First of all, thank you the A.K. Mulford and HarperCollins for allowing me to read the ARC of this story. I read both River of Golden Bones and Sky of Emerald Stars, and feel incredibly honored to have been able to read its final chapter. I'm looking forward to the published version!

Now for some notes:
[ ] Definitely some triggering content, author does do a good job and warns of these, though it could use a trigger warning for suicidal thoughts that occur during Briar's chapter. These are brief, but may be important to add to the trigger warnings.
[ ] AK Mulford's writing reads smoothly as always! Their thoughts and sentences always flow smoothly into the next points.
[ ] The angst between Briar and Maez's situation is so brutal, I really enjoyed this dynamic.
[ ] There is a lot going on in this one, many many plot points to wrap up. Everything did seem to get resolved in the end, but it could be overwhelming tracking so many points in the plot.
[ ] two words: Knife play 🔥🔥
[ ] I really liked one of the quotes: " i was so stuck in my head, I'd forgotten to live in my body". This is something I relate to so frequently and is such a great, subtle way of describing characters that are neurodivergent in a setting where they wouldn't have those same labels we do in a modern setting.
[ ] With briar becoming more dark and violent, the three main characters become a lot more similar. With briar, calla and sadie all being very stubbornly protective of those they love. Each of them do go through different identity struggles and different motives, etc., but sometimes the three can read very similar. I do really love though that everyone's version of a happily ever after looks different.
[ ] I do really like that briar isnt immediately amazing at combat and fighting- she struggles in her first kills- they're sloppy and lucky in some instances
[ ] I liked that we got some calla and briar bonding time. I think I would have liked to see a little more of those platonic, friendship and sibling relationship dynamics throughout the story since the story primarily focuses on the romantic relationships. For example, it would have been great to see a little more bonding and closure between Sadie and Kian before the faux betrayal, which would have made that twist hit harder.

Overall, this was a great ending to an amazing series and I can't wait to get my hands on a published copy when it releases!

This was such a great read—the final installment in the Golden Court Trilogy delivered an intense and emotional ending that truly lived up to the journey.

Wolf pack politics, dark magic, and heart-pounding action all come together in an explosive conclusion. I loved how the story balanced fierce battles with complex emotional arcs and evolving relationships. Briar, Sadie, and Calla each face impossible choices that test their strength, loyalty, and love—and I was completely invested in all of it.

The stakes were higher than ever, the romance was gripping, and the family dynamics added real depth to the narrative. A.K. Mulford wrapped up the trilogy in a way that was both satisfying and bittersweet. If you’ve been following the series, this finale is absolutely worth the wait.

Highly recommend to fans of shifter romance, found family, and fantasy with high emotional stakes.

As a longtime lover of wolf romances, I went into this book with a lot of excitement. Even though it explores more mature themes, it still felt very much like a YA story in its tone and pacing. I actually found that comforting. It brought me back to the kind of fantasy I grew up on, where emotions run high and the characters feel like friends you’re growing up with.

The plot kept me guessing in the best way. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and I love when a story can truly surprise me. The ending was satisfying without being predictable, and that made the whole journey feel worth it.

I’ve always enjoyed reading from multiple points of view, especially in a series like this. It helps me connect more deeply with the world and gives each character a chance to shine. Even though Calla and Grae weren’t the center of attention this time, I really loved how their relationship continued to evolve. The moments we got with them were so meaningful, and their happily ever after felt earned and well-deserved.

To be honest, I didn’t completely connect with Sadie and Navin’s romance in the second book. I wanted to love them, but it just didn’t fully click for me at the time. This book completely changed that. I really admired how they began stepping out of the roles they felt stuck in. Watching them become leaders in their own way was powerful, and their connection felt more honest and real this time around. I was cheering for them by the end.

I do wish we had seen more of Ora. There’s something so fascinating about them, and I feel like their story still has so much more to tell. I would absolutely read an entire book centered on them.

This book was a beautiful way to close out the series. I love how each installment focused on different characters and allowed us to really live inside their experiences. The stakes were high throughout the story, and so much was falling apart, but even in the midst of all the chaos, the characters still found room for love. That contrast between the world breaking and hearts healing really stuck with me.

The main couple’s growth in this book hit especially hard. Their journey was painful at times, but also filled with quiet strength. Seeing what they had to overcome and how they still chose each other in the end was incredibly moving.

This series reminded me that even when everything feels like it’s collapsing, there is still room for connection, for courage, and for love. I’m going to miss these characters, but I’m grateful I got to be part of their story.

I really enjoyed returning to this world—A Heart of Crimson Flames has a solid mix of magic, romance, and political drama. The representation is fantastic, and I loved seeing characters who reflect a wider range of identities and experiences. It’s definitely one of the stronger points of the book.

There are some really sweet moments between characters, plus a few twists I didn’t see coming. That said, the pacing was a bit off for me. Some parts dragged, while others felt like they were over too quickly. I found myself wanting a bit more depth in certain scenes—especially emotional ones that had the potential to hit harder.

Still, it’s a fun, feel-good read if you're into romantasy and want something that balances adventure with personal growth. Not perfect, but worth the read.

I didn't realize this was the ending book for a trilogy! i will update when i finish reading the series!

What a great end to a trilogy. I burned through this book, I just could not put it down. A.K. takes the reader on a fun ride and holy moly the spice in this book is hot. This is me pleading them to write more sapphic spicy books.

A absolutely fantastic conclusion to the golden court trilogy by ak mulford
This series had me hooked from book 1 and was ended perfectly

This story is one of my top reads of 2025! I cannot wait for this to be released publicly. The world building and character development are top notch. The romance feels believable and unforgettable. I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment. Cannot wait to post this review on my socials!

ARC read: big thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager & NetGalley for the chance to read this early!

I loved this one for so many reasons.
Seeing Briar’s claws finally come out.
Briar has always been the princess who needs protected or saving. This time she’s fierce. Ready to fight to save her mate from the dark magic consuming her and ready to defend her twin’s court. She drops the mask and realizes she’s so much stronger than she was ever given credit for.

Sadie recognizing that feelings are meant to be felt out loud.
Sadie finding Navin is the best thing to happen to her. He accepts all of her prickly edges while inspiring the softer side of her to come out. Whether it’s love, grief, or something in between, she learns that it’s okay to feel these things and to share them with those around you. Seeing her final acceptance of this with Maez was a sweet moment. I love a strong character that is also capable of recognizing their emotions.

Calla coming into themselves both personally and as a ruler.
Calla has spent a lot of time being what made everyone else comfortable. Finding themself and claiming that for the world to know is inspiring. I love how much Grae and their friends support this journey. At the end, Calla is a strong ruler with a great vision for the future.

This final story in the trilogy was intense and emotional. It was beautifully done and I loved each individual’s ending.

What a stunning conclusion to this trilogy! Fast paced, multiple POVs and lots of drama, there’s something for everyone in this book!

Loved this one. Cant wait to continue reading from this author. Helped me get out of a slump I was in.

I’m so excited for the opportunity to read this book before the release. I love how they added Briar as a point of view. Briar’s has the most growth in this book. I’m very happy about how the author interprets queer relationships in this book series. However, the only thing I would change would be the antagonist. It kinda felt like it should’ve been the antagonist in the first book. But I understand why in the end.

Full disclosure: I did not read the first two in this series and that is on me. However I have read about them and have heard good things. This book however, was very intriguing. I’m a big fan of the wolf romances and to me, even with the adult themes, this was written very YA style. I enjoyed it. I think the twists were very surprising and it wasn’t very easy to guess the ending. Multiple POVs are always a fun way to read a book, especially a series. I’m not always a fan of a HAE but it was fitting here and I enjoyed it.

This was such an immaculate ending to this series! I was enthralled the entire time! The magic and world building of this series is unique and fantastic. Each character had a complex storyline that made you care about each move they made. This book is the perfect cherry on top of this beautiful series!

4.75 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️

What a journey! I loved this entire book. The story line wasn't predictable and I was so invested in all these relationships and politics. I love the multiple POVs we got here, it really kept the story moving forward.
While Calla and Grae take a bit of a backseat in this story, I still absolutely loved the new levels of character and relationship development they have here and their HEA was perfect.
I wasn't the biggest fan of Sadie and Navin's love story in the 2nd book but this one made me love them! I love that they both are breaking out of their boxes and figuring out how to be leaders in their own rights.
I wish we got more of Ora! I would love a whole book about them and their story because the interest is there. Love the Ora POV that we did get here though!
I left off A Sky of Emerald Stars STRESSED about how Maez and Briar's prospective stories would work out. I completely LOVED the villain love story that played out here. Briar has finally came fully inter her own vibrant power and it was so fun to watch her grow, definitely my favorite storyline in this book. I loved watching her and Maez struggle through a new dynamic when both of them has undergone so much change in a short time, it really shows how relationships cant withstand challenges when you accept and grow together.
the SPICE was perfection, honorable mentions to Navin and Sadie in the tent with the songs & all the hate love villain spice from Briar and Maez was a *chefs kiss*

I got approved for the e-ARC of A Heart of Crimson Flames three days ago, told myself yesterday at 10pm that I was "Just going to read the first chapter" and finished the entire book today at 5am.

So, yeah, I just love Calla, Grae, Sadie, Navin, Briar, Maez, and Ora and I am very sad that (1)Their stories have come to an end and (2) I now have to wait until November to buy my shelf trophy to complete my series.

This is exactly the ending that the series needed. This was extremely action packed and heartbreaking, but it’s been a wonderful ride.

I received an ARC of this book but all thoughts are my own.

What an ending to this series! I love that you get to follow different characters and really dive into their stories in each book. As with the others in this series, shit is going down everywhere and everyone needs to band together to get things done. Somehow, despite it all, they still are able to find time to love and I find that beautiful. There was so much character growth for the main couple in this book and it was great to see that, even though it was heartbreaking to learn what they had to go through.

I liked this book the most in the series. I loved having more POVs. I think following three different romantic stories in addition to the plot was easy to follow but had a bit more spicy scenes than I’d really prefer, but I know that’s a personal preference of mine and doesn’t impact the story. I liked reading about all of the characters working towards one goal on separate parts of the continent.

A.K. Mulford's final installment in the Golden Court Trilogy has lovely world-building and emotional storytelling. The series wraps up with a mix of high-stakes action, dark magic, and deeply felt romance. Mulford’s writing captures the fierce intensity of war while weaving in touching, character-driven moments that hit with emotional weight. The multiple perspectives keep the pacing dynamic, and the connections between characters, particularly the complex, bittersweet bond between Briar and Maez, are handled with impressive nuance. This conclusion is a satisfying and memorable read for those who appreciate rich fantasy worlds, diverse representation, and plots that balance heart and high tension.