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Blood and Ash [Dramatized Adaptation] #3, Part 2
The Crown of Gilded Bones (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
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!
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!
9 pages, Audiobook
Published June 30, 2025
53 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
162 books159k followersHey 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 27, 2025
Dramatized adaptation does it again.
July 21, 2025
3.75⭐
July 12, 2025
Reread. Graphic audiobook.
I always forget how bonkers the last 25% of this book is. I love Poppy so much 🥹
I always forget how bonkers the last 25% of this book is. I love Poppy so much 🥹
July 3, 2025
That was stressful. I get so emotionally invested in the stories and that ending... I do not have words.
July 20, 2025
I truly think I only keep going with this series because I just want to see it through. If I'm being honest, this was probably the best half of the series. That is not saying a lot, though, because the series isn't the best to begin with. I have come to the realization that these books contain an unnecessary amount of dialogue and descriptions. It all feels like filler to keep the books going. Anyways, the plot finally started to plot, though it was dragged on; towards the end, things FINALLY got good. I think the next book will actually be good based on how this one ended. It just feels like we could have gotten to this so long ago, which is irritating.
July 25, 2025
Finally made it through all the exposition (and Casteel's insufferable parents) thanks to the graphic audio, and now Amanda and I can move on to the next in our FBAA/FAF tandem read, A Shadow in the Ember.
January 14, 2026
Holy ending
August 9, 2025
Ope well bummer for cas
July 20, 2025
Basic Plot: Poppy and Casteel learn more about Poppy's heritage, become the king and queen of Atlantia, and attempt to prevent war.
That ending was intense. The next book is going to be a whopper. I really need to re-listen to these, or read the physical books, because dang. I really enjoy Poppy and Cas as a couple and as individual characters. The side characters pull the whole thing together, even if there are a lot of revelations here that change how we think of various characters. The whole deity vs god thing is hard to track in my brain since the words mean the same thing to me. I know this review won't make a lot of sense to anyone unfamiliar with the series, but at this point in the depths of the series, no one who isn't caught up would get it. At any rate, I'm loving the series, and I really love the Graphic Audio version I've been listening to.
That ending was intense. The next book is going to be a whopper. I really need to re-listen to these, or read the physical books, because dang. I really enjoy Poppy and Cas as a couple and as individual characters. The side characters pull the whole thing together, even if there are a lot of revelations here that change how we think of various characters. The whole deity vs god thing is hard to track in my brain since the words mean the same thing to me. I know this review won't make a lot of sense to anyone unfamiliar with the series, but at this point in the depths of the series, no one who isn't caught up would get it. At any rate, I'm loving the series, and I really love the Graphic Audio version I've been listening to.
July 17, 2025
I feel like the ending really saved this book for me - it was hovering around 2 stars for 50% of the book. And that dramatic conclusion bam! Damn!! It’s definitely 3.5-4 only bc of that and now making me want to read the next.
July 18, 2025
Goosebumps all through this second half. I would never enjoy this book if I was reading it but boy does GraphicAudio delivers.
No one likes overthinking, very very long conversations, descriptives monologues and introspection more than our Poppy girl. Rough for the readers.
No one likes overthinking, very very long conversations, descriptives monologues and introspection more than our Poppy girl. Rough for the readers.
July 23, 2025
Oh, lord… I forgot how this book ends…😩
I love re-reads…. ❤️
I love re-reads…. ❤️
July 25, 2025
We love a girlboss 😍
August 7, 2025
This was a good part 2! It moves right along and the graphic audio really brought the story to life again. I’m intrigued with the plot but it does feel a little more complicated than it needs to be but still a fun adventure.
August 21, 2025
It’s a solid “hell yeah” from me
January 18, 2026
Poppy is so badass!! I love Kieran so much 😂😂 the ending 🤯
July 12, 2025
Liked this one much more.
November 29, 2025
THREE FUCKING BOOKS IN AND THE PLOT IS FINALLY GETTING SOMEWHERE???
July 2, 2025
Just as badass as the 1st time I read it :). Really enjoying the graphic audios. Need War of Two Queens like yesterday!
August 13, 2025
3.5… not really sure how to rate
Book one was my favorite by far. By the time I got to this book I was really just in it for the characters; specifically the banter. The plot was just ok to me, but I can see how someone else could love it.
Cass is giving Wesley from The Princess Bride vibes and I love it.
Do not plan on continuing the series.
Book one was my favorite by far. By the time I got to this book I was really just in it for the characters; specifically the banter. The plot was just ok to me, but I can see how someone else could love it.
Cass is giving Wesley from The Princess Bride vibes and I love it.
Do not plan on continuing the series.
September 2, 2025
I’m feeling conflicted… this book in the first half particularly was so repetitive, unnecessarily so. Because of that I found myself not enjoying the book as much but then you get into the second half and it picked back up. The ending, of course has me immediately wanting to pick up the next book because I can’t DNF it with that ending… iykyk
Maybe I’ll come back and change it to three stars 😅
Maybe I’ll come back and change it to three stars 😅
July 14, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
I really, really want to like this series; it has everything I would normally enjoy, a great set of performances and what should be a compelling story. But, for some reason I can't explain, it's just not hitting the spot.
One of the biggest issues I'm finding is that it's just not very memorable. When I'm in the story, I know what's going on and how we got where we are, so it's not hard to follow. But, now that I'm finished, if you asked me to describe the events if this instalment I would really struggle, save for the concluding couple of hours which I only heard yesterday. There's a lot of talking and a lot of relationship development, which I do really like, but there's no real hook to focus your interest. It was just background noise, with no true engagement of the emotions or senses.
That being said, there were moments that made me giggle, and Cas in particular does lift the whole thing somewhat - I would probably be DNFing if it weren't for his warmth, sweetness and flirtatiousness, along with the banter he has with Poppy and Kieran. Although Poppy's continuing growth in power does seem to be sidelining him in the 'protective male' stakes, the fact that he continues to stand his ground and project that same protective behaviour, whilst subtly deferring to her... in my eyes it makes him by far and away the best character in the book.
I think the worldbuilding may be one reason I am struggling. In particular, the whole primals/gods/deities dynamic has me fairly confused. Certainly, without having a physical copy to eyeball read, following what constitutes each category is really quite hard to follow. And then when you add in the ascended, and those that have "ascended" but aren't vampires and the revenant, there's just a few too many fancy titles floating around with too-shaky foundations for me to be able to sink into the story.
Was I surprised by the various twists and "big reveal" moments? Not really. Fortunately I haven't really had this series spoiled for me so I am going in relatively blind, but it all just felt a bit predictable. Now, I fully appreciate that a big part of the reason I read romantasy books is that I like the familiar story patterns, but nevertheless they can still include some great plot twists along the way. This one though... the only real "I wasn't expecting that!" moments come in the form of character deaths. Everything else... while I wouldn't say that I could have given you a blow-by-blow account of what was to come, the reveals didn't exactly knock me out of my seat.
Poppy's character also feels somewhat stunted development-wise. Sure, she's gaining power, learning more about herself, her abilities and her place in the world, but underneath that her personality is just... stuck. There is one delicious moment at the end of the book where she shows her mettle and finally feels like she might be able to inhabit her position, but it almost feels too late. I can appreciate the huge age difference and life experience gap between her and Cas, but where other leading couples with a similar dynamic end up feeling like equals, even now we're three books in Poppy comes across as quite immature, despite everything happening to her and around her. Which bugs me no end.
I am determined to persevere with this series, but I do now get a break as the next GA isn't out yet. I know you're meant to intersperse this series with the 'Flesh and Fire' series, and I do plan to, but I'm going to take a break for now to see if my interest sparks again later down the line.
I really, really want to like this series; it has everything I would normally enjoy, a great set of performances and what should be a compelling story. But, for some reason I can't explain, it's just not hitting the spot.
One of the biggest issues I'm finding is that it's just not very memorable. When I'm in the story, I know what's going on and how we got where we are, so it's not hard to follow. But, now that I'm finished, if you asked me to describe the events if this instalment I would really struggle, save for the concluding couple of hours which I only heard yesterday. There's a lot of talking and a lot of relationship development, which I do really like, but there's no real hook to focus your interest. It was just background noise, with no true engagement of the emotions or senses.
That being said, there were moments that made me giggle, and Cas in particular does lift the whole thing somewhat - I would probably be DNFing if it weren't for his warmth, sweetness and flirtatiousness, along with the banter he has with Poppy and Kieran. Although Poppy's continuing growth in power does seem to be sidelining him in the 'protective male' stakes, the fact that he continues to stand his ground and project that same protective behaviour, whilst subtly deferring to her... in my eyes it makes him by far and away the best character in the book.
I think the worldbuilding may be one reason I am struggling. In particular, the whole primals/gods/deities dynamic has me fairly confused. Certainly, without having a physical copy to eyeball read, following what constitutes each category is really quite hard to follow. And then when you add in the ascended, and those that have "ascended" but aren't vampires and the revenant, there's just a few too many fancy titles floating around with too-shaky foundations for me to be able to sink into the story.
Was I surprised by the various twists and "big reveal" moments? Not really. Fortunately I haven't really had this series spoiled for me so I am going in relatively blind, but it all just felt a bit predictable. Now, I fully appreciate that a big part of the reason I read romantasy books is that I like the familiar story patterns, but nevertheless they can still include some great plot twists along the way. This one though... the only real "I wasn't expecting that!" moments come in the form of character deaths. Everything else... while I wouldn't say that I could have given you a blow-by-blow account of what was to come, the reveals didn't exactly knock me out of my seat.
Poppy's character also feels somewhat stunted development-wise. Sure, she's gaining power, learning more about herself, her abilities and her place in the world, but underneath that her personality is just... stuck. There is one delicious moment at the end of the book where she shows her mettle and finally feels like she might be able to inhabit her position, but it almost feels too late. I can appreciate the huge age difference and life experience gap between her and Cas, but where other leading couples with a similar dynamic end up feeling like equals, even now we're three books in Poppy comes across as quite immature, despite everything happening to her and around her. Which bugs me no end.
I am determined to persevere with this series, but I do now get a break as the next GA isn't out yet. I know you're meant to intersperse this series with the 'Flesh and Fire' series, and I do plan to, but I'm going to take a break for now to see if my interest sparks again later down the line.
August 22, 2025
I just have to say
The dramatized adaptation is phenomenal—easily one of the best audio experiences I’ve had. The cast brings the world of Atlantia vividly to life, and I honestly don’t want to continue this series in any other format.
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.
Narration Rating: 5 Stars
The voice cast truly understood the assignment. From the emotion in the quiet moments to the urgency in the action scenes, this performance elevated the material and kept me completely engaged.
Review:
This installment finally breaks away from the repetitive loops of earlier books and delivers higher stakes, deeper lore, and major plot developments. The dramatization enhances everything—the tension, the romance, the action. It feels like you're watching an epic unfold with your eyes closed.
Poppy’s growth continues to impress. She’s stepping into her power while navigating heartbreak, politics, and ancient secrets. While the romance still pulses at the heart of this story, the political and divine threads are beginning to take center stage. And though I still find myself frustrated with some of the more childish motivations (looking at you, Isbeth), the pacing in this half is much stronger.
I do wish the series would retire some of its repeated banter between Poppy & Kieran, the joke about Willa being her favorite author, and her bashfulness.
⚠️ Spoilers Below ⚠️
The dramatized adaptation is phenomenal—easily one of the best audio experiences I’ve had. The cast brings the world of Atlantia vividly to life, and I honestly don’t want to continue this series in any other format.
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.
Narration Rating: 5 Stars
The voice cast truly understood the assignment. From the emotion in the quiet moments to the urgency in the action scenes, this performance elevated the material and kept me completely engaged.
Review:
This installment finally breaks away from the repetitive loops of earlier books and delivers higher stakes, deeper lore, and major plot developments. The dramatization enhances everything—the tension, the romance, the action. It feels like you're watching an epic unfold with your eyes closed.
Poppy’s growth continues to impress. She’s stepping into her power while navigating heartbreak, politics, and ancient secrets. While the romance still pulses at the heart of this story, the political and divine threads are beginning to take center stage. And though I still find myself frustrated with some of the more childish motivations (looking at you, Isbeth), the pacing in this half is much stronger.
I do wish the series would retire some of its repeated banter between Poppy & Kieran, the joke about Willa being her favorite author, and her bashfulness.
⚠️ Spoilers Below ⚠️
November 2, 2025
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.
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.
January 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It was such a nice continuance of the series! We got so many answers to questions and yet so many more questions to ask. I enjoyed getting to see Poppy and Cas step into their own. They have both been through so much and are growing in not only themselves but also within their relationship. We see them both get crowned as King and Queen of Atlantia and then still have to deal with attempts on Poppy from the Unseen. We also get to see more of the culture of the people of Atlantia which I really enjoyed. Then of course some things started going steeply down hill. With reveals that shook the foundation of everything that we've known up til this point. Poppy delivering that last line had me screaming in triumph for her! I can't wait to see how things continue in the next book!
The spice in this book was nice. It's still relatively tame but enjoyable. I give it a 3 out of 5. Overall, this book was a nice addition to the story and has given us so much! Information on the Gods, information on more characters that we have yet to meet and those that we have. It was just so fun and such a great read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed this series so far. Also if you are looking to get into this series and haven't then what are you waiting for? This world would definitely suck you in and make you want to find out more!
The spice in this book was nice. It's still relatively tame but enjoyable. I give it a 3 out of 5. Overall, this book was a nice addition to the story and has given us so much! Information on the Gods, information on more characters that we have yet to meet and those that we have. It was just so fun and such a great read. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed this series so far. Also if you are looking to get into this series and haven't then what are you waiting for? This world would definitely suck you in and make you want to find out more!
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars for plot happening finally and some revelations, but I can’t get over the elevator music seggsy interludes. Who chooses the goddamn music for the graphic audios, which are otherwise well done overall? Poppy’s ongoing gasping and Ms. Armentrout’s repetitive writing about the “silvery white light” is getting to me too. As are the massive plot holes like Poppy accepting she is Malec’s child for a large chunk of the book when the story does not match up. Malec was with the son back in Atlantia, Isbeth was in Solis for ages (no talk of a daughter) and did not reunite with Malec. Was there in vitro back then and the seed got carried over the Scotos mountains in a little vessel? Dear Gods.
I also can’t buy that Cas’s mom sent them off to see the Blood Crown without telling them what she knew… what was she hoping for, that they’d die and no one would find out the truth? While putting them at this incredible risk? Ugh.
Also, Poppy is now a redhead version of Danaerys… mother of drakes?
A fun romp but not high literature and a bit crazy.
Meeting Ms Willa in the flesh was a fun touch.
Please forgive the spellings, I listened to graphic audio and only had glimpses of spellings as I looked some stuff up in fandoms.
I also can’t buy that Cas’s mom sent them off to see the Blood Crown without telling them what she knew… what was she hoping for, that they’d die and no one would find out the truth? While putting them at this incredible risk? Ugh.
Also, Poppy is now a redhead version of Danaerys… mother of drakes?
A fun romp but not high literature and a bit crazy.
Meeting Ms Willa in the flesh was a fun touch.
Please forgive the spellings, I listened to graphic audio and only had glimpses of spellings as I looked some stuff up in fandoms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
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.
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.
December 27, 2025
I recently discovered GraphicAudio and I have been listening to my favorite books on them and I think it is such a great experience. All of the narrators do such a fabulous job acting in this series, I feel like it seriously is a "movie in my mind".
Anyways.. to the book! This is my second read through of TCoGB and again I will give it 5 stars. I just love Poppy's character ARC and how she continues to find herself throughout her journey. Everyone thinks that she will be this monster but every time she starts to go down that path, she always finds a way back.
I know that some people say that Poppy and Cas' love is cheesy but that is what I love so much about it I think. They love each other unconditionally and omg Cas is so dry with his humor that I just find it hilarious every time he has to give Poppy a hard time about Miss Willas diary!
In this book we start discovering a lot of secrets that were kept from Poppy and even Cas too. Things are not as they seem and there is even more emotional damage in this book. I feel like I cant take it but I have to dive right into The War of Two Queens ASAP and continue the emotional damage.
Anyways.. to the book! This is my second read through of TCoGB and again I will give it 5 stars. I just love Poppy's character ARC and how she continues to find herself throughout her journey. Everyone thinks that she will be this monster but every time she starts to go down that path, she always finds a way back.
I know that some people say that Poppy and Cas' love is cheesy but that is what I love so much about it I think. They love each other unconditionally and omg Cas is so dry with his humor that I just find it hilarious every time he has to give Poppy a hard time about Miss Willas diary!
In this book we start discovering a lot of secrets that were kept from Poppy and even Cas too. Things are not as they seem and there is even more emotional damage in this book. I feel like I cant take it but I have to dive right into The War of Two Queens ASAP and continue the emotional damage.
October 30, 2025
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
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
July 21, 2025
The only reason this isn't a 5 star is because of the betrayal I felt by the ending of this book. I was legitimately mad and was screaming into my pillow. The fact that Armentrout could get this sort of reaction from me says a lot. This was her plan.
But no, the truth is the one less star is because I get so tired of the same conversation happening throughout these books.
Poppy: "I have a question."
Kieran with sarcasm: "Of course you do."
I think I've counted this exact conversation 10-15 times in this series. We get it--Kieran is sarcastic.
I'm glad I started reading the sub-series during this book, because it honestly helped clarify a lot of history.
Even with a few bumps (and a little boredom here and there), the audio books really make this experience better. Casteel's and Kieran's voice actors do an amazing job.
But no, the truth is the one less star is because I get so tired of the same conversation happening throughout these books.
Poppy: "I have a question."
Kieran with sarcasm: "Of course you do."
I think I've counted this exact conversation 10-15 times in this series. We get it--Kieran is sarcastic.
I'm glad I started reading the sub-series during this book, because it honestly helped clarify a lot of history.
Even with a few bumps (and a little boredom here and there), the audio books really make this experience better. Casteel's and Kieran's voice actors do an amazing job.
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