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 The Crimson Throne 

by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis




A Royal Betrayal, Ancient Magic, and a Wall That Keeps the Monsters Out… Until It Doesn’t.

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, releasing October 7, 2025, is a lush, magic-infused fantasy set against the misty backdrop of Scotland’s royal courts and shadowy wilds. As a fan of the duo’s previous collaborations, I went into this book expecting another five-star read—and while it didn’t quite reach that mark for me, there’s still plenty to admire.

The story opens strong with a captivating premise: Alyth, a powerful Fae protector born to defend Scotland, serves the Seelie Court and has spent her life guarding the wall that holds back the brutal, banished Red Caps—creatures who grow stronger with every act of violence. These aren’t just monsters; they’re war-forged nightmares, and if they ever breach the wall, all of Scotland is at risk.

Set in a version of our world where magic remains hidden from humans (except for Fae, who walk among them unnoticed), the novel focuses on the young and vulnerable Queen Mary of Scotland. Newly married to Darnley, a leth (low Fae) from England, and pregnant with her first child, Mary is suddenly betrayed in the most horrifying way—her husband attempts to assassinate her with a Red Cap weapon.

This betrayal sets everything in motion. Alyth, sensing something deeply wrong, begins a dangerous quest to discover if the wall has been breached. Though she finds no cracks, the threat is rising—and it’s clear the Red Caps are already making moves from within.

On her return to Stirling Castle, Alyth crosses paths with a mysterious man posing as a nobleman attending the prince’s christening. Distrust simmers between them, but tension gives way to reluctant alliance—and eventually something more. But can she truly trust him? Or is he yet another pawn in a deeper game?

As secrets unravel, Alyth and her new ally embark on a race against time to uncover Darnley’s full plan: Who is he working with? How many Red Cap weapons has he smuggled into Scotland? And when will the next attempt on the crown be made?

Here’s what worked:

  • The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric, rooted in Celtic lore but accessible and cinematic. The presence of Red Caps adds a constant undercurrent of danger.
  • Alyth is a strong protagonist, duty-bound yet emotionally complex, and her growth throughout the book is compelling.
  • The final quarter of the book is fantastic— explosive, twisty, and full of the payoff you’ve been waiting for.

What didn’t work as well for me:

  • The middle of the book drags. While I understand the need for setup in a series starter, some parts felt padded, and the pacing lost its momentum.
  • The romance, while intriguing, could’ve used more tension and depth earlier on to feel truly earned by the end.

Final thoughts:
The Crimson Throne is a strong start to what promises to be an epic series. While it has some pacing issues in the middle, the world is immersive, the lore is sharp, and the ending delivers a satisfying punch. If you’re a fan of court politics, dark magic, and slow-burn intrigue with high stakes, this book is absolutely worth a read.

I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel—because the Red Caps aren’t done yet. And neither is Alyth.


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