Two Dark Reigns

Two Dark Reigns is book three in the amazing One Dark Throne series. I'm not sure how the author, Kendare Blake, puts this fantasy world together with all the twists and turns, until the very last page that leaves you wanting more. The story picks up with Katherine now the Queen of Fennbrin. Her two sisters, Arsinoe and Mirabella, are in exile on the Mainland after escaping the island. However, things are not running smoothly for Katherine. After she climbs back out of the Breccia Domain, she is possessed with the spirits of past dead Queens that cause her to do unspeakable things. She has developed her relationship with Pietyr (very trusting as he pushed her into the domain in the first place!) and is becoming a more dark and sinister character, who I feel quite sorry for. Arsinoe is slowly developing her relationship with Billy on the mainland, but this is hindered with her insistence of keeping secrets, not just from Billy but Mirabella and by his mum, who constantly wants to marry him off to a wealthy young woman. Arsinoe keeps having disturbingly realistic dreams that cause these three to travel back to the island to unravel the meanings behind them. In this third book we get a mini history lesson of the island's dark past, which creates a new dynamic and develops the reader's understanding of why things are the way they are. Meanwhile, Jules, who went back to the island at the end of book 2, has been in hiding and is coming to terms with the fact that she has the Legion Curse and is put forward as the leader of a rebellion against Katherine. Jules has been told by the Oracles that she is the Legion Queen, and now is the time for change on Fennbrin. I haven't forgotten Mirabella, she takes centre stage towards the end of the book and without spoiling to much for you, will possibly dominate book 4. This fantasy story keeps expanding and developing for the better, it's a Game Of Thrones for YA!! A little warning... the book once again contains violence, mild gore and death alongside some magic, island history, trust, loyalty and a little romance. I'm really enjoying this series and I'm once again looking forward to book 4. My only gripe 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. The author has even added a few dead characters to the list in this book! However, before the opening pages of the story there is a list of the 'Queens 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. 464 absorbing fantasy pages for the 14+ confident reader, due to the complex character list and long chapters. I love the way this series is 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. There's always something happening. 464 Pages / Ages 14+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+