A Heart of Crimson Flames (The Golden Court, Book 3) A.K. Mulford 9780008601881

Wolf pack politics, heart-pounding action, dark magic, newfound family dynamics, and shifter romance come to an explosive climax in the incredible conclusion of the Golden Court Trilogy by bestselling author 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.K. Mulford is the bestselling fantasy author of The Five Crowns of Okrith series and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. She/They are inspired to create diverse stories that transport readers to new realms, making them fall in love with fantasy for the first time or all over again. She now lives in New Zealand with her husband and two young human primates, creating lovable fantasy characters and making ridiculous Tiktoks.

Reviews for A River of Golden Bones

'The relationship between Calla and these performers becomes the most compelling part of the book, giving rise to questions about gender and the difference between a protector and a tyrant. Defeating evil is important, sure-but the real thrill is finding people who make you want to be your fullest self. It's lovely, life-affirming stuff.'

Washington Post

'I was taken by the expert dismantling of the gender binary amidst a quest that is sexy, romantic, and heroic all at once.'

Book Riot

'A steamy romance between Calla and Grae unfolds amid battles against monsters and dark magic, intertwined with Calla's fight against patriarchy and oppression and her burgeoning acceptance of her own genderqueerness. This series is off to an exciting start.'

Publishers Weekly

'A beautiful journey of self-discovery and queer identity, filled with heart-stopping romance and page-turning adventure. A River of Golden Bones is a must read for fantasy and romance readers alike. I couldn't put it down!'

Cait Jacobs, author of Medievally Blonde

'I inhaled this novel. A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford is a gorgeously written queer fairytale fantasy conjured with the bones of wicked worldbuilding and laced with decadent spice. Get ready to devour this wolfish tale.'

Charissa Weaks, bestselling author of The Witch Collector