The Crown of Gilded Bones (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Blood and Ash [Dramatized Adaptation] #3, Part 2

by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katie Boothe (Narrator), Stewart Crank (Narrator)

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 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…

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Vampires, Spicy, Shapeshifters

9 pages, Audiobook

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Hey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

Reviews

[Lucie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The villain is always the hero in their story, aren’t they?”

I'm still reeling from the last part of the book. The ending completely wrecked me. 😭😭😭

✅ Strong badass main character
✅ Amazing secondary characters (Kieran, mostly)
✅ Perfect love interest
✅ Sweet and sexy romance
✅ Funny banter
✅ Plot
✅ Action
✅ Gods and mythology
✅ Drakens!!!! 🐉
✅(🆗) Pace
❗️❗️ Huge cliffhanger 😩
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

_______________________

Second read: I noticed the lengths and repetitiveness in the book's middle part more this time. I feel that the middle was simply a repetition of some action, then long conversation and inner monologues, then a little action again, before having another long conversation. Now that I think about it, the plot does not really progress between the 30% and the 60% mark either.


_______________________


4.5 stars

Objectively, this book is not perfect, but I don't care. I still loved it. A lot.


This book starts strong as it jumps straight into the action and picks up exactly where AKOFAF ended. Casteel and Poppy have a lot of work to do to prove to the people of Atlantis that Poppy is worthy of their respect while also trying to elaborate a plan that would allow them to get Malik and Ian back and get rid of the Blood Crown once and for all. And just as we thought they finally had things under control, it all went to hell, and here I am now, still reeling from the last 10% and anxiously waiting for the next book.

“The heart doesn’t care how long you may have with someone.” Kieran looked over at me, his eyes sheltered. “It just cares that you have the person for as long as you can.”

Get ready for an epic adventure once again. This series keeps on getting better with each book. So many things happen in this book, so many plot twists, so many feelings! It was a real roller coaster, I laughed out loud; I wanted to scream and punch something. I went through so many emotions, but I loved it.

Casteel tossed the body to the ground and looked up at another man, blood streaming from his mouth. “What?”
The masked man spun and ran.
Casteel was faster, reaching him in the blink of an eye. He shoved his fist into the man’s back and jerked his arm back sharply, pulling out something white and smeared with blood and tissue. His spine. Dear gods, it was the man’s spine.
Kieran’s eyes met mine. “He’s a little angry.”
“A little?” I whispered.
“Okay. He’s really angry,” Kieran amended,

It was good, but there were some lengths. While I am madly in love with the characters and the world-building, I like the new places they explored in this book, and don’t even get me started on the drakens, the kickass trio that is Cas, Poppy, and Kieran, and that cruel ending… I also have to admit that some parts near the middle dragged on a little, and some conversations were a little repetitive or were the easy go-to strategy to explain any new piece of information or new concept that was introduced. On the other hand, this book has more plot twists, more Kieran and Poppy interactions, more Kieran overall, more sexy hot moments, more mythology and Gods, and it even has drakens! We also get to see more of Atlantia and learn more about Atlantia and Solis’s history…

The world-building is expanding, and we get to know new creatures (and I can't wait to see more of them in the next book). Vonetta, Delano, Naill, and Emil are more present, and the dynamic between their group is so so so funny. They made me laugh out loud so many times. They added a humorous touch in between (or in the middle of) the fighting scenes and political scheming.

I twisted to find Kieran at our side. He reached up, grasping my arms.
“Do you have her?” Casteel demanded of Kieran.
“Always,” he replied.

I’ve said it many times, but I'll say it again: I love Kieran. 💙 He is an amazing secondary character, and I wished we’d have more of him. He is a steady and reassuring presence next to Poppy throughout the book, and he balances some of Casteel and Poppy’s most impulsive or reckless ideas. The interactions between the three of them are perfect, and their banter is so funny and delightful to read. I could probably read a whole book just about Poppy, Casteel, and Kieran going through their everyday life and being silly and snarky, and I would still give it 5 stars. The friendship developing between Kieran and Poppy is also so sweet and heartwarming... and hilarious, too!

My first.
My guard.
My friend.
My betrayer.
My partner.
My husband.
My heartmate.
My everything.
Casteel Da’Neer bowed before me and stared up at me as if I were the only person in the entire kingdom.


I wanted to remember what it felt like to be in his arms, to hear his voice and feel his mouth against mine. I wanted to remember the way he smiled when I threatened him, and how his eyes lit up and warmed whenever I challenged him. I wanted to remember the pride I felt from him whenever I silenced those around me with words or by blade. I wanted to remember how he touched my scars reverently as if he wasn’t worthy of them—of me.

Poppy and Cas are still perfect in this book. 🖤 Poppy is such a strong, resilient badass girl, and Cas... well, he's Cas. I don't need to say more. The teasing and arguments they have are so funny and so full of love, and I adore how supportive Cas is. He encourages Poppy to fight her battles and is willing to turn his life around if it means her happiness. He never tried to control her, and on the contrary, he enables her whenever comes the time to be strong, assertive, and an overall badass.

“I have a feeling I’m going to want to stab you by the end of the night.” Kieran snorted.
“And how is that different from any other night?” I sighed.
“True.”


“You’re safe here,” he told me as he placed the dagger beside my hand. “But just in case, if anyone comes in here, stab first and ask questions later. You should be familiar with that mentality.”
“Why does everyone act like I run around stabbing people?”
Casteel stared back at me and then looked pointedly at his chest.
“Whatever,” I muttered. “You deserved it.”

Poppy still has an unhealthy liking for pointy objects, and Casteel has to endure daily stabbing threats from her (although he deserves it most of the time). I think for them, stabbing is the equivalent of a good warm hug for us normal people… At that point, it’s just a running gag in the series, but it still makes me smile every time.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing that,” I whispered.
“Which part?” Casteel asked. “The shifting, or Kieran stripping?” Naill snorted as he righted himself on the saddle, shoving Kieran’s clothing into his bag.
“Neither,” I admitted, my gaze lifting to the trees as we entered the woods.

Things are getting sexier. There is a lot of nakedness, whether it’s between Poppy and Cas, because there are more steamy moments, and they are more explicit too, Poppy being randomly naked (or half-naked) in front of people, or people getting naked in front of Poppy. I’m not complaining, though; it did create some funny moments and some hot ones, too. I think it also continues to pave the way for a potential joining between Cass, Poppy, and Kieran in the future books.


**Mild spoiler in the next quote**

It was Casteel’s father. He was here. Maybe it was hunger or the residual panic of being seconds away from being in the clutches of the Ascended once more. Perhaps it was everything that Alastir had told me. Either way, tears climbed my throat as I stared at King Valyn. He was here, fighting to free me.

I like that we get to see Casteel’s parents in this book and that they are part of the plot, too. I whooped out loud the first time Kind Valyn got involved in a fight just because I could imagine him and Casteel fighting side by side, and it was epic in my head. Valyn also gives some dilf vibes… Not as much as Nektas, but still, he sounds sexy and like a strong, funny protector, so what’s not to like? Cas’s mother is not as present as his father, but she left an impression, not a good one. I do like her complexity and the layers to her feelings and actions, though, and while I am not her biggest fan at all, she is an interesting character.

The next book promises to be epic. The badass Vengeful Goddess Poppy is ready to make fire and blood rain on Solis. It’s going to be AMAZING.



⚠️ SPOILERS below. ⚠️

Also, I don't mind having Casteel on his knees before his Queen, but men, I wanted to cry with him at the beginning of the book when he thought Poppy would die and she started to cry shamelessly. And EVEN WORSE, when he begged that bitch Queen to take him instead of Poppy? My heart broke. Knowing what he went through, and knowing that he knew what he was getting into, but letting the Queen take him anyway... I wanted to cry and hug him so tight. Poor baby. 😭😭😭

And Ian 💔 We didn't know him much, but that was still sad. Actually, I felt sad for Poppy, not for Ian because we knew nothing about him, and to be honest, I was a little tired of Poppy always talking about saving him (as if that would even happen)... But at the same time, I completely get it, I would never abandon my sister if I thought there was even a slight chance of saving her.

Also, this moment was SO AWESOME! Badass and pissed Poppy is a Poppy I definitely like!

“Make sure she knows that I am the Chosen, the One who is Blessed, and I carry the blood of the King of Gods in me. I am the Liessa to the wolven, the second daughter, the true heir, owed the crowns of Atlantia and Solis. I am the Queen of Flesh and Fire, and the gods’ guards ride with me. Tell the Blood Queen to prepare for war.”

I’m ending with this quote, just so we can finish this on a positive and funny note:

“I…I tried to eat Kieran.”
“He won’t hold it against you.”
“I tried to eat Kieran while I was naked.”
“That’s probably why he won’t hold it against you.”
“That’s not funny.” I stared at him.
“It’s not?” One side of his lips curved up, and his dimple appeared in his cheek. That stupid, stupid dimple.

1. From Blood and Ash ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


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[Anayah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatized adaptation does it again.

[Fahmida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐

[crusadeannihilation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread. Graphic audiobook.

I always forget how bonkers the last 25% of this book is. I love Poppy so much 🥹

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was stressful. I get so emotionally invested in the stories and that ending... I do not have words.

[William Burrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly think I only keep going with this series because I just want to see it through. If I'm being honest, this was probably the best half of the series. That is not saying a lot, though, because the series isn't the best to begin with. I have come to the realization that these books contain an unnecessary amount of dialogue and descriptions. It all feels like filler to keep the books going. Anyways, the plot finally started to plot, though it was dragged on; towards the end, things FINALLY got good. I think the next book will actually be good based on how this one ended. It just feels like we could have gotten to this so long ago, which is irritating.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally made it through all the exposition (and Casteel's insufferable parents) thanks to the graphic audio, and now Amanda and I can move on to the next in our FBAA/FAF tandem read, A Shadow in the Ember.

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe how much I forgot that happened. The last 20%?! Omg. I can’t believe I have to go to the prequel series now. I’m so so excited for this who universe!!!!

[Bobbi Hasard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy ending

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ope well bummer for cas

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Poppy and Casteel learn more about Poppy's heritage, become the king and queen of Atlantia, and attempt to prevent war.

That ending was intense. The next book is going to be a whopper. I really need to re-listen to these, or read the physical books, because dang. I really enjoy Poppy and Cas as a couple and as individual characters. The side characters pull the whole thing together, even if there are a lot of revelations here that change how we think of various characters. The whole deity vs god thing is hard to track in my brain since the words mean the same thing to me. I know this review won't make a lot of sense to anyone unfamiliar with the series, but at this point in the depths of the series, no one who isn't caught up would get it. At any rate, I'm loving the series, and I really love the Graphic Audio version I've been listening to.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like the ending really saved this book for me - it was hovering around 2 stars for 50% of the book. And that dramatic conclusion bam! Damn!! It’s definitely 3.5-4 only bc of that and now making me want to read the next.

[Juliette Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps all through this second half. I would never enjoy this book if I was reading it but boy does GraphicAudio delivers.
No one likes overthinking, very very long conversations, descriptives monologues and introspection more than our Poppy girl. Rough for the readers.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, lord… I forgot how this book ends…😩
I love re-reads…. ❤️

[Julia Behlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love a girlboss 😍

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good part 2! It moves right along and the graphic audio really brought the story to life again. I’m intrigued with the plot but it does feel a little more complicated than it needs to be but still a fun adventure.

[Danielle Farkas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a solid “hell yeah” from me

[Tegan Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy is so badass!! I love Kieran so much 😂😂 the ending 🤯

[Mandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this one much more.

[Heather Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

THREE FUCKING BOOKS IN AND THE PLOT IS FINALLY GETTING SOMEWHERE???

[Kristina Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as badass as the 1st time I read it :). Really enjoying the graphic audios. Need War of Two Queens like yesterday!

[Sara Schnabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5… not really sure how to rate

Book one was my favorite by far. By the time I got to this book I was really just in it for the characters; specifically the banter. The plot was just ok to me, but I can see how someone else could love it.

Cass is giving Wesley from The Princess Bride vibes and I love it.

Do not plan on continuing the series.

[Addie Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m feeling conflicted… this book in the first half particularly was so repetitive, unnecessarily so. Because of that I found myself not enjoying the book as much but then you get into the second half and it picked back up. The ending, of course has me immediately wanting to pick up the next book because I can’t DNF it with that ending… iykyk

Maybe I’ll come back and change it to three stars 😅

[savage_book_review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

I really, really want to like this series; it has everything I would normally enjoy, a great set of performances and what should be a compelling story. But, for some reason I can't explain, it's just not hitting the spot.

One of the biggest issues I'm finding is that it's just not very memorable. When I'm in the story, I know what's going on and how we got where we are, so it's not hard to follow. But, now that I'm finished, if you asked me to describe the events if this instalment I would really struggle, save for the concluding couple of hours which I only heard yesterday. There's a lot of talking and a lot of relationship development, which I do really like, but there's no real hook to focus your interest. It was just background noise, with no true engagement of the emotions or senses.

That being said, there were moments that made me giggle, and Cas in particular does lift the whole thing somewhat - I would probably be DNFing if it weren't for his warmth, sweetness and flirtatiousness, along with the banter he has with Poppy and Kieran. Although Poppy's continuing growth in power does seem to be sidelining him in the 'protective male' stakes, the fact that he continues to stand his ground and project that same protective behaviour, whilst subtly deferring to her... in my eyes it makes him by far and away the best character in the book.

I think the worldbuilding may be one reason I am struggling. In particular, the whole primals/gods/deities dynamic has me fairly confused. Certainly, without having a physical copy to eyeball read, following what constitutes each category is really quite hard to follow. And then when you add in the ascended, and those that have "ascended" but aren't vampires and the revenant, there's just a few too many fancy titles floating around with too-shaky foundations for me to be able to sink into the story.

Was I surprised by the various twists and "big reveal" moments? Not really. Fortunately I haven't really had this series spoiled for me so I am going in relatively blind, but it all just felt a bit predictable. Now, I fully appreciate that a big part of the reason I read romantasy books is that I like the familiar story patterns, but nevertheless they can still include some great plot twists along the way. This one though... the only real "I wasn't expecting that!" moments come in the form of character deaths. Everything else... while I wouldn't say that I could have given you a blow-by-blow account of what was to come, the reveals didn't exactly knock me out of my seat.

Poppy's character also feels somewhat stunted development-wise. Sure, she's gaining power, learning more about herself, her abilities and her place in the world, but underneath that her personality is just... stuck. There is one delicious moment at the end of the book where she shows her mettle and finally feels like she might be able to inhabit her position, but it almost feels too late. I can appreciate the huge age difference and life experience gap between her and Cas, but where other leading couples with a similar dynamic end up feeling like equals, even now we're three books in Poppy comes across as quite immature, despite everything happening to her and around her. Which bugs me no end.

I am determined to persevere with this series, but I do now get a break as the next GA isn't out yet. I know you're meant to intersperse this series with the 'Flesh and Fire' series, and I do plan to, but I'm going to take a break for now to see if my interest sparks again later down the line.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just have to say
The dramatized adaptation is phenomenal—easily one of the best audio experiences I’ve had. The cast brings the world of Atlantia vividly to life, and I honestly don’t want to continue this series in any other format.

Book Rating: ★★★★☆
4 Stars – Impressive. A thoroughly enjoyable and well-crafted book. While it might not redefine the genre, it’s absolutely worth the time and attention.

Spice Rating: HOT
A couple of explicit scenes heat things up, but they’re well-integrated into the story. These moments enhance character relationships and serve a purpose beyond the bedroom.

Narration Rating: 5 Stars
The voice cast truly understood the assignment. From the emotion in the quiet moments to the urgency in the action scenes, this performance elevated the material and kept me completely engaged.

Review:
This installment finally breaks away from the repetitive loops of earlier books and delivers higher stakes, deeper lore, and major plot developments. The dramatization enhances everything—the tension, the romance, the action. It feels like you're watching an epic unfold with your eyes closed.

Poppy’s growth continues to impress. She’s stepping into her power while navigating heartbreak, politics, and ancient secrets. While the romance still pulses at the heart of this story, the political and divine threads are beginning to take center stage. And though I still find myself frustrated with some of the more childish motivations (looking at you, Isbeth), the pacing in this half is much stronger.

I do wish the series would retire some of its repeated banter between Poppy & Kieran, the joke about Willa being her favorite author, and her bashfulness.

⚠️ Spoilers Below ⚠️

Poppy is revealed to be a god.
Ian is murdered.
Casteel is captured.
His brother turns out to have been a traitor.
The Queen is Isbeth and Poppy’s mother.
And most all of this drama is because Cas's mom and Isbeth were feuding over the same guy. Are you fing kidding me?

[Theughost · Rating 5 out of 5]

All bow to the queen of romantasy 🙇‍♀️

No but seriously, this series has managed to capture me in a way no book ever has. I absolutely loved it and the ending satisfied me so damn much. This book is the definition of a strong fmc and girl power. This book is what we mean when we say that we want a strong and fierce fmc.

I obviously gave this book 5/5⭐️ and I’d say spice in this one is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. And holy shit was this book worth reading. My hands are shaking just trying to write this.

This book has the action, the tension, the characters you both love and hate, the spiceeee. It has absolutely everything you need in a romantasy book and I’m in love. I could sell my organs for the chance to read this again for the first time.

In this third book we get to follow what happened after the events of book two and Poppy starting to reveal both more lies and truths about who she is. But she’s also forced to take on bigger responsibilities than ever and people get hurt in the process. Can Poppy and the Prince do what it takes this time? Or are they doomed to fail?

So thank you Jennifer for making such amazing books. I’m not even going to add the question should you read this? Like I usually do. Or well I just did but anyway, you have to read this if you liked the previous books! Cause oh my book it’s a masterpiece.

[Queen Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a nice continuance of the series! We got so many answers to questions and yet so many more questions to ask. I enjoyed getting to see Poppy and Cas step into their own. They have both been through so much and are growing in not only themselves but also within their relationship. We see them both get crowned as King and Queen of Atlantia and then still have to deal with attempts on Poppy from the Unseen. We also get to see more of the culture of the people of Atlantia which I really enjoyed. Then of course some things started going steeply down hill. With reveals that shook the foundation of everything that we've known up til this point. Poppy delivering that last line had me screaming in triumph for her! I can't wait to see how things continue in the next book!

The spice in this book was nice. It's still relatively tame but enjoyable. I give it a 3 out of 5. Overall, this book was a nice addition to the story and has given us so much! Information on the Gods, information on more characters that we have yet to meet and those that we have. It was just so fun and such a great read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed this series so far. Also if you are looking to get into this series and haven't then what are you waiting for? This world would definitely suck you in and make you want to find out more!

[Agata · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for plot happening finally and some revelations, but I can’t get over the elevator music seggsy interludes. Who chooses the goddamn music for the graphic audios, which are otherwise well done overall? Poppy’s ongoing gasping and Ms. Armentrout’s repetitive writing about the “silvery white light” is getting to me too. As are the massive plot holes like Poppy accepting she is Malec’s child for a large chunk of the book when the story does not match up. Malec was with the son back in Atlantia, Isbeth was in Solis for ages (no talk of a daughter) and did not reunite with Malec. Was there in vitro back then and the seed got carried over the Scotos mountains in a little vessel? Dear Gods.
I also can’t buy that Cas’s mom sent them off to see the Blood Crown without telling them what she knew… what was she hoping for, that they’d die and no one would find out the truth? While putting them at this incredible risk? Ugh.
Also, Poppy is now a redhead version of Danaerys… mother of drakes?
A fun romp but not high literature and a bit crazy.
Meeting Ms Willa in the flesh was a fun touch.
Please forgive the spellings, I listened to graphic audio and only had glimpses of spellings as I looked some stuff up in fandoms.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy never could have imagined she’d find a love such as she has with Casteel. While she would love to spend the rest of her life enjoying their time together, both of them have brothers who still need saving. She also needs to reconcile with what she has learned about her identity, a descendant of the King of the Gods, and the true ruler of Atlantia.

Poppy is left to choose between taking the crown that is rightfully hers or forsaking it completely. While she attempts to make her decision, the Queen of Blood and Ash brings about a new threat, determined that Poppy never has the opportunity to take the crown.

Poppy is coming into her strength and owning every minute of it. While her powers may scare her, she doesn’t let it stop her from doing what she most believes in: protecting innocents and stopping the threats to both kingdoms.

I loved seeing Poppy and Cas’ love grow throughout the books, do go from reluctant attraction to pure all consuming love is a beautiful thing. They love each other equally, not only being supportive, but willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the other.

[Lauren Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered GraphicAudio and I have been listening to my favorite books on them and I think it is such a great experience. All of the narrators do such a fabulous job acting in this series, I feel like it seriously is a "movie in my mind".

Anyways.. to the book! This is my second read through of TCoGB and again I will give it 5 stars. I just love Poppy's character ARC and how she continues to find herself throughout her journey. Everyone thinks that she will be this monster but every time she starts to go down that path, she always finds a way back.

I know that some people say that Poppy and Cas' love is cheesy but that is what I love so much about it I think. They love each other unconditionally and omg Cas is so dry with his humor that I just find it hilarious every time he has to give Poppy a hard time about Miss Willas diary!

In this book we start discovering a lot of secrets that were kept from Poppy and even Cas too. Things are not as they seem and there is even more emotional damage in this book. I feel like I cant take it but I have to dive right into The War of Two Queens ASAP and continue the emotional damage.