akirma's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The premise is so promising, but the writing style made reading this like pulling teeth. The characters seem flat, there's no discernible rationale behind their actions. The author throws the world at your feet and just expects you to go along with it. I kept thinking "this scene would be great if it were written by someone competent". It's a pity, seeing as the plot twists at the end of the book make me want to know what happens next but I just can't take 400 more pages of this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Animal cruelty, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
kaitlynredwing's review
3.0
I'm DNFing this - for now. I may come back to it, I really enjoy the premise, however the writing style and the pace is not for me. The book is just too slow and was really hard for me to read because of it.
ashwhit2024's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5 ⭐️s! I really enjoyed the first book of the Three Dark Crowns series and I am wanting to know which Queen will end up on top.
Learning more about how each of the queens were taught and raised was extremely interesting and I’m definitely wondering about why Peter did what he did at the end of the book…
Also I could’ve sworn two of the queens died at the end of this book (had read the summary on the back of book 2) and now I’m really wanting to read even more and know exactly what is going to happen at the beginning of book 2!
Learning more about how each of the queens were taught and raised was extremely interesting and I’m definitely wondering about why Peter did what he did at the end of the book…
Also I could’ve sworn two of the queens died at the end of this book (had read the summary on the back of book 2) and now I’m really wanting to read even more and know exactly what is going to happen at the beginning of book 2!
larissalee's review
5.0
Who do you root for?
The three queens are all so uniquely messed up individuals that it's hard to pick (and stick with) a favorite.
The three queens are all so uniquely messed up individuals that it's hard to pick (and stick with) a favorite.
afutt92's review
3.0
I really flew through this book. Positives: action-packed and character-driven. A unique premise. Negatives: the characters made some rather ridiculous decisions at some points that made me groan and grind my teeth. Not as much world-building as I prefer.
egates08's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
Slow read, intriguing storyline. I’m interested to read the sequels.
Slow read, intriguing storyline. I’m interested to read the sequels.
apow1071's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
herbaceousriot's review against another edition
5.0
This was a spectacular book. What a cliffhanger though. Have the next book at the ready!!
hxlia's review
3.0
I hadn't expected the book to be so dark. It had me gagging from the first chapter where Genevieve was scratching at Katherine's scabs *shivers* ick. This novel has me frustrated. If there is anything I that irritates me in a novel it is misunderstandings. And when those misunderstandings get blown out of proportion in order to further the plot. This novel, is FAT FULL of misunderstandings. So if that gets to you like it gets to me, this is my warning to you. Be prepared to be frustrated out of your mind!!! I'll have to read on in order to see these misunderstandings through, or my poor heart will never settle.
semi-spoiler alert:
Out of the many relationships in this book, the one I adored most is between Billy and Arsinoe, I hope it doesn't change to be anything past what they have because loyalty and friendship will always be truer than lust and romance. Loyalty over romance any day.
Real spoiler alert:
I wish Jules was more hot-headed, if I were her I would have sicked that bear on Joseph and Mirabella at least a little...
semi-spoiler alert:
Out of the many relationships in this book, the one I adored most is between Billy and Arsinoe, I hope it doesn't change to be anything past what they have because loyalty and friendship will always be truer than lust and romance. Loyalty over romance any day.
Real spoiler alert:
I wish Jules was more hot-headed, if I were her I would have sicked that bear on Joseph and Mirabella at least a little...