Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 625
Release Date: April 20, 2021
Haven’t read the previous novels? Check out my review of From Blood and Ash and A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire!
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 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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The Crown of Gilded Bones picks up immediately after the events of the previous novel, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. So, if you haven’t read the previous novels beware of spoilers!
The reason I rated the novel four stars instead of five is because of the slow start to the novel. After the events of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire were resolved, it took The Crown of Gilded Bones awhile to find its footing. It felt as if the characters were wandering around aimlessly treading water.
Poppy continues to be a kickass protagonist. She continues to be fierce, intelligent, and strong as she develops further and grows into her power. What I appreciate the most about these novels, is Armentrout’s dedication to Poppy as a character. Poppy is the focus of these novels, even more so at the end The Crown of Gilded Bones.
Casteel felt like he took a backseat to Poppy. The Crown of Gilded Bones focuses on Poppy and her developing powers while Casteel supports her in any way she needs. This is what makes Casteel a swoon worthy love interest. He’s an alpha male with a soft spot for Poppy.
The ending of The Crown of Gilded Bones is a badass sequence of events that blew my mind. It’s an explosive and game changing ending that has me desperate for the fourth novel. I can’t wait!
Overall, The Crown of Gilded Bones packs a punch that will sure to leave readers desperate for the next novel. Armentrout again strikes a perfect balance between fantasy and romance by blending them together to a create a world that’s comprehensive and populated by characters that are well developed and feel real.
*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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