The Crown of Gilded Bones
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Crown of Gilded Bones
The Crown of Gilded Bones is the third installment in Jennifer L. Armentrout's popular From Blood and Ash fantasy romance series. This novel continues the epic journey of Penellaphe 'Poppy' Balfour as she navigates her destiny as queen and goddess, solidifying her bond with Casteel Da'Neer amidst an impending war. The narrative is rich with intricate world-building, exploring themes of identity, power, and loyalty within a high-stakes fantastical realm. Readers will find a blend of intense action, emotional depth, and intricate political intrigue as Poppy strives to protect her people and claim her rightful place. The book targets a New Adult audience, appealing to those who enjoy sweeping fantasy sagas with a strong romantic core and mature themes.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book features implied polyamorous themes and includes a scene where heterosexual main characters observe a same-sex sexual act. This indicates the presence of non-traditional sexual dynamics within the narrative, elevating the content's severity.
One specific instance describes Poppy and Casteel observing Kieran receiving oral sex. Additionally, the recurring presence of Kieran during Poppy and Casteel's intimate moments, alongside discussions of a 'joining' (a ritualistic bond), suggests a polyamorous dynamic within the main trio.
Violence
The narrative contains graphic and frequent depictions of violence, including battles, murder, and torture. The intensity of these scenes is consistent throughout the book, with main characters often involved in or witnessing brutal acts.
Romance and Sexual Content
Sexual content is explicit, frequent, and central to the plot, often described as 'smut heavy' by readers. Scenes can be graphic and occur at various, sometimes inappropriate, points in the story.
Profanity
The book features frequent and strong profanity, including the use of expletives and modern-day slang that some readers found jarring within the fantasy setting.
Witchcraft & Occult
The core of the story is deeply rooted in a fantastical world involving powerful gods, deities, supernatural abilities, and various mythical races. Magic and occult-like powers are central to the characters' identities and the unfolding plot.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains numerous scary and intense situations, including graphic violence, threats, and high-stakes emotional distress. The narrative maintains a tense atmosphere with significant plot twists and life-threatening scenarios.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
17+ due to frequent and explicit sexual content, pervasive profanity, graphic violence, and mature themes of rebellion and power struggles.
Good to Know
The series' content, particularly sexual and violent elements, tends to intensify in later installments. The writing style, including repetitive dialogue and plot points, was noted by some readers as a potential challenge. The book is lengthy, with a page count around 576 pages, and may require significant engagement for readers.
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