The Crown of Gilded Bones

Blood and Ash, Book 3

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

Length: 25 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

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...

©2021 Jennifer L. Armentrout. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Jennifer L. Armentrout has absolutely blown me away with this entire series! I've turned into a swooning fangirl!"—New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione

"Completely unputdownable and utterly unforgettable. Armentrout grabs hold of you from the first page of TCOGB with her flawless storytelling, engaging characters and the unforeseen twists and turns."—New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg

"I didn't know I could be a bigger fan of this series than I already was, but boy was I wrong. Jen Armentrout surprises me at every page turn with higher stakes, hotter heat, shocking revelations, and a knows-no-bounds love that hits me deep, and I am here for it."—New York Times bestselling author Laurelin Paige

The narration

Everything by Armentrout is amazing! If you haven’t read her books what are you waiting for?
As far as the audio performance, I feel like this narrator wasn’t reading with enough emotion. I’ve read this book to myself and in my head Poppy (the MC) is more quick with her words and passionate. Her wit more biting. And to me it sounded slow and steady. But this opinion is all my own and everyone has their own interpretations so someone would probably think I’m out of my mind.
But overall it, it was enjoyable and ‘intriguing’ ;)

Utterly worthy of your time

Overall astounding book. Although repetition of some of the memories might get on your nerves. Nonetheless, narrator does an amazing job of keeping you in vibrant world of Atlantia (and Solis). Unexpected turn towards the end of the book will likely cause a lot of emotions...

Gratuitous Sex..But OMG worth it.

This book could have been great. But, the author is turning me off of Casteel bc of the unnecessary and often creepy sexual urges and scenes. In this book, anything turned him on and it was really just cringe. Poppy takes a deep breathe - Casteel's got to immediately "take her" under a tree. Poppy slays people - Casteel has to pause and push his length into her.

The narrator is decent. But during more dramatic moments (which happen often), she makes this broadway stage throaty feathery rumble tremble sound with her voice that makes you feel like a fourth grader being told a scary story by an animated summer camp counselor - only this scary story is about Casteel pushing his firm length into a girl on the battlefield. It is exhausting.

The story itself is fantastic. There is a lot going and there are many people and places being introduced. I do intend to listen to and read the next book in the series because ... well, I can't quit on Casteel and Poppy is awesome!

the narrator needs to pull it down a notch for the

the story is impeccable and alluring is always. however, the narrator is a tad bit over the top for this one. she can tone it back down a notch and it will be flawless.

Sooo good!

I love the way Stina narrates this book. Really draws you into the story and world. Highly recommend!

Narration, anyone?

So, I returned the audible version and got the physical book instead because the narration was driving me insane. I don't remember having the same problem with the last two.. but I couldn't take it seriously. That being said, amazing read. Easily one of my favorite series. Waiting for this one is going to hurt.

Great story line, but too much

I love this storyline. It's genuinely has me hooked. But there were times in this book that I felt almost intrusive. There was too much description of Poppy and her sex life, when I personally really wanted to see her get stronger. I honestly was hoping she'd get more training and work on her skills now that she can. The sex isn't the issue, the amount of it is. I hope in the next book Poppy is as badass as I know she can be.

Great!

One of the best books in this series!! Can't wait to listen to the next one.

wow

absolutely amazing. my goodness I can't wait to read the 4th edition. absolutely stunning performance by the narrator. she brings real emotional to the wonderful story. I tip my hat to the author.

Story: great Narrator: work on pronunciation

idk why people are hating on the amount of smut. when people get together sex just...stops??? nah it was an appropriate amount of it. the story kept you going and i cant wait for the 4th one