Queen Katharine has waited her entire life to wear the crown. But now that she 
finally has it, the murmurs of dissent grow louder by the day. There’s also the alarming issue of whether or not her sisters are actually dead—or if they’re waiting in the wings to usurp the throne.
Mirabella and Arsinoe are alive, but in hiding on the mainland and dealing with a nightmare of their own: being visited repeatedly by a specter they think might be the fabled Blue Queen. Though she says nothing, her rotting, bony finger pointing out to sea is clear enough: return to Fennbirn.
Jules, too, is in a strange place—in disguise. And her only confidants, a war-gifted girl named Emilia and her oracle friend Mathilde, are urging her to take on a role she can’t imagine filling: a legion-cursed queen who will lead a rebel army to Katharine’s doorstep.
This is an uprising that the mysterious Blue Queen may have more to do with than anyone could have guessed—or expected.
I’ve loved this dark fantasy series from book one. And those covers – oof. Stunning.
This author continues to throw in unexpected surprises, whether with plot twists or character traits. I’d fully intended to dislike Katharine after the events that occurred in One Dark Throne, but she honestly seems to have some good intentions in this book. Not all good. But some. And the ending? Just one surprise after another. I’m glad it took me a few months to get around to reading this one, because that means I have a shorter wait for the next book.
This was a longer read at over 450 pages, and although it may not have moved the story along quite as well as books 1 and 2, there are some major developments, and I got to spend a good amount of time with these characters.
If dark fantasy with exquisite world-building is your thing, this is your series.
Books and Such 
This sounds really good, Teri. Glad you’ve enjoyed the series. The covers are stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aren’t they? This has been a fantastic dark fantasy series – I also loved her Anna Dressed in Blood duology. Sooo good – with some flashes of humor and snark.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why you got sucked into this. It sounds quite intriguing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The author has become an auto-purchase for me, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When a story is good, I prefer it long. (I feel like I’m getting a value.) And that cover really spoke to me, too. I love dark covers, and the two scepters, simple yet ornate, spoke to me. Or is one a dagger? Dang, I’m old. My eyesight is dreadful. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re not the only one, Staci. Had to take a picture of something with my phone the other day so I could enlarge it enough to read, lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh I want to read this series… It is in my TBR.. Fab review.. I hope I like it too
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been a fantastic series – twists, surprises, manipulation, deceit – all of the good stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like your really enjoyed this, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The whole series, Robbie – think there may be two more books before it ends? Also spawned a couple of novellas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dark and complex. I do like complicated characters. Thanks for the review Teri, and the insights into the other 2 volumes. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I, Teagan – makes for a more compelling read, in my opinion. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like dark fantasy and exquisite world building, Teri. Sound like a great book/series. *Sigh* So much reading, so little time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, Diana. Struggling to carve out reading time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Seven Links Traci Kenworth – Where Genres Collide