⚠️ WARNING: This book will steal your sleep. Once you enter Raelynn’s world, you won’t be able to put it down. Raelynn Occishian was only eight when fire stole her parents and left her branded insane. For ten long years, she’s been trapped inside white asylum walls, her only comfort her best friend Lisa. But when a hidden iron door reveals a prisoner with icy blue eyes—and a past soaked in blood—Raelynn makes the one choice that shatters her reality. Now Lisa is missing. The Fae realm Lisa always whispered about is real. And to survive it, Raelynn must become the weapon her father trained her to be. Her first step? Enrolling in the infamous Noctis Academy for Assassins , where every trial is deadly, allies turn traitor, and monsters lurk in the shadows. Bound to the Shadow Serpent—an assassin as dangerous as he is intoxicating—Raelynn is dragged into a web of betrayals, forbidden magic, and a war that could consume both realms. She has a king to kill. A crown to take. And a darkness inside her that refuses to stay buried. ⚔️ Expect: Deadly trials and a brutal academy where failure means death - Fae assassins, forbidden magic, and creatures born from nightmares - Betrayals that cut deeper than blades—you won’t know who to trust - A dangerously irresistible, morally grey love interest who might ruin you - Twists that will leave you gasping and clawing for the next page Perfect for readers who crave dark romantasy filled with assassins, deadly intrigue, and a slow-burn, dangerous romance. Reader beware: Don’t start Rusted Crowns before bed—unless you’re ready to lose sleep, because once you enter this world, you won’t escape until the final page. Step into the shadows, trust no one, and discover a world that will consume you. Grab your copy of Rusted Crowns today—and don’t plan on sleeping tonight. 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! 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. 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. 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.