Where do I begin?
When I read a book – 9 times out of 10 know what I am getting in to. However, when I sat down to read Three Dark Crowns – I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I am not a big fan of fantasy books. I want to like them, because the real world is harsh place. So – who wouldn’t want to escape?
I like Kendare Blake. I have met her a few times and I think that Anna Dressed in Blood is a great book. I heard great things about the book, but I will admit that I was hesitant to read it.
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.
If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest.
Again – Fantasy isn’t my thing. Also, as shitty as it sounds – when Kirkus likes something, I take that as a sign that it’s going to be something I probably won’t.
I didn’t hate Three Dark Crowns.
I didn’t love it.
I am fully aware that gives no help. It is a well written book, with a thought out plot, excellent characters, and a well developed world.
But I was bored. And there is one reason for that – it was slow. Everything felt dragged out, and it wasn’t until we reached that last 100 pages that I took an interest. Then things became exciting.
I am fully aware that it takes time to develop a world and Kendare does develop her world. But I feel like I am reading the same thing over and over again. It’s slow and I get the reasons why. The sisters have to develop their powers, but even then – they still don’t know that there powers are correct.
But I will say this. As much as the story wasn’t for me – it is strongly written. Every word is thought out – a piece of poetic prose.
But the reason – the only reason that I can’t say that I love this book – is that the pace of this book is like watching water boil, paint dry, or ummm… anything else that is long and painful.
I am hoping that changes for book #2 – cause yes, I will read that. Why? Because I am interested to know what happens to the sisters.
Three Dark Crowns is available September 20th, 2016.
