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A review by mythicalreadsreviewer
A Crown of Deceit & Ruin by Jessaca Willis
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ARC provided by R&R Book Tours. All thoughts are my own.
A Crown of Deceit & Ruin is the kind of book that quietly builds its power. What starts as a fairy-tale-tinged escape story becomes something much deeper, more politically charged, and emotionally layered than expected. Jessaca Willis has crafted a compelling series opener that feels like it’s laying the groundwork for something even bigger to come.
Kestrel’s naivety is one of the most cleverly used tools in the story. Because she’s been hidden away, we get to uncover the world right alongside her. Instead of feeling like we’re being given a lore dump, we’re being led into discovery. The worldbuilding flows naturally, giving us just enough to stay oriented while still maintaining a sense of mystery and slow-reveal.
This is a character-driven book first and foremost, and that’s where it shines. Kestrel and Elora are both heartbreakingly flawed in ways that make sense. Kestrel’s ignorance isn’t a fault so much as a consequence of her upbringing, and watching her fumble through social missteps and dangerous choices is painful in a way that feels very real. Elora, on the other hand, is so painfully aware of her lack of freedom that her every move carries a sense of tension, even when she’s outwardly calm. That contrast between them is what gives the slow-burn romance its weight! It never feels forced or rushed, and it builds slowly in a way that feels authentic and earned.
I also appreciated that the morally grey characters in this book felt genuinely complex...not just edgy for the sake of romantic appeal. Every character, especially my favs Thom and Micah, felt like they were doing the best they could within terrible circumstances, which added a rich emotional texture to the narrative. And while Leighton might be a fan favorite for some, I found myself wanting to launch him at a monster and let nature take its course. Personal taste though.
The pacing does start off a little slow but ramps up about a third of the way through, and from that point, it keeps a steady rhythm. The ending left me gasping, and not just because of the emotional stakes, but because I didn’t want the story to stop. I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book.