Review: Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake

Hey all, Dani here.

First thing’s first: I will be talking about this book in very generalized ideas, because I try to avoid spoilers as much as I can. However, if you have not read the first three books in the series yet, maybe skip this review, because I can’t promise that I won’t end up spoiling any of them. But honestly, if you haven’t started this series yet, what are you doing? This series just got better and better, so go pick up Three Dark Crowns, read it, read the others, and then come back and talk about the whole series with me here.

Okay, now that I’ve given that possible spoiler warning, let’s get started.

Summary

After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.

Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.

In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.

The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.

My Thoughts

Rating: 5 stars

Whoo…oh boy. This was an intense and fantastic roller coaster ride of a finale. Seriously, there were a couple of points that I didn’t expect at all. This clash between these Queens was impressive, and I loved how much the stakes kept being raised throughout this series again and again.

I remember reading the first book and not being too impressed until the last 50 pages or so. But after that each book just kept getting faster and darker, and more delectably complex.

There is a war going on in this one. Characters die. That’s all I’m going to say, because I am absolutely trying to avoid spoilers. But I am so glad that I gave this series a chance, and I’m happy that Kendare Blake was able to bring it all to an immensely satisfying conclusion…while also maybe giving herself room to write a companion novel or spin off novel in the future.

Where to Get a Copy

You can pick up your own copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local independent bookstore.

You can also check with your local library.