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Bow Before Your Queen Or Bleed Before Her...From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her Blood and Ash series.
She's been the victim and the survivor...
Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she's found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It's a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The show more true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.
The enemy and the warrior...
Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms' dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy's head.
A lover and heartmate...
But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.
And now she will become Queen...
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Member Reviews
This has been one of my most anticipated books this year, and it did not disappoint. The Crown of Gilded Bones gave me one hell of a book hangover, and waiting for the next installment in this series is no easy thing.
I'm struggling not to give away any spoilers, but this store is fast-paced, secrets get revealed, we get an abundance of plot twists and betrayal. This installment was heavy on drama, dark secrets, and testing loyalties. It was also steamier than the first two books. We get more of Miss Willa's diary and even get to meet her briefly. More of Poppy's ancestry is revealed, and her lineage is unexpected. She learns to embrace her legacy. I think that will play a major role in the next book.
On the brink of war, the book ends on show more a high note, with Poppy demonstrating what a murderous little creature she truly is. The next book can't come soon enough. I hear patience is a virtue, one I haven't mastered show less
I'm struggling not to give away any spoilers, but this store is fast-paced, secrets get revealed, we get an abundance of plot twists and betrayal. This installment was heavy on drama, dark secrets, and testing loyalties. It was also steamier than the first two books. We get more of Miss Willa's diary and even get to meet her briefly. More of Poppy's ancestry is revealed, and her lineage is unexpected. She learns to embrace her legacy. I think that will play a major role in the next book.
On the brink of war, the book ends on show more a high note, with Poppy demonstrating what a murderous little creature she truly is. The next book can't come soon enough. I hear patience is a virtue, one I haven't mastered show less
THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES is the third book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Blood and Ash series, and it continues to impress with its mix of relationship drama, politics, religion, warfare, and leadership. Each story adds depth to the characters, the world, and the complicated relationships and the power struggles at the heart of the story.
Poppy and Casteel continue to delight as individuals and as a couple. I love the fact that they don't just love or lust after each other. There is a deep well of respect between them. More importantly, Casteel respects and honors Poppy's agency. Maybe I've been reading one too many dark romances lately, but I don't think there is anything sexier than someone not just supporting but standing back to let show more their partner lead.
THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES provides a lot of answers and plenty of action. If the first book was all about waiting, and the second was a journey, this third book is Poppy's debut. We see about her lineage and the ties to her unusual powers. We also see her step up and become the leader as she was meant to be. Her first move against her foe is far more ruthless than anyone anticipated, showing how much she learned while hidden behind her veil, setting the stage for bloodier, more brutal encounters in the ensuing war.
The Blood and Ash series by Ms. Armentrout continues to improve. Three books in, and I couldn't be more in love with Poppy and Casteel if I tried. I love their sweet, more light-hearted moments together, as they are a lovely balm against the continual tension of the story. With a rather nasty cliffhanger and three times more vested in Poppy's story than before, Ms. Armentrout ensures THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES will not be the last of Poppy's story. It certainly won't be mine! show less
Poppy and Casteel continue to delight as individuals and as a couple. I love the fact that they don't just love or lust after each other. There is a deep well of respect between them. More importantly, Casteel respects and honors Poppy's agency. Maybe I've been reading one too many dark romances lately, but I don't think there is anything sexier than someone not just supporting but standing back to let show more their partner lead.
THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES provides a lot of answers and plenty of action. If the first book was all about waiting, and the second was a journey, this third book is Poppy's debut. We see about her lineage and the ties to her unusual powers. We also see her step up and become the leader as she was meant to be. Her first move against her foe is far more ruthless than anyone anticipated, showing how much she learned while hidden behind her veil, setting the stage for bloodier, more brutal encounters in the ensuing war.
The Blood and Ash series by Ms. Armentrout continues to improve. Three books in, and I couldn't be more in love with Poppy and Casteel if I tried. I love their sweet, more light-hearted moments together, as they are a lovely balm against the continual tension of the story. With a rather nasty cliffhanger and three times more vested in Poppy's story than before, Ms. Armentrout ensures THE CROWN OF GILDED BONES will not be the last of Poppy's story. It certainly won't be mine! show less
This book was absolutely packed. So much happens that it barely gives you time to breathe, and that’s exactly why I loved it.
One of the biggest shocks for me was everything Poppy finds out about her past. Learning that the Queen is actually her mother completely changed how I saw the entire story. On top of that, realizing that the people she believed were her parents weren’t her real parents at all was honestly overwhelming. It felt like everything she thought she knew about herself and her life was ripped away piece by piece.
The political side of the story really stood out in this book. The power struggles, the lies, and the manipulation made it clear that almost no one is truly innocent. I liked how dangerous and unstable the show more world felt, especially with the gods, Atlantians, and mortals all clashing in different ways. You never really know who is telling the truth.
The gods and their mythology played a much bigger role here, and I found that really exciting. Some reveals were confusing at first, but in a good way. It felt like uncovering layers of a much bigger picture rather than just being told everything at once.
Casteel’s loyalty and intensity added to the chaos of the story, especially with everything happening around Poppy. Their relationship exists in the middle of war, secrets, and shifting alliances, which made every interaction feel tense and emotional.
The pacing was strong throughout. There was always something happening, whether it was a revelation, a confrontation, or another truth being exposed. Even when the book slowed down, it was usually to set up something bigger.
Final Thoughts:
This book was exciting, overwhelming, and full of major revelations. The story constantly flipped expectations and added new layers to the world and the characters. It felt like a turning point for the entire series, and I finished it feeling shocked, curious, and very ready to keep reading. show less
One of the biggest shocks for me was everything Poppy finds out about her past. Learning that the Queen is actually her mother completely changed how I saw the entire story. On top of that, realizing that the people she believed were her parents weren’t her real parents at all was honestly overwhelming. It felt like everything she thought she knew about herself and her life was ripped away piece by piece.
The political side of the story really stood out in this book. The power struggles, the lies, and the manipulation made it clear that almost no one is truly innocent. I liked how dangerous and unstable the show more world felt, especially with the gods, Atlantians, and mortals all clashing in different ways. You never really know who is telling the truth.
The gods and their mythology played a much bigger role here, and I found that really exciting. Some reveals were confusing at first, but in a good way. It felt like uncovering layers of a much bigger picture rather than just being told everything at once.
Casteel’s loyalty and intensity added to the chaos of the story, especially with everything happening around Poppy. Their relationship exists in the middle of war, secrets, and shifting alliances, which made every interaction feel tense and emotional.
The pacing was strong throughout. There was always something happening, whether it was a revelation, a confrontation, or another truth being exposed. Even when the book slowed down, it was usually to set up something bigger.
Final Thoughts:
This book was exciting, overwhelming, and full of major revelations. The story constantly flipped expectations and added new layers to the world and the characters. It felt like a turning point for the entire series, and I finished it feeling shocked, curious, and very ready to keep reading. show less
This book is, as expected, phenomenal. I could go on and on about the things I loved, but I want to share two of the smaller things: scarring and choices. Authors have a tendency to write about disabled or scarred characters in a gratuitous way, even when trying to glorify them. JLA writes about Poppy’s scars often enough to remind the reader of them and their significance but not so often that it becomes a caricature. I also appreciate how Casteel and Poppy discuss freedom and choice after their traumas. It isn’t a no-holds-barred I can do what I want when I want type of freedom they seek—they make choices while balancing responsibility and desires which is both realistic for the story and more relatable in real life.
I cannot believe I have resisted reading this series for as long as I did. I wish I would have read it sooner but I'm so glad I didn't because I would not have been able to wait for subsequent books to come out.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - this series has absolutely EVERYTHING I want - enemies-to-lovers, a marriage deal, vampires, werewolves, gods, epic battles, an "I will burn down the world to find you" type of romance. And now we get... *SPOILER*
Dragons!!! We get m*th$&Fu
I've said it before and I'll say it again - this series has absolutely EVERYTHING I want - enemies-to-lovers, a marriage deal, vampires, werewolves, gods, epic battles, an "I will burn down the world to find you" type of romance. And now we get... *SPOILER*
Dragons!!! We get m*th$&Fu
arghhhhh i’m losing steam on this series. there is a part of me that is curious to see what happens, and an even bigger part of me that HATES poppy.
everybody’s so annoying! so milquetoast! i feel like i keep being told that poppy is brave and powerful without actually feeling like she is those things. she just magically has the power of a god, and can use those powers at will without training or practice?? she is so extremely mary sue, and while i appreciate the feminism, it does not feel earned. actually, nothing about poppy and casteel feels earned!
the worldbuilding makes more sense but is not more interesting. i have absolutely zero connection to either kingdom, i don’t care about any of the characters (except kieran), and show more you know what? i’m BORED. give me some drama? give me some higher stakes maybe? and enough of poppy being like “i will end them” bitch no you won’t???
not a strong 3rd installment unfortunately. it started off strong but there was so much that i hated about this one that it took me MONTHS to slog through it. i just feel like this series is not very intentional - there wasn’t enough groundwork for me to care about most of these characters, and poppy is a flop. at this point it’s up in the air whether i’ll read the next one. stay tuned! show less
everybody’s so annoying! so milquetoast! i feel like i keep being told that poppy is brave and powerful without actually feeling like she is those things. she just magically has the power of a god, and can use those powers at will without training or practice?? she is so extremely mary sue, and while i appreciate the feminism, it does not feel earned. actually, nothing about poppy and casteel feels earned!
the worldbuilding makes more sense but is not more interesting. i have absolutely zero connection to either kingdom, i don’t care about any of the characters (except kieran), and show more you know what? i’m BORED. give me some drama? give me some higher stakes maybe? and enough of poppy being like “i will end them” bitch no you won’t???
not a strong 3rd installment unfortunately. it started off strong but there was so much that i hated about this one that it took me MONTHS to slog through it. i just feel like this series is not very intentional - there wasn’t enough groundwork for me to care about most of these characters, and poppy is a flop. at this point it’s up in the air whether i’ll read the next one. stay tuned! show less
Re-read:
I dreaded re-reading The Crown of Gilded bones so much but I gotta say… I enjoyed this WAY more the second time
There was much less repetition than I remembered. In my head, it was a regurgitation of everything we had learned in books 1 and 2 but my memory has failed me which I’m happy to report!
There was quite a bit that occurred that I had blocked from my memory so the re-read felt like the first time in a lot of ways. The banter of the characters was still top tier but I definitely enjoyed the down time scenes more this time.
After my initial read through, From Blood and Ash was a series I was hesitant to recommend. There’s a lot of world building, classes of characters, and characters that we meet that it’s hard to show more keep up with everything. But after this I feel much more confident recommending this series!
I’m so excited to dive into the remaining books and finally continuing the series!
———————————————
Original review:
This was a hard book for me to get through.
I didn’t love all the repetition. I I think instead of JLA assuming people are going to pick this up or not remember what happened in the previous book she should’ve just written it assuming that they would with maybe subtle hints about what had happened previously as opposed to full paragraphs repeating scenes from before. It was exhausting and honestly I had to take a break early on because of it.
Once I got to the 50% mark I felt like the book really picked up. The action, the world building, everything took off. We learn so much about who Poppy is and what she can do. And damn… we already knew this but she’s a badass.
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between all the characters and honestly that’s what kept me going. Especially the comments from the side characters (like Kieran being annoyed with all of Poppy’s questions and making light of it - because same…). The sarcasm and jokes made me laugh out loud on several occasions. And made me fall in love even more with this series.
If you’ve been questioning whether to pick up FBAA or not, I highly encourage you to just do it! show less
I dreaded re-reading The Crown of Gilded bones so much but I gotta say… I enjoyed this WAY more the second time
There was much less repetition than I remembered. In my head, it was a regurgitation of everything we had learned in books 1 and 2 but my memory has failed me which I’m happy to report!
There was quite a bit that occurred that I had blocked from my memory so the re-read felt like the first time in a lot of ways. The banter of the characters was still top tier but I definitely enjoyed the down time scenes more this time.
After my initial read through, From Blood and Ash was a series I was hesitant to recommend. There’s a lot of world building, classes of characters, and characters that we meet that it’s hard to show more keep up with everything. But after this I feel much more confident recommending this series!
I’m so excited to dive into the remaining books and finally continuing the series!
———————————————
Original review:
This was a hard book for me to get through.
I didn’t love all the repetition. I I think instead of JLA assuming people are going to pick this up or not remember what happened in the previous book she should’ve just written it assuming that they would with maybe subtle hints about what had happened previously as opposed to full paragraphs repeating scenes from before. It was exhausting and honestly I had to take a break early on because of it.
Once I got to the 50% mark I felt like the book really picked up. The action, the world building, everything took off. We learn so much about who Poppy is and what she can do. And damn… we already knew this but she’s a badass.
I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between all the characters and honestly that’s what kept me going. Especially the comments from the side characters (like Kieran being annoyed with all of Poppy’s questions and making light of it - because same…). The sarcasm and jokes made me laugh out loud on several occasions. And made me fall in love even more with this series.
If you’ve been questioning whether to pick up FBAA or not, I highly encourage you to just do it! show less
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Author Information
167+ Works 60,945 Members
Jennifer L. Armentrout was born on June 11, 1980. She writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. Her works include the Covenant series, the Lux series, and The Dark Elements series. She also writes adult and new adult romance under the name J. Lynn. (Bowker Author Biography)
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Awards
Series
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- Original title
- The Crown of Gilded Bones
- Original publication date
- 2021-04-20
- People/Characters
- Penellaphe Da'Neer; Casteel Da'Neer; Kieran Contou; Alastir Davenwall; Beckett; Delano (show all 29); Eloana Da'Neer; Emil Da'Lahr; Harlan; Hisa Fa'Mar; Ian Balfour; Ires; Isbeth; Jasper Contou; Kirha Contou; Lyra; Malik Da'Neer; Millicent; Naill; Nektas; Perry; Quentyn Da'Lahr; Sage; Setti; Sven; Tawny Lyon; Valyn Da'Neer; Vonetta Contou; Wilhelmina Colyns
- Important places
- Atlantia; Iliseeum; Known World
- Dedication
- Dedicated to the heroes—the healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers and researchers who have worked tirelessly and endlessly to save lives and to keep stores open all around the globe, at great risk to their... (show all) own lives and the lives of their loved ones, thank you.
- First words
- "Lower your swords," Queen Eloana commanded, her hair shining a glossy onyx in the sun as she sank onto one knee.
- Quotations
- You are the foundation that helps me stand. You are my walls and my roof. My shelter. You are my home.”
His lashes swept up, the amber of his eyes churning wildly. “As you are mine, Poppy."
Bravery is a fleeting beast, isn’t it? Always there to get you into trouble, but quick to disappear once you’re where you want to be.
Life doesn't wait to hand you a new puzzle until you've figured out the last one.
I know you’re strong and so resilient it’s fucking unbelievable, but you don’t have to always be strong with me. It’s okay to not be okay when you’re with me … It’s my duty as your husband to make sure you feel ... (show all)safe enough to be real.
The villain is always the hero in their story, aren't they? - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Tell the Blood Queen to prepare for war.
- Original language
- English
- Canonical DDC/MDS
- 813.6
- Canonical LCC
- PS3612.Y5467
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- Rating
- (4.09)
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- ISBNs
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