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    Three Dark Crowns
    Three Dark Crowns
    Three Dark Crowns
    Audiobook9 hours

    Three Dark Crowns

    Written by Kendare Blake

    Narrated by Amy Landon

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    New York Times Bestseller * New York Public Library Best Book of 2016 * Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2016 * Kirkus Best Book of the Year

    Fans of acclaimed author Kendare Blake’s Anna Dressed in Blood will devour Three Dark Crowns, the first book in a dark and inventive fantasy series about three sisters who must fight to the death to become queen.

    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 spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

    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.

    Don't miss Five Dark Fates, the thrilling conclusion to the series!

     

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperCollins
    Release dateSep 20, 2016
    ISBN9780062570437
    Author

    Kendare Blake

    Kendare Blake is originally from South Korea, but was brought up in the US. She has a BA in Business from Ithaca College in New York and an MA in Writing from Middlesex University in London. She is the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares and Antigoddess, all published by Orchard Books. Kendare's fantasy quartet Three Dark Crowns includes Three Dark Crowns, One Dark Throne and Two Dark Reigns and is a New York Times-bestselling series. She lives with her husband in Kent, Washington.

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    Reviews for Three Dark Crowns

    4/5

    875 ratings57 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      It was okay. Not what I was expecting. But I did still enjoy it.
    • 5/5
      Simply Amazing
      Recommendation if you like Fantasy + Great Worldbuilding
    • 3/5
      Honestly …so far this book is dragging… idk if it’s bc I’m in a slump, but it’s kinda boring to me
    • 5/5
      The characters, the world, and the story are also rich and interesting without ever feeling overwhelming.

      The book is the first in a series and each sequel gets better.
    • 5/5
      What a twisted, dark tale! The characters were believable and oftentimes relatable. The dilemmas they face are well thought out by the author- balancing their feelings with the politics of this world and the expectations they all face. The story is easy to follow and bounces back and forth between the three houses. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
    • 4/5
      Three Dark Crowns follows three twin sisters (three queens) all gifted with magic. They are torn from each other and their queen mother around the age of 6 or so only to be sent to different parts of the Island of Fennbirn to prepare for their 16th birthdays or their ascension year. The sisters must learn to fight for the one crown and be prepared to die in the process. First, what I liked... I liked the shifting of perspectives it was done well. It shifted and flowed well just like watching a TV show shifting from one character perspective to another. The writing was good, and the story and concept held my attention and built suspense steadily, although as usual I figured out so many things before the end (that's not the fault of the writer just the way my brain works). There is a lot of abuse towards these three queens, and let's be honest they are children, who from the text have endured such abuse since their separation. They are brought up to hate each other by those from the different magical factions, I guess you'd call them. Factions being elementals, naturalists, and poisoners. I had a hard time with the abuse and the almost flippant way the lives of these three queens were treated to gain power, their lives and or deaths being a loss or gain nothing more. One queen mentions that they are not even considered human but monsters. What I liked though, is each queen finding her own strength. We are shown so many of their weaknesses in the eyes of those who are supposed to help them succeed when truly all it seems like they are doing is tearing them down and holding them prisoner. I was torn because I was angry about so many things that happened but gave it four stars because Kendare Blake got me. I got angry wanting these three queens to band together and kick the butts of all those who "cared" for them growing up. I knew there would be no neat bow tied at the end of this story, but I appreciate Blake not dangling us all the way over the edge as we move on to the next book. I am hooked and ready for book two.
    • 5/5
      A fabulous concept and really well written!! I highly recommend this book!
    • 5/5
      OMG - from start to finish, I loved this story. For a while there I felt as if I couldpredict what was going to happen, but after I was wrong four times (yes I was still determined to figure it out) I was buried deep in this story. LOVED IT, did I mention that already???
    • 5/5
      This was a great read! It took a little bit to get into each character but once I did I couldn’t stop. Can’t wait to read the sequel!
    • 4/5
      Nice plot twists. If you like Queens, magic, Love Stories, give it a try.
    • 5/5
      The ending bumped the star rating from a 3.5 to a 5. Great story line, strong secondary characters, and a twist in the plot that has me hunting down the sequel.
    • 5/5
      Really great read with lots of twist and turns
    • 1/5
      DNF. The writing was okay but, like a lot of previous reviews say, there's just not enough action to keep me interested. The poisoner was interesting but then the elemental dragged so much I just couldn't go on.
    • 4/5
      *I received an ARC copy through Edelweiss from the Publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review* Thank you!

      Cover: Eye-catching
      Rating: 4 Stars
      Overall: Darkly Beautiful
      Characters: Well Written
      Plot: Each time a new Queen is to be selected, the former Queen has a set of triplets, each with a unique gift. Once the three girls reach the age of 16, they have a year to kill their sisters and claim the throne, but this year, something wrong.
      Page Turner: Yes
      Series Cont.? Yes
      Recommend: Yes
      Source: Edelweiss

      Three dark queens
      are born in a glen,
      sweet little triplets
      will never be friends.

      Three dark sisters
      all fair to be seen,
      two to devour
      and one to be Queen.

      Shout Review:
      I loved this book! While I don't feel it was a 5 star story, it was highly satisfying, and I plan to be one of the first in line for the next book! While the ending didn't surprise me, many other twists and turns caught me off guard. This story is deliciously dark and grim, but also an exciting fantasy adventure! Reminding me of many original fairy-tales, this book definitely too some of it's ques from them, and that makes me love it all the more!

      For my full review, and other reviews and bookish posts, visit my blog: Adventures Thru Wonderland
    • 4/5
      At first I wasn't crazy about this book because I had a hard time keeping all the characters straight. There are a lot of characters. By the end, though. Oh, the twists and turns made it very exciting.
    • 4/5
      Such a gifted writer. While I often read my teenager's YA books so we can chat about them, it's somewhat unusual for me to really dig the stories. Blake's imaginative storytelling and intriguing characters hooked me from the first chapter. I'm officially a fan.
    • 1/5
      I am having a hard time with this one. It's too slow a starter for me. Lots of people and politics to keep track of, three POVs. I think only my dedicated fantasy readers will finish this one.
    • 4/5
      Really, really good. There's fascinating magic, great characters, and a wonderful ending that I hope means this is the start of a series. I loved all of the sisters, and it was so interesting to have the story told from so many characters' perspectives, leaving the reader in the dark about some things while still feeling purposeful and not like it was just a technique for a bunch of McGuffins. If you like weird family dynamics, great world building, and heart-wrenchy uneven romantic entanglements, this would be a perfect choice.

      Also, so many reviews I see are like: "too many characters! Who lived where? What's going on?" For what it's worth, I think those people are wrong, and if you've ever read any fantasy you'll be in familiar territory.
    • 3/5
      Three Dark Crowns artfully weaves together the story of three sisters who would be Queen. I appreciated how we are drawn to sympathize with each of them equally, rather than whole-heartedly supporting one sister.

      In the end, however, the whole book comes across as the set-up for the sequel. From the description, I was expecting more plot wise. Additionally, I found some of the characters' relationships emotionally disturbing.
    • 5/5
      OMG - from start to finish, I loved this story. For a while there I felt as if I couldpredict what was going to happen, but after I was wrong four times (yes I was still determined to figure it out) I was buried deep in this story. LOVED IT, did I mention that already???
    • 3/5
      I just couldn't give it 4 stars but maybe 3 1/2 stars? It took me a REALLY long time to get in to this book. I think that might just be because I am not used to reading fantasy though. It takes a while to world build and set the settings with fantasy that I'm just not used to reading. There are also SO many characters in this book that it's difficult to remember who they all are and how they relate to one another. It got a little easier for the main characters but there are still some side characters that even in the end I would read their name and not be quite sure who they really were. I was expecting the twist at the end, however I didn't guess it completely right. I thought the mix up would be with Jules somehow. Anyway it was a decent book that I plan to read the next one because I am interested in seeing where the story goes. Hopefully since it is the second one it won't be so slow moving in the beginning.
    • 4/5
      I am excited to see where this series takes me there were definitely parts that I didn't really love but then others pulled me completely in.
    • 3/5
      "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 spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming 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..."(from front flap) The night the sisters turn sixteen they attend the Beltane, a festival celebrating the gods and their island, and the three sisters, kept apart and trained by their own special helpers, come before all the people and perform their "gifts". Well written, with chapters shifting between each of the queenly sisters, Blake weaves in elements of budding romances, impending doom from the High Priestess and her followers, and friends who come to the aid of each of the young queens. Cavalcade of Authors 2020 pick; definitely for those who enjoy paranormal/fantasy, and the dark arts.
    • 4/5
      Much more engaging than I'd expected. Somehow, these kinds of books seem to manage to still feel fresh sometimes despite the plot being done so frequently. That's definitely the case here. I will be continuing on to the rest of the series shortly, but have been delayed by illness.
    • 4/5
      This is the story of 3 sisters, triplets. One of them is born to be the Queen of Fennbirn, but which one? That won't be decided until their 16th birthday, when a fight to the death begins. Only one will survive to be Queen.

      Each sister has special powers and was raised by others with the same gifts. Mirabella is an elemental, able to control the elements like fire and wind. Katharine is a poisoner, able to consume all poisons without fear of injury. Arsinoe is a naturalist, with power over animals and plants. This is more of a getting to know you type of book. We are introduced to the three sisters in the months before their 16th birthday, and see the environment in which they were raised, and get some insight into their training. Seriously, the poisoner training sounds horrible. I felt very sorry for Katharine.

      There is a lot of political intrigue, mainly between the factions that raised the girls. Each wants their Queen to win, so they will have controlling interest in the Island. Did I mention that this takes place on an island? Even though that is clearly spelled out in the description, it still took me awhile to fully grasp the fact. There are many references to the mainland, which seems to have their own ruling system. And suitors for the Queen's hand come from the mainland.

      I liked the element of magic in the story. So far, it is there but we are not hit over the head with it. Instead we get to know the girls as people. The girls are presented as complicated people, neither completely good or completely bad. Each girl has been raised to know that only one will survive. So they are very paranoid about their sisters, and even the most innocent gesture can be misinterpreted as a threat. This adds to the tension, but also makes for frustration at times. I don't want them to kill each other, but right now that is where the story is headed.

      I enjoyed this book. At times it was a little slow. Mostly when focused on the girls budding romances. The ending really kicked everything into high gear. We are left with things unresolved, but a second book is coming in 2017. I will definitely pick that one up. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
    • 4/5
      I purchased this book from Amazon to read with @popthebutterfly readalong. All opinions are my own. ???? Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake. The beginning of this book I wasn't intrigued I felt the world building shifted but once it took off it truly captivated my attention. On Fennbirn Island every generation a set of triplets is born. Three queens all equal to the heir of the crown, each with a gift of magic to be used to her advantage. However, to get to the crown one queen must kill the other two to gain her throne. Katherine is meek and mild struggles with her poison gift. Arsinoe struggles to find her naturalist gift at all or her companion that should stand by her side, her friend Jules has been helping her learn to develop it but soon gets stuck in her own love triangle with Joseph and as her emotions shift big mistakes may end up costing Arsinoe more than anyone thought. Arsinoe learns to use these slips in emotion to her advantage though. Mirabella and her elemental gift have run strong most of her life. Her storms, lightning, and fire may just be the perfect distraction to gain her advantage to the throne. But remember poisoners lurk and the damage from poison is permanent. Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Amazon, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Twitter @jason_stacie and my blog at readsbystacie.com
    • 3/5
      First, let me confess the fact that I am a huge fan of Kendare Blake's writing. I devoured her Anna books, with their deliciously gore filled pages. I madly paged through the Goddess War series, thoroughly enjoying Blake's mythological tale. So, of course, there was no doubt that I would want to dive right into Three Dark Crowns and the start of a new series. Plus, it was Fantasy. My favorite genre, written by one of my favorite authors? I'm so in.

      Alas, the premise to this story far exceeded the actual execution in this first book. I can forgive a lot when it comes to Fantasy, but the world building has to be spot on. Without good world building, everything else that is built has nothing to cling to. Which was the case here. Blake starts out by laying the groundwork for the story of these three triplets who must fight for the title of queen. In order to claim the throne, a girl must murder the other two. Sounds amazing, right? I thought so too. If only that had been more laid out, Blake would have had me hook, line and sinker.

      Instead, this first book chooses to focus heavily on each girl individually. I understood that, after a bit. The aim was to build up each girl and allow them to gain their own distinct personality. That worked to a certain extent. We meet Arsinoe, the naturalist queen who can't seem to find her gift. Mirabella, the elemental queen who is fiercely good at harnessing her power. Katherine, the poisoner queen who is unsure of herself at the best of times. Each of these girls had their own POV, that alternated by chapter. I liked that, because it gave us a glimpse into their different lives. However their voices weren't ever quite as distinct as I had hoped, and it made it difficult to transition at times.

      As for the plot, I was willing to forgive how slowly it started out because I know there are good things coming around the bend. It takes while for Three Dark Crowns to build up steam (admittedly a longer while than I expected), but once it does things get very exciting! The use of magic, the backstabbing, all of it finally caught me up around the last third of the book. I could definitely have done without the beginnings of a love triangle, but I'll let it go. As long as it doesn't dominate the next book.

      So, although this wasn't quite what I was hoping for and never quite got up to receiving that 4th star, this is a series that I'll be continuing on with. What can I say? I have faith in Kendare Blake.
    • 3/5
      👑
      Three
      👑
      Dark
      👑
      Stars

      Three dark queens
      are born in a glen,
      sweet little triplets
      will never be friends
      ~
      Three dark sisters
      all fair to be seen,
      two to devour
      and one to be Queen
      The Writing and Worldbuilding

      I'd be lying if I said I liked the writing. It was very hard to get through. Does Kendare Blake know that she doesn't have to use names so often?? Basically the whole thing read like this (this isn't a direct quote, it's just an exaggeration to get my point across):

      Katharine turned to Pietyr. "I think you're wonderful, Pietyr," Katharine said to Pietyr.

      "I think the same of you, Katharine," Pietyr replied to Katharine, turning to look at her. He stepped toward Katharine and placed a hand on her shoulder.

      Katharine looked at Pietyr. "I'm so glad I met you, Pietyr."
      But you get the point. It just read so stop-start-y. It felt very amateurish.

      I would have liked more Katharine scenes. The book started with her, and that implies that she's going to be very important, but really, most of the book is in Arsinoe, Mirabella, and Jules' perspectives, and Jules isn't even a queen! (Though I do have my suspicions)

      The world was pretty interesting, and was definitely the best part of the book. I found the naturalists the most interesting, but they were also the most fleshed out. The elementals were pretty interesting too, but barely touched on, really. The poisoners were even less discussed, and therefore even more confusing, especially because their power is... snobbery and immunity? That's pretty lame lol

      A lot of the book felt very rushed, like in one short scene (a single page at most) huge, important things happened, and then a few pages later, they were resolved. Again, amateurish.

      The Characters

      Katharine: She was okay, but kind of boring, and it didn't help that she had so little actual time to do anything and develop (and making out with Pietyr doesn't count as character development).

      Arsinoe: Honestly, she was more bratty than "strong" and "brave" but I definitely liked her more than Jules.

      Jules: A worse version of Arsinoe.

      Mirabella: I really liked Mirabella! She was pretty interesting, and that dream and memory element was pretty intriguing.

      Billy: Billy's my cinnamon roll and no one can tell me otherwise.

      Joseph: He was something, I'll tell you that much. While he's a bit of a douche, I still think he should be with Mirabella, but mostly because I think Jules is a brat lol

      Pietyr: He literally only shows up to make out with Katharine every few chapters whenever Kendare Blake remembered that they were even characters.

      Natalia: So... prolonged child abuse is supposed to make her secretly motherly?

      Conclusion

      I enjoyed it, but I put it down after reading the first chapter and didn't pick it up for almost a month and didn't think anything of it. Honestly, if you haven't read it yet, don't bother. It's nothing special. I might read the rest of the series, but I might not. Like I said, nothing special.
    • 3/5
      This is the first book in the Three Dark Crowns series. This is another one I am setting aside (I know two this week). I read the first 100 pages and just could not get into this story. I really enjoyed Blake’s “Anna Dress in Blood” series, but did not enjoy her Goddess War series.The book switches between the three heirs to the throne (three sisters) and each chapter for them is very long (about 20-30 pages). By the time you get to the next heir I had started to forget what happened to the previous one. It takes a long time to introduce the sisters and the multitudes of characters surrounding them. Finally around 90 pages in introductions are getting wrapped up….I was also not a fan of the premise of these three sisters fighting to the death...although I could have possibly got into that if anything had happened. In the first 100 pages nothing happens and it's very very boring. This was another book for me where I would pick it up, read a couple pages, and then look for something else...absolutely anything else...to do. Overall this was definitely not the book for me which made me a bit sad. Between this book and “Antigoddess” I think I am done picking up books from Blake. Oh, well on to something else.
    • 5/5
      Took me a bit to really get into it. But once i did i quickly fell in love with all three queens and was rooting for them all.