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!
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# 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
The only reason this isn't a 5 star is because of the betrayal I felt by the ending of this book. I was legitimately mad and was screaming into my pillow. The fact that Armentrout could get this sort of reaction from me says a lot. This was her plan.
But no, the truth is the one less star is because I get so tired of the same conversation happening throughout these books.
Poppy: "I have a question." Kieran with sarcasm: "Of course you do." I think I've counted this exact conversation 10-15 times in this series. We get it--Kieran is sarcastic.
I'm glad I started reading the sub-series during this book, because it honestly helped clarify a lot of history.
Even with a few bumps (and a little boredom here and there), the audio books really make this experience better. Casteel's and Kieran's voice actors do an amazing job.
(Reread) i forgot how absolutely wild the last part of this was. i also forgot how freaking angry i was at half of the characters here (cas’ parents specifically, you are so old & yet you cannot share information?? and isbeth, girl, get over yourself). hearing the audiobook also showed me how much exposition/constant talking there was to explain things, my head started spinning
as much as i like the overarching plot, i will admit that i kinda miss the insulated story focus on poppy & cas in the first few books. but it is so interesting to listen to these later books now that i have read the prequels & in preparation for the next “FBAA” book
this graphicaudio adaptation remains phenomenal — the voice actors were on point here, the music, the sound effects. i cannot wait for some of the cinematic elements of the next book!
Books have the power to evoke a lot of emotion. But can someone please tell me why Romantasy/fantasy is the only genre where the plot makes me livid!?
How can the plot of this whole thing be that Casteels mom is just butt hurt that her ex husband had an affair!? Because of these childish emotions she basically got her sons kidnapped and will now have to face war! Girl get some help!
My man deserves better. I do love that Poppy is now the “I’ll burn down the world for you (Cas)” character. I hope it’s her villain ARC tbh and I hope she starts with her mother in law!
The Crown of Gilded Bones absolutely delivered! We are finally getting real answers about Poppy and her background, and every revelation made me even more invested in her journey. Watching Poppy and Cas fall deeper in love was such a joy, especially seeing her be truly loved and accepted by others as well. The slow build of trust, intimacy, and mutual respect between them is one of my favorite parts of this series.
And that ending? Pure magic. Poppy fully stepping into who she is meant to be was epic, powerful, and so satisfying after everything she’s endured.
Este libro fue una explosión de suspenso, sorpresas y giros inesperados. De todos los libros de Jennifer L. Armentrout que he leído, este es el que más movimiento tiene, el que más me tuvo atrapada de principio a fin. La forma en la que se desarrolla la historia es vibrante, intensa y absolutamente adictiva.
Lo leí en versión Graphic Reading y eso potenció aún más la experiencia — las emociones se sienten más fuertes, la acción más viva, y los personajes más cercanos. Me encantó.
I audio booked this with the dramatised version and it was epic - each character has their own narrator which I loved God I love Kieran and Delano they have to be one of my fav side characters
The ending gave me epic goosebumps
If you’re looking for an outstanding book series, I highly recommend this one
I am going to read book 1 of flesh and fire next before going on with book 4
On a re-read with the Graphic Audio version of this series.
This book really could have been 4⭐️ if we cut out most of the middle where it’s just Poppy either having sex or being shy about sex which gets old real quick. We get it, you’re inexperienced, cool, move on.
The last 15% of the book really saves the plot line for me - her learning about her background and what she is is pretty interesting, again, just less “I don’t know what I’m doing in the bedroom”
I was actually surprised that I got chills from this. Poppy has become such a badass, and I love how I’ve been along for her entire journey🖤 I also love how the lore keeps expanding on an epic scale. It’s kind of frustrating that there aren’t more GraphicAudio adaptations, but maybe that’s for the best—I’ll need to switch to ebooks anyway to keep going, especially if I want to read the Flesh and Fire series as it's meant to be read in tandem with the main books.
It’s not that the graphic audio wasn’t great - I can’t imagine reading the book any other way. It was that, once again, I was rereading the same train of thought over and over again. This book was completely overwritten. I just finished the book and can’t even recall what happened before the last 10% of the book. I hate to DNF a series, but I don’t know if that cliffhanger can keep me pushing through.
I honestly hated this and I am so disappointed with how the series has turned out.
Poppy is so annoying Honestly, every character is annoying.
I’m not sure why I liked the first book so much when I read it other than maybe because it was the first book I’d read since high school and I was just enjoying reading about vampires.
I will not read this again. I will not recommend this to other people.