Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1)

by Kendare Blake

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born--three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to control storms or flames with the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, able to ingest the deadliest poisons without harm. And Arsinoe, a naturalist, can control nature. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose ... it's life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown. --

Reviewed by shannonmiz on

5 of 5 stars

Share
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Suffice it to say, I simply loved this book. The characters were just so different, and so well developed! I would go back and forth, trying to decide which triplet I was rooting for, and I'd change my mind every chapter. Then there was Jules, who wasn't one of the triplets,  but had a huge part in the story and who I absolutely adored. The relationships were complex, and the sisters all had people who they loved to worry about in addition to vying for the crown.

The story wasn't always fast moving, but it seemed like everything had a point, like it belonged in the story. I enjoyed the politics going on behind the scenes, always wondering who was on which side. And the battle for the crown? It was messed up, because who kills their own sisters? But it was also such a psychologically provocative plot because of that! I really can't say much about this at all without giving stuff away, so I am afraid I have to leave it at that!

Bottom Line: Three Dark Crowns just had the whole package for me: action, romance, solid characters, friendships, and fabulous twists and turns. I will be anxiously waiting for the sequel, and definitely adding this to my favorites list in the meantime!


*Copy provided by publisher for review

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 18 August, 2016: Finished reading
  • 18 August, 2016: Reviewed