Three Dark Crowns

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 stomach ache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of beasts.

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.

About the Author

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. She lives with her husband in Kent, Washington. Anna Dressed in Blood has been optioned for film by Stephenie Meyer's production company.

Review by Emily Meredith

Three Dark Crowns is the beginning to what is already an intriguing YA fantasy series. Triplet girls are born to the old queen; only one can survive to replace her. We meet the girls - Arsinoe, Katherine and Mirabella – in the lead-up to their sixteenth year. They have been training to fight their sisters, separated into different magical factions – the poisoners, the naturalists, and the elementals.

The magic system was really intriguing, and each girl had a very distinct personality. The people who surround them, and help them discover their strengths and weaknesses, are also very interesting.

There was an incredible twist which has left me craving so much more from this world. I am invested in every character – even the underdogs still seem to have a chance. A really excellent new series – great for fans of the Throne of Glass series.