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Dragons of Tirene #3
Crown of Betrayal and Blood
"In every shadow of fate, there is a truth you cannot see."
In the short time since Lark Axton first arrived in Tirene, everything has changed. After the drachen rose from their slumber and embarked on a ravenous rampage across two kingdoms that ended in the king of Tirene’s death, rumors of unrest beyond the castle walls begin to swirl. Sterling/Knox—the prince of both Tirene and her heart—must prepare to take the throne, and although the nobles believe the drachen were vanquished, Lark remains unconvinced.
She’s almost sure the drachen fled. That means they’re still out there...waiting to return.
Determined to learn more about the unknown dark force that spills blood and spreads terror, Lark embarks on a quest for answers, journeying to uncharted lands shrouded in legend and mist.
Instead, she finds a death sentence.
Because the drachen is far more dangerous than she imagined, threatening all that she loves. Time is running out, and it’s up to Lark, the only dragoncaller in Tirene, to save Sterling, the kingdom, and the dragons she’s sworn to protect. No matter the cost.
The thrilling romance, spellbinding magic, and thrilling adventure continues with the enchanting third installment of best-selling author Nina Frost’s enthralling Dragons of Tirene series.
In the short time since Lark Axton first arrived in Tirene, everything has changed. After the drachen rose from their slumber and embarked on a ravenous rampage across two kingdoms that ended in the king of Tirene’s death, rumors of unrest beyond the castle walls begin to swirl. Sterling/Knox—the prince of both Tirene and her heart—must prepare to take the throne, and although the nobles believe the drachen were vanquished, Lark remains unconvinced.
She’s almost sure the drachen fled. That means they’re still out there...waiting to return.
Determined to learn more about the unknown dark force that spills blood and spreads terror, Lark embarks on a quest for answers, journeying to uncharted lands shrouded in legend and mist.
Instead, she finds a death sentence.
Because the drachen is far more dangerous than she imagined, threatening all that she loves. Time is running out, and it’s up to Lark, the only dragoncaller in Tirene, to save Sterling, the kingdom, and the dragons she’s sworn to protect. No matter the cost.
The thrilling romance, spellbinding magic, and thrilling adventure continues with the enchanting third installment of best-selling author Nina Frost’s enthralling Dragons of Tirene series.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
2828 people are currently reading
3838 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
May 17, 2025
Felt like just a filler book, not much happened, feel like this story definitely could have finished strong as a trilogy
May 18, 2025
The problem expands and expands throughout the series. First it’s who are you? Now it is a complicated mess with few real answers at this stage.
Still too many unanswered questions: we know more about her heritage but give us more about Bastian’s childhood. Why isn’t he a full sib? Was their father unfaithful? First wife died? Who raised Bastian after the father died?
Can Leesa remain healed and resist future corruption if she is forced to take eyril again? Also, Helene and Bastian are alive. I know she broke up with H but is she going to stay with B?
This is another story of the gods fighting through humans. Meh. Will Narc be defeated for good and not just for a few hundred years again?
Also how old is Xenon? His “sixtieth decade” makes him 600-610 years old. Extended age hasn’t been mentioned before in this series.
Will Lark/Ellie become a full Phoenix to produce enough tears to heal people en masse? Do they swallow her tears or inject it like a vaccine so it encounters some subcutaneous/intramuscular blood to counteract the eyril? Or will she just treat/heal the head of the drachen and all will be fixed in the end?
Will all eyril be destroyed and regular humans subjected to no magic use going forward?
Will Lark/Ellie claim the throne? Is the lost city going to come out of obscurity? How about Hidden Valley? Were these one off visits or will they play a role in the future?
The only real answers we’ve received is that her adopted/kidnapper mother really loved her. She regrets not having a stronger relationship. She is the child of prophecy and there is more to be revealed. She loves Sterling and he isn’t perfect for her with his kidnapping, her forgiveness, his announcement of betrothal without asking her first and she is upset, and now he is the enemy through corruption. She can communicate with dragons and they trust her. Her love of animals/dragons reveals her tender heart. She is related to the first dragoncaller who died and was reborn. She has an affinity with phoenix and she has magical healing tears.
After 3 books, the framework seems lacking for the series and I don’t know about it. Meh.
Still too many unanswered questions: we know more about her heritage but give us more about Bastian’s childhood. Why isn’t he a full sib? Was their father unfaithful? First wife died? Who raised Bastian after the father died?
Can Leesa remain healed and resist future corruption if she is forced to take eyril again? Also, Helene and Bastian are alive. I know she broke up with H but is she going to stay with B?
This is another story of the gods fighting through humans. Meh. Will Narc be defeated for good and not just for a few hundred years again?
Also how old is Xenon? His “sixtieth decade” makes him 600-610 years old. Extended age hasn’t been mentioned before in this series.
Will Lark/Ellie become a full Phoenix to produce enough tears to heal people en masse? Do they swallow her tears or inject it like a vaccine so it encounters some subcutaneous/intramuscular blood to counteract the eyril? Or will she just treat/heal the head of the drachen and all will be fixed in the end?
Will all eyril be destroyed and regular humans subjected to no magic use going forward?
Will Lark/Ellie claim the throne? Is the lost city going to come out of obscurity? How about Hidden Valley? Were these one off visits or will they play a role in the future?
The only real answers we’ve received is that her adopted/kidnapper mother really loved her. She regrets not having a stronger relationship. She is the child of prophecy and there is more to be revealed. She loves Sterling and he isn’t perfect for her with his kidnapping, her forgiveness, his announcement of betrothal without asking her first and she is upset, and now he is the enemy through corruption. She can communicate with dragons and they trust her. Her love of animals/dragons reveals her tender heart. She is related to the first dragoncaller who died and was reborn. She has an affinity with phoenix and she has magical healing tears.
After 3 books, the framework seems lacking for the series and I don’t know about it. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
Thankyou to Nina Frost for this ARC.
A lovely installment in this series.
I did find this one a little tougher to get into, I'm not sure why exactly. Nothing tangible... I think generally I struggle with enemies to lovers once they have become lovers and 'in love'. It's a difficult transition.
I am looking forward to the final book and I do hope Nina continues to write more Romantasy.
A lovely installment in this series.
I did find this one a little tougher to get into, I'm not sure why exactly. Nothing tangible... I think generally I struggle with enemies to lovers once they have become lovers and 'in love'. It's a difficult transition.
I am looking forward to the final book and I do hope Nina continues to write more Romantasy.
July 12, 2025
It’s real bad…….
November 12, 2025
such a great series..now onto the nwxtb9nenin the series
July 13, 2025
god help me this series is sooooo exhausting…i thought the negative comments were exaggerating but am sorry for not believing them! i started to read it not knowing there’s still more books and i just want it to end. this story could have been the best fantasy series but it turned out to be the most hideous one. the author just writes random events without any building and the fmc is so dumb it’s infuriating, they just gathered all the plots that could happen and put it randomly everywhere!!!! also big events that should be explored just get thrown immediately?!! for example a character dying is handled so idiotically and forgotten in the next chapter with them laughing and having s*x????!!!!!!!!!! i honestly can’t describe how this series is horrible!!! ppl run away don’t start it believe me
June 25, 2025
At this point, I think I’m just reading these out of stubbornness. This had SO much potential, but once again, it just couldn’t deliver. The pacing was a mess. Either we were trudging through the FMC’s endless inner turmoil or suddenly being launched into chaotic action with zero setup. I don’t mind angst, but when it’s recycled and overly dramatic with no real growth? It’s exhausting. The FMC continues to act like she just discovered the concept of free will. Everyone else felt like plot devices, not actual people. At this point, I couldn’t bring myself to care about who lived, died, or fell in love. I was hoping for some payoff or emotional depth, but nope - just more brooding stares and dramatic declarations with no substance behind them. 2 stars for the dragons lmao
May 30, 2025
I was so ready to be done with this series, it really felt like the first third of the book dragged, the story was really suspenseful throughout but I wasn't as hooked as that first book. I guess nothing is going to be as good as the high of the tension between Sterling and Lark in book 1. Overall its a good story though and I can't wait for book 4.
May 20, 2025
I couldn’t finish this book. The world and plot are a good idea in principle, but it just doesn’t work. It was a struggle to get to 45%.
June 3, 2025
This series is never ending. Books should be written with less fluff. So many boring passages.
January 8, 2026
Book 3 did not disappoint.
It had some Throne of Glass vibes with the drachen and how they latch onto people and beings. Also with King Xenon’s role.
What a journey this book was for Lark - truly learning not just who but what she is. What she’s capable of and why she is so important. And of course everything surrounding her adopted and birth family…it’s definitely been a lot for her to unpack!
Adored the discovery of the hidden valley and it being a bit like the land before time, establishing the history of the Phoenix’s, how they tie to her and my fave - meeting Cailleach - a thousands year old dragon with a gaidhlig name. And OMG the Phoenix story is so sad. Interestingly, I did have a thought when she first discovered her wings and their being a deep red and gold…I thought, I wonder if she’ll have any kind of Phoenix heritage.
She got around to rescuing the dragons too!!! Finally…I mean, what’s she been up to all this time?! 🙃 similar to the treatment of the wyverns and Abraxos in ToG, I struggled with reading Chapter 38 but we got through it. I’m so hopeful for her bond with Migyst and how this grows as the story progresses given that she bonded with them whilst she had no awareness of or real use of her magic, managed to free them and they’ve boomeranged around each other.
And is now the Queen of Tirene by default as the sole dragon caller…
Loved the plot twist of the bowl of soup - didn’t see that coming!
Lark has really come into her own and has developed so much as a person and character across this series but particularly in this book. So looking forward to Book 4 to see how they plan to defeat the god of nightmares, rescue Knox and free everyone from under King Xenon, hopefully without dying…with the prophecy is always lurking in the background. Paraphrasing here - but just because the prophecy exists, it doesn’t need to be fulfilled…[Albus Dumbledore].
It had some Throne of Glass vibes with the drachen and how they latch onto people and beings. Also with King Xenon’s role.
What a journey this book was for Lark - truly learning not just who but what she is. What she’s capable of and why she is so important. And of course everything surrounding her adopted and birth family…it’s definitely been a lot for her to unpack!
Adored the discovery of the hidden valley and it being a bit like the land before time, establishing the history of the Phoenix’s, how they tie to her and my fave - meeting Cailleach - a thousands year old dragon with a gaidhlig name. And OMG the Phoenix story is so sad. Interestingly, I did have a thought when she first discovered her wings and their being a deep red and gold…I thought, I wonder if she’ll have any kind of Phoenix heritage.
She got around to rescuing the dragons too!!! Finally…I mean, what’s she been up to all this time?! 🙃 similar to the treatment of the wyverns and Abraxos in ToG, I struggled with reading Chapter 38 but we got through it. I’m so hopeful for her bond with Migyst and how this grows as the story progresses given that she bonded with them whilst she had no awareness of or real use of her magic, managed to free them and they’ve boomeranged around each other.
And is now the Queen of Tirene by default as the sole dragon caller…
Loved the plot twist of the bowl of soup - didn’t see that coming!
Lark has really come into her own and has developed so much as a person and character across this series but particularly in this book. So looking forward to Book 4 to see how they plan to defeat the god of nightmares, rescue Knox and free everyone from under King Xenon, hopefully without dying…with the prophecy is always lurking in the background. Paraphrasing here - but just because the prophecy exists, it doesn’t need to be fulfilled…[Albus Dumbledore].
August 12, 2025
Felt like a filler but a good one. Definitely kept me on my toes
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
my least favourite mmc&fmc i think ever? Zero connection with these two
my least favourite mmc&fmc i think ever? Zero connection with these two
May 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
If you need a series to scratch your Fourth Wing itch you need to read this series.
Like.
Need. To.
Cause I think this one is better 💁🏻♀️🐉
This series has everything.
Dragons. ✅
Complex magic system. ✅
Badass FMC finally coming into her own. ✅
Political tensions between kingdoms. ✅
Unknown evil making power moves ✅
This was probably my favorite book in the series so far because we actually figure out who the real bad guys are, more questions are answered....and this book also had the most brutal cliff hanger.
Thank you Nina Frost for an ARC of this book! I literally cannot wait for the fourth book!!
Spice: 🌶️
If you need a series to scratch your Fourth Wing itch you need to read this series.
Like.
Need. To.
Cause I think this one is better 💁🏻♀️🐉
This series has everything.
Dragons. ✅
Complex magic system. ✅
Badass FMC finally coming into her own. ✅
Political tensions between kingdoms. ✅
Unknown evil making power moves ✅
This was probably my favorite book in the series so far because we actually figure out who the real bad guys are, more questions are answered....and this book also had the most brutal cliff hanger.
Thank you Nina Frost for an ARC of this book! I literally cannot wait for the fourth book!!
July 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Continuing to love this series and the story that is developing. Nina Frost does a great job building the world and characters with lots of depth. I read the book via my kindle and listened to it on audible. The audible version can be difficult to follow the dialogue since it is AI. Excited to be an ARC reader for the next book!!
Continuing to love this series and the story that is developing. Nina Frost does a great job building the world and characters with lots of depth. I read the book via my kindle and listened to it on audible. The audible version can be difficult to follow the dialogue since it is AI. Excited to be an ARC reader for the next book!!
June 12, 2025
Great book, but disappointed that there is now a fourth installment
The continued story of Lark was full of action, new lands, and dangerous magic. While she and Sterling are finally finding themselves as a couple, Sterling is becoming a king to admire, and Lark is uncovering truths about her past, the drachen threaten their happiness. Leesa, Lark’s sister became a stronger character in this book, and it was nice to see her personality and character more fully develop. I really enjoyed Lark discovering more of her long lost family in this book as well. I was so disappointed by the ending, though. I really thought the third book was the final book, but as we got closer and closer to the end, I realized the author had a surprise in store for me. There is another book, and this one really left off on a cliffhanger. The author teases that many of the questions that arose in the first and second book would be answered, but alas, that was not the case. Only more questions, and I don’t think the fourth book has even been released yet. Again, I am just so disappointed. I don’t want to wait to see what happens. I want to know if Lark fulfills the prophecy. I want to know if Lark is able to save Sterling. I just want to know, but now I have to wait. Ughhh, I am just so bummed. If you are interested in getting hooked on a series about dragons, dangerous politics, and dark magic, this is the series for you.
The continued story of Lark was full of action, new lands, and dangerous magic. While she and Sterling are finally finding themselves as a couple, Sterling is becoming a king to admire, and Lark is uncovering truths about her past, the drachen threaten their happiness. Leesa, Lark’s sister became a stronger character in this book, and it was nice to see her personality and character more fully develop. I really enjoyed Lark discovering more of her long lost family in this book as well. I was so disappointed by the ending, though. I really thought the third book was the final book, but as we got closer and closer to the end, I realized the author had a surprise in store for me. There is another book, and this one really left off on a cliffhanger. The author teases that many of the questions that arose in the first and second book would be answered, but alas, that was not the case. Only more questions, and I don’t think the fourth book has even been released yet. Again, I am just so disappointed. I don’t want to wait to see what happens. I want to know if Lark fulfills the prophecy. I want to know if Lark is able to save Sterling. I just want to know, but now I have to wait. Ughhh, I am just so bummed. If you are interested in getting hooked on a series about dragons, dangerous politics, and dark magic, this is the series for you.
May 7, 2025
Nina Frost has done it again and brought another 5⭐️ read I couldn’t put down!
This is the 3rd book in the Dragons of Tirene series. Lark and her crew are continuing trying to unravel some mysteries that could hold the key to stopping the drachen. Some things learned are doozies!
It felt like nonstop action and was intense at times. The emotions are up and down!
I love that we get to see more of some of the side characters we met in the other books too.
If you love dragons, magic, found family, court life and a prophecy then you will love this series! This has been a crazy ride and I’m glad I’m here for it! After that cliffy, I can’t wait for the next one! Crown of Betrayal and Blood releases May 13 and is available for preorder now. It will also be on KU
This is the 3rd book in the Dragons of Tirene series. Lark and her crew are continuing trying to unravel some mysteries that could hold the key to stopping the drachen. Some things learned are doozies!
It felt like nonstop action and was intense at times. The emotions are up and down!
I love that we get to see more of some of the side characters we met in the other books too.
If you love dragons, magic, found family, court life and a prophecy then you will love this series! This has been a crazy ride and I’m glad I’m here for it! After that cliffy, I can’t wait for the next one! Crown of Betrayal and Blood releases May 13 and is available for preorder now. It will also be on KU
May 7, 2025
So much has happened since the first book but thankfully this one picks up right after the ending of book 2. I could not put this down. It was so good. I loved how much Lark has grown since book 1. She is confident and willing to do what needs to be done. The twists in this book were ones I did not see coming. This book sadly did not have a lot of Sterling in it (miss him), but in a way that worked better because it let Lark stand on her own and show that she didn’t need a man to rescue her. She’s got dragons in her side. I can’t wait for the next book! ending killed me. I can't wait for the next book!
June 17, 2025
What an adventure! So many things happen only for me to be whammed with another brutal cliffhanger. The suspense, magic, lore and mystery had me gripping the edge of my seat with delight, holding out for some ounce of hope and joy. But the author knows how to tell a story that keeps you hooked and wanting more because that’s exactly what she mastered here and I am desperately needing more!
May 13, 2025
I LOVE this series!! I was privileged to read this as an ARC, and it did not disappoint! As I read this book , I laughed, cried, kicked my feet, wanted to throw my reader across the room, and yelled at characters and situations. If my dog didn't think I was crazy before, he surely does now.
I love how the plot continues to expand and keeps me anxious to see what's next!
The characters' growth - not just our main characters - is perfect with the pacing. Which is also spot on!
I love the main characters! Their banter, their love for each other, and of course the spice! I can't wait for the next book!!
I'm already recommending this to others, and I just finished it! It's seriously that good!
I love how the plot continues to expand and keeps me anxious to see what's next!
The characters' growth - not just our main characters - is perfect with the pacing. Which is also spot on!
I love the main characters! Their banter, their love for each other, and of course the spice! I can't wait for the next book!!
I'm already recommending this to others, and I just finished it! It's seriously that good!
May 7, 2025
Just finished my ARC copy of this and I am once again blown away!! This book took me on such a journey!! I absolutely loved this one and learning more about Lark's heritage!!! I NEED the next book!! What on earth was that ending???? Please excuse me while I go cry in a corner...🥺 What a wild ride that was!! Can't wait for the next part of Lark's journey! Fourth Wing fans and dragon lovers: You need to read this series!!!!
October 17, 2025
lowkey this series is quickly going downhill. i loved the first. i don’t even know if ill read the third. maybe if i get super bored or sum
May 6, 2025
I blew through this book so quickly! I can’t wait for the next one.
September 19, 2025
eh filler book with a predictable twist
May 28, 2025
Crown of Betrayal and Blood by Nina Frost held my interest more than the previous books, but still suffers from the same issues that have plagued the trilogy from the start. The pacing feels rushed, and I honestly believe this story could have benefited from being expanded into a much longer series to allow the world and characters more room to breathe.
The plot continues to feel a bit disjointed, with events not always flowing naturally. That said, the early mystery surrounding the Drachen kept me engaged. I was especially intrigued by Lark’s lineage and the stolen title dynamic—but it was frustrating that neither Lark nor Sterling ever addressed this tension point between them. And while Sterling’s declarations of love are more passionate this time around, the romance (“spice”) still feels a little flat.
For a story centered on dragons, I expected more depth and focus on them—even by book three, they remain underdeveloped. The phoenix addition had great potential to spice things up and add variety to the fantasy elements, but sadly, it wasn’t explored enough. The climactic arc around saving the dragons felt rushed and lacked the emotional punch it deserved.
Technical issues like frequent grammar and spelling errors across all three books really pulled me out of the story. The series has a strong foundation and an intricately woven plot, but it lacks the depth and polish that could have made it truly memorable. Instead, it feels like a watered-down version of something greater.
The plot continues to feel a bit disjointed, with events not always flowing naturally. That said, the early mystery surrounding the Drachen kept me engaged. I was especially intrigued by Lark’s lineage and the stolen title dynamic—but it was frustrating that neither Lark nor Sterling ever addressed this tension point between them. And while Sterling’s declarations of love are more passionate this time around, the romance (“spice”) still feels a little flat.
For a story centered on dragons, I expected more depth and focus on them—even by book three, they remain underdeveloped. The phoenix addition had great potential to spice things up and add variety to the fantasy elements, but sadly, it wasn’t explored enough. The climactic arc around saving the dragons felt rushed and lacked the emotional punch it deserved.
Technical issues like frequent grammar and spelling errors across all three books really pulled me out of the story. The series has a strong foundation and an intricately woven plot, but it lacks the depth and polish that could have made it truly memorable. Instead, it feels like a watered-down version of something greater.
June 9, 2025
Release books/series with a precursor that this is not the final one or series is incomplete. I would never have started it. I’ll have forgotten this story by the time the next one comes out. This was a useless 3rd book without an ending. A few more chapters and it would have wrapped everything up perfectly. I hate unnecessary cliffhangers. To those that read the 4th (if it ever comes out) I hope there’s enough to build a full and captivating story for you to read!
October 17, 2025
“In the end, hope is another form of light, and we’ll need all the light we can get to banish the encroaching darkness.”
May 14, 2025
3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
2.5🌶️
Let me start out by saying that I absolutely LOVE this series and will be continuing with book 4! However, this installment took me a notch down.
I was so excited for this book. Books 1 and 2 I binged in 2 days. Could not put them down. I loved Sterling and Lark’s journey, first through Flighthaven and then into Tirene. Each book brought a different aspect. Book 1 the academy setting, book 2 the court setting.
With book 3 here though, while definitely used as a set up book, which is understandable, the characters felt very disconnected. It’s seems like Lark and Sterling were barely ever together this book except when they were hooking up. Which, don’t get me wrong, I love my spicy scenes, but even I will say they felt more thrown in there vs adding to the story like books 1 and 2 did.
We have some quests in this book to gather information, which were interesting to read. I’m glad we got more from characters such as Bastien and Agnar. I love when side characters are more intertwined in the plot.
There are some twists and shocks that happen. There was one scene though I will say I didn’t agree with it needing to happen. It could have gone a different way and not changed the story in my opinion. It felt very looked over to in the aftermath. It felt like it was more put in there for shock value than anything.
The spice 🌶️ is still there and we have a few different scenes but again, I didn’t connect as much with it in this installment like I did the other books.
The very end of the book, the last handful of chapters, things did pick up and I’m happy to see we’re even returning to Flighthaven to reconnect with some of Lark’s friends and acquaintances from there because I did miss them in book 2, and glad to see we may start bringing everyone kind of together to tie all the books.
I still can’t wait for book 4 and still love this series! I’m hoping book 4 will be a home run and bring it home well!
2.5🌶️
Let me start out by saying that I absolutely LOVE this series and will be continuing with book 4! However, this installment took me a notch down.
I was so excited for this book. Books 1 and 2 I binged in 2 days. Could not put them down. I loved Sterling and Lark’s journey, first through Flighthaven and then into Tirene. Each book brought a different aspect. Book 1 the academy setting, book 2 the court setting.
With book 3 here though, while definitely used as a set up book, which is understandable, the characters felt very disconnected. It’s seems like Lark and Sterling were barely ever together this book except when they were hooking up. Which, don’t get me wrong, I love my spicy scenes, but even I will say they felt more thrown in there vs adding to the story like books 1 and 2 did.
We have some quests in this book to gather information, which were interesting to read. I’m glad we got more from characters such as Bastien and Agnar. I love when side characters are more intertwined in the plot.
There are some twists and shocks that happen. There was one scene though I will say I didn’t agree with it needing to happen. It could have gone a different way and not changed the story in my opinion. It felt very looked over to in the aftermath. It felt like it was more put in there for shock value than anything.
The spice 🌶️ is still there and we have a few different scenes but again, I didn’t connect as much with it in this installment like I did the other books.
The very end of the book, the last handful of chapters, things did pick up and I’m happy to see we’re even returning to Flighthaven to reconnect with some of Lark’s friends and acquaintances from there because I did miss them in book 2, and glad to see we may start bringing everyone kind of together to tie all the books.
I still can’t wait for book 4 and still love this series! I’m hoping book 4 will be a home run and bring it home well!
May 28, 2025
I have a huge problem with this book — I honestly wondered if it was written by the same person who gave us the first two in the series. I had to force myself to finish it. The first two books were fantastic, but this one left me frustrated.
It’s not the plot — the idea behind the magic system, the prophecy, and how events unfold is genuinely great. But I think the author focused on the wrong scenes. (Spoilers ahead — read with caution!)
There were moments that had the potential to be emotional and full of tension — like when Lark’s mother is killed or when she finds out about her brother. But both scenes were oddly flat. Lessa just casually mentions, “oh, that’s your brother,” at the dinner table, and Lark is… fine? She doesn’t even ask any questions about her parents.
When one of the side characters dies, the reaction is barely there — just a quick “oh well.” Meanwhile, we get long descriptions of nature and very little meaningful dialogue. Most of the book is spent inside the FMC’s head, but her emotions feel muted. She’s weirdly okay with everything, even when dramatic things are happening.
Her relationship with Sterling doesn’t evolve at all — maybe a tiny bit near the end, but those few scenes didn’t move me emotionally. Honestly, if I were in her place, I’d be screaming — and she’s just calm and passive.
One thing I did enjoy was the spark between Lark and Agnar. Their dynamic felt alive, and I could honestly see him as a potential second love interest (though that’s probably just my wishful thinking). I’d love to see more intensity between them.
Despite my issues with this installment, I still believe the concept of the series is brilliant — and I’ll definitely read the next book. I just really hope it brings back the energy and spirit of the first two.
It’s not the plot — the idea behind the magic system, the prophecy, and how events unfold is genuinely great. But I think the author focused on the wrong scenes. (Spoilers ahead — read with caution!)
There were moments that had the potential to be emotional and full of tension — like when Lark’s mother is killed or when she finds out about her brother. But both scenes were oddly flat. Lessa just casually mentions, “oh, that’s your brother,” at the dinner table, and Lark is… fine? She doesn’t even ask any questions about her parents.
When one of the side characters dies, the reaction is barely there — just a quick “oh well.” Meanwhile, we get long descriptions of nature and very little meaningful dialogue. Most of the book is spent inside the FMC’s head, but her emotions feel muted. She’s weirdly okay with everything, even when dramatic things are happening.
Her relationship with Sterling doesn’t evolve at all — maybe a tiny bit near the end, but those few scenes didn’t move me emotionally. Honestly, if I were in her place, I’d be screaming — and she’s just calm and passive.
One thing I did enjoy was the spark between Lark and Agnar. Their dynamic felt alive, and I could honestly see him as a potential second love interest (though that’s probably just my wishful thinking). I’d love to see more intensity between them.
Despite my issues with this installment, I still believe the concept of the series is brilliant — and I’ll definitely read the next book. I just really hope it brings back the energy and spirit of the first two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
Wow—Nina Frost has done it again. Crown of Betrayal and Blood is an emotional, action-packed, and beautifully written continuation of the Dragons of Tirene series, and I was absolutely hooked from start to finish.
Lark continues to be one of my favorite female leads in Romantasy. Her growth in this book is so satisfying to witness—she’s strong, brave, and still learning who she is and what she’s capable of. I loved watching her navigate not just the threats around her, but the complexities of identity, love, and power.
And let’s talk about Sterling. Officially on my top book boyfriend list. He’s loyal, emotionally available, and the chemistry between him and Lark? Chef’s kiss. Their relationship is built on trust and respect, which made every intimate and emotional moment between them feel earned and powerful.
The worldbuilding in this installment also steps up—traveling beyond the palace added so much depth to the story. The new locations and magical elements expanded the lore without ever slowing the pace. Honestly, I devoured this in one sitting. Under 400 pages, yet it never felt rushed.
I will say there were a few moments where I had to pause and reread certain mythological references—they were a little confusing—but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. And that ending? Absolutely gutted me. I need the next book immediately.
If you’re a fan of strong heroines, slow-burn but emotionally rich romance, and fast-paced fantasy with dragons, betrayal, and high stakes—this one’s for you.
Highly recommend, but definitely start from the beginning of the series to truly appreciate the character arcs and the intensity of this installment. Can’t wait to see where Nina Frost takes us next!
Lark continues to be one of my favorite female leads in Romantasy. Her growth in this book is so satisfying to witness—she’s strong, brave, and still learning who she is and what she’s capable of. I loved watching her navigate not just the threats around her, but the complexities of identity, love, and power.
And let’s talk about Sterling. Officially on my top book boyfriend list. He’s loyal, emotionally available, and the chemistry between him and Lark? Chef’s kiss. Their relationship is built on trust and respect, which made every intimate and emotional moment between them feel earned and powerful.
The worldbuilding in this installment also steps up—traveling beyond the palace added so much depth to the story. The new locations and magical elements expanded the lore without ever slowing the pace. Honestly, I devoured this in one sitting. Under 400 pages, yet it never felt rushed.
I will say there were a few moments where I had to pause and reread certain mythological references—they were a little confusing—but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. And that ending? Absolutely gutted me. I need the next book immediately.
If you’re a fan of strong heroines, slow-burn but emotionally rich romance, and fast-paced fantasy with dragons, betrayal, and high stakes—this one’s for you.
Highly recommend, but definitely start from the beginning of the series to truly appreciate the character arcs and the intensity of this installment. Can’t wait to see where Nina Frost takes us next!
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