A Reflection on The Crown of Gilded Bones
Diving back into Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Crown of Gilded Bones felt like slipping into a beautifully worn jacket, comforting yet exhilarating. Having initially read it in April 2021 and revisited it in March 2022, I approached this third entry in the Blood and Ash series not just to find clarity ahead of The War of Two Queens, but to rekindle my love for Poppy and Casteel’s tumultuous journey. Initially awarded 3.5 stars, my feelings remained steady yet nuanced after my second read, where that score carried a weight of anticipation and hope for what was to come.
From the gripping commencement that directly picks up where A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire left off, I found myself engrossed in the familiar dance of danger and desire. Armentrout artfully juggles themes of power dynamics, loyalty, and the winding intricacies of love in the face of overwhelming adversity. One line that resonated deeply struck with an intensity that echoed my own feelings—“Isbeth may have her Revenants, her knights, soldiers, and those who support her. But I have the draken.” This felt like a battle cry not just for Poppy, but for anyone who’s ever fought against the tide alone.
However, if I’m being candid, the pacing post-chapter 10 was a bit of a drag. After an energetic start, the narrative meandered through dialogues that, while endearing at times, began to feel repetitive, especially regarding Poppy’s heritage and the exposition-heavy sections. It’s as if Armentrout decided to pour everything into this world she’s building, resulting in a delightful buffet but one that occasionally left me with a headache. Audiobooking the middle sections was a game-changer, allowing me to absorb the complex lore without feeling overwhelmed.
The romance is undeniably the heart of this series, and it thrived here amid the chaos. Whether it’s Casteel hitting emotional notes—“You are my home” or the sizzling moments that made this book one of Armentrout’s steamiest offerings yet, I found solace in their commitment to each other. Their playful banter sent me through a gauntlet of emotions, from laughter to longing, reminding me why I opened this book in the first place.
On a character level, Poppy’s evolution continues to fascinate me. From a hesitant girl to a fierce queen, her assertive decisions and unyielding approach when faced with disrespect inspire strength in readers. One particularly commanding scene where she delivers a message to Isbeth had me fist-pumping in triumph—YES, QUEEN!
And let’s not forget Kieran, whose loyalty and friendship with both Poppy and Casteel add much-needed depth, even if I do wish he had better luck in love. The complexity of the relationships between these characters adds layers that make the journey worthwhile, even amidst the slow moments.
In conclusion, while The Crown of Gilded Bones didn’t sweep me off my feet as much as its predecessors, it fortified my affection for these characters. Those invested in the romance and willing to traverse the book’s uneven pacing will find it worth their while. If you’ve enjoyed previous installments, you’ll likely savor this one too, despite its moments of lull. Now, as I eagerly await The War of Two Queens, I can’t help but feel exhilarated and slightly anxious—will Poppy save Casteel? Will Isbeth finally face the reckoning she so deserves?
For those who love high-stakes romance interwoven with fantasy, this book is an encounter not to miss. Here’s to more heart-palpitating plots and curl-up-on-the-couch cozy reads in the series to come!
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