The Crown of Gilded Bones (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Blood and Ash [Dramatized Adaptation] #3, Part 1

by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katie Boothe (Narrator), Stewart Crank (Narrator)

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…

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Magic, Fiction, Fantasy Romance

9 pages, Audiobook

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Hey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

# 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.

Reviews

[William Burrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, I'm only reading this series because I started it. I thought this book would be better...I guess it was in a sense. But that doesn't mean it was good. It is just sooo slow and a lot of unnecessary stuff in it. Like the plot just doesn't plot. We smutty just to smut. The love dynamic is lowkey abhorrent. Butttt when there was plot it was intriguing a little. Just wish it didn't just stop all of a sudden for some dragged out conversation or whatever.

[Nya Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being that this is the graphic audio, I’m only about halfway through but at this point, this is my favorite book in the series so far!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is already one of my favourite books in the series, and honestly, everyone already knows what I’m going to say.

And it is this.

STEWART CRANK 🫠🪦

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the graphic audio versions 😍 I definitely want to know what is going on with Poppy. Who/what is she. What do the King/Queen know?!

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow this book sucked. I hate the FMC. So repetitive with extremely drawn out dialogue, it sounds like the author was just trying to hit a word count.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really cannot say enough for these adaptations — stewart crank kills it as cas, and torian brackett as kieran absolutely slays as well. i am so excited to hear more!!

i forgot how emotionally charged this book was — the intensity of a lot of the scenes translated so well with this adaptation, especially with the background music and sound effects (i say this each time, give the sound effects editor a RAISE).

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Poppy and Cas uncover a conspiracy to kill her while navigating Atlantia and their possible new roles.

The end of the previous book left me thinking that Poppy and Cas would immediately be taking the thrones of Atlantia, and this is not true. Not a spoiler, as this is dealt with early on in this volume and is one of the major questions of it: will they take on the responsibility or not? This book has quite a few dramatic action scenes, but it's the happy moments of simple life that really had me enjoying this particular book. Poppy is growing and changing in many ways. Casteel is along for the ride, and he is the most perfect supportive partner ever. I loved it.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casteel is a top-tier book boyfriend. I noticed partway through and to the end his voice sounded a bit different. Kieran's voice also changed slightly at the end but otherwise a great listen. Looking forward to part 2.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The graphic audio coming in clutch on this reread with book bestie Amanda after I stalled out in the kindle version distracted by new releases. This book is exposition heavy, and while I tore through it the first time around, it was a bit rough going until the graphic audios came in on Libby.

[Rocio · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good but I also feel like the same things keep happening over and over again in different variations

[Ashley Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ poppy is annoying. Love the full cast and sound affect though

[Hannah Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my spice but can we calm down just for 5mins please?!

[Danielle Farkas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t stand the protagonist or any of the conversations she has with others. That obviously doesn’t stop me from listening

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know some people really didnt like this book. But I personally dont get it because I'm too busy having a good time. As a Kieran girlie, I love seeing how his relationship and loyalty grows

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed! I love these books! Its like a dream world I just want to live in❤️ can wait to get threw part 2 🫶🏼

[lexiskat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was sooooo much going on in this book. Like Poppy who are you, what are you, is those your parents. Did they find you somewhere? But just Castell dnt play the flute about Poppy, he be wanting a mfer to try her.

[Sara the Book Slayer · Rating 1 out of 5]

voice actors are amazing. writing is poor.

[Jess(readsit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These might be my favorite narrators. 🤩

[savage_book_review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #69 of 100 - 'The Crown of Gilded Bones (Dramatized Adaptation) (Part 1 of 2)' by Jennifer L Armentrout. Performed by a full cast.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice-o-meter: 🌶🌶.5
Feelings: 😮🙂😐🤨

Total pages read: 21,294
Total hours listened: 212.12
Total money saved: £212

I'm determined to keep going with this series because I'm enjoying the performances in the Graphic Audio. But after the second half of this book, there's a wait for the next GA in the series to be released. And I suspect that I'll get impatient, pick up the printed version and then find that I get a lot more out of it.

The problem I have is, despite listening to this in a very short space of time, I couldn't tell you anything about what happened. It's definitely another book heavily skewed towards character, relationship and world building, and while this aspect is beautifully done and I am one who loves a good character-led story, I'm struggling to perceive any real plot progression in this half of the book. It feels like Poppy and Cas are constantly agreeing they 'need to talk' about things, despite spending a fair amount of time in one on one conversation.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore the softness of them curled up together and the playful banter and deepening bonds between them and Kieran. Whether or not it is leading to an MFM scenario, they are fast becoming a proper OT3 for me. But I just need more of, well, everything.

There were a couple of great twists in this instalment, which only reiterates that I should not trust authors! 🤣 I'm far too willing to see the good in people! But seriously, while I can't say I necessarily followed the 'villain monologue' that explained why what happened happened, I didn't necessarily need to. Just knowing there's a hidden agenda is enough. And both of these big twists really do hit you in the feels (again, though, I suspect I would have been affected more on an eyeball read).

As for the performances themselves, I love Stewart Crank as Cas, I really do. But there was a quality to his voice in this recording that made me think he maybe had a cold or something? He still sounded OK, but it was like he was having to work harder to sound 'normal'. And every so often it would just distract me from what he was actually saying. But overall they are a fabulous cast to listen to.

The oddest moment for me was the choice of where to end this segment. I don't know if it actually is mid-chapter, but it feels like it just stops half way through a scene. It's not a cliffhanger or a natural pause point, and if I hadn't waited to start part one until I knew I had part two to go straight onto, I'd have been sorely disappointed because there is no way I'd remember where we were - there is literally nothing memorable about it!

Perhaps when I have cleared my TBR pile a bit (in ten to twelve business years), I'll come back and read the physical versions to see if I connect more. But, for the time being, they're enjoyable enough for me to keep going, but they're certainly not standing out from the crowd as I expected them to.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Just Have to Say:
This dramatized adaptation is honestly incredible. If all audiobooks had this level of depth and immersion, I’d never pick up a print copy again. That said, we’re three books in and somehow still running in circles.

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.

Review:
The Crown of Gilded Bones (Part 1) continues the epic Blood and Ash series with all the signature drama, tension, and seduction we’ve come to expect. The dramatized audio format is a standout—5 stars, no question. Full cast performances, sound effects, and score bring the world of Atlantia vividly to life and made this installment easy to consume despite some pacing frustrations.

Plot-wise, the story feels a bit... cyclical. There’s a clear pattern: Poppy gains a sliver of information, gets emotionally or physically overwhelmed, experiences a life-threatening event, has another steamy interlude with Cas, then starts all over again. While I enjoy the romantic tension and emotional depth, the repetition is becoming predictable and is beginning to slow momentum, especially when so many key questions still remain unanswered—namely, what even is Poppy?

This part ends in a way that feels wrapped up enough not to be agonizing, which I appreciate since Part 2 isn't out yet. But that lack of suspense might also reduce the urge to dive into the next installment the moment it's released.

And if we’re being honest, the series seems to be slowly but surely leading us toward polyamory —but I’d like less hand-holding and more actual plot progression.

Still, I’m hooked. And I’ll be there when Part 2 drops.

[Theughost · Rating 5 out of 5]

All bow to the queen of romantasy 🙇‍♀️

No but seriously, this series has managed to capture me in a way no book ever has. I absolutely loved it and the ending satisfied me so damn much. This book is the definition of a strong fmc and girl power. This book is what we mean when we say that we want a strong and fierce fmc.

I obviously gave this book 5/5⭐️ and I’d say spice in this one is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. And holy shit was this book worth reading. My hands are shaking just trying to write this.

This book has the action, the tension, the characters you both love and hate, the spiceeee. It has absolutely everything you need in a romantasy book and I’m in love. I could sell my organs for the chance to read this again for the first time.

In this third book we get to follow what happened after the events of book two and Poppy starting to reveal both more lies and truths about who she is. But she’s also forced to take on bigger responsibilities than ever and people get hurt in the process. Can Poppy and the Prince do what it takes this time? Or are they doomed to fail?

So thank you Jennifer for making such amazing books. I’m not even going to add the question should you read this? Like I usually do. Or well I just did but anyway, you have to read this if you liked the previous books! Cause oh my book it’s a masterpiece.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Diane Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading The Crown of Gilded Bones - graphic audio this time both parts 1 & 2- has been an incredible experience because suddenly every glance, offhand comment, and seemingly throwaway moment is screaming foreshadowing. The emotional beats hit harder, the relationships feel deeper, and I’m still wildly, aggressively obsessed with these characters - flaws, trauma, sarcasm, emotional damage and all.

Watching Poppy claim her strength, her agency, and her voice - without losing her heart - was deeply satisfying. Add in Cas’s relentless devotion, Kieran’s steady, grounding presence, and the wolven pack choosing Poppy over and over again, and it becomes clear: this book wasn’t just building a plot - it was building a family. I am completely emotionally invested.

The dialogue is sharp, funny, and painfully human. And the running joke about Ms. Willa’s diary??? I cackled every single time. Absolutely iconic.

But seriously… how many times can this book rip out my heart?? Equal parts plot progression, character obsession, found family feels, and unhinged emotional trauma. Exactly how I like my fantasy.

10/10 would let this book emotionally wreck me again.

[Pink Babe · Rating 3 out of 5]

pros to these adaptations
1. each character actually has a different narrator
(which is what regular audiobooks need to be doing. )
I can do without the sounds and music. which usually drowns out the voices and the sound effects are repetitive to the point of being annoying.
2. they usually cut out unnecessary parts (probably could cut out more in this particular series though)

Cons to these adaptations:
1. They split them into 2 or more parts for 💲 scheme
There is no other reason for it.
2. This causes issues with being put in order
3. this causes them to be more books than actually are
4. this causes issues with being able to borrow them from libraries, with limited borrows and holds at a time, 5 books turns into 10 and that's usually the limit. So 5 books hog up your entire limits and usually very long waits.
6. ebooks dont sync with them
7. THEIR sexual & intimate scenes are very fake and poorly done. even just kissing is done really badly

[Kyra Bookdragonmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. This first half had me 🤯 the entire first quarter. Then it settled and I really enjoyed seeing a more "slice of life" approach to the story. Seeing how Poppy and Cas settle into their relationship and also the new chemistry that's more evident now with Kieran, and I swear if that doesn't evolve into some type of throuple, I'm gonna be so upset. I have to say tho, there was a point near the end of this part one when I was done with the constant fawning over each other thing Poppy and Cas do. Believe me, I want that more than anything, a man who knows me all too well, but who also isn't threatened by me being my own person, someone who's constantly reassuring at the right times, who says and shows that he loves me and it's constantly in awe of me. I really want that, but reading it over and over in this short time, well it gets old soon

[Caitlin Zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer Armentrout ***
(the maiden, the ascended, kingdoms, doomed, vampires, romantasy)
In this novel following our Blood and Ash Series, we find Poppy making peace with her new job as the queen of the kingdom. But quickly it is realized that not everyone wants her in power. After almost losing her king consort Castille in battle, Poppy begins to forge additional alliances to both strengthen her claim to the throne, but she also forges alliances to keep the people of her kingdom safe, even if it is from herself. Now having not be ascended as she thought she would have been, Poppy needs to determine what she is: a god, an ascended, a vampire, etc.

[Tuti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first part of the book doesn't have much substance for being 10 hours long. It's full of fluff, with people chatting or talking about their feelings or having sex...way too much sex.

Poppy was rather annoying. She had no self-restraint. Sometimes I felt that Alastir had a point. This is also when she started treating Delano like a pet dog. I finally got used to the name Casteel (instead of Hawke), but geez, he just let Poppy got away with about anything. Not to mention him worshipping the ground she walked on. And there is this other thing about Poppy becoming very powerful, until she wasn't when it was convenient to the story.

[Jennifer McDine · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/5 for Voice narrators

3/5(and I'm being generous) for the story. I loved the first 2 but now 3 books in, they are STILL traveling, it's very repetitive, every other chapter they are either getting it on or trying to, and could we please drop the whole Casteel teasing her about the journal?? It's no longer funny. The characters have gotten annoying besides Kieran. It's like the author was just trying to squeeze as many words in as possible and lost the main focus of the story. I'm going to take a break but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.

[Twi Shipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This format is a must-listen format IMO. Try it and you'll fall in love with this audio play style performance with cool sound effects and sound design.

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation)
Blood and Ash, Book 3
By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Narrated by: full cast, Aure Nash, Michael John Casey, Torian Brackett, Todd Scofield, Troy Allan, Wyn Delano, Katie Boothe, David Cui Cui, Stewart Crank, Wayne LaGette, Robb Moreira
Series: Blood and Ash, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
Release date: 05-16-25
Language: English

[Ingrid Scarborough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m annoyed! Three books in and we still don’t know what Poppy is. It’s all kinds of speculation but WHAT IS SHE?! And the romance in the story is more of the story than anything else. We get it. Cas is her person as she is his but MY GOODNESS … can we get other stories!!???! Three books in and we still haven’t met Ian, we still don’t really know what happened with her parents … three books AND ITS TOO MUCH WE DO NOT KNOW!!! 🙄🙄

PS: I’m on PT 1 of book 3 😅🤣 so after PT I’ll come back and edit