Five Dark Fates

Five Dark Fates is the concluding episode to the amazing fantasy series, Three Dark Crowns. Like all the previous books, this final episode does not disappoint as it's full of drama, magic, death, violence, gore (for those that like a little more!), politics, trust and, to wrap it all up, romance. It's Game Of Thrones for YA!! What more can you want from a book... a good plot, I hear you say, well you will not be disappointed. After the battle in the previous book, Katharine continues to maintain her rule over Fennbrin, but the dead Queens inside her are getting stronger and more confident, will she be able to control them or will they cause her even more personal loss? Mirabella cannot stay with her sister Arsinoe as she doesn't agree with the rebellion and the Legion Queen, Jules. She is the strongest of the sisters and the most level headed, she truly wants the three of them to reunite. In order to make this happen she goes back to the capital under a banner of truce to be with Katherine. Is this the real reason for her being there, or is she using her elemental powers to seek what is really wrong with Katherine? Arsinoe stands by her friend, Jules, and uses blood magic to bind the Legion curse. Billy is also by her side, providing the romance in the novel and grounding Arsinoe's impusive character. Does she feel betrayed by Mirabella, or will she be reckless once again and try to find out why she has left her for her sister Katherine? Will this concluding book place the crown on Arsinoe's head? You are going to have to read this book for yourself and find out the answers to these questions and delve deeper into this fantasy world. From the very beginning I have enjoyed the world of Three Dark Crowns. An island surrounded by mist, cut off from the rest of the world, inhabited by people with magic powers, with its legends and religion, the island of Fennbirn is a world where I could easily get lost for days. With the talk of powers and the Goddess they worship, Fennbrin is truly a unique world. However, I did want more from the author regarding the Mist. The Mist has become even more violent, only Mirabella can control it. If it did come back for the dead queens, why was it attacking the civilians? Why didn't it just go for Katherine? A few unanswered questions here for me, thankfully it didn't spoil the adventure. My only gripe with this book as with the previous, is the cast of thousands! There are so many characters to keep track of that for the less confident reader it could become quite confusing (hence the 4 stars instead of 5). However, before the opening pages of the story there is a list of the 'Queen's houses' and the people that are loyal to them, which helps a little, together with a map. I love a map in a fantasy book. 459 absorbing fantasy pages for the 14+ confident reader, due to the complex character list. I love the way this series has been written. It always takes me a few pages to get into the story, but once I'm there it's a pacy and gripping read. It doesn't let you down as there's always something happening. 480 pages / Ages 14+ / Linda Brown, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+