Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court

Three Dark Kings #1

by Everly Frost

Three dark kings rule my fate.

The Ember King burns with fury and thirsts for destruction.
The Frost King strikes without mercy and delights in cruelty.
And the Iron King weaves lies into chains to cage his enemies.

For centuries, a cursed war has raged between the three fae kingdoms, their ruthless kings hunting for the power to destroy each other once and for all.

All my life, my father has warned me: the power they seek… is me.

I am the first female oracle born since the war began, and even though my magic is yet to ignite, the three kings will stop at nothing to use me as a weapon in their brutal rivalry.

So I’ve run, fleeing with my father from village to village, never revealing what I am.

When tragedy strikes, I must make a terrible choice: keep running or challenge the kings to claim me…

One whose desire could ruin me. One whose heart could shatter me. And one whose secrets could destroy us all.

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will devour this why choose romantasy, where forced proximity with each morally gray fae king slow-burns to a searing chemistry and the female main character doesn't have to choose between them—unless fate forces her hand.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Fantasy Romance

586 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Everly Frost writes fantasy romance and paranormal romance with badass female leads and morally grey heroes who fall first. When she isn't dreaming up spicy enemies to lovers romances, she's binge-watching Lord of the Rings, tending to her fur baby, or learning to sew. Subscribe to Everly's newsletter for a free novella today!

Reviews

[Amanda | escapetoerilea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Luna Blooms and Everly for entrusting me with an early copy!

Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court
Three Dark Kings book 1 (planned 6)

Multiple POV, why choose (eventually), three dangerous fae king MMCs stuck in perpetual war, FMC in hiding, interesting world building, each kingdom has its own type of animal to ride (eagles/serpents/wolves), touch her and find out, learning new power, ruthless courts, slow burn, enemies everywhere, cliffhanger

Thyra has been in hiding her whole life because the each of the three fae kings wants her and her eventual power for their side of the war. But her and her father's cover is blown one day and all three kings converge on the village where they were hiding. While she ends up bonded to all three of them, she goes with one of them to a kingdom where she is constantly threatened. Can she and Antony break the curse on the kingdoms?

There was a lot of set up in this book and a lot of mysteries! Some were solved but some are definitely still in the air! This book we mostly spent time with one MMC in his super dangerous court where his evil step mother has too much power. He started out so guarded and "be afraid of me" and it was fun to watch him fall. I'm already so excited to see more of the other two MMCs and see where things go! And the cliff hanger! Ahhhh I need book 2!!

[:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I really liked this book! This is one that I would really happily come back to read again. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next one!

This has the beginnings of being an epic fantasy that integrates across the world created instead of solely focused in one region and time.

The main characters are solid and easy to connect to. The side characters who I’m guessing become much more important later on aren’t as easy to be connected to but they provide a lot of intrigue to want to know more.

~~~~~

Will I read more of this series? Yes absolutely. It’s one I would also be looking to eventually get a special edition of if it becomes available in the future.

Would I read more from this author? Sincerely yes. This is one of the rare times where I’m signing up for an author newsletter because I don’t want to miss notices for the next book coming out.

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. I have multiple people already in mind who would like it. It appeals to both the romantasy and epic fantasy crowds.

~~~~~

This book was reviewed as an ARC provided by Everly’s team

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thyra is the first female oracle in thousands of years. Her father wisked her away as a baby to protect her, teaching her what he could. Until the day his visions failed and he couldnt protect her any longer.

Thrust into her power, she turns herself over to the Iron King, Antony. She wants to help him, to break his curse. He's distrustful but she pushes past that. Together, they will stop what the False Queen started.

But there is a traitor in their midst. And they will stop at nothing to bring Antony down and take Thyra or kill her.

A captivating start to the story!

[Morgan Rau · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all- put your patience pants on!

The very first sentence of this book grabs your attention immediately and leaves you wondering from the start… And you’ll stay wondering. Some would call the beginning slow, but this is a high fantasy romance with a plot that requires world building and character development. This is not a quick why choose that burns fiercely and has you closing the book with a sigh and a happy heart. THAT BEING SAID, you WILL devour the last few hundred pages feeling completely immersed in Thyra’s world. You will want more. You will wait impatiently for the next book. You will think about the possibilities until it’s released and it might just drive you mad.

4 solid stars for me and not because I got it as an ARC and the author asked for it like some tend to do.. The book just simply deserves it.

Although I’m not disappointed, I personally wish we knew more of each character’s background to build our own emotional connections so the reveals hit a little harder. I’m also holding my breath for a side story about Cassia. She’s a badass and became one of my favorite characters.🤞🏻


Now here I sit.. Hoping I’m chosen as an ARC reader for the next book so I can get my hands on it just a little bit sooner.

[Agustina Zanelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

ENGLISH:

CAPTIVATING, STEAMY AND EXCITING. A PAGE-TURNER STORY BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.

That day, I learned my first lesson: I am a danger to anyone who loves me.

Thyra has been running from her destiny her entire life, hiding from the three cruel kings who want to use her to break an ancient curse and save their respective kingdoms. But when their paths cross and she can run no more, she must confront the full power of being an oracle and the dangers the future holds…

I loved this book! It was a very entertaining read, with a truly interesting plot, full of secrets that gradually came to light and many mysteries that still remain to be discovered. It was full of intrigue, with hidden forces working in the shadows without revealing their true intentions. I couldn’t put it down because of that mystery, needing to find out what was happening.

There were things constantly happening, scenes full of action and adrenaline, with a lot of tension and danger, as well as a great display of magic. It had several truly shocking revelations that I didn't see coming at all and blew my mind. This book surprised me a lot, and even made me scream when I found out certain truths that came to light.

One of the things I loved most about this story was the setting. The author created a world brimming with imagination and creativity. I loved discovering the different kingdoms with their unique characteristics, with faes and vampires, as well as various creatures, some adorable and others truly terrifying. I adored the protagonists' relationship with animals.

Actually, I really loved the characters. Each one had great depth, and even the secondary characters were so well-developed. I loved the protagonist, how we see different facets of Thyra throughout the story, her optimism despite all the hardships she endures. And then there's the special connection she has with the kings…

Ah, the kings. I loved getting to know the three kings, each more intriguing than the last, with their dark secrets and tragic pasts. In this book, we learn more about Antony, and I absolutely loved him. The romance in this story is truly intense; some scenes were incredibly spicy, with a very strong and powerful connection. There were also some very special moments that made me swoon.

It was a captivating story that immersed me in a dark, unique, and captivating fantasy world, with thrilling and breathtaking moments. It had a lot of drama and some scenes that broke my heart. It was a really entertaining read, and now I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens next… especially after such an ending! I need more!

I am a monster, and even if I don’t tell her how or why, I need her to remember it.

ESPAÑOL:

CAUTIVADORA, APASIONANTE Y EMOCIONANTE. UNA HISTORIA ADICTIVA, HERMOSAMENTE ESCRITA.

Ese día aprendí mi primera lección: soy un peligro para cualquiera que me ame.

Thyra ha estado escapando de su destino durante toda su vida, ocultándose de los tres crueles reyes que quieren usarla para romper una antigua maldición y salvar sus respectivos reinos. Pero cuando se cruzan sus caminos y ya no puede correr más, deberá enfrentarse a todo su poder como oráculo y los peligros que le traerá el futuro…

¡Me encantó este libro! Fue una lectura muy entretenida, con una trama realmente interesante, llena de secretos que iban saliendo a la luz y muchas incógnitas que aún quedan por descubrir. Tuvo mucha intriga, fuerzas ocultas trabajando en la oscuridad sin revelar sus verdaderas intenciones. Ese misterio hizo que no pudiera parar de leer, necesitando descubrir lo que estaba pasando.

Es un libro en donde no paraban de pasar cosas; hubo partes llenas de acción y adrenalina, con mucha tensión y peligro, además de un gran despliegue de magia. Tuvo varias revelaciones realmente impactantes que no me veía venir para nada y me volaron la cabeza. Este libro me sorprendió mucho en ese sentido, y hasta me hizo gritar de la sorpresa ante ciertas verdades que fueron saliendo a la luz.

Una de las cosas que más me gustaron, fue la ambientación. La autora construyó un mundo lleno de imaginación y creatividad. Amé conocer los distintos reinos con sus peculiaridades, con faes y vampiros, como así también diferentes criaturas, algunas muy lindas y otras realmente escalofriantes. Me encantó la relación que los protagonistas tenían con los animales.

Me gustaron mucho los personajes, cada uno de ellos tuvo mucha profundidad e incluso hubo un gran desarrollo de los personajes secundarios. Me encantó la protagonista, cómo vemos diferentes facetas de Thyra a lo largo de la lectura, siendo optimista a pesar de todo lo malo que le sucede. Además de la conexión tan especial que tiene con los reyes…

Ah, los reyes. Amé conocer a cada uno de los tres reyes, uno más intrigante que el otro, con sus secretos oscuros y pasados trágicos. En este libro conocemos más a Antony, y la verdad es que me encantó. El romance en esta historia es realmente intenso; algunas escenas estuvieron llenas de spicy, con una conexión muy fuerte y poderosa. También hubo momentos muy especiales que me dejaron suspirando de amor.

Una historia fascinante, que te sumerge en un mundo de fantasía único, oscuro e imaginativo, con momentos emocionantes y dignos de suspiros. Tuvo mucho drama y escenas que me rompieron el corazón. Fue una lectura muy entretenida, que me dejó con muchas ganas de leer la secuela para saber cómo sigue… ¡Especialmente después de semejante final! ¡Necesito más!

Soy un monstruo, y aunque no le diga cómo ni por qué, necesito que lo recuerde.

[Karen K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve admired Everly Frost’s writing for years, and Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court feels like a turning point in her career—a book that shows just how far she’s come in confidence, complexity, and emotional impact. It has all the things I’ve always loved about her work—fast pacing, vivid magic, sharp tension—but layered with a new depth that makes this story feel bigger, bolder, and more assured than anything she’s written before.

At the center of it all is Thyra, the first female Oracle since the false queen, a young woman who has spent her life running from the fate that now refuses to let her go. Her power—Sight tied to the legendary Dragon’s Blade—makes her the key to ending a brutal, centuries‑long war between three fae kingdoms. Frost writes Thyra with a grounded strength: she’s grieving, furious, and terrified, but she keeps choosing, keeps thinking, keeps pushing back against the idea that she’s just a weapon to be used. You can feel how much Frost has grown in the way she balances Thyra’s vulnerability with her agency.

Then there are the three kings who rule her fate:

- The Ember King burns with fury and destruction, all sharp heat and dangerous intensity.
- The Frost King is as merciless as ice, cruel and cutting, delighting in control and pain.
- The Iron King, Antony, is the liar, the strategist, the one who weaves truths and falsehoods into chains. He’s the king Thyra flees with, the one whose motives feel the most complicated—and that’s exactly what makes him so compelling.

This isn’t just a “three hot fae kings” setup; it’s a romantasy where politics, prophecy, and desire are all tangled together. Each king represents a different kind of danger, a different possible future, and Frost lets that tension simmer—slow‑burn chemistry, shifting alliances, and emotional beats that feel earned rather than rushed.

The worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling bloated. The cursed war, the Dragon’s Blade, the Oracles’ legacy, the brutal beauty of the three kingdoms—everything feels like it has history behind it. Frost’s prose has tightened over the years, and here it’s at its best: atmospheric, clear, and purposeful. The stakes aren’t just “save the world”; they’re deeply personal for Thyra, and that makes every choice hit harder.

And then there’s the cliffhanger.

This book doesn’t just end—it drops you. The final act pulls together prophecy, power, and betrayal in a way that completely reframes what you thought the story was building toward. It’s a monumental cliffhanger, the kind that leaves you a little stunned, a little wrecked, and absolutely desperate for the next book.

Reading Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court as someone who’s followed Everly Frost for so long is genuinely special. You can see the growth in every page: sharp character work, rich worldbuilding, bold choices. This isn’t just another great Everly Frost book; it feels like a milestone in her career—and a promise that what comes next will be even more powerful.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thyra’s father told her that her mother was highborn and she had the power to conjure the most perfect white roses. Her father advised her to never find her mother because the three kingdoms, Iron, Frost and Ember are at war and would do anything to find Thyra to be their weapon against each other. She learned that day that she’s a danger to anyone who loves her.

Ever since the False Queen shattered their world and cursed all to be in an endless war against each other, the three dark kings now have a chance to end it with the next Oracle. The three kings received an anonymous message stating where the female Oracle is and it’s up to each of them to see who finds her first. Once they find her, they then just need the cursed Dragonstone Blade to end the curse.

I didn’t expect this book to be so in depth and slow paced. Once I found out this is the first book of six, that made more sense.

I enjoy slow paced books. It allows me to learn about the world, the magic system, the characters, etc. I think it was well done in this book, I really learned about the world, or at least Antony’s world.

It is slow though, so there are three morally grey kings, and we get glimpses of all three, but this mostly focused on Antony. I’m assuming the next will be one of the other kings potentially.

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the world too. It’s a rather harsh and merciless world, especially in the courts. Everyone is morally grey. You can tell the world is thought out too.

The characters I enjoyed. They’re all complex and have their own tragic backstories. Obviously, we learn about Antony the most in this first installment, and his story and his secret. There was predictability here, I mean his secret seemed obvious to me, but I still enjoyed learning about him.

Thyra was interesting and confusing to me. I appreciate that she didn’t understand her Oracle powers very well and that she was slowly learning how to handle or expect them. She also seemed real and relatable since she’s grieving an yet was stoic throughout everything happening to her. I do feel like her character confused me at times though because she seems meek, and that could be the point is that she seems a certain way, but isn’t really, but I never felt like she was truly a morally grey character and so when she acted morally grey suddenly, it threw me off. It didn’t make sense to me for her character to act mean when she wasn’t. Even when it was an “act”, it just didn’t seem to fit her character correctly.

I do feel the romance was fast. They did seem to lust after each other immediately, and then just fell into bed kind of quickly. I mean, the romance is okay. I do like Antony and Thyra together. She seems good for him 😆

Even though parts of this book were rather predictable, there are twists and betrayal that really added depth to the story.

I did enjoy the story for the most part. I just felt like nothing happened(until the end), and I wish there had been more of the main plot. That being said, that ending was interesting and I was invested enough into the story to be curious to know how it continues. 3.5-4 stars.

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🖤 Thank you to Everly Frost & Everly’s team for the eARC!

This book??? Dark, dramatic, and dripping in atmosphere.

Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court is one of those romantasies that pulls you in with vibes first—shadowy courts, dangerous rulers, layered politics—and then keeps tightening its grip with tension, intrigue, and characters you’re not entirely sure you should trust (but absolutely do anyway).

The three kings are easily one of the strongest parts of this story. Each one feels distinct—different kinds of dangerous, different kinds of compelling—and the push and pull between them and the FMC creates this constant undercurrent of tension. There’s a power imbalance that never fully settles, a sense that control is always shifting, and it keeps you questioning who’s actually holding the upper hand here? And honestly… I ate that up.

The atmosphere is thick in the best way—moody, immersive, and just unpredictable enough to keep you on edge. There’s always something simmering beneath the surface. Alliances feel fragile, loyalties feel conditional, and every interaction feels like it could tip into something dangerous at any moment.

And the tension? It carries everything.

Romantic tension, political tension, emotional tension—it’s layered throughout the story and is what keeps you hooked even when the pacing slows down. This isn’t a book that relies on constant action; it relies on feeling. On anticipation. On watching relationships shift and unravel in real time.

This leans heavily into dark romantasy and court intrigue rather than fast-paced plot. It’s about navigating power, manipulation, and complicated dynamics more than it is about action sequences—and if that’s your thing, it works really well.

That said, the pacing does dip a bit in the middle. It lingers in the character dynamics and atmosphere, which I personally didn’t mind, but it might feel slower if you’re looking for more forward momentum. Still, it pays off in how invested you become in the relationships and stakes.

By the end, I was fully locked in—not just in the romance, but in the world itself. It feels like the beginning of something larger, with more to unravel, more to reveal, and more chaos waiting just beneath the surface.

This is a moody, tension-filled romantasy that thrives on atmosphere, power plays, and complicated relationships. It’s not light, it’s not simple—but it is very addictive.

🖤 What to Expect:
• Dark court fantasy
• Multiple love interests
• Power plays & betrayal
• Heavy tension
• Morally grey characters

[Christina Lerew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court completely swept me away from the opening chapters. Everly Frost doesn’t just introduce a story here — she launches an entirely new world, rich with danger, magic, and intrigue, and she does it with a confidence that immediately hooks the reader. The originality of the Starlit Court, its rules, its politics, and its power dynamics feels fresh and intentional, making it impossible not to sink fully into the story from the very start.
At the heart of the book is Thyra, and she is a beautifully complex FMC. Her inner thoughts, doubts, and decisions feel deeply human, even in a world ruled by fae kings and ancient magic. She isn’t reckless or naïve, nor is she unrealistically fearless — every choice she makes is layered with consequence, emotion, and careful consideration. Watching her navigate fear, desire, destiny, and survival is one of the most compelling parts of the story. Thyra’s strength lies not just in her power, but in her ability to think, question, and grow, which makes her journey incredibly engaging.
The three dark kings are each magnetic in their own right — dangerous, commanding, and morally gray — and the tension between them and Thyra is electric. Their interactions are charged with both threat and temptation, creating a slow-burn dynamic that feels earned rather than rushed. Each king brings a different energy to the story, and the push and pull between them adds constant momentum and intrigue.
Everly Frost’s worldbuilding deserves special praise. This series opener feels expansive and immersive without overwhelming the reader. The lore, magic, and political tensions are revealed organically, making the world feel lived-in and alive. You can tell this is the beginning of something much larger, and the foundation is laid with care and creativity.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I wasn’t just invested — I was fully committed to this world and its characters. Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court is bold, addictive, and beautifully written, blending high-stakes fantasy with emotional depth and simmering romance. If you love richly built fae worlds, complex heroines, and dark kings who blur the line between enemy and desire, this book is an absolute must-read.

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 - ⭐⭐

Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court is the first instalment in an adult why choose dark romantasy series. Written in multi first person POV the story follows a woman on the run all her life and three kings bound together by a curse, desperately wanting to save their kingdoms. Thyra is the first female oracle in a long time to be born and from the moment she was born her father had them on the run to escape the target on her back. Time has finally caught up when the three kings converge on a small village and Thyra finds herself faced with tragedies that forever change the trajectory of her life...and into the arms of these kings. Except Thyra is not one to blindly accept fate and she will fight these men for control and in doing so damn them...or save them.

I tried to love this book...I really did but this was a DNF.

The premise grips me because I love a magical awakening and a search for a missing figure that will change the world. I also adore why choose so much!

At the same time I felt the beginning was rushed so much that we are just launched into an inciting force with little to no break. The main character is attacked, the village is pillaged, her father dies, and it becomes clear all of this is a set up. Add in that the MMCs all resent the FMC for hiding for so many years even though she was a baby when she went missing and has been running with her father who literally took her from her brother to protect her.

Add in this strange awakening of magic and I just lost the ability to invest myself because I was left confused and felt things were just too much for me. I have no doubt there would be answers down the line but I just didn’t get why it happened.

This book does contain spice. In my skimming of the book there are approximately two spicy scenes with the first appearing around the 75% mark. While this may be why choose the main focus on one male at a time it seems. The spicy scenes did not wow me and felt short.

Overall, I couldn't get past the dynamic of the main characters and the overwhelming start to this book. If you want romantasy that hits you with everything at once this may be for you!

Thank you Luna Blooms and the author for this arc!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for a new series from Everly Frost for a couple of years, having loved her previous work. This is a very different style from previous as it's way more fantasy set than the urban paranormal I've read of hers.

That being said, there is a LOT of world building and shifting POV as there are the 3 MMC and 1 FMC so you have to get used to the changing voices. Everly has done a great job of this, making clear tone shifts between them all, but if you're not a fan of multiple POV you will have your work cut out for you. I found it took more effort than I'm used to, compared to Everly's other books, but in the end the combination of world building and multiple POV is worth it.

Our FMC Thyra is an Oracle - the one and only and prophesied to end a war that has been raging for generations. She's got hidden powers that she doesn't know how to access, so there is a lot of her own character development as well as the developing romance involvement with the Dark Kings of the title. Thyra knows her destiny but not how to achieve it, and oracular visions are leading her just-in-time to make choices. And because the three Kings are deadly enemies, she can only choose one to follow through - to begin with. I liked that while this is shaping up to be a why-choose, there isn't an instant "and all the MMC are now friends and respect each other because of the woman" - giving lots of space for the Kings character development in the rest of the series.

By the end of the book, I'm left feeling that there's so much more that the author wanted to put in - this is a big book, and some of the world building feels rushed, maybe due to the multiple POV. Perhaps it would have been more of a flow if it focused more on just one King - but I'm still excited to see what happens in the rest of the series, if only because it's a different way of tackling world building and multiple MMC perspectives.

I received this as an ARC generously from the author directly in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this Why choose Dark Romantasy series! While it is why choose, this book focuses mainly on the Iron King and his Kingdom but we do see bits and pieces from the other 2 kings!

Thrya is the Oracle. She has just come into her power, and now every king wants her. Not just for her magic, but because she’s the only one who can break the curse on their kingdoms from he False Queen. She feels deeply, fears realistically, and still chooses strength every single time! Thayra will do what needs to be done no matter the consequences to her. She’s honestly a badass and I can’t wait to see how much stronger she becomes!

Antony, the Iron King, was raised on lies and cruelty. It shows in every calculated move he makes and guarded wall. Underneath that exterior is someone who desperately wants peace for his people and he’ll do anything to achieve it! Between his dangerous, unhinged nature and the glimpses of his heart, his story hits deep and heart breaking!

The chemistry between Antony and Thrya is off the charts! It’s intense and every interaction simmers. Thayra sees the man beneath the walls he’s built and she draws out a side of him no one else can touch. I loved watching him let those walls down and slowly fall for her! Antony lets her carry the hope he won’t allow himself and it’s EVERYTHING!

I LOVED THISSSS!!! 3 kings & kingdoms each having different powers! The world building is layered and immersive! This jumps staight into the action from page 1 and it was so hard to put down! This book has it all, court politics, war and prophecies that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending? DIABOLICAL!! I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS! It was a perfect set up for the next book! I have a feeling this is going to be a new favorite series of mine!

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, gripping, and promising — I’m hooked.

The premise follows three Dark Kings — the Ember King, the Frost King, and the Iron King — who are hunting for the oracle who can lift the curse that binds them and let them rule. This first book in a planned six‑book series mainly introduces each king and shows how the oracle, Thyra, has been hidden by her father while they close in on her.

The story is told in multiple POVs, which works well here.

Thyra (the MFC) begins timid and unsure, but watching her transform is one of the book’s best pleasures — she’s like a plain moth that becomes more than a beautiful Butterfly, with talons at the tips of her wings (figuratively speaking).

The twists kept surprising me; just when I thought I’d figured things out, the plot turned again. The ending..... OMG I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING AT ALL!!! So give me the 2nd book now, I don't want to wait!

Worldbuilding is detailed and evocative, with enough intricacy to let readers picture the realms clearly and detailed explanation of the clothing/armor was stunning.

I also liked that there’s more than one antagonist or source of evil, which raises the stakes and makes me wonder how everything will resolve by the final book.

My only small wish from this first volume was to learn more about the other kings sooner, but I can see the author’s plan — each book seems set to develop a different king, and I’m hopeful it will all tie together.

Overall, this felt different from many recent reads in a good way, and if you like Throne of Glass but want something darker, this could be for you.

Rating: 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Everly Frost book. It was the description that drew me in, plus I've been wanting to try something from her for a while, and this seemed like a good match. I didn't click with this book right away. It started a little slow; however, the world-building was pretty epic from the start. Three villainous kings, the Oracle they all want, the magic, the creatures, and a dark history—it was amazing. It didn’t take too long for me to find my groove.


Thrya isn't physically powerful or has an amazing skillset, but she is incredibly clever, has good morals, and has a big heart. That made her dangerous in ways that most won't see coming. This is all dark romance goodness. The kings are not good guys. Heck, they don't even follow the good to only her trope. Nope, the kings are monsters, each in his own way, but I didn’t hate them. So I was in red flags and all. This was one of the best redemption arcs ever! To see Anthony go from big bad to embracing the "touch her and die" trope was perfection.


The further I got into the story, the more intriguing the plot got. It was so complex, and there were a lot of moving pieces. I especially enjoyed the story about the False Queen. Although I highly doubt the story that's been told is the truth. There are so many unanswered questions, and things aren't adding up. My nerves were shot by the end of this. Crap kept happening, and I was always waiting for the next shoe to drop. Between the plot twist and the ending, I do know which was more brutal. What in the world have I gotten myself into with this series? I don't know, but I have no regrets. Three Kings and the Starlight Court was excellent. A must-read if you're a dark romantasy lover.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨
⚜️ Book Title - Three Dark Kings and The Starlit court
⚜️ Author - Everly Frost
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Fiction, Romance and Fantasy

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via authors PA. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.

I really enjoy Everly’s books, and this was no different. This one definitely has a different flavour with the why choose angle, but I’m keen to see where it goes!

I like how we learn with the FMC what the Oracle power is and its nuances. I also loved the variations in the curses, environments and the way each character was described in relation to their court. It’s some really interesting world building.

Jumping between POVs did slightly throw off the pacing at times, as some elements repeated events from another character’s perspective, so it took me a second to readjust.

Overall, I’m keen to see where the story takes us because there are still a lot of unknowns and that ending really really hooked me in!

I would recommend this book to others who love Everly’s previous books and Why choose. I will be waiting anxiously for the sequel and definitely will look for other books written by this author.

I want to say thank you to the author for the ARC.

Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.

[scottiethegpreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three dark Kings and the starlit Court by Everly Frost an action packed, why choose, dark romantasy. We follow the journey of three morally grey kings (MMC's) in their attempt to abduct and control the Oracle (Thyra, our FMC). Each of the Kings want Thyra for their own to break the curse that was placed on their kingdoms by the false queen. There is heartbreak, intrigue, assassinations, lies and liars, vampires, tension and yearning, betrayal, strong family love (and also strong family hate), and so much action. It is beautifully written, cleanly edited, and has a storyline that flowed well. It was enjoyable, captivating, exciting and I would definitely recommend it.

What you’ll find in this book:
-action packed (violence, blood)
-slow burn to spicy
-dark romantasy
-morally grey MMC's
-first in a series
-end in a cliffhanger
-why choose/RH
-570 pages
-Dual POV in first person
-vampires

Rating
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
2.5/3 spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
2.5 skulls ☠️ ☠️ ☠️

Overview:
This book starts off with a literal bang - there is no waiting to get right into the action of this book - and it never stops. The book takes place over the course of three days. The way the author focused on the MMC's was different than other why choose books, and I like that it was something new. I thought that the main characters showed good character growth and were interesting. The side characters were strong and will provide for excellent villains and support characters in future books. The world building was great and not overdone but still very descriptive. I don't wanna give any spoilers away because I think this is an absolute must read and I am excited about the future books in the series.

This review is my own and I am not AI. @scottiethegpreads

[Haley Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first why choose romance and despite my initial hesitation at reading one, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it.

This story follows Thyra, an Oracle hiding out with her father to prevent any of the Three Kingdoms locating her, and primarily Antony’s POV. I was confused by his initial attraction, as well as Maxim and Stellan’s when she gained her oracle powers. Neither had really gotten to know her besides through the visions connected through the threads biding them to her heart. I usually enjoy a good instalove/lust trope, but I think the reason for their instant attraction should have been fleshed out a little more. I expect we’ll see an answer to that in the next book!

The word bloomers also took me out of some of the spicy scenes, but that was a lesser gripe I had.
Overall, the world building, slow pacing, slow-burn tension, and character arcs kept me on my toes. I was also glad that Thyra did not have full control over her Oracle powers and there were ways to skirt around them, as I really enjoy stories where the main character has to come into her own and isn’t a master from the immediate onset.

This story was a great read and I definitely am looking forward to the second installment. Thyra was interesting as an FMC and the MMCs, with their different attitudes and personalities, had me enthralled.

[Marci Soloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to have this in your library!

Every so often, a book pulls you so deeply into its world that you simply cannot put it down. Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court by Everly Frost is one of those rare stories.

From humble beginnings, our heroine and her father are forced into hiding, running from Fate itself—three cruel, cursed kings who seek to use her to break their curse. We meet Thyra, a young woman thrust into a destiny she is utterly unprepared for. When her Oracle powers awaken, she must confront the very kings she has been fleeing. Faced with an impossible choice, Thyra uses her newfound sight and chooses to flee with the Iron King, Antony.

Together, they journey back to his kingdom, only to find that new dangers await. As they weather the storm side by side, their romance begins to blossom… or does it? Lies lurk around every corner, and Thyra is left questioning everything—and everyone. What is she meant to believe? And is she, perhaps, as cursed as the kings themselves?

This book is gripping and deeply engaging from start to finish. The characters are well developed, the tension is constant, and the cliffhanger left me completely reeling. I cannot wait to see what happens next or how this story continues to unfold. Kudos, Everly Frost—kudos indeed.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for your next Dark Fantasy Why Choose obsession? Then look no further than Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court, Book 1 in the Three Dark Kings series from @everlyfrost I could not put this book down and it had me staying up way too late turning the pages to see what happened next! Thank you Everly for my ARC.

In this story we meet Thyra who has been on the run her whole life. Because of a cursed war there are three kings who are hunting her, to use her, as the next female oracle.

What I love about Thyra is though the power is new to her, she does not back down one bit from anyone whether it be a King or anyone else that threatens her. While navigating her new power she has to deal with the grumpiness of the kings who are so hardened by the curse but they want her in more ways than one.

I am a sucker for a grumpy misunderstood MMC and we get not one but three of them in Antony, Maxim and Stellan. Though this story focuses on the Iron Kingdom, I can start to see where this growing why choose is going to go and I here for it! After that cliffhanger of an ending I cannot wait to see what happens next in their story!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine being the first female Oracle born in over thousands of years and realizing that your father has kept you hidden as he way of protecting you. Imagine learning that your mother was highborn with special abilities. Imagine your father telling you never to look for your mother because there are 3 kingdoms at war and three Fae Kings willing to do whatever necessary to use her as a weapon and break the curse upon their kingdom.

Thyra had the weight of the world it seems like resting on her shoulders. Thrust into a world where danger is lurking on every side Thyra knows that any decision, she make is life or death. When it is revealed that she is bonded to the three kings of the Starlit she starts her journey into Fae politics, magical curses, danger, power struggles and simply trying to live to see another day.

Expect high fantasy, slow burn romance, and experiencing various kingdoms within the Starlit Court. This is a thick book, and it covers a lot of world building, varying POV’s and story build up paving the way for the next book. Be patient because we are just getting started.

[Tanya Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, my heart cannot take it and we've barely started. So firstly, I definitely was not expecting that cliffhanger at the end...I was expecting something else, clearly I was wrong! And I'm hardly ever wrong In my guessing when it comes to books.

Everly has crafted an amazing adventure and it's only just started I'm looking forward to learning so much more about this world, it's history and it's characters.

Thyra I mean you can't help but love her already but I fear she has a lot to go through before she gets the happily ever after she certainly deserves. So many secrets and at the moment each of our guys I suspect is holding a piece of the story, and a part of the solution.

There was a lot of action and back story in this one, a great introduction to this world and the characters. There was a lot of book but by the time I got to 80% I was like, there's not enough book I'm going to run out... desperate for the next one already.

Does this series stand a chance of knocking Everly Frosts Assassin's series out of top spot for my heart, it certainly might!

[Gurisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went into this not totally sure what to expect, but I ended up getting really pulled into the world. It’s dark, a little brutal at times, and full of tension, the kind where you feel like something could go wrong at any moment.
The court politics and shifting alliances kept me interested the whole way through, and I liked that the characters weren’t easy to pin down. Everyone feels like they have their own agenda, which made the story feel more layered and unpredictable. The romance is definitely a slow burn, but it fits the tone of the book and builds naturally alongside everything else that’s going on.
I also really enjoyed the atmosphere, it feels immersive without being overwhelming, and the darker tone gives the story a bit more emotional weight. There were a few slower moments, but they helped build the world and made the bigger scenes feel more impactful.
Overall, this was a really engaging romantasy with plenty of intrigue and tension. I’d definitely be interested in seeing more of this world and these characters.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Kings and the Starlit Court is a fantasy romance and is book 1 of 6.
Now, I'm not a big fantasy reader because I struggle with world building, but I absolutely loved this!
Thyra is forced into her power as oracle after her father is murdered. As the three kingdoms are currently at war with each other, she is now a danger if she becomes possessed by any of them. She can be used as their most powerful weapon to defeat the other kingdoms. It is prophesied that she will be the one to end the war, but the path she must take in order to do so is unclear. The Ember King, The Frost King, and The Iron King are very complicated men who seek her for their side, but Thyra chooses to side with the Iron King, hoping that his motives are the most honest and true.
I found the first half of the book to be on the slower side. There was a lot of build up into the story. But the second half was pretty fast paced and had me flying through the pages. I can't wait to see where this story goes in the next book. I am excited for the next one.

[Meranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court by Everly Frost this was such an addictive, binge-worthy read.

I loved the main concept right from the start. The idea of three rival fae kings tied to Thyra instantly creates tension, and it kept me completely hooked.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It’s dark, magical, and full of tension, with just enough danger to keep things exciting without being overwhelming. I felt pulled into the world very quickly and didn’t want to leave.

I really liked the three kings, especially how different and morally grey they all are. Their dynamic with Thyra made the story really engaging. I also enjoyed the slow-burn romance, the chemistry and tension build nicely throughout.

I also really liked Thyra as a main character. She has a strong presence in the story, and I enjoyed following her through everything that happens.

I had a great time reading this. If you like dark romantasy and slow-burn romance, I’d definitely recommend it

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The plot immediately hit the ground running and kept me engaged the whole way through. I couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to immediately know what would happen next. The world building was done eloquently and efficiently. The descriptions and visuals the author painted for us brought the magical world to life. The multiple character POV really kept the different perspectives interesting and helped the world building. I found myself invested in all of the characters and their personal growth and triumphs. The story had me gasping one minute then cheering and finally crying the next. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys why choose romance, elaborate world building, dark fantasy, magic, morally grey characters and love. I would highly recommend this book to others. I can’t wait for book 2 and to return to this magical world especially after that cliffhanger ending.

[Malissa Wildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I get excited whenever I see that Everly has a new book coming out, and I was ecstatic to get a chance to read this one as an ARC. Three Dark Kings and the Starlit Court was so hard to put down. If I didn’t have to adult I defiantly would have read it in one day. I anticipated the moments when I got to read, and found myself on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. The way Everly introduced the characters was definitely entertaining. Thyra’s life is turned completely upside down and hiding is no longer an option. The three kings need her to break the curse and will do anything to get her. Many times I found myself absorbed in the interactions between the characters and impressed with the world she created. I really enjoyed this book and the ending just leaves you wanting to know what comes next. I cannot wait to read the next one and continue to see how Thyra’s life unfolds and I have a feeling she is not the only key to breaking the curse.

[Liz Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book will really appeal to readers who enjoy immersive, slow world-building and stories that focus heavily on setting the foundation for a larger plot. It also works well as an entry point into the “why choose” romance space, since the story primarily centers on developing the relationship with one of the three kings.

While I appreciated the depth of the world and the clear setup for future installments, I did find myself struggling to keep all the details straight and to fully follow the flow of the story. The main plot revolves around an oracle destined to break a curse, and at times I wished for a bit more clarity around how her powers function and what her exact role is within the world.

Overall, this feels very much like a groundwork-laying installment, and readers who enjoy rich setup and gradual reveals will likely find a lot to appreciate here.

Thank you to LunaBlooms and Everly for the ARC.

[Diana Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must earn.

What a spectacular and thrilling read!
It’s a long book, but never tedious or tiring — quite the opposite. It delivers action, suspense, intrigue, and twists that keep you hooked from the very beginning.

This is a dark Why Choose PNR set in the fae courts, filled with fascinating mythical creatures.
A slow-burn filled with intense, sizzling tension.

The characters are as powerful as they are captivating.
The FMC is a survivor with a beautiful soul. She hasn’t had an easy life, surviving under constant uncertainty and fear.
The MMCs are three dark kings. As the story unfolds, we begin to understand the reasons behind their thoughts and actions, which made them grow on me despite their morally gray nature.

They believed they were prepared, that they had all the information — but nothing is as it seems, and there is so much left to uncover.

It ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you speechless and eagerly awaiting the second book.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Three Kings and the Starlit Court has a fascinating premise and a lush, romantic fantasy atmosphere that immediately drew me in. The idea of the starlit court and the dynamic between the three kings is compelling, and there are moments where the tension and intrigue really shine.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times, with some scenes lingering longer than necessary while other important moments moved a bit too quickly. I also would have loved more depth in the worldbuilding and character development to fully ground the story and make the emotional beats hit harder.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a strong concept and plenty of potential. Fans of romantic fantasy and court intrigue will likely find a lot to enjoy here, even if it doesn’t quite reach its full potential for me.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Dark Kings and Starlight Court by Everly Frost feels like stepping into a dream edged with shadows—dangerous, intoxicating, and impossible to forget.
From the first page, she weaves a world steeped in power and temptation, where magic hums beneath every interaction and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Three Dark Kings pulls you in with its brooding rulers, charged tension, and a heroine who refuses to be small in a world determined to cage her. The relationships crackle with intensity—slow-burning, emotionally complex, and deliciously dark—making every glance, every word, feel heavy with meaning.
Perfect for readers who love dark fantasy romance, morally gray characters, and lush, immersive worlds, one that leaves you wanting more and thinking about it long after the magic fades.
Waiting for the next book already.