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Rusted Crowns
Raelynn Occishian was only eight when a mysterious fire killed her parents; her frantic claims about ravens, blue flames, and a horned man landed her in an asylum, branded a murderer.
After ten years in the white-walled monotony of her medication-tinged reality, her only escape is her best friend, Lisa. But when a fight sends Raya crashing towards a rusted iron door, a prisoner with an otherworldly pair of icy blue eyes—and an infamous past as the Shadow Serpent assassin—entices her to free him.
The moment she obliges, her world begins to unravel. When Lisa goes missing, Raya’s world collides with the Fae realm that her best friend had long-proclaimed real. To uncover the secrets of her past and save her, Raelynn must become the deadly weapon her father had raised her to be. Reluctantly allied with the Serpent she can’t seem to shake, Raya has a king to kill and a crown to take.
Her first step? Enrolling in the Noctis Academy for Assassins, where you either graduate an Elite, or die trying.
After ten years in the white-walled monotony of her medication-tinged reality, her only escape is her best friend, Lisa. But when a fight sends Raya crashing towards a rusted iron door, a prisoner with an otherworldly pair of icy blue eyes—and an infamous past as the Shadow Serpent assassin—entices her to free him.
The moment she obliges, her world begins to unravel. When Lisa goes missing, Raya’s world collides with the Fae realm that her best friend had long-proclaimed real. To uncover the secrets of her past and save her, Raelynn must become the deadly weapon her father had raised her to be. Reluctantly allied with the Serpent she can’t seem to shake, Raya has a king to kill and a crown to take.
Her first step? Enrolling in the Noctis Academy for Assassins, where you either graduate an Elite, or die trying.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 23, 2025
At first glance, "Rusted Crowns" seemed like it would follow the familiar tropes of the romantasy genre—lovers entwined in a tale as old as time. Yet, as I delved deeper, I found myself pleasantly surprised by its unique charm and depth. This beautifully crafted story took me on a journey that was anything but predictable, proving it may even outshine its contemporaries.
The characters are refreshingly relatable, each grappling with their own desires and dilemmas, making them feel like friends rather than mere fictional figures. While the spice factor leans towards a modest 0.5, the plot is rich and engaging enough to keep my attention riveted from start to finish. And let's not forget Kieran—welcome to the Shadow Daddy Club, our new favorite brooding hero!
A heartfelt thank you to the author for this incredible reading experience and for including me in the ARC team. I can hardly wait for book two! "Rusted Crowns" is a must-read for fans of the genre and will stay with me long after the last page has turned. 🥰💜
The characters are refreshingly relatable, each grappling with their own desires and dilemmas, making them feel like friends rather than mere fictional figures. While the spice factor leans towards a modest 0.5, the plot is rich and engaging enough to keep my attention riveted from start to finish. And let's not forget Kieran—welcome to the Shadow Daddy Club, our new favorite brooding hero!
A heartfelt thank you to the author for this incredible reading experience and for including me in the ARC team. I can hardly wait for book two! "Rusted Crowns" is a must-read for fans of the genre and will stay with me long after the last page has turned. 🥰💜
August 14, 2025
ARC Review - first of all wow, I devoured this book in 24 hours, it is extremely fast paced!
At first there was that much going on in this book I was like is this too much? The answer is no. This book keeps you locked in from page 1. It has, self discovery, betrayals, forbidden magic, hidden identities, brutal fights, questionable love interests, court intrigue, forgotten memories, touch her and die vibes and I really enjoyed it!
Only given 4 stars instead of 5 because there's some scenes that I just wanted a little bit more from like a bit more of an in depth picture. But this book is perfect for the fantasy girlies that want a quick read, help out of a reading slump or for anyone taking the first steps into fantasy
At first there was that much going on in this book I was like is this too much? The answer is no. This book keeps you locked in from page 1. It has, self discovery, betrayals, forbidden magic, hidden identities, brutal fights, questionable love interests, court intrigue, forgotten memories, touch her and die vibes and I really enjoyed it!
Only given 4 stars instead of 5 because there's some scenes that I just wanted a little bit more from like a bit more of an in depth picture. But this book is perfect for the fantasy girlies that want a quick read, help out of a reading slump or for anyone taking the first steps into fantasy
August 30, 2025
ARC review;
First of all, I ate this book up! Such a good book for people who are beginners of fantasy, or readers that are needing to get out of a reading slump, or just people looking for a book that is all about world building and that is fast paced. This is the one for you.
I read this book in 2 days, to say I devoured this book is an understatement.
This book kept me hooked from page 1
The FMC is on a journey of self discovery from getting accused of murdering her parents to being in an asylum for years.
Let’s not forget about the dangerous, dark, and mysterious MMC
“You’ve become my burning escape path in a world drowned in shadows” Kieran
This book has everything from forbidden magic to memory loss. Every part of this book had me wanting to delve deeper! I honestly did not want to put it down and I genuinely hope there is a book 2 because I need the story to keep going, I felt connected to the characters in this book as they were so relatable..
Both characters are on a journey of self discovery while trying to heal from past trauma, both are wanting answers regarding their past.
This book will have you in a choke hold like nothing else.
First of all, I ate this book up! Such a good book for people who are beginners of fantasy, or readers that are needing to get out of a reading slump, or just people looking for a book that is all about world building and that is fast paced. This is the one for you.
I read this book in 2 days, to say I devoured this book is an understatement.
This book kept me hooked from page 1
The FMC is on a journey of self discovery from getting accused of murdering her parents to being in an asylum for years.
Let’s not forget about the dangerous, dark, and mysterious MMC
“You’ve become my burning escape path in a world drowned in shadows” Kieran
This book has everything from forbidden magic to memory loss. Every part of this book had me wanting to delve deeper! I honestly did not want to put it down and I genuinely hope there is a book 2 because I need the story to keep going, I felt connected to the characters in this book as they were so relatable..
Both characters are on a journey of self discovery while trying to heal from past trauma, both are wanting answers regarding their past.
This book will have you in a choke hold like nothing else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
This is a good book.The story is really well put together. It’s full of things like hidden memories, forbidden magic, secret identities, betrayal, intrigue, love, monsters, and so much more. And then you have Raelynn who is a girl marked by tragedy, struggling with broken memories, and searching for answers she may never find.
Can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your team. 🌺❤️
Can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your team. 🌺❤️
September 7, 2025
Wow, just finished this book, and I'm still reeling! Seriously, I couldn't put it down for a second. It had everything you could possibly hope for in a good fantasy story. The world-building was amazing, and the characters were so well-developed. I'm already itching for the next one!
(ARC reader)
(ARC reader)
August 16, 2025
honestly an overall good book. i am curious as to what happens next and I do think i will read it again
But overal its not exactly memorable. i can remember things in books i read months ago but this im struggling to remember the plot. i do remember that i liked it though
But overal its not exactly memorable. i can remember things in books i read months ago but this im struggling to remember the plot. i do remember that i liked it though
August 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I liked the writing style and the pace of the book! Had you wanting to know more from the start it’s the type of book once you start you don’t want to put it down
August 9, 2025
while I definitely enjoyed aspects of this book I felt like it was trying to be a little too much. Fae, monsters, academia, romance, trials. I feel like it jumped about so much it became a little confusing in places.
that said I did like the FMC and MMC and their banter and relationship.
not for me but certainly not terrible.
that said I did like the FMC and MMC and their banter and relationship.
not for me but certainly not terrible.
July 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, intense, completely addictive, and will have you in serious emotional turmoil. This fantasy debut delivers!
Rusted Crowns by Raven K. Storm is a gripping journey through chaos, trauma, and the unraveling of a mysterious destiny. From the very first chapter, the story throws you into a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, sanity and illusion. When the cover said "trapped in an asylum" did I think real world asylum, nope! I will say I had a bit of a hard time following things in the beginning, but I think that may have been part of the authors point. I'm so glad I stuck with it because the ending was everything!
Raya is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while. She’s labeled a sociopath, haunted by trauma, and yet continually fights to protect the few people she loves. She is fierce and Raven K Storm masterfully balances her internal battles with the brutal external stakes. As she’s forced to navigate hidden realms, deadly trials, and dangerous alliances, her resilience and grit shine through. The world-building is immersive, darkly magical, and laced with suspense that keeps you turning the pages. I speak from experience when I say this book kept me up until well past midnight on more than one occasion.
Every time I thought I knew where it was headed, it surprised me. The emotional stakes are very intense, the twists are bold, and the tension never lets up. With layered characters, morally grey choices, and a slow-burning bond at the heart of it all, this book had me hooked. The plot twists had my jaw on the floor!!!! The pacing was perfect, and every chapter builds on the tension until it all explodes in an ending that will make you feel all the feels!
Dark, intense, completely addictive, and will have you in serious emotional turmoil. This fantasy debut delivers!
Rusted Crowns by Raven K. Storm is a gripping journey through chaos, trauma, and the unraveling of a mysterious destiny. From the very first chapter, the story throws you into a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, sanity and illusion. When the cover said "trapped in an asylum" did I think real world asylum, nope! I will say I had a bit of a hard time following things in the beginning, but I think that may have been part of the authors point. I'm so glad I stuck with it because the ending was everything!
Raya is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a while. She’s labeled a sociopath, haunted by trauma, and yet continually fights to protect the few people she loves. She is fierce and Raven K Storm masterfully balances her internal battles with the brutal external stakes. As she’s forced to navigate hidden realms, deadly trials, and dangerous alliances, her resilience and grit shine through. The world-building is immersive, darkly magical, and laced with suspense that keeps you turning the pages. I speak from experience when I say this book kept me up until well past midnight on more than one occasion.
Every time I thought I knew where it was headed, it surprised me. The emotional stakes are very intense, the twists are bold, and the tension never lets up. With layered characters, morally grey choices, and a slow-burning bond at the heart of it all, this book had me hooked. The plot twists had my jaw on the floor!!!! The pacing was perfect, and every chapter builds on the tension until it all explodes in an ending that will make you feel all the feels!
July 28, 2025
This book pulled me in from the start, it had everything I look for in a fantasy: the world building was awesome, to start with we meet Raya in an Asylum as she’s a “sociopath” but all is not as it seems, whilst there she discovers a hidden door and a dark brooding shadow man- Enter Kieran
the plot was great, when I thought I knew what trajectory this book was taking I was swiped from the front, back, side until I didn’t know which way was up, it kept me guessing and that’s hard to do.
Kieran and Raya were brilliantly written and the slow burn, yearning was fantastic, Alice grew on me and Zack, at one point I didn’t know who I wanted our FMC to fall for.
This book was full of twists and turns, and overflowing with morally grey choices, the shared trauma, the emotion, the trials, the political intrigue and that ending.!
Never in a million years did I see that coming.
I cannot wait to see what this author writes in the future.
Lastly thank you to Raven for my ARC of this book, it was freely given for an honest review.
the plot was great, when I thought I knew what trajectory this book was taking I was swiped from the front, back, side until I didn’t know which way was up, it kept me guessing and that’s hard to do.
Kieran and Raya were brilliantly written and the slow burn, yearning was fantastic, Alice grew on me and Zack, at one point I didn’t know who I wanted our FMC to fall for.
This book was full of twists and turns, and overflowing with morally grey choices, the shared trauma, the emotion, the trials, the political intrigue and that ending.!
Never in a million years did I see that coming.
I cannot wait to see what this author writes in the future.
Lastly thank you to Raven for my ARC of this book, it was freely given for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
First of all thank you so much to Raven, this book was absolutely amazing!
To me this book was 3.75 stars and I rounded it to 4!
The story follows Raya, Kieran and others and I must say Raya is my favourite! She's such a relatable character and I loved her! The story also hooks you in immediately and it's not a very long book so you can finish this in one day like I did 😉
The plot is very strong, original and nothing like usual fantasy books. I loved reading this book and I could tell there was thought into it!
I personally wished to connect to it a bit more, but honestly that's on me as I'm a bit picky! My rating shouldn't reflect how well the book is, my words on this review do. Because I'm a little picky as I've mentioned 😅
Here are my favourite quotes! (there's amazing writing in this book too!)
"I want to be madness and death. I want to stand as your mate and reduce to ashes anyone bold enough to challenge you "
"Its perfume can create hallucinations, lust, want...All limitations of power.
Overall, such an amazing book and I'm so grateful to have received this copy earlier on. Thank you Raven, I see a bright future ahead and I wish you all the success and best! 💞🫶
To me this book was 3.75 stars and I rounded it to 4!
The story follows Raya, Kieran and others and I must say Raya is my favourite! She's such a relatable character and I loved her! The story also hooks you in immediately and it's not a very long book so you can finish this in one day like I did 😉
The plot is very strong, original and nothing like usual fantasy books. I loved reading this book and I could tell there was thought into it!
I personally wished to connect to it a bit more, but honestly that's on me as I'm a bit picky! My rating shouldn't reflect how well the book is, my words on this review do. Because I'm a little picky as I've mentioned 😅
Here are my favourite quotes! (there's amazing writing in this book too!)
"I want to be madness and death. I want to stand as your mate and reduce to ashes anyone bold enough to challenge you "
"Its perfume can create hallucinations, lust, want...All limitations of power.
Overall, such an amazing book and I'm so grateful to have received this copy earlier on. Thank you Raven, I see a bright future ahead and I wish you all the success and best! 💞🫶
August 25, 2025
ARC read… and I’m not gonna lie — I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. I am curious to know what happens afterward, so I’ll probably end up reading the sequel, even if I’ll most likely have to reread book 1 by the time it comes out.
Overall not bad, but also not overly memorable, and it’s unlikely this book will make it into my top list of recommendations.
Overall not bad, but also not overly memorable, and it’s unlikely this book will make it into my top list of recommendations.
July 23, 2025
read it in one go, interesting story, it kept me reading. the world building is very good, very easy to feel as if you are right there. the characters are well written and I liked how the story progressed.
thank you for this amazing ARC!
thank you for this amazing ARC!
July 17, 2025
Very intriguing plot, I finished it all in one go. Interesting characters and genuinely expert worldbuilding. It is very easy to immerse yourself and feel how Raya feels. Can't reveal much more about my favourite moments. Amazing job by Raven K. Storm. A very dynamic debut book. Can't wait to see what comes next.
September 16, 2025
Any Prologue that starts with the protagonist feeling the need to make a plastic shiv earns my full attention.
Make no mistake about it, Rusted Crowns by Raven K Storm is brutal. It’s also so much more than that, but we’ll get to that later.
Storm is a complete pro. I’ve been reading Dragon Romance and Academy novels lately, and this is really good. He writes with incredible style and a well-thought-out approach, with a unique feature I personally enjoyed -the short story chapters within the chapters or flashbacks, if you will.
The slow burn trope with the Shadow Serpent, the protagonist frees from prison, is quite titillating if I say so myself. Storm definitely knows how to write dialogue.
It's the kind of book you finish, then go back and start all over again because you're in awe, wondering, was this book as good as I think it is? It was like sampling your new favorite ice cream at the shop.
Rusted Crowns is a brutal and tasty read. A sensational novel.
Make no mistake about it, Rusted Crowns by Raven K Storm is brutal. It’s also so much more than that, but we’ll get to that later.
Storm is a complete pro. I’ve been reading Dragon Romance and Academy novels lately, and this is really good. He writes with incredible style and a well-thought-out approach, with a unique feature I personally enjoyed -the short story chapters within the chapters or flashbacks, if you will.
The slow burn trope with the Shadow Serpent, the protagonist frees from prison, is quite titillating if I say so myself. Storm definitely knows how to write dialogue.
It's the kind of book you finish, then go back and start all over again because you're in awe, wondering, was this book as good as I think it is? It was like sampling your new favorite ice cream at the shop.
Rusted Crowns is a brutal and tasty read. A sensational novel.
September 2, 2025
I had such a good time reading this one! Rusted Crowns is a dark fantasy packed with fae, monsters, academia, dangerous trials, and just the right amount of romance.
Raya was such a standout FMC—fierce, flawed, and carrying the weight of her parents’ deaths while still fighting for the people she loves. I really enjoyed her sharp, banter-filled dynamic with the MMC. Their push-and-pull made the story so much fun to read.
The world felt immersive and the trials kept the tension high. There are definitely darker themes, but they were balanced out by the witty exchanges and the sparks of romance.
Overall, this was a solid 4⭐️ read for me, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out. Fans of dark fantasy with morally complex heroines and a dash of romance should add this to their TBR!
Raya was such a standout FMC—fierce, flawed, and carrying the weight of her parents’ deaths while still fighting for the people she loves. I really enjoyed her sharp, banter-filled dynamic with the MMC. Their push-and-pull made the story so much fun to read.
The world felt immersive and the trials kept the tension high. There are definitely darker themes, but they were balanced out by the witty exchanges and the sparks of romance.
Overall, this was a solid 4⭐️ read for me, and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out. Fans of dark fantasy with morally complex heroines and a dash of romance should add this to their TBR!
September 17, 2025
✨ ARC Review: Rusted Crowns ✨
So I was a little late getting to this ARC (life happens 😅), but I finally finished it!
This book had everything:
📚 Dark academia vibes
🧚♀️ Fey, monsters & missing princesses
👑 Kings fighting for power
💔 Battles, death & secrets
💫 A mortal girl who doesn’t know who she is… and yes, mates
It honestly felt like the story had everything thrown in at once, which made it hard to stay fully focused sometimes. That said, it did feel like the story wrapped up nicely, even though there’s a sequel coming.
I didn’t love it, but I definitely didn’t hate it. A solid fantasy read with lots of tropes packed in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
So I was a little late getting to this ARC (life happens 😅), but I finally finished it!
This book had everything:
📚 Dark academia vibes
🧚♀️ Fey, monsters & missing princesses
👑 Kings fighting for power
💔 Battles, death & secrets
💫 A mortal girl who doesn’t know who she is… and yes, mates
It honestly felt like the story had everything thrown in at once, which made it hard to stay fully focused sometimes. That said, it did feel like the story wrapped up nicely, even though there’s a sequel coming.
I didn’t love it, but I definitely didn’t hate it. A solid fantasy read with lots of tropes packed in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
August 4, 2025
Amazing book, full of twists and turns. The slow intense burn and yearning between the MMC and MFC was perfect, The Shadow Serpent, Kieran. Mysterious, dark, brooding and dangerous, with that glint in his eyes and a smirk to leave you questioning your own name. Raelynn, is a fierce, brave and protective FMC. Both are dealing with past traumas whilst on this painful yet beautiful journey together of revenge and answers to the past. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, wrong. Huge curveball. You are kept questioning each person’s motive which makes this book addictive and captivating. The story had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more.
“You’ve become my burning escape path in a world drowned in shadows; I can’t let you go easily”.
Thank you, Raven, for having me as part of your arc team. With it being my first one it was such a pleasure to read a beautifully written book. I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
“You’ve become my burning escape path in a world drowned in shadows; I can’t let you go easily”.
Thank you, Raven, for having me as part of your arc team. With it being my first one it was such a pleasure to read a beautifully written book. I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
August 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From beginning to end I never knew what was going to happen! There were so many plot twist that kept me guessing.
I adored Raelynn and all of her personality traits, she’s strong and steadfast especially when it comes to her goals any those she cares about. And the shadow serpent? I love him, and how unabashedly he is. 100% worth the read and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone!
I adored Raelynn and all of her personality traits, she’s strong and steadfast especially when it comes to her goals any those she cares about. And the shadow serpent? I love him, and how unabashedly he is. 100% worth the read and I can’t wait to recommend it to everyone!
August 2, 2025
I felt a little disconnected from the characters at first but I was intrigued from the start and continued with it and by the end wow! The FMC is amazing! I love a twist and turn and bloody hell did this book have it. I would deffo recommend this to anyone!
September 12, 2025
This book has everything a Romantasy should have: intrigue, adventure, mystery, magic and of course delicious romance!
I loved the characters and their arc. If you're looking for your next fantasy romance. Look no further!
I loved the characters and their arc. If you're looking for your next fantasy romance. Look no further!
January 20, 2026
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the direction of the story. I did get confused a lot and I needed to reread a few scenes. I don’t really know what it was but the movie in my head kept changing because it didn’t flow as easy and it was predictable.
July 31, 2025
The characters are so relatable! The story was immersive with many plot twists.
Kieran 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
With that ending I can't wait for the second book 🫠
Kieran 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
With that ending I can't wait for the second book 🫠
January 12, 2026
Magic? ✅
Slow Burn? ✅
Academy? ✅
Trials? ✅
A MMC that would do anything for her?✅
Action? ✅
He has a name for her? ✅
Beautifully written interludes? ✅
So many tropes beautifully engaged in this book💐
Slow Burn? ✅
Academy? ✅
Trials? ✅
A MMC that would do anything for her?✅
Action? ✅
He has a name for her? ✅
Beautifully written interludes? ✅
So many tropes beautifully engaged in this book💐
December 29, 2025
Rusted Crowns by Raven K. Storm had me hooked from the very beginning. We meet Raelynn in an Asylum, accused of murdering her parents—but nothing is as straightforward as it seems. While trapped there, she discovers a hidden door and behind it, the shadow serpent, Kieran. From the moment she frees him, the story takes off into a whirlwind of secrets, revelations, and dark adventure.
The plot was original, mysterious, and full of twists. I loved the intrigue and the way the author constantly kept me guessing. The pacing was fast, almost breathless at times—though occasionally I wished it slowed down just enough to give me a little more depth and detail. Raelynn wasn’t always the easiest character for me to connect with, but Kieran completely stole the show, adding that perfect mix of danger and allure.
This book was brimming with atmosphere, secrets, and morally grey choices. It felt fresh, compelling, and kept me turning the pages quickly. And that ending—absolutely unexpected and it left me completely stunned. I never saw it coming, and it has me desperate to know what comes next.
While the writing style sometimes felt a little chaotic for me, overall this was an engaging and original read that fantasy lovers should definitely check out.
I’m excited to see what Raven K. Storm will create next!
The plot was original, mysterious, and full of twists. I loved the intrigue and the way the author constantly kept me guessing. The pacing was fast, almost breathless at times—though occasionally I wished it slowed down just enough to give me a little more depth and detail. Raelynn wasn’t always the easiest character for me to connect with, but Kieran completely stole the show, adding that perfect mix of danger and allure.
This book was brimming with atmosphere, secrets, and morally grey choices. It felt fresh, compelling, and kept me turning the pages quickly. And that ending—absolutely unexpected and it left me completely stunned. I never saw it coming, and it has me desperate to know what comes next.
While the writing style sometimes felt a little chaotic for me, overall this was an engaging and original read that fantasy lovers should definitely check out.
I’m excited to see what Raven K. Storm will create next!
September 6, 2025
I enjoyed the story, world Building is good, magic is nice, but it didn't grab me profoundly..
Fae, monsters, academy, romance.. it's all there, well written, good flow, nice action, .. but for me personally it lacked depth.. but a nice read none the less
Fae, monsters, academy, romance.. it's all there, well written, good flow, nice action, .. but for me personally it lacked depth.. but a nice read none the less
December 31, 2025
Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews