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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Betrayals bleed. Crowns burn. And the truth? It cuts the deepest.
In The Crown of Gilded Bones, Poppy’s journey continues as she’s forced to confront her divine heritage, claim the crown of Atlantia, and face the devastating truths about her origins. This book leans heavily into political intrigue, lore expansion, and the unraveling of secrets as the looming war threatens to destroy everything she’s fought for.
There’s a lot to love—rich world-building, shocking revelations, and intense relationship dynamics. The exploration of power, destiny, and self-identity is compelling, and the deepening bonds between Poppy, Casteel, and Kieran remain one of the strongest elements of the series. The ending delivers an emotional punch that sets the stage for an explosive next installment.
That said, the pacing suffers. The opening is gripping and the ending is fantastic, but the middle is bogged down by repetitive conversations, filler scenes, and a frustrating lack of forward momentum. Some of the plot twists, particularly regarding Poppy’s parentage, feel predictable, and the constant stacking of new powers onto Poppy starts to stretch believability even within the fantasy framework.
Still, it’s an addictive and emotional ride. The stakes are higher, the betrayals deeper, and the characters more tangled in destiny than ever before.
For readers who enjoy: romantasy, chosen-one heroines, political intrigue, morally grey love interests, intense friendship dynamics, and stories where power and passion collide.
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Final Verdict: A thrilling but uneven installment—slow in places, explosive in others—with rich lore and an ending that leaves you desperate for the next book.
Okay this book redeemed this series.. I might have some whiplash from all the mummy/daddy issues but soo much better than book 1 & 2
Such a good book series! I was so excited to dive back into this world, i hope that the next book will be released soon!
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I could have read only the last 5 chapters and been satisfied
dnf
I REFUSE TO TORTURE MYSELF MORE THAN I ALREADY DID WITH THIS BOOK.
I thought [b:From Blood and Ash|52831200|From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1)|Jennifer L. Armentrout|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585598504l/52831200._SX50_.jpg|78982151] had zero plot. Or maybe the plot was invisible. Then I tried the [b:second book|54319549|A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, #2)|Jennifer L. Armentrout|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1595874447l/54319549._SY75_.jpg|84765606] and realised this one has even less plot than the first one. After that, I tried this trash. And guess what! Turned out this one has even ✨less✨ plot than the second one which I thought wasn’t even possible.
Ugh, this book made me realise I'm not giving enough credits to my history classes. Seriously, those never-ending history lessons were less boring. I know, you're probably thinking how can I judge a book I didn’t even finish but I did..I mean I read about three hundred and fifty pages and I believe I gave this book a fair chance. And it's just so boring I can't believe I actually managed to read that much.
So the plot:
-nothing.
Wait there is some inner jokes you might like.
Example:
Cas:
I REFUSE TO TORTURE MYSELF MORE THAN I ALREADY DID WITH THIS BOOK.
I thought [b:From Blood and Ash|52831200|From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1)|Jennifer L. Armentrout|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585598504l/52831200._SX50_.jpg|78982151] had zero plot. Or maybe the plot was invisible. Then I tried the [b:second book|54319549|A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, #2)|Jennifer L. Armentrout|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1595874447l/54319549._SY75_.jpg|84765606] and realised this one has even less plot than the first one. After that, I tried this trash. And guess what! Turned out this one has even ✨less✨ plot than the second one which I thought wasn’t even possible.
Ugh, this book made me realise I'm not giving enough credits to my history classes. Seriously, those never-ending history lessons were less boring. I know, you're probably thinking how can I judge a book I didn’t even finish but I did..I mean I read about three hundred and fifty pages and I believe I gave this book a fair chance. And it's just so boring I can't believe I actually managed to read that much.
So the plot:
-nothing.
Wait there is some inner jokes you might like.
Example:
Cas:
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The series ends here for me. I found this third book hard to get through. It was like a history lesson. The end was good though and it nearly made me want to read on.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It never ended. The first 100 pages was good. Then, page 101-450? They just draaaaaagged on, then, page 451-550? Good.
So, if youre looking for a book that has A LOT of filler-talk and repeated dialog over and over again and inner monologues that goes on and on and on, this book if for you.
Really really wish it was better.
So, if youre looking for a book that has A LOT of filler-talk and repeated dialog over and over again and inner monologues that goes on and on and on, this book if for you.
Really really wish it was better.