A Tale of Crowns is a work of epic proportions by Cherry, a skilled and masterful storyteller who has evidently raised the bar for interactive fiction. Before ATOC, I had not read many IFs outside of perhaps Ace Attorney, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into. Little did I know that ATOC would soon pull me into a richly defined world of court intrigue, meaningful choices, and fully realized characters. The most striking aspect about ATOC is just how clearly it is a labor of love, a heartfelt declaration of Kurdish pride. Before reading ATOC, I was unaware of the existence of the Kurdish, which speaks to geopolitical concerns beyond the scope of the game. To those who plan to play ATOC, I ask that you pay due respect to Cherry's culture and seek to understand its Kurdish context and existence in the real world.
The prose of ATOC possess a quiet power, smoothly weaving each scene with an effortless ease. Cherry writes confidently, in a way that makes it evident that the story is crystal clear in her mind. Particular lines and entire scenes stand out in the story to a devastating degree, ensnaring the heartstrings and provoking genuine emotions and intense reactions in readers (some of which I've seen expressed in the ATOC Discord server). Beyond the prose, I am impressed by how Cherry balances multiple story threads with a well-developed cast and memorable interactions. She is a master of foreshadowing, a skill difficult to cultivate in the genre of interactive fiction and rarely even used at all.
The setting and worldbuilding of ATOC is some of the best that I have ever seen in an IF. Cherry even provides a map to the audience, showing a real commitment to reader immersion. She establishes the lore of the Arsurian Empire with a deft hand, making it clear to the Crown, ATOC's main character, that their role in the story is much bigger than they may have expected at first. I could go on and on about how much I adore the magic system in ATOC, but then this review would never end.. Let's just say that I adore how Cherry took inspiration from the real world and turned the classic elemental magic on its head.
Speaking of our MC, I am duly impressed by the extraordinary amount of variation available for the Crown. You can experiment with a multitude of traits based on choices made within the game, and experience different scenarios with the chosen RO/LI. The customization for appearance has a great deal of variety as well, and I especially enjoy the galaxy-brained way that Cherry handles the matter of gender and sexuality in the context of ATOC. Over the course of these seven chapters, I have replayed the game with different combinations and different LIs to experience this game over and over. There is a huge replay value to ATOC, due in no small part to the incredible range of variations written into the story itself.
Now, as for the main cast of ATOC... can I just say that Bisexuals (fondly) have immaculate taste. Cherry has somehow pulled off making four different ROs who are all equally compelling and magnetic in their various charms. While I have certain biases, I enjoy learning more about each RO and witnessing their interactions with each other. The ROs have richly defined backstories and lives outside of their potential romance with the MC. They demonstrate values and motivations that establish the individual strengths of their character arcs. I also love that there is no real difference between the male and female ROs. They are the same height, essentially look like fraternal twins, and possess the same personalities. As a silly lesbian, I so dearly indulged in being surrounded by capable women.
What I appreciate most of all about ATOC is that Cherry wrote this with purpose and intention. Every word is carefully picked, every thread of the plot is carefully drawn, every choice carefully considered for its future consequences. A Tale of Crowns is a creator of color's love letter to her Kurdish culture, the strong and resilient people that have been unfairly subjected to oppression in the real world. How lucky and fortunate we are that Cherry has given us this work from her heart of hearts.
All said, A Tale of Crowns has firmly carved a place out in the upper echelons of interactive fiction with its mesmerizing storytelling.