Tuesday Reviews: A Heart of Crimson Flames by A.K. Mulford

The only thing more challenging than taming a sorceress is protecting her heart a second time...

War has begun, and the fate of humans and Wolves alike lies in the hands of three fierce members of the Golden Court scattered across every corner of Aotreas.

Briar Marriel, once the heir of the Golden Court, is now a prisoner in the heart of enemy territory. But when her ex-lover Maez—now a dark sorceress—comes to “rescue” her, Briar must decide if she’s willing to trust the twisted version of the woman she once loved or remain under the rule of the cruel King Nero. In a war where enemies wear familiar faces, escape might come at a terrible cost. But if she can harness Maez’s newfound magic, could it mean winning the war?

Meanwhile, Sadie with the help of Navin races to harness ancient magic that could turn the tide of the war. With their dragon at their side, the Songkeepers uncover long-buried secrets that could save their people—or destroy them all.

At the Golden Court, Queen Calla faces an impossible choice: prepare for the looming battle or risk everything to rescue their twin sister Briar. With alliances crumbling and betrayal lurking at every corner, Calla must rally their court and lead their people into war, knowing the price of failure is unthinkable.

As war ravages the land, and love is tested by darkness, Briar, Sadie, and Calla must confront their pasts and find the strength to reclaim their future. In this epic conclusion to the Golden Court Trilogy, the battle for freedom—and for love—has never been more harrowing.

A Heart of Crimson Flames by A.K. Mulford is the epic, emotional finale the Golden Court Trilogy absolutely deserved. War is raging, the stakes are sky-high, and the heartache hits just as hard as the magic.

Briar is back and more badass than ever—trapped behind enemy lines, facing off with her ex-lover-turned-dark-sorceress, and somehow still keeping her wits sharp enough to consider teaming up with said ex to save the world. No big deal, just emotionally devastating decisions and unresolved feelings wrapped in magical chaos.

Meanwhile, Sadie and Navin are out chasing ancient magic with their dragon in tow, uncovering secrets that made me yell "oh no" and "oh YES" in equal measure. And Calla? Still the no-nonsense queen we know and love, balancing political pressure, court betrayals, and the very real possibility of losing everything.

There’s heartbreak, redemption, sibling bonds, found family, queer romance, and so many twists I nearly dropped the book. A.K. Mulford sticks the landing with a finale that is both powerful and tender, full of high fantasy drama and deeply human emotion.

If you want a romantasy series that blends magic, love, and rebellion with unapologetically queer heroines and dragons. A Heart of Crimson Flames will set your soul on fire.