A Heart of Crimson Flames was a good final book to the triology. It was a pretty quick read, but I felt like it could have been tightened up a bit. Maybe lose a sex scene or two. I like spice, but there can be too much spice in a book.

I loved Briar's evolution and dedication to Maez. Her story was wonderful to read and my favorite POV.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Heart of Crimson Flames, the second book in A.K. Mulford’s Five Crowns of Okrith series, picks up the pace and the stakes without losing the heart that made the first book such a hit with fantasy romance fans. Mulford’s world is as lush and magical as ever—filled with fae courts, forbidden magic, and uneasy alliances—but it’s the characters who steal the show.

A Heart of Crimson Flames delivers a rousing, emotionally charged conclusion to an inclusive and magical saga. With dragons, queer love, shapeshifters, and heart-wrenching choices, it offers:

High-stakes fantasy thrills

Deep emotional resonance

Proud queer representation

I loved book 1 and 2, and was thrilled to receive Book 3. AK Mulford first entranced me with the Mountain Court 5-book series, and now she's an auto-buy author for me. This wasn't the best one she's ever written, but I did really enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review. I appreciate it!

Ak mmulfordcontinues to thrill and embrace our hearts and expand their worlds i cannot wait to see what they conjure up next and am honored to have seen this growth

The pacing and different POVs in this one really helped flesh out the book in comparison to the first two. I will say I was very close to DNFing the first two, but this one was much more interesting, so it's just a question of if you as the reader want to stick it out for the first 2. The narrative also felt a lot more cohesive and flowed a lot better. It was actually interesting, I found Maez and Briar and Sadie and Navin's storylines much more compelling than Calla's in this book.

Fans of fairytale retellings will enjoy these books, which also have a lot of LGBT representation.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

The Golden Court series is certainly not for the faint of heart, and Book 3: A Heart of Crimson Flames heartily packs a punch.

Brief Summary:
Calla and her friends are scattered and desperately attempting to finalize their allies for the impending war with King Nero and his vicious pack of Silver Wolves.

Struggling with the separation from her twin, Calla is determined to get Briar back, even if that means allying with a traitorous kingdom.

Sadie and Navin are traveling to the Temple of Knowledge to seek out songs for controlling monsters, all while Navin has to learn to train his dragon.

Meanwhile, Briar has to navigate a den of bloodthirsty wolves and deal with the knowledge that her mate is now a wicked sorceress.

Tropes & Other Info:
✨ Multiple POV (new ones added in this book)
✨ Continuation of Sleeping Beauty Retelling/ Spin-off
✨ Beauty and the Beast retelling
✨ Wolf shifters, humans, dragons, monsters
✨ Magic
✨ LGBTQ+ rep
✨ Found family
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
✨ Royalty & courts
✨ Happy Ending
⚠️ Spice & Dark Romance Spice
⚠️ Intolerance, Bigotry, & Misogyny
⚠️ Battles & War
⚠️ Violence, Gore, Death, close calls with SA
*Note: The spice and violence in this book are more intense than the previous books, so please check trigger warnings at the beginning of the story!

Thoughts:
I have to say that I really struggled in reviewing this. When I first started this series, I loved the characters and the plot, the inclusion, the found family, and I especially loved the way that Calla finds their own identity. However, I think what made this story so special got lost as the series went on because the focus shifted more toward other characters and, although Calla is still a POV character, they started feeling more like an afterthought.

Also, while I appreciated the Briar/Maez storyline turning into a Beauty and the Beast retelling where Briar has to decide whether or not to accept the darkness that Maez now carries, I was thrown by the addition of the brutal dark romance plotline. This book did provide trigger warnings at the beginning at least, but I feel like the marketing just really didn’t give any indication that the series or this book was going to go there, so that definitely threw me with this one as it is not my genre of choice, and I really wanted to know what was going to happen, being invested in the earlier characters, so I felt locked in.

I also think that having three different couples involved made the pacing tricky because some of the spicy scenes showed up in consecutive chapters where we didn’t get as much of a build up to those moments to make them more satisfying. Besides feeling rushed, some of the moments that were supposed to be romantic felt out of place. (Ex: A character is lost in battle and the two main characters of the scene barely mourn her, instead taking the moment to get engaged.)

Despite all of the above, I really loved the wrap up scene where all of the characters were sitting around talking to each other at the end. It was a touching moment that gave me all of the found family vibes that I treasured and missed from the first book.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the eARC!

A Heart of Crimson Flames lit me up. Like, emotionally combusted. 🔥❤️‍🔥

This book was everything—magic, chaos, romance, DRAGONS (yes, actual dragons), and a fierce MC who said “I fear no man but I do have anxiety and unresolved trauma.” Honestly relatable.

A.K. Mulford created a world that’s lush, inclusive, and full of heart. The stakes are high, the battles are epic, and the romance? Screaming, crying, throwing up. There’s queer rep, chosen family, and an undercurrent of healing and self-worth that hit harder than I was ready for.

If you like your fantasy with soul and your characters messy-but-trying™, this one’s calling your name.

Read if you like:
🐉 dragons, magic, and high-stakes vibes
🏳️‍🌈 strong LGBTQ+ rep + soft romance moments
🛡️ fierce MCs who would die for their people but also need therapy
✨ fantasy that’s both empowering and emotionally wrecking

10/10 would ride into battle with this book in my hands.

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.

En un mundo donde ser loba y mujer significa obedecer, Briar Marriel ya ha tenido suficiente.

Encerrada en una mazmorra y forzada a cumplir el papel de princesa perfecta para un reino gobernado por la crueldad, Briar lucha por mantener intacta su identidad. Con un vestido carmesí como símbolo de su sumisión y una promesa de dolor rondando cada esquina, ella se aferra a su mayor esperanza: Maez, su compañera destinada, la única que alguna vez la vio tal como es, y no como un trofeo.

Mientras tanto, Calla, su hermana gemela y reina de Olmdere, lidera con firmeza en medio de un mundo cada vez más amenazado por la ambición de los Lobos Plateados. La guerra se avecina, y la sangre humana ya comienza a teñir la tierra. En otro rincón del continente, un dragón nace del fuego y la música, trayendo consigo la promesa de venganza y liberación... si logran dominarlo antes de que la oscuridad lo corrompa.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest.

Since this was book 3, I had to read all three to get the full picture—and honestly, I kind of regret the time commitment. The whole “Brady Bunch but make them wolves” setup gave me serious déjà vu, like someone took LJ Andrews’ Viking pirates, added fur, maxed out the inclusivity meter, and called it a day. Nothing against representation—love to see it when it feels organic—but here it felt like a box-checking exercise.

The plot? Predictable. The big bad was obvious from the jump, and the main character went from identity crisis to expert queen in five minutes flat. She didn’t know who she was for two decades, but suddenly she’s a political mastermind navigating courts with flawless ease? Sure, Jan.

There’s an audience for this—clearly, since it’s book three—but it’s not me. The story just never felt like its own thing. Borrowed tropes, borrowed vibes, and not enough emotional grit to ground it. Not my jam. At all.

I am not okay now that this series is complete. The hangover is so real. I feel so attached to these characters!! The epilogue gives me hope that the world will live on!!

Now to get into the story!! I just loved how inclusive and loving this series has been. We get to watch characters struggle with identity, expression, perception, and so many REAL issues. Even though this is a magical fantasy setting with shifters and sorcery, the struggles are still so relatable.

It was so emotional to watch Briar and Maez's story unfold. I felt more was at stake for these two than Sadie/Navin or Calla/Grae.

I am also so relieved that we still had Calla and Sadie's POVs too! It kept the story seamless when moving from book to book.

This was the final book of the Golden Court Trilogy, and it didn't disappoint.

This book was more of Briar's story, and her finding out who she really is. I really enjoyed watching her go from timid in the first book to fierce in this one.

I was really happy with the ending!

After being really disappointed with book 2 in this series I was nervous to tackle the finale. After giving myself a few days after finishing to decompress I’m finally sitting down to give my thoughts. First, I want to mention immediately off the back this book was so much better than its predecessor. The ending alone made everything worth it. But I’ll elaborate more on that in a bit. In terms of the overall story arc across the series I enjoyed it. But didn’t enjoy it enough to make it into my favorite fantasy series.

Now my first big pro like I mentioned was the ending. So many Romantasy books hype up a big battle. It gets barreled through and next thing we know everything is wrapped up done. Which as we all know that would never happen in real life. And yes I know this is fantasy but even fantasy books can incorporate that level of realism. This book did that. The ending was well executed and paced. And it gave our characters a chance to come down from that battle and actually start to live and move on from what they’ve endured. So thank you A.K. Mulford for giving humanity back to fantasy fiction characters.

Another pro I had in this one was the different romance with each couple. Now if you read my book 2 review your probably thinking, “Lexie you hated that element in book 2”. Yes, yes I know however I’m glad I gave it time to play out. Because A.K Mulford did a great job telling each couples story. They all their own dynamic and there was nothing watered down about any of them. Plus they all got happily ever afters in their own unique way. That in itself felt real and different. So I appreciate that I was proven wrong.

Now, here’s where my cons come in…

Even though in the end I enjoyed all the characters I still think there was way too many of them. The storylines at times got confusing to the point where I kept mixing people up. Like at one point I couldn’t remember who Briar was. Or I’d get Calla and Briar backwards. Then once Sadie was added in Oof. I knew I had to slow it down and re-read to keep track of what was happening. Plus all three of our leading ladies are strong, loyal and full of heart which is great but because of that their voices became a little muddled.

My next issue is honestly coming as a shock from me. But I think this book had a bit too much spice. You’re probably thinking, “what lexie no how could you say that?!?” I know, I know but when the spice is too cranked up and starts to overshadow the plot is where I start to have problems. The frequency and the timing of our spice scenes didn’t always fit. I wish for this books case we had less spice and more meaningful moments. But hey that’s me you decide for yourself if I’m right or wrong.

Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy and can confidently say I’d recommend it. Even though it’s not my favorite Romantasy series I still think it’s 100% worth the read.
Lastly big Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

*TLDWR*: A Heart of Crimson Flames is a powerful, emotional, and satisfying conclusion to A.K. Mulford’s Golden Court Trilogy. With rich worldbuilding, heartfelt queer romance, and high-stakes magical conflict, it delivers a thrilling ride that ties up each storyline beautifully. A must-read for fantasy fans who love character-driven epics with real emotional payoff. 4.75/5 Stars

Title: A Heart of Crimson Flames
Author: A.K. Mulford
Genres: Adult/New Adult, Sci‑Fi & Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy
Core Themes: Wolf pack politics, dark and musical magic, dragon allies, shapeshifter romance, family bonds, epic war, queer representation

From opening to close, A Heart of Crimson Flames is a thrilling, emotionally charged conclusion to a saga steeped in magic, love, and loyalty. A.K. Mulford masterfully weaves together multiple POVs—Briar, Calla, Sadie, Navin, and Maez—creating a tapestry of perspectives that deepens the narrative and keeps the pace brisk and immersive. Each character arc is earned, resonant, and brimming with growth.

What stands out:
Razor‑sharp emotional depth: Briar’s evolution—from captive heir to empowered leader—and her reunion with Maez, now a formidable sorceress, is both heart‑wringing and beautiful. The rekindling of love under pressure fosters one of the trilogy’s most compelling relationships.
High-stakes conflict: A continent-wide war—felt through battlefield grips, political intrigue, and crackling magical confrontations—gives rise to visceral tension and keeps the reader firmly invested.
Worldbuilding magic: The musical-based magic system and the bond between the Songkeepers and their dragon add vivid, original layers to the conflict. Navin’s and Sadie’s quest to unlock ancient sorcery is a highlight.
Queer representation**: The tender and authentic portrayal of queer relationships is handled with respect and depth—a thrill to see woven thoughtfully through every major romance.
Satisfying closure: Even with complex plots converging, the ending delivers a gratifying resolution for each storyline, with a hopeful, inspiring glimpse of peace and future growth.

Why You’ll Love It
If you adore fantasy rich in romance, complex magic, and heartfelt emotion, this finale offers a powerful blend of all three. It wraps up a sweeping trilogy in style—satisfying yet surprisingly fresh. The stakes feel earned, the love stories feel real, and even in the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope shines through.
Final Rating: 4.75/5 Stars

I have been searching for a great fantasy book, but A Heart of Crimson Flames fell a little short for me. I loved the characters, dark magic system and the world building, but the pacing felt off and I had trouble connecting with the story. I will say this is my first wolf romance in a hot minute, but the writing felt a little YA for my taste even in spite of the spice. All in all, I had fun, but I don't know that I would read again if I hadn't already read books 1 and 2.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Intense and emotional final book in the 3 part series. Dynamic relationships, spice, dark magic, action, found family and wolf pack politics produce a strong and captivating, beautifully written romantasy story line and conclusion to the Golden Court series. Loved the series. Highly recommend.

Returning to the world of A Heart of Crimson Flames felt like slipping into something familiar and comforting, yet still full of surprises. This installment delivered a satisfying blend of rich magic, swoony romance, and layered political intrigue that kept me engaged from start to finish. One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its commitment to inclusivity, there’s such thoughtful and authentic representation woven throughout, and it was genuinely refreshing to see characters who reflect a broad spectrum of identities, backgrounds, and experiences. It made the story feel more grounded, more human, and ultimately more powerful.
The relationships between characters, both romantic and platonic, brought a lot of warmth to the story. There are some truly tender, heart-melting moments that had me grinning, as well as a few unexpected twists that added tension and kept me on my toes. That said, I did feel like the pacing could have been more consistent. Certain chapters moved too slowly and felt overly drawn out, while other key scenes, particularly emotional or high-stakes moments, seemed to fly by before they had time to really land. I found myself wishing for more depth and introspection in those sections, especially when the characters were dealing with grief, longing, or internal conflict. The groundwork was there, but I wanted it to linger longer and hit harder.
Despite these pacing issues, I still thoroughly enjoyed the ride. This book leans into the “romantasy” genre in all the right ways, offering an adventurous yet heartfelt narrative with just the right amount of personal growth. It may not be flawless, but it's vibrant, full of heart, and undeniably worth picking up if you're looking for an inclusive, character-driven story that balances magic and emotion with grace

Fast paced, emotional, and an amazing wrap up to this trilogy. I loved seeing Briar come into her own, and become the woman she was meant to be. I felt like the relationships and the politics were well written, and the dynamics between each of the characters were engaging and captivating. Magic, spice, passion, it was all there and more!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I’ve been loving this series and this installment is great

This book was a ride, especially know it was the last one, you grow so attached to the characters you never want it to end!