The Crown of Gilded Bones: Blood and Ash, Book 3

The Crown of Gilded Bones is the third installment in the From Blood and Ash series, and should not be read as a standalone. From Blood and Ash was a surprise release from JLA last year that brought about a whole new world and set of characters. We were lucky to receive the second book only a few short months after the first. It took a bit longer to receive the third book, but not as bad as the full year I used to have to wait between Lux Series book releases. That was a real struggle.I’m happy to report the wait was worth it and the 3rd book did not disappoint. My first thought when I finished the book was, Poppy is a bad$$.” My immediate second thought was... do I really have to wait to find out more (insert whining voice and foot stomping)? I’m always so nervous that the new books won’t live up to the hype in my mind, but that is never the case with a JLA book. Highly recommend everyone check out this series!***Spoiler Alert*** Don’t continue on if you haven’t read and don’t want to be spoiled!The 3rd book picks up right where the 2nd ended. Poppy just released her wrath upon the group of Altantians that attempted to stone her in Nyktos Chambers and we learned that she carried the blood of the King of Gods within her. As can be expected all hell breaks loose following that revelation. Things are touch and go there for a bit, and I thought we were about to see Cas and Kieran throw down. Luckily the flames were extinguished and the groups dispersed. From there we get to learn more about Poppy and what exactly caused the stir. The first twist occurs very quickly following the open scene and I for one did not see it coming. I don’t want to give away all of the story, but you will quickly realize who is on Poppy & Cas’s side and who is against them. There are a few very tense chapters where I was about to throw my kindle, but happy to report it works out (for the most part). We spend a good majority of the middle section learning more about the history and experiencing Altantia through Poppy’s eyes. As to be expected with any JLA book, the last quarter of the book is filled with action packed anxiety inducing scenes. I almost wanted to stop at 80% because everyone was in a good place and I was afraid to be left wanting more until the next book release.Of course, the book is full of all our favorite elements like snarky and intense romance between the main couple, strong supporting characters, action, light banter, and friendship. Although Poppy and Cas’s relationship really developed in the 2nd book, you see it grow even more through the course of this story. There are times their intimacy is so strong I almost feel like I shouldn’t be experiencing it along with them. They really and truly love each other. Everyone’s favorite best friend, Kieran, is ever present in the new story. I so enjoy the growing relationship between Kieran and Poppy. I always get a chuckle out of her questioning him.(I think he secretly enjoys it). There are a slew of other favorites that make their appearance like Vonetta, Niall, Delano, Tawny, and more. We also get to meet a lot of new and exciting characters. One word, dragons. I love the growing dynamic of the group, and can’t wait to find out more.Honestly, I loved everything about the new installment. I thought it was a great continuation of the previous entries and I can’t wait to see what comes next. As much as I wanted to throw my kindle and smack some characters upside the head, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so excited to find out more. Here’s hoping the next one comes soon. I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold out, and will have to pass the time with a reread.

After finishing the third book of this series, I can say with confidence that this series is being moved into my top 4 all-time favorites. Poppy and Cas are that couple who will destroy people and worlds for each other and, while that may seem dramatic to some, I absolutely love it. They are so fierce in their protection of each other but their adorable, teasing banter is still present. There was a part in the beginning of the book where Poppy was taken captive and the kidnappers tell her that Casteel will never find her before she's brought back to Solis and I laughed so hard at their underestimation of what Casteel will do to protect Poppy.Poppy becomes more confident and assertive in this book, which I wholeheartedly support. She finally seems to shed the last vestiges of the role that she was forced into as the Maiden, meaning that she's unapologetic in the way she acts, but she's not insufferable. She knows that there's an ancient power inside of her and she genuinely wants to learn how to use it to help the people of both kingdoms coexist peacefully without being subjugated by the Ascended. We also learn more about Poppy's heritage and past. A deeper understanding of the history of the two kingdoms is also exposed, including long-hidden alliances and betrayals.The last 100-150 pages had my jaw perpetually dropped and my eyes about to explode out of my head. The deceptions, revelations, and twists had me laying on my bed for 5 minutes trying to process the complete INSANITY that had just transpired. I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book and see Poppy unleash all of the brutality and ruthlessness that I know she has inside of her. That insane and psychopathic Queen Ileana takes Casteel prisoner when he submits himself to her so that Ileana won't kill Poppy. I SAVOR imagining what Poppy will do once she and Ileana are face-to-face again. Vengeance will be swift and unrelenting and I can't wait.Also there are now dragons who serve Poppy so that was a welcome surprise.

Still entertaining story. She keeps the drama going, some things are predictable in the plot/ very obvious the characters should have figured out. But she still manages to keep new twists in there.

Eu devorei todos os livros da série de uma forma absurda. Apreciei a leitura em cada pedacinho, mas nesse eu achei que a autora se superou. Com absoluta certeza meu favorito até agora.Equilibrou os plots com a narrativa, me prendeu e me fez ficar com a curiosidade atiçada por cada nova página.A forma como desenvolveu o relacionamento do casal foi muito fluída, apesar do tempo ser relativamente pequeno (de relacionamento), o desenvolvimento que ela trouxe até agora, nesse livro tem um resultado absurdamente potente.A questão política e da própria fantasia é bem amarrada, e quando as coisas não fazem sentido, ela consegue explicar no tempo certo e encaixa as peças que faltam. O que faz com que a narrativa seja ainda mais viciante. Ela coloca todas informações muito bem introduzidas, o que as vezes em obras de fantasia são sempre muito jogadas, neste caso ela explica tudo no momento adequado, e o fato de Poppy também estar nesse papel de aprendiz do universo foi uma sacada dela, que se mostra extremamente EFICAZ no terceiro livro.Perceber como Poppy se transformou, aceitou seu fardo foi maravilhoso.A expectativa para o próximo livro esta alta, a narrativa esta chegando no clímax final e tem muito potencial, principalmente com a explicação e motivação do vilão, que até entãoera muito rasa.Simplesmente sensacional, nem sei expressar o sentimento. Me trouxe tantas emoções que por mim dava é 10 estrelas. Favoritado com certeza.

Era un regalo, buena compra

This third installment in the "Flesh & Fire" series had everything I loved from the previous books and more. The plot twists kept coming, the world-building expanded beautifully, and the dynamic between Poppy and Cas was as fiery as ever. Kieran continued to be a fountain of information for Poppy, and the mythology was deepened with readings from Miss Willa's diary. The hilarious banter, Poppy's fierce moments, the family interactions, and the introduction of new characters all added to the richness of the story.The first few chapters are packed with information, which I personally love because it sets the stage for the rest of the book. Jennifer excels at crafting emotional and heartfelt declarations of love, and Cas telling Poppy "I love you" was one of the best I've read. There were many chapters that left me feeling incredibly stressed. After the cliffhanger ending of the second book, I expected a wild ride, and this book delivered right from the start. The opening is explosive, and I found myself rereading the first chapter multiple times before the book's official release. Casteel on his knees, calling Poppy "My Queen" for the first time, was unforgettable.Poppy and Kieran's friendship also develops beautifully in this book. His increased presence and the way he opens up to Poppy was a highlight for me. The blossoming friendships with the wolven, the Atlantians, and Poppy added so much depth to the story.Be prepared, though—this book ends on a major cliffhanger.

Bra fantasy med spice som tyvärr kändes ick ibland, så därav får den inte en femma av mig,

Me encantó!!! Mil gracias, venía en excelente estado a pesar de que viajó de EUA a Guadalajara y luego a Monterrey.El libro es perfecto, I’m calling iT EL LIBRO DEL AÑO; Jennifer hizo un excelente trabajo. Me encanta el desarrollo que tuvo Poppy