Hi Guys,
Another audio book for you. I was hesitant to pick up Three Dark Crowns, which is one of the reasons I chose it as an audio book. The synopsis sounded interesting but I wasn’t quite ready to get wrapped up in another series.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake takes place on the island of Fennbirn, where every generation a set of triplets are born. Three queens are born to rule but only one of them will survive until their seventeenth year.
Katharine is a poisoner. Poisoner’s are dark and strict and they are the current ruling power in Fennbirn; but their queen is weak, meek and can hardly tolerate imbibing even the weakest poison.
Arsinoe is a naturalist. Naturalist’s are wild and well liked, they are hunters and growers. Arsinoe is the weakest of the three queens, she knows she is gift-less even if no one will admit it.
Mirabella is an elemental and a powerful one. She is a favorite of the priestesses and most of Fennbirn believes she will be the next queen but she has one flaw… Mirabella remembers her sisters and she loves them.
Katharine, Arsinoe and Mirabella were separated at six and raised by their respective houses. Now they are sixteen and in only a few months time the year of ascension will begin. The sisters will have to kill each other and the one who survives will rise to queen.
There were some things I really liked about this book. The power factions were great! I loved this idea of warring clans, each with their own magical strength. The world building here was also nicely done. I actually felt like Fennbirn was this island out of time and place, trapped within the mist.
Blake does a really great job making you route for each of the sisters in turn. One second I was team Arsinoe and the next second team Katharine. Most of the book focused on Arsinoe and Mirabella’s storylines, which made Katharine’s ending FANTASTIC! I think I have a thing for dark, twisty, vengeful females because lately they have been some my favorites.
In fact, there was only one plot line that I really didn’t like in this story and unfortunately, I think it is going to follow us into the sequels. On top of the main plot there is a lot of relationship building and each of the sisters has a love interest. But one of them makes me want to roll my eyes and feels so wishy-washy. I don’t want to ruin anything, so if you know what I am talking about and feel the same way, let me know!
Well, I now have another series I have to follow. After that ending, I just have to know what happens. This one gets 3.5 stars from me.
That’s all for now!
-M-