’m glad I did, because it allowed me to savor every moment and nuance, as I experienced the life of the protagonist through his eyes. And it left me shook.

Our MMC, Fancy, is facing the gallows, and is offered a last-minute reprieve. It comes at a cost, though- one that will force Fancy to relive almost every moment of his life up to that point, as his most brutal and raw memories are magically extracted, and laid bare before his judge. The majority of the book is told in flashback, as the reader experiences all of the trials and tribulations of Fancy’s life. The highs and the lows, the triumphs, and the moments of unbearable pain. It was a dark, poignant journey, that had me emotional times. There are most definitely some triggers present, so please mind the warnings before diving in. And although there is some spice (including MMF & MM), there’s no real romance to be found, so just don’t expect many tender, romantic moments.

This book is categorized as grimdark fantasy, and it is certainly that. If you’re new to this genre, be prepared to be plunged into a bleak, dark world, where the MMC straddles the line between morally grey and outright villainous. He’s complex, and deeply flawed, but endearing all the same. You’ll have a hard time not falling for him, as you follow along with his journey. If you’re good with the triggers, I highly recommend tackling this epic tale. It will be unlike anything you’ve ever read, and something that will stay with you for the foreseeable future.

HUGE thanks to the author for sending me an absolutely gorgeous review copy. I will treasure it always.
Profile Image for Adrianna Heaney-velu.
1,067 reviews14 followers
August 25, 2024
“When your world shatters it is rarely a single catastrophic event. It is often a series of fractures that built until every reason you have to live is gone.”

“Death and Debauchery,” by M. A. McCrackin

I loved this book so much! I’m not a huge fan of memory stuff in books, mainly the jumping back and forth can get confusing, but this book was essentially one long memory of his life from age 6 till the day he was sentenced to hang, that alone is super creative and way more enjoyable to read than I thought it would be. I loved the world as well; it was dirty and dark and didn’t hide the grimness which added to why the character was so used to the horrible things in life. I like the magic aspect and also how it was minor compared to the MC and it seemed in my head that the only magic that mattered much was how the MC used his magic and why and the consequences of it. The main character changes appearance including gender so the book had a transgender aspect to it sortof but it wasn’t all about it and more his confusion of feelings to do with it. The MC is either alluring or hated by everyone because of his personality. I liked how he seemed to do whatever popped into his head and was flippant about things like he couldn’t be bothered to dwell on them. The scene with the king was hilarious. One of the best books I’ve read this year. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Magic
-Thief
-M/M, M/F, change gender
-Political Intrigue

Thank you so much for the ARC, Booksprout.
Profile Image for melissa  Reynolds.
19 reviews
September 15, 2024
I absolutely adored this book, and Fancy will always hold a piece of my heart. The book is so well written, the imagery is so rich and vivid, you feel like you are right there with the characters. The world building and magic use is so creative.

You follow fancy through his life, through the squalor to the Palace and back again, fancy feels like he doesn't belong anywhere and try as he might he doesn't fit in or make friends easily but the ones he does make are incredibly loyal to him. He is morally grey, sometimes erring on the dark, but will go to the ends of the earth to protect those he loves, including those who betray him. There were times I wanted to pick fancy up and hug him, and also, times I wanted to bash his head for being stubborn.

He experiences so much tragedy and loss but keeps going, in the end he ends up where he started in a lovely sweet ending that made me cry, I have laughed and cried with fancy throughout the book and enjoyed every minute of it. It's a long book, but don't let that put you off. It really doesn't feel like a 600-plus page because the story pulls you in and leaves you hooked.
119 reviews
January 27, 2025
Death and Debauchery is a masterfully crafted novel that completely stole my heart and then ripped it out and tore it to shreds—in the best way possible! From the very first page, I was drawn into Adrian’s world of danger, secrets, and heartbreak. The author does an incredible job of making you care about these characters, even when they make choices that are hard to understand. Adrian’s journey is both tragic and triumphant, and I couldn't help but feel for him as he’s forced to confront his past and face the consequences of his actions.

The plot is full of twists and turns, and the magical trial that forces Adrian to confront every hidden secret kept me on the edge of my seat. There were moments that were absolutely heartbreaking, but also moments that were pure brilliance in how they explored human nature, guilt, and redemption.

This book was everything—gritty, emotional, and beautifully written. If you're looking for a story that will stay with you long after the last page, this is it!
40 reviews
August 18, 2024
Wow. Just wow. This was my first grimdark novel and it blew me away! All others will now have to live up to it! The attention to details, character development and over story telling are just incredible.

Addie “Fancy” Francis is a rough and tumble anti-hero. Ripped from the upper echelon as a child, he and his mother find themselves in the crime ridden underbelly of Oxzia. After a bloody run in with the kings Bladesworn, Fancy is recruited into their ranks instead of facing the gallows.

This story follows Fancy as he navigates lust, unrequited feelings, betrayal and loss. How much can one person take before they become the very thing everyone fears them to be?

With its unique magic system, compelling story telling and character you love to hate; Death and Debauchery is sure to be become a cult classic!!
60 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2024
Wow! It’s been a while since a fantasy has gripped me the way this story did! This book has the perfect balance of fantasy, mystery, smut, and court politics.

I found myself feeling all the the things right along with our main character. Adrian isn’t the perfect hero, he makes bad choices….but damn if the author doesn’t make the reader sympathize with every last one of them.

The character development is fantastic. I love how nobody in this book is purely good or evil, but rather varying shades of grey. The story is well written and flows well. I finished the entire book in two days!

Literally my only complaint about this book is I want more! I need to know more about all the surrounding lands and a few mysteries about the land this story took place in. I will definitely be reading the other books this author has written, as it looks like they are set in the same world!
2 reviews
July 10, 2024
I emphatically love this book from start to finish. I cannot recommend this book enough. I could not put this book down and once the story ended a part of me wanted to start the book over to go right back into the world this author created. The storytelling is next level with descriptors that pull you into each page with a death grip that firmly holds you so you feel as though you're the shadow of Francis experiencing every shite card he is dealt is so rare from an author. In Francis, you will find an anti-hero that you can root for. This is in no way a traditional love story but something more. It feels real. Take a chance and fall in love with a beautifully broken but deadly talented manhoe.
Profile Image for Jordan Rieger.
1 review
August 18, 2024
I just got into ARC reading and this was the first one that I have read. I have to say that I really enjoyed it.

The author took a great deal of time to add in many intricate details that not only help you see and understand what is going on, but make it come to life. This story involves love, pain, and so much more. There are some slightly saucy bits but nothing that would seem like unnecessary of pornographic like.

It is a VERY long book. It is a marathon of a read, but it was absolutely worth every bit of that read. I would like to add this trigger warning that there is a scene without consent.

Overall, I would be delighted to read anything from this author again in the future. And I hope you enjoy it just as much as I have.
Profile Image for Jen B.
595 reviews7 followers
August 19, 2024
This was completely gripping. I stayed up far, far too late last night reading this (start early in the day when you have a whole day!) This isn't my usual reading genre, nor do I typically like a first person narrative (it usually seems forced and inauthentic to me) but that was *not* the case here. The narrator had a very convincing and authentic voice.
This story was gritty, grim, dark and nothing but the 1st person narrative would do here. I won't say anymore about the story so that you can discover it for yourself. Do give it a try even if it's a stretch for you.
Very well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ransom's  Reads.
63 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2024
In this book I was transported to another world and lived the slum life with Jean, the high life with Bishop, the sensual life with Erajess, the dark and mysterious life with Desmond and ultimately the hard life with Fancy. This wasn't your run of the mill mystery or romance, this story tells of a boy that had nothing, he made a name for himself with blood, he discovered who he was from close friends, enemies and mentors, from the things he gained and the things he lost. This book has definitely made its way into my top 10 of all time favorites. 5 stars all the way around!
Profile Image for Read With Lorena.
17 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2024
The story of Adrian/Francis and his “fractures” was definitely a page-turner. It was an engaging and vivid story that kept me hooked.
My heart broke for Francis as we learn of the pain and heartbreak he experienced throughout his life, which started at such a young age. However, the hope for “tomorrow” provides a promising and uplifting touch.

I would absolutely love a sequel or a short story learn more about what happens after the ending!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dawn Darla .
195 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2024
This is a dark fantasy that tells the story of the life of a man with unique powers and so much heartbreak. It was beautifully written, but is not for the faint of heart. Definitely not all rainbows and roses with this one, but that doesn’t take away from the story it tells.

Every time I put this book down, I found myself
wondering what was in store for Francis next. Dude couldn’t catch a break.

I do have some unanswered questions, but they don’t take away from enjoyment of the book. I’m so glad I ordered the special edition via kickstarter!
Profile Image for Christina Yau.
413 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2024
This was a rollercoaster of an emotional ride! You will literally feel a wide spectrum of emotions and I felt like I was going through what they did as it happened. The magic system is very intriguing! ✨✨✨✨✨ dark fantasy! I absolutely loved the characters in this book! The definition of morally grey fits the characters and theme of the book! The world building was perfection! This is the tale of Fancy and it's a must read!
46 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2024
"Death and Debauchery" by Melissa McCrackin is a gripping exploration of the human experience, blending dark themes with sharp wit and insightful commentary. McCrackin’s writing captivates with its vivid imagery and complex characters, drawing readers into a world where the line between morality and hedonism blurs. The narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for those who appreciate literary depth wrapped in engaging storytelling. Highly recommend!

Profile Image for Kat M.
5,249 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2024
I was hooked from the cover and description, and enjoyed how strong everything worked together to tell the story. The characters worked well in this universe and was engaged with what was happening in this darker story. I enjoyed the way M.A. McCrackin wrote this and can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bookish Venturess.
902 reviews17 followers
August 29, 2024
This was a good book. The characters are beyond amazing. The world that they are in is also built so well. I definitely hope there will be another book. I loved following Fancy through his story. It was happy and sad and then hopeful all at once. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for an action-packed, steamy, heartbreaking, and growth story.
Profile Image for Amii Richards.
172 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2024
Make sure you clear a weekend for reading this book. It was so difficult to put down; I finished it in 3 days. The writing is smooth, the characters are rich, and the plot engaging. There is potential for deeper spin offs. The author does an excellent job balancing the characters through out. The story does put me in the mind of the Gentlemen Bastards.
Profile Image for Lynda Dickey.
59 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2025
An incredibly rich adventure

This tale was highly recommended by a friend. It begins with an impossible situation and flashes back to review a life of difficulties, trouble, strife, and evil. The roller coaster of a narrative is so hard to put down, the adventure just becomes more amazing.
Profile Image for Liz_Dolphin70_Reads.
246 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!! I loved how it wasn’t a typical romance that you read about, it had heart. It had excitement, adventure of magic. It had everything. I loved it from the cover to the end. I would highly recommend this book.!!
Profile Image for Chayna.
309 reviews
August 20, 2024
I love a good story with magic and this one didn’t disappoint. I throughly enjoyed reading and learning more about the MMCs character and everything that took place in his life to make him who he is. Every new detail that was uncovered had me on edge and wanting more.
Profile Image for Kim.
34 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
Deeply complex, morally gray characters. Unique story that uses magic to highlight the human condition.

Check content warnings.
1 review
August 4, 2024
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!! From highs to lows, you feel every emotion. Couldn't WAIT to read the next chapter. Didn't want the book to end!!! MY NEW FAVORITE AUTHOR!!! 50 million stars for this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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