A review by watchnrant
The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

adventurous challenging informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash #3)
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.