Crown of Ash and Bone

Vengeful Gods and Mortal Thrones #2

by Aurelia Bell

The second book in the Vengeful Gods and Mortal Thrones series. Blurb and cover coming soon.

Vengeful Gods and Mortal Thrones is a gripping romantic fantasy series about a defiant blacksmith and the fearsome God of Death, bound together by a power that could destroy them both—or reshape the world. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Hades and Persephone.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Candie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the journey that Azara has gone on in this book. Secrets were revealed. Alliances changed. Grudges formed. But for the love of everything I need the spice kicked up 100%. I was teased unfairly with Vaelith.

[Sammy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. Crown of Ash and Bone? More like Crown of My Entire Personality Right Now. Azara is finally stepping into her badass era, and I’m living for it. Meanwhile, Dorian is over here testing every last one of my nerves—like sir, take a seat. I’m fully team Vaelith—mysterious, powerful, and actually supportive? We love to see it. The drama? Immaculate. The stakes? Sky high. The romance? Slow burn torture in the best way.

And don’t even get me started on the cliffhangers—Aurelia Bell really said “emotional damage” and hit post. Book 1 wrecked me, and then book 2 had the audacity to end like that? I am stressed, obsessed, and counting the days until book 3.

[Amina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was selected as an ARC reader for this series. 4/5 stars

Let me just start with saying I like this book so much more than the first. The plot really starts to evolve. The trials did feel a bit annoying to read but I appreciated that they were not super repetitive.

Azara’s growth has been amazing to read and I’m left with SO many questions at the end of this book.

ALSO THE SIREN SCENE!!!! Vaelith being like you’re killing me 😩😩😩 absolutely left me wanting more!

I’m rooting for her to end up with Vaelith. Dorian was so whiny and annoying. I have some theories on how this can go. I’m hoping she either becomes Deaths counterpart or she becomes death herself.

I will absolutely read the next book in this series.

[Kortney Ricketts · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this after the first book, but I struggled to force myself to read it and it just felt messy. I thought it was slated to be a 2 book series/duology, but there are so many things not tied up that there has to be more coming. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to convince myself to read it.

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review for Crown of Ash and Bone by Aurelia Bell

4/5 Stars
1/5 Spice

Crown of Ash and Bone is the second installment in the Vengeful Gods and Mortal Thrones series, and it picks up right where Bond of Fire and Shadow left off thank goodness since that ending was a doozy! And once again it’s a quick read with a nice pace that isn’t too heavy on the world building, so it’s still a great series for people new to the fantasy/romantasy genre that aren’t used to the heavy world building that usually comes with the territory.

What I love about this book? Vaelith. What I don’t love about this book? Azara going all gaga over Dorian…still. Apparently Azara didn’t listen to enough TLC to know we ain’t got no time for a scrub. That girl better get with it already and take out the trash.

In this book Vaelith really started to give me Hades vibes. Not the Disney version of Hades, but the true Greek mythology Hades…the one where he isn’t the villain at all. I won’t say he loves Azara, at least maybe not yet, but he definitely cares for her. It’s there in the small quiet things he does, and that makes me love Vaelith all the more.

I can’t wait to see what transpires in book 3 between the remaining champions, their gods, and whatever else is out there.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very grateful to Aurelia for giving me an ARC. The second installment of the series did not disappoint. It ends on a cliffhanger and leaving you wanting more. Although there is relatively no spice, there is plenty of action and drama to keep you entertained.

The first installment ended on Dorian being resurrected by Azara leaving the other champions reeling. She took what was not hers to take, and she will pay the price. Whatever that may be. Now that the other champions and gods know who she represents in the trial Azara must be careful and watch her back. Will they allow her to survive knowing she represents death? Afterall, would you really want the champion of death to become high Queen?

As the trials continue, many truths are revealed and something else is going on in the world around them. Azara must confront what she truly feels for Dorian and navigate through his second chance at life all while trying to stay alive in the trials. Will he forgive her for bringing him back? Will she accept his initial proposal of marriage? Azara is also confronted by morality in and out of trials. Can she allow things to happen and people to suffer?

After it all I am left anticipating what will happen between Azara and Vaelith, and the ominous presence and interference of the voidbornes.

[Liz Burkart · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I really enjoyed this but it also felt a little like a filler book. I do think it could’ve been combined with the first. I feel like a lot physically happened, but not much that advanced the plot forward. I mean the trials were cool and crazy and all, but I feel stuck in the same place as we did at the end of book 1. There just weren’t enough questions answered for me.

I still liked it enough to be anxious to read the next book, but I feel like I need some advancement in the plot or romance or SOMETHING asap. I am so over the love triangle, and if we’re supposed to ship Vaelith more (which I really want to) then we gotta stop cheapening their love story with throwing Dorian in there just for tension, it feels forced. And I’m going to need Azara to stop internally debating herself constantly and just go with what she feels instead of fighting every little thing.

Overall I’d still recommend this series so far though, it gives Hunger Games mixed with Greek Mythology kind of??? Idk but it’s an interesting world! I plan to continue reading the series.

EDITED TO ADD: I didn’t realize the third book wasn’t released yet. At the end of book 2, it says June 2025 for the third, but it’s mid June and I’m seeing any news about it anywhere so idk? I guess I’ll wait and see if it comes out later this month, I just hope I’ll remember to look for it.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ The Gods are coming …” WHAT?!?!?!

I am now over Dorian. Vaelith is who we should watch out for. The champions games and trials were back in full force. Who is left at the end? Who will be crowned the High Queen? Will the Champion of Death survive?

CoAaB picks off where the first one leaves off. Then you’re in the middle of the trials. And then there’s Vaelith. And I’m still fan-girling over Az having a ‘hammer’ as her magical weapon of choice. There is so much going on that you were kept entranced in the whole thing, making it a quick, fun, and exhilarating ride.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. These are quickly becoming one of the reasons why I don’t like finding series that aren’t complete. The build-up and then the waiting of what comes next is exhausting.

I would definitely recommend that you start your Vengeful Gods and Mortal Thrones journey as soon as possible . With BoFaS and CoAaB already available, they will keep you busy and intrigued and will leave you wanting for when the next installment is available.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is so much better than the last. It starts immediately after the end of the first book and takes off. The first part was slow because I had to remember who everyone was and what they were doing, but once that was cleared up, it took off and was good. I think this is supposed to be four or five books, but it feels like it should be one big book. As one large epic fantasy, I think it would be much better than a bunch of shorter books cut off mid-scene.
In this book, we start to see Azara rely more on herself and get a glimpse of the bigger picture. We can already see where it is going and who the love interest will be. However, it is definitely a slow burn. The trials were described in more detail in this book, making them more interesting. Overall, I really liked it and look forward to reading the rest. I hope there isn't too long of a wait between books.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two picks up exactly where book one ended. Azara is still in the trials of the God's, but now everyone knows that's she is Death's chosen. The way that Vaelith speaks directly into Azara's mind and communes with her in a much different way than the rest of the chosen and she is finally forced to see it. Her choices in book one are also affecting how all the others see her in this book, which doesn't feel nice to her. There is nonstop action, and with each trial, each candidate are forced to face themselves and each other more and more. I really enjoyed getting to know more of Vaelith and his story. I'm very interested to see where the next book takes us with that ending.

"I had touched death, commanded it, defied it."

[Ashley Quiett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heck of a ride.

I've been sucked into her books in the first page.
I love this series and the cliffhangers just make yiu want more now.

Azara has survived her first few trials but voidborn has interfered and now all the champions have to go somewhere safer to finish their trials. Little do they know that Azara and the rest of the champions are in for a wild ride with the rest of their trials.
Azara has to forge new alliances and learn to trust different people...and gods. Dorian has secrets of his own that will come back and hurt the relationship he tried forging with Azara.

Vaelith is proving to be more than just someone Azara to trust. Really looking forward to more of his back story and rooting for a Vaelith and Azara romance.

[Hirval · Rating 4 out of 5]

can’t wait for book 3

I don’t really write reviews but the ending….like seriously. I need book 3 immediately like now
Overall this book was good I really enjoyed it finished it in less than a day. The chapters are not that long but i don’t like the fact that there are some plot holes i feel like this book could’ve been longer I wanted to know more about Valieth and Azara bond and why was the shadow god so interested in her. This book could’ve been longer it felt little short or maybe it’s just me. There was some spice like a 2 scenes ( if I’m not wrong) but I didn’t do anything to the story because I couldn’t connect to the scene with Dorian and Azara it felt flat

[Tiffanie Mallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m absolutely obsessed with this story. The writing is so well don’t and the story building is amazing. It starts immediately after the events of the first book and boy does it take off, it’s so action packed and attention grabbing I didn’t want to put it down. I need more of Azara and Vaelith immediately and hate that I have to wait for the next book now, but am absolutely hooked and in love. This author is absolutely amazing and I can’t wait for more!

This was given to me as an arc for my honest review.

[Lauren Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This series is perfect if you want a short, high stakes, high adventure, & a unique magic system with gods and games. Crown of Ash and Bone is book 2 in the series and it was just as good as book 1! I am loving the games/trials each player is facing & the complexity of relationships as the players navigate who to trust.

In my book 1 review, I said “We need more Vaelith!” & Vaelith showed up and showed out this book!

I can’t wait for book 3! 🖤

Thank you Aurelia for graciously providing me with the arc for Crown of Ash & Bone in exchange for my honest review.

[Kerin Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 🌟s slow burn cliffhanging juicy adventure. It is so good. And my GOD the GOD OF DEATH faints!!! I just love him. I cannot wait to find out more about them. They the ending I turned the page and I was like oh no 🤣 it’s the master of all cliffhangers of needing to know what’s coming next. The trials blow my mind you never know what’s coming and you can’t project or anticipate what comes next! Masterful writing. This author really grips you and make you feel like you’re there in the story and experiencing everything with anticipation. -Kerin

[Katelyn D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. So much action and mystery throughout the entire book! Book 2 starts off right where book 1 ended. Some of the answers to questions surrounding Dorian, Azara and Vaelith are revealed, but so many more questions remain. I can’t help but love Vaelith and I hope we get to learn even more about him in the next instalment. A fast-paced and action-packed book that will leave you frothing at the mouth for more!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than the first in my opinion. I was absolutely hooked and probably could have finished it in a day if I didn’t have responsibilities such as work (or sleep) to attend to😂. I am completely invested in Azara and Vaelith. I really liked that we got to see more of Vaelith in this book. I’m super excited for the next book cause Aurelia loves to leave readers on a cliffhanger🙃🖤

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but it didn't grab me like the first BUT I need to know what happens next!!
It follows the trials and what the champions have to face and slowly picks at the champions mentally. All whilst there is Voidborn running riot and taking over.
Was a nice, easy read and has left on a right cliffhanger that's got me trying to figure out what happens next.
Oh, and I really hope the God of Death does what happens in one of the trials 😅😉

[Leilani Lopes-Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️/5

So, so good. I thoroughly enjoyed how the God of Death was portrayed and the FMC is just so fiesty I love it. There was a bit of love triangle action in here as well! I think the build up for the action is way better than the previous book and there was some romantic tension building as well with some spice!

I read this almost non-stop and now I need more!

Thank you for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. Here is my honest review.

I read this in less than 24 hours. I’m so invested in Azara and Vaelith’s story. Things are unraveling in the trials and Azara is learning more about herself with each trial she goes through. I’m so excited to see where the story goes next!

[Jessica Crome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book starts right where book 1 left off and I was here for it. I enjoyed getting to go through each trial and how the contestants dealt with it. Each page kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next

[Kristin Steward · Rating 2 out of 5]

WHAT WAS THAT!?

This book was slow and I almost DNF'it after 50% of the way through and then it was highspeed from there and boom done. I'm assuming there is another book coming and I'm now going to impatiently wait because that cannot be how it ends....

[Erin Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent continuation of the story started in book 1. Layers of the players and the situation are peeled back for us. We get much more insight into the God of death which I really enjoyed. Good story all around!

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm once again thoroughly impressed by this new author! I picked up this book and just couldn't put it down. The characters all have their own personal charms ... but let's be honest.. Daddy Death holds my heart. 😘 I'm loving the dynamic between Azara and Vaelith and I . Just. Need. More.

[Molly Ortiz Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review!

Phenomenal second book! Took the story from the first book and continued Azara’s story in a most impressive way. Cannot wait to read the third one! Well done Aurelia!

[Jennifer Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it's supposed to be a Duology, but it definitely left you with a cliff hanger.So the question is, will there be a series related to this one?

[Katarina Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed and devoured book 2 just like I devoured book 1!! I need book 3, like NOW!! So much action and adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better, so much better.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was PHENOMENAL! Loved everything about it!

[Jolie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I was sent an ARC of this book by the author.

It starts immediately after the first book. I enjoyed Ash and Bone a lot more! Azara started to come to her senses regarding Dorian, but there were still moments where I was frustrated with her hesitation during the trials.

She knew and was told time and time again to toughen up, yet she remains soft even when other ally's lives are at stake.

I liked getting more insight into Vaelith and other gods. Bond and Crown were both on the shorter side, but released relatively quickly. I hope the next book comes out soon too, because the story is getting more intriguing.