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Three Dark Crowns
(Three Dark Crowns #1)
by
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 natu
...more
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Kindle Edition, 416 pages
Published
September 20th 2016
by HarperTeen
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Showing 1-30

Start your review of Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns, #1)

Three Dark Crowns has an interesting premise, but it manages to be insufferably boring for the first 75%. I foresee many DNFs on the horizon for this book.
It's about three sisters, three queens, essentially competing for the throne. They - Katharine, Arsinoe and Mirabella - each live in different parts of the land, each have a different power, and each have a different group of supporters aiding them. This is an "in every generation, there are three chosen ones..." kind of thing. However, throug ...more
It's about three sisters, three queens, essentially competing for the throne. They - Katharine, Arsinoe and Mirabella - each live in different parts of the land, each have a different power, and each have a different group of supporters aiding them. This is an "in every generation, there are three chosen ones..." kind of thing. However, throug ...more

2.5 stars

Three Dark Crowns offends me. It promised me scheming sisters and political intrigue and power plays. Instead I get this:

And this:

And a whole lot of this:

80% of the book is the sisters (Katharine, Mirabella, and Arinsoe) waffling around, training, and getting acquainted with their love interests. What's each island's culture? How did the tradition of Triplets Hunger Games begin? No fucking idea, but look, dream ...more
"Three dark sisters
All fair to be seen,
Two to devour
And one to be queen"

Three Dark Crowns offends me. It promised me scheming sisters and political intrigue and power plays. Instead I get this:

And this:

And a whole lot of this:

80% of the book is the sisters (Katharine, Mirabella, and Arinsoe) waffling around, training, and getting acquainted with their love interests. What's each island's culture? How did the tradition of Triplets Hunger Games begin? No fucking idea, but look, dream ...more

3.5 stars! I struggled with this start to a new series, but I’m currently reading the sequel and am SERIOUSLY enjoying it, so it was worthwhile for me to push through the first novel!
I will always admit when I feel choosing the audio version of a book may have impacted my reading experience. I restarted the first few hours of Three Dark Crowns about four times because I just could not keep track of the story. And that was my biggest issue with this story – I just could not get engaged. There’s ...more
I will always admit when I feel choosing the audio version of a book may have impacted my reading experience. I restarted the first few hours of Three Dark Crowns about four times because I just could not keep track of the story. And that was my biggest issue with this story – I just could not get engaged. There’s ...more

Jun 21, 2017
❄️BooksofRadiance❄️
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya-fantasy-sci-fi
UTTER DISAPPOINTMENT AT ITS FINEST.
Wow. Wow. Let me start off by saying that this is going to be messy and probably inarticulate. But just go with it. Had to let it out.
Alright. How does one express rage in just a few words? Because in the last quarter of this book (fine, all) - I had to constantly take breaks to calm and compose myself because I was too LIVID and could feel my blood boiling and chest pain arising. Then why, you may ask did I continue?
Because 1) I hate DNFing books. 2) I hone ...more
Wow. Wow. Let me start off by saying that this is going to be messy and probably inarticulate. But just go with it. Had to let it out.
Alright. How does one express rage in just a few words? Because in the last quarter of this book (fine, all) - I had to constantly take breaks to calm and compose myself because I was too LIVID and could feel my blood boiling and chest pain arising. Then why, you may ask did I continue?
Because 1) I hate DNFing books. 2) I hone ...more

“No one really wishes to be a queen.”
Oh my, I loved this. This book seems to be very polarizing on my feed, and from people I love, trust, and have similar reading tastes as, so I was a little apprehensive going in. I read that first chapter with my mouth open the entire time. Instantly drawn in, immersed, and in love.
Most of you probably know the synopsis of this book, but it will still bring me immense joy to tell those few who might not know. Basically, this story is set in a wor ...more

3.5*
This was incredibly hard for me to get into. I found the first half to be quite boring but I just found the whole concept to be so interesting that I had to stick with it. I'm glad that I did because it did get better, but half of a book is a long time to not really be enjoying it. ...more
This was incredibly hard for me to get into. I found the first half to be quite boring but I just found the whole concept to be so interesting that I had to stick with it. I'm glad that I did because it did get better, but half of a book is a long time to not really be enjoying it. ...more

4.5 stars. Wow this was bloody fantastic.
BUT.
The first 35% or so was ROUGH. I honestly would have DNF'ed this had it not been for friends telling me to keep going. I'M SO GLAD I DID. So if you're reading this and you get bored/overwhelmed with all the names/generally disinterested... it WILL pick up! (And don't worry about memorizing all the character names/who is who.)
Basically we have three triplets. They are separated at a young age and each raised in separate parts of the kingdom/island thi ...more
BUT.
The first 35% or so was ROUGH. I honestly would have DNF'ed this had it not been for friends telling me to keep going. I'M SO GLAD I DID. So if you're reading this and you get bored/overwhelmed with all the names/generally disinterested... it WILL pick up! (And don't worry about memorizing all the character names/who is who.)
Basically we have three triplets. They are separated at a young age and each raised in separate parts of the kingdom/island thi ...more

4.5 stars.
I loved this.
(Please let Joseph die in the next book).
I loved this.
(Please let Joseph die in the next book).

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.
This was SO much darker than I originally expected and it is GOOD. The world-building, the twists, the characters, the premise itself. It's hard not to be pulled deep into the story. Consider me invested! For a first book where clearly the concept had to be set up, as well as the world..I still found there was a lot going on. This just gives me ...more

omgggg. thats it. this book and series are cancelled. screw you, joseph. you big pile of human trash. i wish the bear had got ya.
also, can you believe how so slow and undeveloped this story is? the title may as well be ‘three boring crowns,’ as there is nothing dark about this book at all, which is a real let down.
the only reason im rounding up to three stars, when this is basically only worth two, is because of the ending. my gosh. if the entire book had been like the ending, this would be su ...more
also, can you believe how so slow and undeveloped this story is? the title may as well be ‘three boring crowns,’ as there is nothing dark about this book at all, which is a real let down.
the only reason im rounding up to three stars, when this is basically only worth two, is because of the ending. my gosh. if the entire book had been like the ending, this would be su ...more


this book was a real fcking treat. but i can't say i'm all that surprised given the description & how much i love
~dark shit™~
so imma break it down for you like this: we got 3 black haired hoes (shhh i know, thats misogynistic of me whatever i do my part in dismantling the patriarchy too) and they got some POWERS

more specifically we've got
kat the rat:
- overall pretty lame
- kind of described as a drowned rat, hence the name
- terrible taste in men
mirror mirror:
- also pretty lame but like she's ...more

Jun 13, 2017
sreeja
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-reads,
read-in-2017
Three dark sisters
All fair to be seen,
Two to devour
And one to be Queen”

well that was misleading and disappointing
IDK if i should give this 1/2 stars?
LOOK I’M SORRY I REALLY WANTED TO LOVE THIS, I REALLY DID (but it was really bad)
I am so surprised I didn’t like this book because this kind of books are my kind of books. I am so pissed and disappointed. The ending part was a HUGE improvement but honestly not enough for me to actually like this.
OKAY but I’m a positive person so let me jus ...more

Changing my rating to 2 stars. I was just so booooooored reading this :(
2.5 stars*
2.5 stars*

My September Owlcrate Box! I wasn't sure I was going to read this book, but I am now of course :-)

I didn't like much of anything about this book but the ending.

And NOT because it was the ending, I mean the ending was really good. I will get the next book from the library just to see what happens because some things that I thought might be happening did but in a different way <--- which only makes sense to me. AND there is the note of revenge! I love revenge and this person deserves revenge!!!!! ...more

I didn't like much of anything about this book but the ending.

And NOT because it was the ending, I mean the ending was really good. I will get the next book from the library just to see what happens because some things that I thought might be happening did but in a different way <--- which only makes sense to me. AND there is the note of revenge! I love revenge and this person deserves revenge!!!!! ...more

How could a book with such a promising premise fall so flat? (This is a stupid question and by now, having been a Goodreads member for seven years, I ought to know better.)
The thing is, right, that the first chapter was absolutely mesmerizing. In fact, Katharine remained the only character I was even mildly interested in for the rest of the book. But sometimes I like to look at it this way: if I were a literary agent, and this book came into my query inbox, and the author had attached the first ...more
The thing is, right, that the first chapter was absolutely mesmerizing. In fact, Katharine remained the only character I was even mildly interested in for the rest of the book. But sometimes I like to look at it this way: if I were a literary agent, and this book came into my query inbox, and the author had attached the first ...more

3.25/5. but a FUN 3.25!!
This book was far from perfect, but hell if it wasn’t a good time. And after two not so fun reads, I needed it!

https://emmareadstoomuch.wordpress.co...
Did I like any of the characters? Uh, not totally. In fact, I hated a bunch of them. (I would physically fight Mirabella and Joseph if I was ever given the chance, and I would like roughly 50% of the characters to line up so I can efficiently slap each of them across the face.) Most of them were super flat--I’d say all of t ...more
This book was far from perfect, but hell if it wasn’t a good time. And after two not so fun reads, I needed it!

https://emmareadstoomuch.wordpress.co...
Did I like any of the characters? Uh, not totally. In fact, I hated a bunch of them. (I would physically fight Mirabella and Joseph if I was ever given the chance, and I would like roughly 50% of the characters to line up so I can efficiently slap each of them across the face.) Most of them were super flat--I’d say all of t ...more

Rating: 2.5 stars
I've been wanting to read this for the longest time because the synopsis sounded so good. Maybe the anticipation contributed a bit, maybe it didn't, but this fell flat for me.
I was expecting a fast-paced, action-driven story with a lot of intrigue and strategy, but I was forcing myself to push through, even when the pace improved. Most of the characters, including the 3 young queens, were flat and I often had trouble understanding their motivations. I wanted more development an ...more
I've been wanting to read this for the longest time because the synopsis sounded so good. Maybe the anticipation contributed a bit, maybe it didn't, but this fell flat for me.
I was expecting a fast-paced, action-driven story with a lot of intrigue and strategy, but I was forcing myself to push through, even when the pace improved. Most of the characters, including the 3 young queens, were flat and I often had trouble understanding their motivations. I wanted more development an ...more

Firstly, I have to say that I really did not jell with this book. It took me a moment to get used to the POV it was written in and also, didn't really understand what was happening in the first three chapters, then when I realised that it was written from different perspectives every chapters i GOT IT!
-
P.s that is not the books fault, completely my fault!
I really did enjoy this novel, the ending was brilliant.
My only issues was it could be slow at times, and not much happened in the middle of ...more
-
P.s that is not the books fault, completely my fault!
I really did enjoy this novel, the ending was brilliant.
My only issues was it could be slow at times, and not much happened in the middle of ...more

While I was reading this I had several people tell me they were hesitant to read it because of the mixed reviews and wanted to know what my thoughts were, so I will try to address whether or not I think you will enjoy this book.
It has a slow start, and I think that's why a lot of people struggle getting into it. There are 3 POVs, set in different locations, with different politics, side characters, and types magic to learn. You essentially get 3x the introduction. It did feel slow at first to me ...more
It has a slow start, and I think that's why a lot of people struggle getting into it. There are 3 POVs, set in different locations, with different politics, side characters, and types magic to learn. You essentially get 3x the introduction. It did feel slow at first to me ...more

DNF AT PAGE 202
Review to come.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Actually, I didn't want to dnf this but I just can't bear reading it anymore. I quite enjoyed reading it, the plot was pretty good but sometimes I somehow just felt bored with this book and the characters weren't annoying or boring. They were all pretty good to read for me. ( except Joseph and he's also the reason I didn't finish this book)
I didn't finish this book because of the love triangles. I HATE love triangles so much and bef ...more
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Actually, I didn't want to dnf this but I just can't bear reading it anymore. I quite enjoyed reading it, the plot was pretty good but sometimes I somehow just felt bored with this book and the characters weren't annoying or boring. They were all pretty good to read for me. ( except Joseph and he's also the reason I didn't finish this book)
I didn't finish this book because of the love triangles. I HATE love triangles so much and bef ...more

*.) Queens of Fennbirn ★★★★
1.) Three Dark Crowns ★★★★
2.) One Dark Throne ★★★★
3.) Two Dark Reigns ★★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
The first half was pretty slow, but THAT ENDING THO!
1.) Three Dark Crowns ★★★★
2.) One Dark Throne ★★★★
3.) Two Dark Reigns ★★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
The first half was pretty slow, but THAT ENDING THO!

“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”
haha this book ? I AM ETERNALLY CONFLICTED
A thorough guide of what I was thinking while reading this book
start: "Oh, actually this is super interesting. love the set up of the world and the queens"
100 pages in: "Okay. This is a bit boring, and there are so many characters I am a little confused. I'll keep reading"
200 pages in: No. This is not ...more

This review and other non-spoilery reviews can be found @The Book Prescription
My version of the story:
“Three dark crowns
is not a bad book
Three dark queens
a bit undercooked
Three dark sisters
Who are well known,
enough to make me read
one dark throne”
“Every gift is light and dark.”
🌟 I feel my reviews are becoming a bit clichéd because I keep talking about expectations.
🌟 But really I have found that expectations really affect how we review and rate books. Three Dark Crowns biggest problem was its syn ...more
My version of the story:
“Three dark crowns
is not a bad book
Three dark queens
a bit undercooked
Three dark sisters
Who are well known,
enough to make me read
one dark throne”
“Every gift is light and dark.”
🌟 I feel my reviews are becoming a bit clichéd because I keep talking about expectations.
🌟 But really I have found that expectations really affect how we review and rate books. Three Dark Crowns biggest problem was its syn ...more

Nov 06, 2016
Nadhira Satria
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
trash-for-this
I want to reread this before the fourth book


“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”
When I first heard about the premise of this book, I instantly knew I was going to enjoy it because it sounded right up my alley. Basically, there are three dark sisters who have to try to kill each other after their sixteenth birthday because only one of them can be queen. DUN DUN DUUUUN. Tell me this doesn’t sound like the coolest story ever.

K ...more

Jan 23, 2017
may ❀
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
300-pgs,
look-at-that-beauty,
buddy-read,
duology,
fantasy,
meh,
in-the-trash-you-go,
love-triangle-ugh
Buddy read with my girl, Bianca
One word: A N T I C L I M A C T I C
What was even the purpose of this book, omg.
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
^^That’s probably the best part of the book.
Let’s do a quick introduction to our characters, shall we? I saw these on EpicReads and was likes yasssss. #accurate



So these are our main characters, the three queens who must prove to t ...more

So, triplets.

Three queens are born. They bond when they are little, bond a little when they are little, separated to strengthen their individual powers (naturalist, poisoner, and elemental) and then…
… then they must kill each other so one can sit on the throne, have triplets, and start the cycle over again.
Three Black Witches are born in a glen,
sweet little triplets
will never be friends.
Three Black Witches, all fair to be seen
two to devour
and one to be queen.
I know what you are thinking… becaus ...more

Three queens are born. They bond when they are little, bond a little when they are little, separated to strengthen their individual powers (naturalist, poisoner, and elemental) and then…
… then they must kill each other so one can sit on the throne, have triplets, and start the cycle over again.
Three Black Witches are born in a glen,
sweet little triplets
will never be friends.
Three Black Witches, all fair to be seen
two to devour
and one to be queen.
I know what you are thinking… becaus ...more

Having loved Kendare's other series, I was beyond excited to get my hands on this one.
First off, love love loved that we got POV from all three of the sisters. It made it so easy to relate to their turmoil and the situation as a whole. Because we got to see and know everything, it definitely made for some delicious tension and screaming while reading.
I don't want to say too much and ruin the reading experience for anyone else, so I'll just say that this is one of the best roller coasters I've ev ...more
First off, love love loved that we got POV from all three of the sisters. It made it so easy to relate to their turmoil and the situation as a whole. Because we got to see and know everything, it definitely made for some delicious tension and screaming while reading.
I don't want to say too much and ruin the reading experience for anyone else, so I'll just say that this is one of the best roller coasters I've ev ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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YA Buddy Readers'...: Three Dark Crowns (Three Dark Crowns #1) by Kendare Blake - Restarting January 18th 2021 | 334 | 453 | Dec 18, 2020 01:46AM | |
Chismes Literario...: LECTURA DEL MES **BOOKLOTTERY JULIO** | 3 | 9 | Aug 13, 2020 10:17PM | |
The Procrastinato...:
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26 | 22 | Jul 18, 2020 09:05AM | |
LPL YA Virtual Bo...: Question 9: Who will be queen? | 3 | 10 | Jun 01, 2020 05:19PM | |
LPL YA Virtual Bo...: Question 3: Beltane Festival Strategies | 3 | 6 | May 31, 2020 10:57AM | |
LPL YA Virtual Bo...: Question 1: Did you enjoy the book? | 7 | 11 | May 31, 2020 10:53AM | |
LPL YA Virtual Bo...: Question 8: What occurs that motivates the queens to murder each other? | 2 | 7 | May 22, 2020 01:54PM |
So, I write books. The Anna Dressed in Blood duo is horror, The Goddess War trilogy is mythology, and Three Dark Crowns is fantasy, because the world don't move to the beat of just one drum. What might be right for you, may not be right for some. Love to read, too. Fiction, philosophy, good books, bad books, because you take the good you take the bad you take them both and there you have a stack o
...more
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“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”
—
190 likes
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”
“I want revenge." She whispers, and her fingers trail bloody streaks down Natalia's arms.
"And then I want my crown.”
—
115 likes
More quotes…
"And then I want my crown.”