Book Review: The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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There’s a trap waiting in the middle of nearly every long-running fantasy series, and book three of Blood and Ash walks straight into it: the heroine becomes so powerful that nothing can plausibly threaten her anymore. I still had a good time with The Crown of Gilded Bones. But this is where the series started losing steam for me, and because I always tell you the truth on this blog, we’re going to talk about it.

On the premise: lips sealed. This is book three, and even naming who’s standing next to Poppy would spoil two books’ worth of reveals. Broad strokes: the map expands, old questions get answers, and new players walk on stage with agendas. If you’re new to the series, start with my From Blood and Ash review instead of here.

What I Loved About The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It’s still a solid read. The pages turn themselves — that addictive Armentrout quality I keep mentioning in these reviews is fully intact, and the banter that carried the first two books still lands. I read it fast and never once considered bailing on the series, which is worth saying out loud before I get to the complaint.

What I Didn’t Love About The Crown of Gilded Bones

Poppy levels up into something close to untouchable here, and an overpowered heroine with no real weaknesses is a story problem no amount of good banter can fix. When she can’t credibly lose, I stop worrying. When I stop worrying, the tension goes flat. I’ve said before that passive protagonists are my number one fiction complaint — an invincible protagonist is the same disease in different clothes. Either way, the character stops having to fight for what she wants.

Final Thoughts on The Crown of Gilded Bones

A three-star middle chapter: fun in the moment, thinner on the tension that made the first two books hum. I still bought the next book immediately — and I’m glad I did, because it’s a real comeback. My review of The War of Two Queens explains how the series won me back.

My final score: 3 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do I recommend this book? 👍 Yes — if you’re in it for the whole series, keep going.

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