Review of the Three Dark Crowns Full Series
The Three Dark Crowns series, set on the island of Fennbirn ruled by queens descended from the island's Goddess, has been captivating readers since its debut. The series follows Queen Katharine, Queen Arsinoe, and Queen Mirabella in their Hunger Games-esque struggle against one another as they come of age and their Ascension year begins.
In the first book, the narrative focuses on introducing the three queens and their basic conflicts and character traits, establishing the premise of a deadly competition where only one can reign. From book 2 onward, the story expands to explore the consequences of their decisions, shifting alliances, internal and external political struggles, and more nuanced emotional growth.
The series sees a noticeable development in both plot complexity and character arcs in books 2-4 compared to book 1. While book 1 primarily sets up the world, characters, and initial conflicts, subsequent books deepen the plot with more intricate political intrigue, expanded character motivations, and evolving relationships.
Reader feedback echoes this progression. Some found the first book's ending less satisfying and the plot somewhat basic but appreciated how book 2 "unfolded" with greater plot depth and development, bringing more engaging and elaborate story elements and character dilemmas.
The Queens possess unique gifts: poisoner, naturalist, elemental, war, and sight. For example, naturalists can cause plants to grow and have power over animals, while poisoners have the ability to ingest or touch any poison. War-gifted can make objects fly without touching them, hit with incredible force, and never miss their targets, and those born with the sight can scry into the future.
The series' third book, titled Two Dark Reigns, features high levels of violence and a low language rating. A minor lesbian sub-plot is introduced, and the language in the book is low. The rating for Two Dark Reigns is 7/10.
Book 4, titled Five Dark Fates, continues the series' exploration of the Queens' complex relationships and political struggles. It also introduces a lesbian sub-plot and features high levels of violence. The language in Five Dark Fates is low, and the book has a rating of 3/10.
When they turn 16 years old, the Year of Ascension begins, and the last Queen left alive becomes Queen Crowned. The baby Queens are raised together until they are 6 years of age, then split up and taken to the prominent families within each of the gifted societies.
Overall, the Three Dark Crowns series offers a captivating and engaging world filled with political intrigue, complex characters, and high-stakes drama. While the first book may have a simpler plot, the series progressively becomes more complex and engrossing as it delves deeper into the Queens' lives and the consequences of their actions.
Engaging in the series unfolds a lifestyle intertwined with fashion-and-beauty, as the Queens of Fennbirn possess unique gifts that change their appearance. As the books progress, the narrative delves into broader topics such as books on the island's history and the politics that govern it, providing entertainment for fans of complex plots.
