The Tricksters Deception by Serena Knights

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️

I have never read a book that I felt so immersed in. I truly did not want this book to end. Every night for several weeks when chores were done and my kids were asleep, I’d grab my paperback of The Tricksters Deception and escape from my reality into Skiora. I felt like an active participant in the adventure/quest of Tia, Corvu, and Gecko. 

There is truly never a dull moment in this story. There is action, battle, betrayal around every corner with splashes of comedy to make sure the story doesn't weigh the reader down. It's a truly impressive balance. I mean, this is a story of a girl who is ripped from the world she knows and is hunted by several magical creatures in this new world but somehow Serena wrote the story in such a way that the drama and adventure is woven with sweet moments, romantic tension, silliness, sarcasm, and playful moments. The Tricksters Deception has a little of everything. 

Beware Spoilers Ahead

When I say this was immersive, what I mean is the world building here was perfection. For me, the tone for the world building was set early with The Tooth’s Keep: 

“The tavern itself wrapped around us like a living thing–cozy and welcoming, yet humming with an undercurrent of untamed energy. The warm glow of candlelight cast dancing shadows along the wooden walls, illuminating old nicks and carvings etched into the beams by patrons long gone. The air carried the scent of spiced ale, woodsmoke, and something faintly sweet–perhaps baked apples cooling behind the bar. Laughter rose and fell in waves from nearby tables, blending with the low murmur of conversation to create a pleasant, steady hum that vibrated through the floorboards. Every so often, a burst of louder amusement broke free, followed by the clink of tankards meeting in cheers.” 

• Excerpt written by Serena Knights, The Trickster’s Deception Ch: Morning After pg 65

Every scene is set such that I am there and because the story is centered around a journey from Skiora to the capitol there are many different locations and scenery described allow the reader to experience it all the same as Tia. Serena chose such unique and creative ways to paint landscapes, taverns, creatures, forest, and castle. In addition to the stunning details of the world Serena created, she also has artwork in the hard copy of the book (which I LOVE). 

Although the story is focused primarily on Tia (the story is from her POV), she pairs early on with  Gecko and Corvu and they are truly THE MOST UNLIKELY trio. Tricksters and Pixies have bad blood with each other and Tia is a human who was transported from New York. It doesn’t take long for this trio to become a ride or die. On their course to the capitol, they run into MANY instances of battle where they truly are protecting each other. The found family vibes here are so strong.

One of my favorite scenes in the whole book is when Tia, Corvu and Gecko encounter the giant. This was probably the most tense I felt the entire story, which says something because there are many battles. I think part of the stress of this moment was the giant could and would do so much damage and he didn’t even realize the trio was in the forest. Just resting, taking a break from the travel and boom near death experience. BUT of course it cannot end there, one of the group gets taken by the giant and the other two must navigate the delicate rescue situation. Anxiety level to the max. However, it is in this moment that the ride or die is solidified. We will not leave you behind, if you die I die, etc. Love, stress, tension, chef’s kiss.

Now, Tia this poor girl gets her whole world rocked, ending up transported to another realm and targeted for the amulet. Lucky for her she ends up with the aforementioned duo who help teach her about this realm and how to survive. One of the funniest ‘lessons’ was unintentional about how to survive on less food because residents of Skiora don't eat 3 squares a day, and as a human in our realm who eats 3+ meals a day, I would clearly die of starvation in Skiora. Tia stays shockingly strong considering everything coming at her and is so eager to learn. The little brother big sister relationship that forms between Gecko and Tia is darling and full of playful banter that breaks the tension. 

The lessons between Tia and Corvu while he teaches her how to defend and fight with a sword are equally sweet. It’s clear through the whole story that there is a slow burn romantic tension building between them. Small stolen moments, concerned looks, close proximity/touching that lingers just a little longer than necessary. Reading along as the tension builds between just to catch a moment where they are snuggled in sleep makes you want to kick your feet and smile. Butterflies all over. This protective role that Corvu takes on early on with Tia is so admirable too. Book boyfriend material. Travel with her. Guide her. Protect her. 

I am already excited to read it again. My copy at home is FULL of post-it tabs marking close to 100 moments that I want to make sure I relive before I get too deep into The Tricksters Redemption, which as of this blog post is only on REAM. I cannot wait to see what comes out of this series. I've refreshed the authors page about 1 a week for the last month to see if there is a book 2 preorder yet because I will want a hard copy, hopefully with artwork in it too.  

Anyone who loves adventure, fantasy, quests, found family, and slow burn romance - this is for you

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Perfect for fans of: Romantasy, adventure, fantasy series, world/character/magic building, found family, good vs evil, quests, battle, save the world vibes.

Potential Triggers: detailed battle scenes, death, death of a parents (off page), orphan/orphanage, deception