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Blood and Ash #5
A Soul of Ash and Blood
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romantasy (2023)Only his memories can save her…
A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.
But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.
And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.
A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.
But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.
And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.
712 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
158 books147k 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 11,241 reviews
July 21, 2023
4 genuine stars 🌟
These are the key points you gotta know-
1. Except for the first chapter and last chapter, nothing new of substance takes place. There are no major additions to the plot except for Poppy going into statis (which is not a spoiler as it is mentioned in the blurb) and a new discovery made by Cas at the end.
2. This book is not a justification of what took place between Kieran, Cas and Poppy in TWOTQ.
3. It is a complete recap of FBAA through Cas' POV and it is extremely well written. We got to see a side of Cas that was long forgotten by JLA and I missed him. Cas deserves to be in the limelight as much as Poppy and I hope JLA seriously considers writing the next book in Cas' pov, it was chef's kiss 🤌
4. I did enjoy revisiting FBAA, it reignited the love for these characters I started to feel let down by. We forget how swoon worthy the romance between Poppy and Cas was 🥺 To see Cas go through that angst was PERFECT 🤌 I fell in love with them and Cas again 😍
5. This easily could've been a novella rather than a full fledged book but this revisitation was required as the fandom was slowly but surely losing interest. Am now looking forward to the next book, thanks to this one. Although I still do not know where the story is heading, JLA should wrap this up soon otherwise it becomes a Zodiac Academy like situation.
6. The first chapter of the book was hands down the best start JLA has written in this series. It gave me chills.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I would have rated it 5 stars had more things of substance happened. Two chapters of substance in the present are not enough for me to rate it higher than 4. I would like to believe it's a fair rating considering I am usually very harsh on JLA's books.
~•~•~
Is this FBAA 2.0? Pretty sure
Am I looking forward to reading it? Surprisingly yes
Why? CAS' POV 😍😍
LET'S GOOO
These are the key points you gotta know-
1. Except for the first chapter and last chapter, nothing new of substance takes place. There are no major additions to the plot except for Poppy going into statis (which is not a spoiler as it is mentioned in the blurb) and a new discovery made by Cas at the end.
2. This book is not a justification of what took place between Kieran, Cas and Poppy in TWOTQ.
3. It is a complete recap of FBAA through Cas' POV and it is extremely well written. We got to see a side of Cas that was long forgotten by JLA and I missed him. Cas deserves to be in the limelight as much as Poppy and I hope JLA seriously considers writing the next book in Cas' pov, it was chef's kiss 🤌
4. I did enjoy revisiting FBAA, it reignited the love for these characters I started to feel let down by. We forget how swoon worthy the romance between Poppy and Cas was 🥺 To see Cas go through that angst was PERFECT 🤌 I fell in love with them and Cas again 😍
5. This easily could've been a novella rather than a full fledged book but this revisitation was required as the fandom was slowly but surely losing interest. Am now looking forward to the next book, thanks to this one. Although I still do not know where the story is heading, JLA should wrap this up soon otherwise it becomes a Zodiac Academy like situation.
6. The first chapter of the book was hands down the best start JLA has written in this series. It gave me chills.
Overall, an enjoyable read. I would have rated it 5 stars had more things of substance happened. Two chapters of substance in the present are not enough for me to rate it higher than 4. I would like to believe it's a fair rating considering I am usually very harsh on JLA's books.
~•~•~
Is this FBAA 2.0? Pretty sure
Am I looking forward to reading it? Surprisingly yes
Why? CAS' POV 😍😍
LET'S GOOO
July 22, 2023
This book is a blatant cash grab, just to be real. Rehashing past events in another POV in the middle of a series, with hardly any new information? Adding more and more books when this was supposed to be a trilogy? Reviewers on here are just fangirling rather than providing honest feedback and it continues the cycle. If anything, this should have been a novella.
Also, I'll just briefly mention the Black side-piece that is Kieran, whose sole purpose is to serve Poppy and Cas (in all ways, including now sexually) while not truly having a love or purpose of his own. He's clearly not an equal in the PoppyCas heartmates relationship (and it's way too late to try to make him be); rather, he's a tool. The people who are normally politically correct on here don't want to mention the optics or the problematic nature of that though because they're so blinded and biased...
And whether you're pro sharing or not...the fact that we still don't know whether the main relationship is poly / MF (with a one-time sharing) / MFM / MMF / menage....5 books into a ROMANCE series...is BEYOND frustrating as a reader.
Also, I'll just briefly mention the Black side-piece that is Kieran, whose sole purpose is to serve Poppy and Cas (in all ways, including now sexually) while not truly having a love or purpose of his own. He's clearly not an equal in the PoppyCas heartmates relationship (and it's way too late to try to make him be); rather, he's a tool. The people who are normally politically correct on here don't want to mention the optics or the problematic nature of that though because they're so blinded and biased...
And whether you're pro sharing or not...the fact that we still don't know whether the main relationship is poly / MF (with a one-time sharing) / MFM / MMF / menage....5 books into a ROMANCE series...is BEYOND frustrating as a reader.
August 14, 2024
✅ First 10% and last 5%
✅ More vulnerable Cas
✅ Cas’ POV
✅ Some smut
🆗 Plot
🆗 Pace
🆗 Underwhelming in general
❗️❗️ Kind of cliffhanger
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: death, emotional and physical abuse (same as in FBAA)
2.5 stars...
Well, this review is going to be short, because I do not have much to say about this book sadly… I just want to clarify that I do not think this is a bad book, simply that it’s too long, and it should have been a novella instead of book #5 of the series.
They made it sound way more dramatic than it is.
After the final battle at the end of A War of Two Queens, Poppy falls into a stasis and will remain in it until she completes the culling. Nektas remembers Nyktos’ consort going through the same thing and suggests that Cas talks to her while she is in stasis to make sure that she remembers who she is, and who Cas is, once she wakes up. Cas decides to take Nektas’ advice and tells Poppy about when he first met her and learned to know her. So this is mostly a retelling of From Blood and Ash but from Cas’ point of view.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand, I really love Cas, Kieran, and Delano, and I was happy to get more of them. I also loved seeing Cas’ side of the budding romance between Poppy and him and seeing the conflicted feelings and the angst he was living with. Overall, he felt more vulnerable in this book, which made him more likable to me. The beginning and the ending of the book were also great, and now I am very excited for the next book to come out.
On the other hand, this felt way too long, many chapters felt pointless, and I feel that this might be a little bit of a money grab? The author better wrap up this series nicely and soon, because I am having flashbacks from the whole Zodiac Academy debacle here (if you made it to book 8 of the ZA series, you probably know what I’m talking about)… She keeps adding books to her series, and I am not sure I’m liking it, even though I love the series as a whole and the characters.
I did enjoy reading from Cas’ point of view, but I did find this book too long, and honestly, I was hoping for more backstory to be integrated into this book. I was super excited for a few chapters, like Poppy and Cas’ meeting at the Red Pearl, or when he sees her fighting for the first time on the rise, but most of the chapters were just a repetition of the events in FBAA from Cas’ point of view and they didn’t add much to the plot or the character. The dialogues between Cas and Poppy were the same, obviously, and the conversations between Cas and other characters, you know the new stuff that we didn’t read already in FBAA, were not that relevant or interesting. After 4 long books, we already know Cas quite well, so this book didn’t make me like him more, or discover a new side of him. I would have definitely enjoyed having a few of those chapters sold in a novella, or maybe as “bonus content” more than having to push myself through 630 pages of repetitive stuff. The fact that I already knew what would happen also made it harder for me to remain engaged and not skim the chapters that I found more boring.
There were a few chapters set in the present, meaning right after the events of The War of Two Queens, and I was happy to know what happened to Ires, Millie, and Malik. It was also good that Cas and Malik finally got some time to sit and talk, they needed it so much because there were so many conflicted feelings and so much tension and unease between them in The War of Two Queens. Overall though, those chapters represent only about 15% of the book: 10% at the beginning, and 5% here and there in between Cas’ remembering the events from the first book.
1. From Blood and Ash ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. The Crown of Gilded Bones ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. The War of Two Queens ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4.1 Cupcakes and Kisses ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ More vulnerable Cas
✅ Cas’ POV
✅ Some smut
🆗 Plot
🆗 Pace
🆗 Underwhelming in general
❗️❗️ Kind of cliffhanger
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: death, emotional and physical abuse (same as in FBAA)
2.5 stars...
Well, this review is going to be short, because I do not have much to say about this book sadly… I just want to clarify that I do not think this is a bad book, simply that it’s too long, and it should have been a novella instead of book #5 of the series.
Only his memories can save her...
They made it sound way more dramatic than it is.
After the final battle at the end of A War of Two Queens, Poppy falls into a stasis and will remain in it until she completes the culling. Nektas remembers Nyktos’ consort going through the same thing and suggests that Cas talks to her while she is in stasis to make sure that she remembers who she is, and who Cas is, once she wakes up. Cas decides to take Nektas’ advice and tells Poppy about when he first met her and learned to know her. So this is mostly a retelling of From Blood and Ash but from Cas’ point of view.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand, I really love Cas, Kieran, and Delano, and I was happy to get more of them. I also loved seeing Cas’ side of the budding romance between Poppy and him and seeing the conflicted feelings and the angst he was living with. Overall, he felt more vulnerable in this book, which made him more likable to me. The beginning and the ending of the book were also great, and now I am very excited for the next book to come out.
On the other hand, this felt way too long, many chapters felt pointless, and I feel that this might be a little bit of a money grab? The author better wrap up this series nicely and soon, because I am having flashbacks from the whole Zodiac Academy debacle here (if you made it to book 8 of the ZA series, you probably know what I’m talking about)… She keeps adding books to her series, and I am not sure I’m liking it, even though I love the series as a whole and the characters.
I did enjoy reading from Cas’ point of view, but I did find this book too long, and honestly, I was hoping for more backstory to be integrated into this book. I was super excited for a few chapters, like Poppy and Cas’ meeting at the Red Pearl, or when he sees her fighting for the first time on the rise, but most of the chapters were just a repetition of the events in FBAA from Cas’ point of view and they didn’t add much to the plot or the character. The dialogues between Cas and Poppy were the same, obviously, and the conversations between Cas and other characters, you know the new stuff that we didn’t read already in FBAA, were not that relevant or interesting. After 4 long books, we already know Cas quite well, so this book didn’t make me like him more, or discover a new side of him. I would have definitely enjoyed having a few of those chapters sold in a novella, or maybe as “bonus content” more than having to push myself through 630 pages of repetitive stuff. The fact that I already knew what would happen also made it harder for me to remain engaged and not skim the chapters that I found more boring.
There were a few chapters set in the present, meaning right after the events of The War of Two Queens, and I was happy to know what happened to Ires, Millie, and Malik. It was also good that Cas and Malik finally got some time to sit and talk, they needed it so much because there were so many conflicted feelings and so much tension and unease between them in The War of Two Queens. Overall though, those chapters represent only about 15% of the book: 10% at the beginning, and 5% here and there in between Cas’ remembering the events from the first book.
1. From Blood and Ash ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. The Crown of Gilded Bones ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4. The War of Two Queens ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
4.1 Cupcakes and Kisses ⭐⭐⭐
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July 18, 2023
What a waste of time. Only a handful of chapters are in the present and absolutely nothing happens. Hardly classifies as a 5th book in a series. No plot progression, nothing gained. Should’ve been a novella.
Want to read
July 20, 2023L.E: Someone please spoil this book for me and especially the ending because I ain't reaing it anytime soon form the reviews I keep seeing.
--
Do we REALLY need Casteel's story from the FIRST book told NOW? After how many years? 3? Do we really need it? Why now? Just give us the last book already because this series got really exhausting because of Poppy and how overpowerd and annoying she has become... The first book from Cas' POV should've come years ago... just write the 5th books from both of their POVs we already know Cas...
--
Do we REALLY need Casteel's story from the FIRST book told NOW? After how many years? 3? Do we really need it? Why now? Just give us the last book already because this series got really exhausting because of Poppy and how overpowerd and annoying she has become... The first book from Cas' POV should've come years ago... just write the 5th books from both of their POVs we already know Cas...
November 30, 2022
I’ll go FERAL when this book comes out. Finally my husband’s pov
July 26, 2023
lmao if i had known this book would basically be a RETELLING of the first book (but in Cas’ POV), i wouldnt have bothered re-reading the previous books in preparation for this one. 💀😭 curse me to hell for never checking the blurb. clearly, i trusted this author too much. if this had been the original pilot to the series instead of FBAA, i wouldve given this four stars or higher (because: this was well written; was not bogged down by long-winded world building, history lessons, or inner monologues; and Cas was simply a (more) charming narrator).
what i appreciated from this book was being able to see Cas vulnerable side as well as his inner struggle and conflicted feelings about Poppy (saving his brother vs. falling in love with the “enemy”) at the beginning of their relationship. i’d always seen him as someone who was decisive, confident, and powerful. however, in this book he was more melancholic. he served the tortured hero image pretty well while still managing to be playful, sexy, and dark/violent (especially when he was being possessive, protective over Poppy and acting all touch her you die-like).
that said, im giving this installment three stars because: while i sometimes wondered about Cas thoughts during specific occasions throughout the first two books, i hardly think re-writing the WHOLE first book in Cas’ POV was necessary. imo, JLA shouldve made this a shorter novella containing Cas’ POV on certain MAJOR events only or detailing his backstory. i also think this couldve been a companion novel about Malik & Millicent. i would definitely wanna read that. they intrigue me! book 4 & 5 just didnt hit for me personally. they felt like a blatant money grabber and a fan service (selling The Joining & Cas’ POV).
(read as an audiobook)
what i appreciated from this book was being able to see Cas vulnerable side as well as his inner struggle and conflicted feelings about Poppy (saving his brother vs. falling in love with the “enemy”) at the beginning of their relationship. i’d always seen him as someone who was decisive, confident, and powerful. however, in this book he was more melancholic. he served the tortured hero image pretty well while still managing to be playful, sexy, and dark/violent (especially when he was being possessive, protective over Poppy and acting all touch her you die-like).
that said, im giving this installment three stars because: while i sometimes wondered about Cas thoughts during specific occasions throughout the first two books, i hardly think re-writing the WHOLE first book in Cas’ POV was necessary. imo, JLA shouldve made this a shorter novella containing Cas’ POV on certain MAJOR events only or detailing his backstory. i also think this couldve been a companion novel about Malik & Millicent. i would definitely wanna read that. they intrigue me! book 4 & 5 just didnt hit for me personally. they felt like a blatant money grabber and a fan service (selling The Joining & Cas’ POV).
(read as an audiobook)
July 21, 2023
amo porque todas se quejaban de que en el libro anterior casteel fue reducido a un personaje secundario sin personalidad y jennifer las vio y dijo "bueno mogolicas acá tienen todo un libro desde su punto de vista explicando la complejidad del personaje, ahora caguense y esperen otro libro mas para avanzar el plot... chupa pijas de mierda" (me lo dijo ella misma)
December 31, 2023
at this point this series would be better if every single character died
July 25, 2023
BOMBASTIC SIDE EYE
October 12, 2024
“You don't have to ask me twice, Princess, and you never have to beg.”
4.8 🌟’s
🗡My Thoughts🗡
omg when i tell you i was enjoying this one, i was literally living the time of my life reading this!! After first it was hard bc the fmc was in a coma and i was so mad bc i wasn’t going to be able to read about her and in the last book her man was in kidnapped so i was like dang i can’t read about anyone in the present 😭 but aside from her being in a coma my favorite book husband which is also the mmc, was telling his POV of all the scenes from book 1. And whats so wild is that a couple weeks before I even read this book I wanted to reread the first one again bc Im so addicted to this series. 😍 It was like all my prayers were answered with this book, mostly. I would have originally rated this a 5 star book but the ending went an broke my heart. But the book was so good so i just took off 0.2 of a star. I think the ending really caught me off guard and it was super emotional bc i was so looking forward to her waking up and things kinda going back to normal but then one character slipped up and now there is a whole new problem that could very well change the whole rest of the series. 💀😭 Its always so hard when youre enjoying a series and then the ending just pops out of nowhere and then u have to wait for the next book which does comes out this year so im so excited for that crossing my fingers that they will give me a good ending bc idk what i will do if someone dies!!
🗡Main Characters🗡
🌹Poppy🌹
I could literally spend centuries talking about her!! Though she was in a coma, since this book was told from Cas’s POV she was awake in the past recaps. I can’t believe how much i forgot in the first one. She was so badass and i loved the way she just did not care what anyone told her especially Cas eventho majority of the time she was lying bc girl we know u were in love with cas don’t deny it cas knew he’s like the superman of dark romance he can read minds an everything 🤭 one of the craziest things that i realized later on was that if it weren’t for poppy going rogue and doing her own thing she wouldn’t have developed this special relationship with him which would have broke my hearteventho u would have never known since it wouldn’t have been written that way poppy and cas are literally the queen and king of dark romance 👑 like im literally their mascot and i can get u the merch and omg their fan art….😍!!! she was always so sweet and innocent and such an angel like everytime they mention her u just want to know more about her bc her character is so addicting!! The ending affected her character the most in the present and that’s what made is so emotional bc of what happened!! All i want is just for her to be reunited with cas like just at least one scene where noone is dead or theyre in a coma or kidnapped (bc those kind of ending are the most torturous ones) 😭💀
🌹Cas🌹
MY MAN! MY MAN! MY MAN! 💍 Love him to death omg the author must have been getting married or a promotion or something bc as soon as i saw it was his POV i wanted to throw a party bc y’all when i found it felt like christmas day and my birthday all in one! 🥳🎄Omg somehow he managed to get even sexier in the retelling of book 1’s scenes like how?! SEVEN HUNDRED AND THREE PAGES OF JUST CAS’S POV like i was in heaven!! The church bells were ringing and everything. ⛪🔔🎶 One thing i really loved was the way he described her each detail was descriptive and he was so passionate about telling her how beautiful he thinks she is and ofc they’re were the dirty thoughts like it wouldn’t be cas if he didn’t at least have a dirty joke or three. 🤭 He is one of the main guy characters i actually respect bc he really sees her for who she is an not just bc of her looks thats why he’s my #1 book husbandand bc he is fine as ever 😋😘
🌹Kieran🌹
Unfortuantely I didn’t get to read much about him. However there were some scenes that definitely made me picture him differently as in ‘I like him more now as in book boyfriend more’ he reminds me of Kenji like the dark humorous version of him. Some of the scenes i read about him tho were kind of freaking me out a little but if u have read the other books in the series u’d know that this is how those characters act which is kind of concerning but u get used to it after awhile but basically one of the scenes was kieran was having a very intimate moment with someone and cas walked in and said hi and started having a convo with him while he was having sex with someone i was like UMMM OHKAY!! 😬 Like the tightest of friendship bonds right here bc at some point i’d have too draw the line bc thats just crazy!!
🗡Best Couple Moments🗡
🌹Told her both halves of her face are as beautiful as the whole (for those of u who don’t know half of her face is scared bc she was attacked when she was younger)
🌹Cas is all of Poppy’s firsts
🌹Cas being turnd on by Poppy fighting and wanting to stab him with a dagger (this will only make sense if u have read the series)
🌹Their flirtatious fight scene on the Rise
🌹Anytime he called her Princess
🌹He saved her dagger
Spicy Scenes
5/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
*absolute perfection 💖, chefs kiss 🤌, couple goals 💗*
Favorite Scenes
🌹Everytime he calls her princess and she claims she hates it 🌹
“After you princess.” (Cas)
“You need to stop calling me that.” (Poppy)
“But I like it.” (Cas)
“But I don't.” (Poppy)
“Thats a lie.” (Cas)
🌹He told her she looks exquisite🌹
“I was wrong earlier when I said you looked lovely.” (Cas)
“What?” (Poppy)
“You look absolutely exquisite, Poppy. Beautiful. I just… I needed to tell you that.” (Cas)
“You're such a bad influence.” (Poppy)
“Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.” (Cas)
🌹She told him she's a bad Maiden🌹
“I was seconds from taking you to the ground and becoming a very, very bad guard.” (Cas)
“Really?” (Poppy)
“”Really.” (Cas)
“I don't think I would have stopped you.” (Poppy)
“You're not helping.” (Cas)
“I'm a bad Maiden.” (Poppy)
🌹He told her that talking to her was more important than then whatever anyone else told her🌹
“The duchess needs to speak with you.” (Cas)
“And you're just telling me now?” (Poppy)
“Figured what we had to say to each other was far more important.” (Cas)
🌹Cas flirting with her🌹
“And why is that intriguing? And torturous?” (Poppy)
Besides the fact that it will allow me to keep a very close eye on you? Use your imagination, Princess.” (Cas)
🌹Poppy telling Cas his ego never fails to amaze her🌹
“Your ego never fails to amaze me.” (Poppy)
“I never fail to amaze you.” (Cas)
Thank you for proving what I just said.” (Poppy)
🗡Favorite Quotes🗡
🌹“You were hurt. You can be assured that will never happen again.” (Cas)
🌹“From this moment until the last moment, I am yours.” (Cas)
🌹“That was when it began to change—how I thought of you. Saw you. You were no longer the Maiden. You were becoming … You were becoming Poppy.” (Cas)
🌹“You’re absolutely magnificent. Beautiful.” (Cas)
🌹“You're an absolutely stunning murderous little creature.” (Cas)
🌹“But if you let go of the dagger, there's a whole lot of me I'll let you get your hands close too.” (Cas)
🌹“You're so incredibly violent. I think I like it.” (Cas)
🌹“Those slippers are likely to be the death of you. And that dress….the death of me.” 🌹(Cas)
🌹“Yes. I find women who can wield a dagger and nearly knock me on my ass to be extremely alluring. And arousing.” (Cas)
🌹“How badly did you want to stab me when I took the diary from you? I imagine it was a lot. Would've been worth it, though.” (Cas)
🌹“I've taken lives I've regretted. But the Duke's? That is one death I will never regret.” (Cas)
(the duke deserved the way he died bc why the heck was he caning her?! girl did nothing wrong im so glad Cas took care of it)
🌹“You can't change what happened in there. Just like you can't change the fact that the courtyard used to give you peace. You just replace your last memory--a bad one–with a new one--a good one. And you keep doing that until the initial one no longer outweighs the replacement.” (Cas)
🌹“You don't have to ask me twice, Princess, and you never have to beg.” (Cas)
🌹“My need for you is far too great, Poppy. If I stay, you will not walk out this door a Maiden.” (Cas)
🌹“You're so damn beautiful and so damn unexpected.” (Cas)
🌹“Touch her, and you’ll lose more than a hand this time.” (Cas)
🌹“You are so incredibly violent. It still turns me on.” (Cas)
🌹“My heartmate. My Queen. Mine. And I was hers.” (Cas)
🗡Hopes for The Primal of Blood and Bone🗡
🌹More Cas & Poppy
🌹More Cas humor
🌹More Poppy & Kieran friendship goals
🌹The ending of A Soul of Blood and Ash resolved
🗡Last Thoughts🗡
Despite certain parts of the book, I loved this sm!! I was literally in awe of one of the chapters called you’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature. Like omg it was so cute!! I was giggling and kicking my feet 🤭 the whole book it was just so good. I really hope they fix the ending bc these characters deserve nothing but the best. I'm all set with my tent and smores to camp out here till August 13th!!! 🏕
4.8 🌟’s
🗡My Thoughts🗡
omg when i tell you i was enjoying this one, i was literally living the time of my life reading this!! After first it was hard bc the fmc was in a coma and i was so mad bc i wasn’t going to be able to read about her and in the last book her man was in kidnapped so i was like dang i can’t read about anyone in the present 😭 but aside from her being in a coma my favorite book husband which is also the mmc, was telling his POV of all the scenes from book 1. And whats so wild is that a couple weeks before I even read this book I wanted to reread the first one again bc Im so addicted to this series. 😍 It was like all my prayers were answered with this book, mostly. I would have originally rated this a 5 star book but the ending went an broke my heart. But the book was so good so i just took off 0.2 of a star. I think the ending really caught me off guard and it was super emotional bc i was so looking forward to her waking up and things kinda going back to normal but then one character slipped up and now there is a whole new problem that could very well change the whole rest of the series. 💀😭 Its always so hard when youre enjoying a series and then the ending just pops out of nowhere and then u have to wait for the next book which does comes out this year so im so excited for that crossing my fingers that they will give me a good ending bc idk what i will do if someone dies!!
🗡Main Characters🗡
🌹Poppy🌹
I could literally spend centuries talking about her!! Though she was in a coma, since this book was told from Cas’s POV she was awake in the past recaps. I can’t believe how much i forgot in the first one. She was so badass and i loved the way she just did not care what anyone told her especially Cas eventho majority of the time she was lying bc girl we know u were in love with cas don’t deny it cas knew he’s like the superman of dark romance he can read minds an everything 🤭 one of the craziest things that i realized later on was that if it weren’t for poppy going rogue and doing her own thing she wouldn’t have developed this special relationship with him which would have broke my heart
🌹Cas🌹
MY MAN! MY MAN! MY MAN! 💍 Love him to death omg the author must have been getting married or a promotion or something bc as soon as i saw it was his POV i wanted to throw a party bc y’all when i found it felt like christmas day and my birthday all in one! 🥳🎄Omg somehow he managed to get even sexier in the retelling of book 1’s scenes like how?! SEVEN HUNDRED AND THREE PAGES OF JUST CAS’S POV like i was in heaven!! The church bells were ringing and everything. ⛪🔔🎶 One thing i really loved was the way he described her each detail was descriptive and he was so passionate about telling her how beautiful he thinks she is and ofc they’re were the dirty thoughts like it wouldn’t be cas if he didn’t at least have a dirty joke or three. 🤭 He is one of the main guy characters i actually respect bc he really sees her for who she is an not just bc of her looks thats why he’s my #1 book husband
🌹Kieran🌹
Unfortuantely I didn’t get to read much about him. However there were some scenes that definitely made me picture him differently as in ‘I like him more now as in book boyfriend more’ he reminds me of Kenji like the dark humorous version of him. Some of the scenes i read about him tho were kind of freaking me out a little but if u have read the other books in the series u’d know that this is how those characters act which is kind of concerning but u get used to it after awhile but basically one of the scenes was kieran was having a very intimate moment with someone and cas walked in and said hi and started having a convo with him while he was having sex with someone i was like UMMM OHKAY!! 😬 Like the tightest of friendship bonds right here bc at some point i’d have too draw the line bc thats just crazy!!
🗡Best Couple Moments🗡
🌹Told her both halves of her face are as beautiful as the whole (for those of u who don’t know half of her face is scared bc she was attacked when she was younger)
🌹Cas is all of Poppy’s firsts
🌹Cas being turnd on by Poppy fighting and wanting to stab him with a dagger (this will only make sense if u have read the series)
🌹Their flirtatious fight scene on the Rise
🌹Anytime he called her Princess
🌹He saved her dagger
Spicy Scenes
5/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
*absolute perfection 💖, chefs kiss 🤌, couple goals 💗*
Favorite Scenes
🌹Everytime he calls her princess and she claims she hates it 🌹
“After you princess.” (Cas)
“You need to stop calling me that.” (Poppy)
“But I like it.” (Cas)
“But I don't.” (Poppy)
“Thats a lie.” (Cas)
🌹He told her she looks exquisite🌹
“I was wrong earlier when I said you looked lovely.” (Cas)
“What?” (Poppy)
“You look absolutely exquisite, Poppy. Beautiful. I just… I needed to tell you that.” (Cas)
“You're such a bad influence.” (Poppy)
“Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.” (Cas)
🌹She told him she's a bad Maiden🌹
“I was seconds from taking you to the ground and becoming a very, very bad guard.” (Cas)
“Really?” (Poppy)
“”Really.” (Cas)
“I don't think I would have stopped you.” (Poppy)
“You're not helping.” (Cas)
“I'm a bad Maiden.” (Poppy)
🌹He told her that talking to her was more important than then whatever anyone else told her🌹
“The duchess needs to speak with you.” (Cas)
“And you're just telling me now?” (Poppy)
“Figured what we had to say to each other was far more important.” (Cas)
🌹Cas flirting with her🌹
“And why is that intriguing? And torturous?” (Poppy)
Besides the fact that it will allow me to keep a very close eye on you? Use your imagination, Princess.” (Cas)
🌹Poppy telling Cas his ego never fails to amaze her🌹
“Your ego never fails to amaze me.” (Poppy)
“I never fail to amaze you.” (Cas)
Thank you for proving what I just said.” (Poppy)
🗡Favorite Quotes🗡
🌹“You were hurt. You can be assured that will never happen again.” (Cas)
🌹“From this moment until the last moment, I am yours.” (Cas)
🌹“That was when it began to change—how I thought of you. Saw you. You were no longer the Maiden. You were becoming … You were becoming Poppy.” (Cas)
🌹“You’re absolutely magnificent. Beautiful.” (Cas)
🌹“You're an absolutely stunning murderous little creature.” (Cas)
🌹“But if you let go of the dagger, there's a whole lot of me I'll let you get your hands close too.” (Cas)
🌹“You're so incredibly violent. I think I like it.” (Cas)
🌹“Those slippers are likely to be the death of you. And that dress….the death of me.” 🌹(Cas)
🌹“Yes. I find women who can wield a dagger and nearly knock me on my ass to be extremely alluring. And arousing.” (Cas)
🌹“How badly did you want to stab me when I took the diary from you? I imagine it was a lot. Would've been worth it, though.” (Cas)
🌹“I've taken lives I've regretted. But the Duke's? That is one death I will never regret.” (Cas)
(the duke deserved the way he died bc why the heck was he caning her?! girl did nothing wrong im so glad Cas took care of it)
🌹“You can't change what happened in there. Just like you can't change the fact that the courtyard used to give you peace. You just replace your last memory--a bad one–with a new one--a good one. And you keep doing that until the initial one no longer outweighs the replacement.” (Cas)
🌹“You don't have to ask me twice, Princess, and you never have to beg.” (Cas)
🌹“My need for you is far too great, Poppy. If I stay, you will not walk out this door a Maiden.” (Cas)
🌹“You're so damn beautiful and so damn unexpected.” (Cas)
🌹“Touch her, and you’ll lose more than a hand this time.” (Cas)
🌹“You are so incredibly violent. It still turns me on.” (Cas)
🌹“My heartmate. My Queen. Mine. And I was hers.” (Cas)
🗡Hopes for The Primal of Blood and Bone🗡
🌹More Cas & Poppy
🌹More Cas humor
🌹More Poppy & Kieran friendship goals
🌹The ending of A Soul of Blood and Ash resolved
🗡Last Thoughts🗡
Despite certain parts of the book, I loved this sm!! I was literally in awe of one of the chapters called you’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature. Like omg it was so cute!! I was giggling and kicking my feet 🤭 the whole book it was just so good. I really hope they fix the ending bc these characters deserve nothing but the best. I'm all set with my tent and smores to camp out here till August 13th!!! 🏕
November 6, 2023
“I knew this was real. What was between us. What she felt for me. What I felt for her. This. It was real.”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️
❗This review may contain some minor spoilers❗
I remembered just how much I loved Casteel when he was Hawke with this book. It goes without saying that From Blood and Ash is a magnificent book. Literally, all it needed was to be written again from Casteel's point of view. My favorite thing in literature is to read a whole book all over again through the love interest's narrative. That is to say, this book does not only include the events of the first book, it also follows the events of the last one, The War of Two Queens, and therefore, should definitely be read in publication order. I loved how JLA merged the past with the present by having Casteel recount his own experiences of how he and Poppy met and fell in love and everything in between by telling her the story while she is in stasis after completing the Culling. There are also several chapters scattered throughout the book that are set in the present and give some necessary and shocking information on the ongoing plot. There is even important development that will be addressed more in the next book and has completely blown my mind. Besides, that ending, specifically, has me pulling on my hair and screaming into the void. I need answers right now!
Moreover, I will never fall out of love with Casteel Da'Neer, period. He is a magnificent specimen of a man, and no one can compare to him. Despite his determination to see through his plans to save his brother and avoid war, he has a lot of conflicting feelings about what he sets out to do. However, none of those feelings prevent him from doing what he must, until he meets Poppy, that is. In addition, he finally gets the character arc he deserves, as this isn't just the story of how he meets Poppy, but also how he deals with the trauma he is left with being captured by the Blood Queen for five decades. Also, we finally receive more information on what kind of torture he went through while he was that bitch's captive, although we already know the gist of it, how he coped with it after his escape, and how it still affects him decades later. He has been through so much and must put himself through so much more until he accomplishes his task. Besides, one thing that I noticed is that, while I began feeling annoyed at parts of his behavior in the last two books, specifically the way he would get an erection every time Poppy breathed, it didn't bother me at all in this one. I think it's because it feels more like revisiting a past story rather than reading the same things all over again in every book.
Furthermore, I also loved reading about Poppy and the way Cas sees her. As he gets to know her he sees her as the wonderful, beautiful badass that she is and falls helplessly in love with her, even though he can't bring himself to admit it. Poppy is such a powerful driving force in his life, affecting his every decision from the moment they met in The Red Pearl until the present, and she didn't even know it. Also, it was interesting to experience her presence from someone else's point of view, especially someone who loves her as passionately and unconditionally as Casteel.
In addition, their relationship is still as magical from Casteel's point of view as it is from Poppy's. Experiencing the beginning of their relationship again left me with the same warm feelings I had when I read it the first time. Also, it isn't like we hadn't already known that Casteel falling in love with Poppy was inevitable, but reading it firsthand makes it all the more special. It is nice to know that Casteel's physical reactions to Poppy have always been as uncontrollable as he makes them out to be, even though one has to wonder if the guy has some sort of medical issue. It's just not normal to have so many erections so often. I understand that Poppy is beautiful inside and out, but damn.
Lastly, Kieran Contou is obviously just as delightful as Poppy and Casteel. I especially loved his presence in this book as he doesn't have much of it in the first one. Unsurprisingly, he is as wonderful as he has ever been. He is so supportive and understanding of Casteel, even though he doesn't agree with his crazy schemes and tries to advise him against them. He is also a calming force and an anchor, especially after Casteel's imprisonment.
Besides, Malik and Millicent make an appearance in this book as well. They aren't active in Casteel's storytelling, of course, but appear in the present. Both are fascinating characters, not just individually, but as a pair as well. There isn't enough information on what happened between them that is keeping them apart, other than Malik trying to kill Poppy that is, but they are heartmates and I want them to be together. It is a bit funny to me that Casteel and Malik, two brothers, fell in love with Poppy and Millie, two sisters, but it isn't unheard of and doesn't bother me at all. I am fully invested in both Malik and Millie's relationship with each other and the relationship they have with their respective siblings. If their relationships aren't solidified by the end of the series there will be protests. Fair warning: I can be incredibly annoying!
Additionally, while having to read through characters like the Ducke and Lord Mazeen and being absolutely disgusted and disturbed, thankfully other characters like Delano, Naill, Emil, and many more take part in the story as well. They are all so precious and wonderful, my eyes turned into hearts just by looking at their names on the page. Elijah also appears in the story, but his presence is as painful as his death in A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Meter: 🌶️🌶️
❗This review may contain some minor spoilers❗
I remembered just how much I loved Casteel when he was Hawke with this book. It goes without saying that From Blood and Ash is a magnificent book. Literally, all it needed was to be written again from Casteel's point of view. My favorite thing in literature is to read a whole book all over again through the love interest's narrative. That is to say, this book does not only include the events of the first book, it also follows the events of the last one, The War of Two Queens, and therefore, should definitely be read in publication order. I loved how JLA merged the past with the present by having Casteel recount his own experiences of how he and Poppy met and fell in love and everything in between by telling her the story while she is in stasis after completing the Culling. There are also several chapters scattered throughout the book that are set in the present and give some necessary and shocking information on the ongoing plot. There is even important development that will be addressed more in the next book and has completely blown my mind. Besides, that ending, specifically, has me pulling on my hair and screaming into the void. I need answers right now!
Moreover, I will never fall out of love with Casteel Da'Neer, period. He is a magnificent specimen of a man, and no one can compare to him. Despite his determination to see through his plans to save his brother and avoid war, he has a lot of conflicting feelings about what he sets out to do. However, none of those feelings prevent him from doing what he must, until he meets Poppy, that is. In addition, he finally gets the character arc he deserves, as this isn't just the story of how he meets Poppy, but also how he deals with the trauma he is left with being captured by the Blood Queen for five decades. Also, we finally receive more information on what kind of torture he went through while he was that bitch's captive, although we already know the gist of it, how he coped with it after his escape, and how it still affects him decades later. He has been through so much and must put himself through so much more until he accomplishes his task. Besides, one thing that I noticed is that, while I began feeling annoyed at parts of his behavior in the last two books, specifically the way he would get an erection every time Poppy breathed, it didn't bother me at all in this one. I think it's because it feels more like revisiting a past story rather than reading the same things all over again in every book.
Furthermore, I also loved reading about Poppy and the way Cas sees her. As he gets to know her he sees her as the wonderful, beautiful badass that she is and falls helplessly in love with her, even though he can't bring himself to admit it. Poppy is such a powerful driving force in his life, affecting his every decision from the moment they met in The Red Pearl until the present, and she didn't even know it. Also, it was interesting to experience her presence from someone else's point of view, especially someone who loves her as passionately and unconditionally as Casteel.
In addition, their relationship is still as magical from Casteel's point of view as it is from Poppy's. Experiencing the beginning of their relationship again left me with the same warm feelings I had when I read it the first time. Also, it isn't like we hadn't already known that Casteel falling in love with Poppy was inevitable, but reading it firsthand makes it all the more special. It is nice to know that Casteel's physical reactions to Poppy have always been as uncontrollable as he makes them out to be, even though one has to wonder if the guy has some sort of medical issue. It's just not normal to have so many erections so often. I understand that Poppy is beautiful inside and out, but damn.
Lastly, Kieran Contou is obviously just as delightful as Poppy and Casteel. I especially loved his presence in this book as he doesn't have much of it in the first one. Unsurprisingly, he is as wonderful as he has ever been. He is so supportive and understanding of Casteel, even though he doesn't agree with his crazy schemes and tries to advise him against them. He is also a calming force and an anchor, especially after Casteel's imprisonment.
Besides, Malik and Millicent make an appearance in this book as well. They aren't active in Casteel's storytelling, of course, but appear in the present. Both are fascinating characters, not just individually, but as a pair as well. There isn't enough information on what happened between them that is keeping them apart, other than Malik trying to kill Poppy that is, but they are heartmates and I want them to be together. It is a bit funny to me that Casteel and Malik, two brothers, fell in love with Poppy and Millie, two sisters, but it isn't unheard of and doesn't bother me at all. I am fully invested in both Malik and Millie's relationship with each other and the relationship they have with their respective siblings. If their relationships aren't solidified by the end of the series there will be protests. Fair warning: I can be incredibly annoying!
Additionally, while having to read through characters like the Ducke and Lord Mazeen and being absolutely disgusted and disturbed, thankfully other characters like Delano, Naill, Emil, and many more take part in the story as well. They are all so precious and wonderful, my eyes turned into hearts just by looking at their names on the page. Elijah also appears in the story, but his presence is as painful as his death in A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.
Thank you for reading!
August 21, 2023
I am definitely getting this in the kindle version🤣. I refuse to spend almost $40 for these books with no plots 🥴.
Edit: I am so glad I am not reading this shit. This is the 5th book in this series. We need more than smut, fluff, and random dialogue. We need a PLOT.
Edit: y’all are so damn mad about my review 🤣🤣. Idc if y’all like lgbtq characters in the books y’all read. I never knew JLA came out and said Cas is pansexual. It’s so funny. Kiss my ass. This is my review. Idc if y’all call me homophonic either. When y’all grow up and realize what a phobia of something actually means, then we can talk. Until then, kiss my ass, and grow tf up! I don’t have to like lgbtq characters in the books I read. If you do, that’s great. I don’t have to, and that doesn’t mean I hate people in the lgbtq community.
Edit: I am so glad I am not reading this shit. This is the 5th book in this series. We need more than smut, fluff, and random dialogue. We need a PLOT.
Edit: y’all are so damn mad about my review 🤣🤣. Idc if y’all like lgbtq characters in the books y’all read. I never knew JLA came out and said Cas is pansexual. It’s so funny. Kiss my ass. This is my review. Idc if y’all call me homophonic either. When y’all grow up and realize what a phobia of something actually means, then we can talk. Until then, kiss my ass, and grow tf up! I don’t have to like lgbtq characters in the books I read. If you do, that’s great. I don’t have to, and that doesn’t mean I hate people in the lgbtq community.
July 19, 2023
Fmc like balls of her husband and his brother. Domesticity goals fr 🥰🥰
Read a bit more and when i say this book is bad. ITS BAD BAD.
Like the only purpose of this book is to justify poppy kieran emotional cheating in book4 and ruining all the moments we loved in book1 because why are you showing casteel being aroused by how kieran fuck? Or him imagining fucking poppy with kieran just after his first meeting with her. It gets so bad like so disgusting and weird. I really need these authors to stop being so fucking horny and start being serious. You were writing a book with two main characters who are heartmate and are married to each other. How tf you end up turning the plot so bad? LMAO I don’t even feel bad anymore. Its just funny how successfully she ruined her own characters.
Read a bit more and when i say this book is bad. ITS BAD BAD.
Like the only purpose of this book is to justify poppy kieran emotional cheating in book4 and ruining all the moments we loved in book1 because why are you showing casteel being aroused by how kieran fuck? Or him imagining fucking poppy with kieran just after his first meeting with her. It gets so bad like so disgusting and weird. I really need these authors to stop being so fucking horny and start being serious. You were writing a book with two main characters who are heartmate and are married to each other. How tf you end up turning the plot so bad? LMAO I don’t even feel bad anymore. Its just funny how successfully she ruined her own characters.
August 31, 2023
5/ 5⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
"She had... the maiden had a dirty mind."
I fucking LOVE this book. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!💕 💕
A Soul of Ash and Blood wove an enchanting tale between the past and the present. It was a phenomenal addition to the From Blood and Ash Series. This book was intoxicating, gritty, smile inducing and absolutely perfect. It gives us the whole story from Cas POV. PERFECTION. About how he fell in love with Poppy and how all the plans he had for years went right out the window, along with the gradual realization that she was his. Did we need this? No. Did I absolutely swoon re-reading the best parts of this series in Cas’s point of view? Absofuckinglutely. This was everything I could have ever wanted and so much more.
Reading Order:
1) From Blood and Ash
2) A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
3) The Crown of Gilded Bones
4) A Shadow in the Ember
5) The War of Two Queens
6) A Light in the Flames
7) A Soul of Ash and Blood
Quotes:
“My hormones are always clouding my rational thought, thank you very much.”
“Correction,” I said, another laugh leaving me as the blood trickled down my neck. “You’re an absolutely stunning murderous little creature.”
“Nothing is ever simple.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “And when it is, it’s rarely ever worth it.”
"It also had to do with the fact that something happened when I spent time with her. Something damn near magical. I was…I was just me. Cas."
“Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.”
"A large black and gold feline with a shoulder height of over five feet and nearly double the length—and eyes a luminous silver."
2.5/5 🌶️
"She had... the maiden had a dirty mind."
I fucking LOVE this book. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!💕 💕
A Soul of Ash and Blood wove an enchanting tale between the past and the present. It was a phenomenal addition to the From Blood and Ash Series. This book was intoxicating, gritty, smile inducing and absolutely perfect. It gives us the whole story from Cas POV. PERFECTION. About how he fell in love with Poppy and how all the plans he had for years went right out the window, along with the gradual realization that she was his. Did we need this? No. Did I absolutely swoon re-reading the best parts of this series in Cas’s point of view? Absofuckinglutely. This was everything I could have ever wanted and so much more.
Reading Order:
1) From Blood and Ash
2) A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
3) The Crown of Gilded Bones
4) A Shadow in the Ember
5) The War of Two Queens
6) A Light in the Flames
7) A Soul of Ash and Blood
Quotes:
“My hormones are always clouding my rational thought, thank you very much.”
“Correction,” I said, another laugh leaving me as the blood trickled down my neck. “You’re an absolutely stunning murderous little creature.”
“Nothing is ever simple.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “And when it is, it’s rarely ever worth it.”
"It also had to do with the fact that something happened when I spent time with her. Something damn near magical. I was…I was just me. Cas."
“Only the bad can be influenced, Princess.”
"A large black and gold feline with a shoulder height of over five feet and nearly double the length—and eyes a luminous silver."
July 23, 2023
A clear money grab straight away. We wait over a year for the next book and it’s just simply the first book in a Cas’s perspective. This could be done as a .5 book don’t make us wait for something that provides zero continuation in a series.
NOT WORTH IT! If you want to actually continue the series this does nothing
NOT WORTH IT! If you want to actually continue the series this does nothing
August 4, 2023
AHH THAT CLIFFHANGER!!!!! There are some spoilers below, but I tried to avoid anything major. If you liked book 1 of this series, I think you will like this! It's so sweet. Yes, it's a retelling of book 1 from Casteel's POV, but there are a ton of new scenes in it too that are worth reading, in my opinion.
I loved this book. This is Casteel’s POV throughout the story of From Blood and Ash (book 1 of the series), however, it flashed back and forth between the present following the ending of The War of Two Queens. In this book, Poppy & friends start the story in the present right after defeating The Blood Queen Isbeth. They free Poppy’s father from his cave cat form and imprisonment, and there’s a sweet father & daughter introduction/reunion. However, right after this, Poppy collapses. It turns out, for her final stage of the culling, before she’s a full Primal, she needs to fall into stasis (a deep slumber). We learn that it’s unclear how long the stasis will last and when she wakes up, it’s possible that she will not remember any of them. To try to combat this, Nektas advises Casteel to talk to Poppy to make sure she remembers. This leads to Casteel lying down and telling a slumbering Poppy for the 1st time his own POV about their first time they met and basically everything that happened in From Blood and Ash (book 1).
Casteel’s POV was my favorite so far. The fan favorite scenes like the Blood Forest and the Willow tree were amazing. However, in my opinion, the true bright part of this book was reading about Casteel and Kieran’s conversations and friendship before Poppy and Cas were truly together. Kieran and Casteel’s interactions were the best part. Their friendship is just so normal, relatable, and sweet, and their banter had me laughing out loud. There was also a spicy Kieran scene where Kieran is having sex with a descenter at the Red Pearl while Casteel is just casually in the same room having a conversation with him. Not sure if others are against that, but I personally loved it and thought it was hot because Kieran is my sweetie. I thought Kieran and Casteel's personalities both really shone in this book.
While some of the scenes were a bit TOO much like Poppy’s POV scenes from From Blood and Ash to the point where they probably didn’t need to be included in this from Casteel’s POV because they were basically the same, those were few and far between. These scenes were mostly scenes between Poppy and Cas that heavily relied on dialogue (i.e. Cas telling Poppy the truth about and history of Atlantians/Ascended, a few of their conversations in Macedonia, etc.). However, for the most part, the POVs were different or satisfying to read. I loved reading Casteel’s inner monologue of him being absolutely obsessed with Poppy but then being like, but I have to betray her, but I can’t, etc. etc. There were also plenty of new scenes that we didn’t get to read in Poppy’s POV (Casteel killing the Duke, Casteel giving cursed guards dignity in death in Macedonia, Casteel and Viktor interactions, meetings between Kieran and Casteel at the Red Pearl, Casteel rushing back to New Haven after Poppy is attacked, Casteel killing Jericho and staking him to the wall, etc.). Some of my favorite scenes of the ones that we already know and love, but from Casteel’s POV this time include: Casteel listening to Tawny & Poppy talk about him, Poppy giving Airrick peace when he’s dying, Casteel following Poppy through the streets when she snuck out, Poppy and Cas fighting on the Rise during the Craven attack and in the stables in New Haven when Poppy finds out the truth, etc.
So, as Casteel has been telling this story to sleeping Poppy, there are also chapters in the present. While Poppy is in stasis, her sleeping form is constantly accompanied in her bedroom by Kieran, Delano, and Casteel. These “Present” chapters were great because Kieran and Casteel would banter back and forth about the story with Kieran weighing in sometimes with his POV (how he knew Cas was in love with her even then, etc.). There’s also a really great brother scene between Casteel & Malik and then a sweet sister moment between Millicent & sleeping Poppy. The ending chapter is a “present” chapter, and there are several PLOT TWISTS. I cannot tell you enough…I did NOT see this shift coming. If you have any desire to continue reading this series, you have to at least read the ending chapter of this book because there is a major thing that happens to one of the main characters.
I want to end by saying, I’m not really sure why or when it became ~cool~ or “funny” for people to be needlessly cruel about this series. If you don’t like it or were mad about the Joining or are weirdly angry that it’s popular, that’s fine and you’re entitled to that,��but what is the obsession with talking shit about it and tearing down others who do like it? I’ve seen several people on this app with some sort of status like “I am reading this book so that I can absolutely rip it to shreds” …just like, why? You have no other books to read? Nothing better to do with your time then tear down an author and bully any readers who do enjoy it? I don’t really get it…I also saw one reader give 1 star and write a review about how mad they were that they read this book because they didn’t realize it was Book 1 but from Casteel’s POV. I truly don’t understand how you cannot have realized that. This book has been so heavily marketed as Cas’ POV book for years...not sure if that rationale deserves 1 star.
I know people are mad about the emotional intimacy between Kieran and Poppy, as well as the Joining. Personally, I'm not really sure why the Joining was surprising for anyone...why would JLA introduce the concept in book 2 unless she planned for it to happen? It would've been weird if it didn't. I think Kieran and Poppy's relationship makes sense. There's just so much love there. Casteel and Kieran have been bonded for literal centures, closer than any 2 people can be; seeing Poppy and Kieran develop an unbreakable bond like that too now that they're both bonded and love Casteel just makes everything feel complete to me. But I know people will yell at me for having that opinion, I guess.
Anyways, I’d recommend this book. I enjoyed it immensely. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Kieran, Casteel, and Poppy have my whole entire heart (in that order).
I loved this book. This is Casteel’s POV throughout the story of From Blood and Ash (book 1 of the series), however, it flashed back and forth between the present following the ending of The War of Two Queens. In this book, Poppy & friends start the story in the present right after defeating The Blood Queen Isbeth. They free Poppy’s father from his cave cat form and imprisonment, and there’s a sweet father & daughter introduction/reunion. However, right after this, Poppy collapses. It turns out, for her final stage of the culling, before she’s a full Primal, she needs to fall into stasis (a deep slumber). We learn that it’s unclear how long the stasis will last and when she wakes up, it’s possible that she will not remember any of them. To try to combat this, Nektas advises Casteel to talk to Poppy to make sure she remembers. This leads to Casteel lying down and telling a slumbering Poppy for the 1st time his own POV about their first time they met and basically everything that happened in From Blood and Ash (book 1).
Casteel’s POV was my favorite so far. The fan favorite scenes like the Blood Forest and the Willow tree were amazing. However, in my opinion, the true bright part of this book was reading about Casteel and Kieran’s conversations and friendship before Poppy and Cas were truly together. Kieran and Casteel’s interactions were the best part. Their friendship is just so normal, relatable, and sweet, and their banter had me laughing out loud. There was also a spicy Kieran scene where Kieran is having sex with a descenter at the Red Pearl while Casteel is just casually in the same room having a conversation with him. Not sure if others are against that, but I personally loved it and thought it was hot because Kieran is my sweetie. I thought Kieran and Casteel's personalities both really shone in this book.
While some of the scenes were a bit TOO much like Poppy’s POV scenes from From Blood and Ash to the point where they probably didn’t need to be included in this from Casteel’s POV because they were basically the same, those were few and far between. These scenes were mostly scenes between Poppy and Cas that heavily relied on dialogue (i.e. Cas telling Poppy the truth about and history of Atlantians/Ascended, a few of their conversations in Macedonia, etc.). However, for the most part, the POVs were different or satisfying to read. I loved reading Casteel’s inner monologue of him being absolutely obsessed with Poppy but then being like, but I have to betray her, but I can’t, etc. etc. There were also plenty of new scenes that we didn’t get to read in Poppy’s POV (Casteel killing the Duke, Casteel giving cursed guards dignity in death in Macedonia, Casteel and Viktor interactions, meetings between Kieran and Casteel at the Red Pearl, Casteel rushing back to New Haven after Poppy is attacked, Casteel killing Jericho and staking him to the wall, etc.). Some of my favorite scenes of the ones that we already know and love, but from Casteel’s POV this time include: Casteel listening to Tawny & Poppy talk about him, Poppy giving Airrick peace when he’s dying, Casteel following Poppy through the streets when she snuck out, Poppy and Cas fighting on the Rise during the Craven attack and in the stables in New Haven when Poppy finds out the truth, etc.
So, as Casteel has been telling this story to sleeping Poppy, there are also chapters in the present. While Poppy is in stasis, her sleeping form is constantly accompanied in her bedroom by Kieran, Delano, and Casteel. These “Present” chapters were great because Kieran and Casteel would banter back and forth about the story with Kieran weighing in sometimes with his POV (how he knew Cas was in love with her even then, etc.). There’s also a really great brother scene between Casteel & Malik and then a sweet sister moment between Millicent & sleeping Poppy. The ending chapter is a “present” chapter, and there are several PLOT TWISTS. I cannot tell you enough…I did NOT see this shift coming. If you have any desire to continue reading this series, you have to at least read the ending chapter of this book because there is a major thing that happens to one of the main characters.
I want to end by saying, I’m not really sure why or when it became ~cool~ or “funny” for people to be needlessly cruel about this series. If you don’t like it or were mad about the Joining or are weirdly angry that it’s popular, that’s fine and you’re entitled to that,��but what is the obsession with talking shit about it and tearing down others who do like it? I’ve seen several people on this app with some sort of status like “I am reading this book so that I can absolutely rip it to shreds” …just like, why? You have no other books to read? Nothing better to do with your time then tear down an author and bully any readers who do enjoy it? I don’t really get it…I also saw one reader give 1 star and write a review about how mad they were that they read this book because they didn’t realize it was Book 1 but from Casteel’s POV. I truly don’t understand how you cannot have realized that. This book has been so heavily marketed as Cas’ POV book for years...not sure if that rationale deserves 1 star.
I know people are mad about the emotional intimacy between Kieran and Poppy, as well as the Joining. Personally, I'm not really sure why the Joining was surprising for anyone...why would JLA introduce the concept in book 2 unless she planned for it to happen? It would've been weird if it didn't. I think Kieran and Poppy's relationship makes sense. There's just so much love there. Casteel and Kieran have been bonded for literal centures, closer than any 2 people can be; seeing Poppy and Kieran develop an unbreakable bond like that too now that they're both bonded and love Casteel just makes everything feel complete to me. But I know people will yell at me for having that opinion, I guess.
Anyways, I’d recommend this book. I enjoyed it immensely. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Kieran, Casteel, and Poppy have my whole entire heart (in that order).
July 19, 2023
Do I think a Casteel POV of events that happened in book 1 was necessary? No.
Did I like the book? It was okay but I had a few problems with it.
I saw Casteel in a new light, and it wasn't necessarily a good one.
What I loved:
✅ Ires meeting Poppy
✅ Casteel shifting
What I didn't love:
❌ Too much focus on Casteel's previous sex life
❌ Minimal background on Cas' captivity
❌ Little to no progress on current plot
From the teasers and other posts that Jennifer released on her FB group about ASOAAB, it seemed like this book wasn't going to simply be a rehashing of events from Book 1, it would also deal with the trauma Casteel went through during his time as Isbeth's captive.
Unfortunately, this was only touched on very lightly and did not delve any deeper than surface level. Instead, the trauma was used as an excuse for Casteel to become a manwhore for all intents and purposes and it all boiled down to having the choice to fuck whomever he wanted.
I honestly found this baffling. I understand that people deal with trauma differently, but I really would have preferred if Jennifer would have come at this from a different angle and really got into the nitty gritty of his trauma. I think it would have made for a darker read and given us better look at Casteel's character.
A lot of page time was devoted to Casteel's past and current escapades and his prowess in the bedroom and how his good looks got him laid quite easily. Now, while we don't have actual scenes of Cas being intimate with anyone other than Poppy, I could have honestly done without it. It had been alluded to in previous books but actually having to read about it, I just didn't need it.
The scenes with Britta ground my gears somewhat but I got that they were necessary; I was kind of shocked that Casteel was contemplating fucking her when the opportunity had presented itself even though a few chapters earlier he had made it clear in his mind that he wasn't interested in going down that road any longer. This gave me the ick considering the visceral reactions he had been having to Poppy.
I also didn't really care for his thoughts on his own shock at not wanting to have casual sexual encounters with people. Again, his shock at not wanting to join in with Kieran when he was fucking a descenter named Circe (whom Casteel had already been with perviously) this scene went into graphic detail and again it was not something I wanted to read about.
The focus on sex in this book and it not being with the FMC just didn't sit right with me. I know it is crazy that I am saying this as I love smut but for this story that we have been following for 4 books so far, did we really need this? As I said, I saw Cas in a new light and I didn't like what I saw.
It is clear to me now that Jennifer is setting up the final book for either a committed Poly relationship between Cas, Poppy & Kieran or at the very least a casual fucking relationship between all three and I am not here for it.
This series made no intimations or mentions of this kind of relationship until book 4. If it had been part of the series when it started, I wouldn't have minded but Jennifer included Heartmates in this world and I fail to see why this was included if the mates in question will be opening up the relationship.. it makes a mockery of the whole fated-mates trope, surely?
This is further alluded to when Cas shifts into a cave cat and recognises Kieran as his saying "mine". whereas with Emil, he just wanted to kill him.
The "Present" chapters bar the beginning of the book and the very end of the book held no information of any interest to progress the current plot forward. The remaining present chapters contained a monologue of how Casteel and Kieran digested certain times in the past with Poppy. We dd see a quick drop in by Millicent and Malik but again, very minimal information was given here.
The only thing that I really loved was the meeting between Ires and Poppy - that was beautiful, albeit short lived, but a great scene full of emotion.
To be brutally honest, it was rinse and repeat throughout this book; a complete regurgitation of what happened in book 1; it was both monotonous and fatiguing to read.
Verdict: There was no need for a book from Casteel's POV. I wish we could have gotten the next F&F book and then finish Poppy's story next year. I wouldn't bother with this book if I didn't have to but the author has put crucial information at the beginning and end of the book that you need to know before diving into The Primal of Blood and Bone. I really don't like when authors do this as it feels like a cash grab.
Did I like the book? It was okay but I had a few problems with it.
I saw Casteel in a new light, and it wasn't necessarily a good one.
What I loved:
✅ Ires meeting Poppy
✅ Casteel shifting
What I didn't love:
❌ Too much focus on Casteel's previous sex life
❌ Minimal background on Cas' captivity
❌ Little to no progress on current plot
From the teasers and other posts that Jennifer released on her FB group about ASOAAB, it seemed like this book wasn't going to simply be a rehashing of events from Book 1, it would also deal with the trauma Casteel went through during his time as Isbeth's captive.
Unfortunately, this was only touched on very lightly and did not delve any deeper than surface level. Instead, the trauma was used as an excuse for Casteel to become a manwhore for all intents and purposes and it all boiled down to having the choice to fuck whomever he wanted.
I honestly found this baffling. I understand that people deal with trauma differently, but I really would have preferred if Jennifer would have come at this from a different angle and really got into the nitty gritty of his trauma. I think it would have made for a darker read and given us better look at Casteel's character.
A lot of page time was devoted to Casteel's past and current escapades and his prowess in the bedroom and how his good looks got him laid quite easily. Now, while we don't have actual scenes of Cas being intimate with anyone other than Poppy, I could have honestly done without it. It had been alluded to in previous books but actually having to read about it, I just didn't need it.
The scenes with Britta ground my gears somewhat but I got that they were necessary; I was kind of shocked that Casteel was contemplating fucking her when the opportunity had presented itself even though a few chapters earlier he had made it clear in his mind that he wasn't interested in going down that road any longer. This gave me the ick considering the visceral reactions he had been having to Poppy.
I also didn't really care for his thoughts on his own shock at not wanting to have casual sexual encounters with people. Again, his shock at not wanting to join in with Kieran when he was fucking a descenter named Circe (whom Casteel had already been with perviously) this scene went into graphic detail and again it was not something I wanted to read about.
The focus on sex in this book and it not being with the FMC just didn't sit right with me. I know it is crazy that I am saying this as I love smut but for this story that we have been following for 4 books so far, did we really need this? As I said, I saw Cas in a new light and I didn't like what I saw.
It is clear to me now that Jennifer is setting up the final book for either a committed Poly relationship between Cas, Poppy & Kieran or at the very least a casual fucking relationship between all three and I am not here for it.
This series made no intimations or mentions of this kind of relationship until book 4. If it had been part of the series when it started, I wouldn't have minded but Jennifer included Heartmates in this world and I fail to see why this was included if the mates in question will be opening up the relationship.. it makes a mockery of the whole fated-mates trope, surely?
This is further alluded to when Cas shifts into a cave cat and recognises Kieran as his saying "mine". whereas with Emil, he just wanted to kill him.
The "Present" chapters bar the beginning of the book and the very end of the book held no information of any interest to progress the current plot forward. The remaining present chapters contained a monologue of how Casteel and Kieran digested certain times in the past with Poppy. We dd see a quick drop in by Millicent and Malik but again, very minimal information was given here.
The only thing that I really loved was the meeting between Ires and Poppy - that was beautiful, albeit short lived, but a great scene full of emotion.
To be brutally honest, it was rinse and repeat throughout this book; a complete regurgitation of what happened in book 1; it was both monotonous and fatiguing to read.
Verdict: There was no need for a book from Casteel's POV. I wish we could have gotten the next F&F book and then finish Poppy's story next year. I wouldn't bother with this book if I didn't have to but the author has put crucial information at the beginning and end of the book that you need to know before diving into The Primal of Blood and Bone. I really don't like when authors do this as it feels like a cash grab.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
''But I wasn't a good man. I was just hers.''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Mention of self-harm
- Trauma/PTSD
- Violence/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of r*pe/s*xual assault
- Mention of torture
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This won't be a long review (at least as I type that statement).
ASOAAB is all from Cas's POV. We a few ''present'' chapters that are concerning the current situation after TWOTQ but most of this book mainly focuses on FBAA finding out what he was up to while he is away from Poppy and how his plans and plots came to be. Along with many reveals.
It also gives us the whole story from his POV about how he fell in love with Poppy and how all the plans he had for years went right out the window along with the gradual realization that she was his and he was madly in love.
I will say the first three chapters (which I read when JLA released them a while back) still hit hard for me. I am obsessed with the prequels (they are my favorite) and seeing IRES finally, and him being saved was such an intense moment. We find out more about where Jadis is and Nektas taking Ires home to heal. It was just a real emotional moment for Poppy which I kind of wished we could have seen it from her eyes and felt her emotions.
Poppy is still actually going through her ascension and it's not complete, she needs to go into stasis and come back from it before it's all officially done. Nektas tells Cas that she might not remember herself or everyone once she awakens (this has happened twice in his knowledge in history). He advises him to TALK to her and just keep her constantly hearing him which he does and this how we get the story of FBAA Cas (and pre-FBAA).
We find out a lot about Cas and how his mind was working when he was trying to successfully become her guard and everything else that occurred between them.
There are a few sad things he reveals about his time during captivity and afterwards (things he still deals with even right before meeting Poppy). He used self-harming to take the pain of his imprisonment and the consequences of his actions. It's heavy and we get to understand more about him....
BUT AND THIS IS WHAT ANNOYED ME:
According to both Cas and Kieran (multiple times in this book) - Cas never truly told the story of what happened to Shea and there are things that he opted out when telling her the story. He says he will finally tell her when she awakens. WHAT IS IT? Shea is dead because he talks about her death and even JLa said she is dead just recently. This annoyed me because we got 4 books of them building trust and always being honest with each other and this is not revealed?? and we have to wait until next summer to find out? I am in distress.
We do get to see Millie and Malik in present time, and they have returned to Cas. We find out WHY Millie ran, and the truth is she was scared that when the battle happened that her grandmother would be there, and she would kill her as Sera is known for hating Revenants. Malik left obviously because she was gone, and she is his heartmate...something that Malik says she does not know, and he won't say anything because she hates him. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THEIR BOOK.
Malik also tells Cas why he stayed for so long and again it's all because of Millie and he would never leave her no matter what but again she hates him because of the things he has done (which we don't know what he is referring to).
About 80% of this book is based on FBAA events but the present does not really move forward much since Cas is spending every single moment holding Poppy while she sleeps and telling her stories.
We do get a few amazing reveals though at the end though:
1) Cas falls asleep while holding Poppy and a Rev attacks him, injuring him with an ancient bone dagger and he is paralyzed
2) Cas is panicking, and this primal power comes into play, and he SHIFTS INTO A CAVE CAT (which is what Ires/Malec can turn into WHICH they got from Sera)
3) He is unable to process who he is while in that form, but he knows Poppy is his and destroys the Rev
4) Kieran is able to communicate with him without speaking and brings him back
5) Poppy awakens right at the last sentence, and she is officially a primal (her eyes are no longer green)
There is a lot to unpack about the ending but it's also so vague that you don't know what could be happening in the final book (for Poppy and Cas).
A reason this book got 4 stars and not 5 is related to a few things:
1) I wanted more activity during the present or even an appearance of Ash/Sera or even them mentioned of them a bit more, but we got nothing
2) I would have liked to see Poppy's POV about seeing her father and the small moment they had shared
3) This was a retelling for FBAA, and I debated before this came out about rereading it but honestly, I am glad I didn't because this helped me remember so many of the moments.
Also out of context moment:
''Damn, my little marshmallow's getting kinda crispy'' Delano being referred to as marshmallow made me happy.
I cannot wait for F&F book 3 - I need Sera and Ash like I need my next breath. These two are THE COUPLE for me and I have a feeling it will as epic as I want it to be.
We won't know the conclusion to FBAA (Poppy/Cas) until spring/summer 2024 but we will get the compendium in February so that should hold me over after F&F 3!
16/03/2023: WE HAVE A SYNOPSIS!
I am not okay!
The fact that we all thought this would be a complete retelling of the first book only to find out it's actually going to be Cas telling Poppy stories about his life before her and recounting their time together in the beginning BECAUSE HE WAS ADVISED BY SOMEONE to talk to her in her current state.
We know damn well who that someone has to be.
I love this kind of storytelling and I am happy that it won't entirely focus on the first book or the past but we also will get a bunch of current updates to keep us well fed until the next books are out!
''But I wasn't a good man. I was just hers.''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Mention of self-harm
- Trauma/PTSD
- Violence/d*ath
- Loss of loved ones
- Mention of r*pe/s*xual assault
- Mention of torture
- Cliffhanger
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
This won't be a long review (at least as I type that statement).
ASOAAB is all from Cas's POV. We a few ''present'' chapters that are concerning the current situation after TWOTQ but most of this book mainly focuses on FBAA finding out what he was up to while he is away from Poppy and how his plans and plots came to be. Along with many reveals.
It also gives us the whole story from his POV about how he fell in love with Poppy and how all the plans he had for years went right out the window along with the gradual realization that she was his and he was madly in love.
I will say the first three chapters (which I read when JLA released them a while back) still hit hard for me. I am obsessed with the prequels (they are my favorite) and seeing IRES finally, and him being saved was such an intense moment. We find out more about where Jadis is and Nektas taking Ires home to heal. It was just a real emotional moment for Poppy which I kind of wished we could have seen it from her eyes and felt her emotions.
Poppy is still actually going through her ascension and it's not complete, she needs to go into stasis and come back from it before it's all officially done. Nektas tells Cas that she might not remember herself or everyone once she awakens (this has happened twice in his knowledge in history). He advises him to TALK to her and just keep her constantly hearing him which he does and this how we get the story of FBAA Cas (and pre-FBAA).
We find out a lot about Cas and how his mind was working when he was trying to successfully become her guard and everything else that occurred between them.
There are a few sad things he reveals about his time during captivity and afterwards (things he still deals with even right before meeting Poppy). He used self-harming to take the pain of his imprisonment and the consequences of his actions. It's heavy and we get to understand more about him....
BUT AND THIS IS WHAT ANNOYED ME:
According to both Cas and Kieran (multiple times in this book) - Cas never truly told the story of what happened to Shea and there are things that he opted out when telling her the story. He says he will finally tell her when she awakens. WHAT IS IT? Shea is dead because he talks about her death and even JLa said she is dead just recently. This annoyed me because we got 4 books of them building trust and always being honest with each other and this is not revealed?? and we have to wait until next summer to find out? I am in distress.
We do get to see Millie and Malik in present time, and they have returned to Cas. We find out WHY Millie ran, and the truth is she was scared that when the battle happened that her grandmother would be there, and she would kill her as Sera is known for hating Revenants. Malik left obviously because she was gone, and she is his heartmate...something that Malik says she does not know, and he won't say anything because she hates him. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THEIR BOOK.
Malik also tells Cas why he stayed for so long and again it's all because of Millie and he would never leave her no matter what but again she hates him because of the things he has done (which we don't know what he is referring to).
About 80% of this book is based on FBAA events but the present does not really move forward much since Cas is spending every single moment holding Poppy while she sleeps and telling her stories.
We do get a few amazing reveals though at the end though:
1) Cas falls asleep while holding Poppy and a Rev attacks him, injuring him with an ancient bone dagger and he is paralyzed
2) Cas is panicking, and this primal power comes into play, and he SHIFTS INTO A CAVE CAT (which is what Ires/Malec can turn into WHICH they got from Sera)
3) He is unable to process who he is while in that form, but he knows Poppy is his and destroys the Rev
4) Kieran is able to communicate with him without speaking and brings him back
5) Poppy awakens right at the last sentence, and she is officially a primal (her eyes are no longer green)
There is a lot to unpack about the ending but it's also so vague that you don't know what could be happening in the final book (for Poppy and Cas).
A reason this book got 4 stars and not 5 is related to a few things:
1) I wanted more activity during the present or even an appearance of Ash/Sera or even them mentioned of them a bit more, but we got nothing
2) I would have liked to see Poppy's POV about seeing her father and the small moment they had shared
3) This was a retelling for FBAA, and I debated before this came out about rereading it but honestly, I am glad I didn't because this helped me remember so many of the moments.
Also out of context moment:
''Damn, my little marshmallow's getting kinda crispy'' Delano being referred to as marshmallow made me happy.
I cannot wait for F&F book 3 - I need Sera and Ash like I need my next breath. These two are THE COUPLE for me and I have a feeling it will as epic as I want it to be.
We won't know the conclusion to FBAA (Poppy/Cas) until spring/summer 2024 but we will get the compendium in February so that should hold me over after F&F 3!
16/03/2023: WE HAVE A SYNOPSIS!
I am not okay!
The fact that we all thought this would be a complete retelling of the first book only to find out it's actually going to be Cas telling Poppy stories about his life before her and recounting their time together in the beginning BECAUSE HE WAS ADVISED BY SOMEONE to talk to her in her current state.
We know damn well who that someone has to be.
I love this kind of storytelling and I am happy that it won't entirely focus on the first book or the past but we also will get a bunch of current updates to keep us well fed until the next books are out!
August 2, 2023
All right. I'll admit it. When I saw that A Soul of Ash and Blood was being marketed as Hawke's retelling of From Blood and Ash, I was skeptical. I didn't know how necessary it was going to be, if it was just going to read like a cash grab, or what. But girlies... I was wrong. I was THOROUGHLY wrong. Allow me to explain.
The basic premise of ASoAaB is Poppy has entered stasis in order to unlock her full abilities. Translation, she turns into Sleeping Beauty, except Cas's kiss won't wake her up. She also has a slim chance of not knowing who anyone is when she wakes up, including Cas, Kieran, and even herself. But Cas isn't about to let that happen. So, he talks to her, and ends up retelling FBaA from his perspective.
To answer your first question: no, this is not just a retelling of the same scenes we saw from Hawke's perspective. To answer your next question: yes, this reads like its own independent story with brief present day interludes.
Essentially, ASoAaB does replay all of Poppy and Hawke's interactions from Hawke's perspective, but there is so much more in between. We get to see scenes that were alluded to, but never downright explained, like Hawke killing the duke. We also get to see so many scenes of Hawke and Kieran scheming, and discussing how said schemes change as Hawke starts to develop feelings for Poppy. It becomes clear very early on that this isn't the story of the Maiden from a different perspective. This is the story of the broken prince that tries to abduct her for leverage, and falls in love with her instead.
One of the things I love most about this retelling is how we really get to understand all of Hawke's motives and reasoning. I especially appreciate this in regards to everything that happens after his big reveal in the shed, because when I first read that in FAaB, I got the ick. Like, hard core. But now? I understand. It makes sense. I also loved getting to see Hawke still struggling with the darkness he was forced to endure and how slowly, Poppy helped him start to find his way out. That wasn't an angle that we really got to explore in FBaA, and it just adds so much depth and stability to the foundation of Poppy and Hawke's relationship.
I'd also like to give a quick shout out to Hawke eavesdropping on Poppy and Tawny discussing the infamous Red Pearl encounter and his running internal commentary. I seriously had to stop and reread certain sections because I was laughing so hard.
Overall, this book was well paced, solidly built, highly entertaining, and a new member on my favorites shelf. In all transparency, I feel like it is the Tower of Dawn of the Blood and Ash series, where we really could have had the important plot points added in to the prior book, and nothing would change besides not having Hawke's retelling. And let's be clear, Hawke's retelling isn't necessary. Did I enjoy it, though? Hell yeah.
*** Original review ***
What. The. Actual. Heck? Review to come when my sanity returns… I don’t know when that will be though… HUH?!
From Blood and Ash review - 3
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire review - 4.5
The Crown of Gilded Bones review - 5
The War of Two Queens review - 4.5
The basic premise of ASoAaB is Poppy has entered stasis in order to unlock her full abilities. Translation, she turns into Sleeping Beauty, except Cas's kiss won't wake her up. She also has a slim chance of not knowing who anyone is when she wakes up, including Cas, Kieran, and even herself. But Cas isn't about to let that happen. So, he talks to her, and ends up retelling FBaA from his perspective.
To answer your first question: no, this is not just a retelling of the same scenes we saw from Hawke's perspective. To answer your next question: yes, this reads like its own independent story with brief present day interludes.
Essentially, ASoAaB does replay all of Poppy and Hawke's interactions from Hawke's perspective, but there is so much more in between. We get to see scenes that were alluded to, but never downright explained, like Hawke killing the duke. We also get to see so many scenes of Hawke and Kieran scheming, and discussing how said schemes change as Hawke starts to develop feelings for Poppy. It becomes clear very early on that this isn't the story of the Maiden from a different perspective. This is the story of the broken prince that tries to abduct her for leverage, and falls in love with her instead.
One of the things I love most about this retelling is how we really get to understand all of Hawke's motives and reasoning. I especially appreciate this in regards to everything that happens after his big reveal in the shed, because when I first read that in FAaB, I got the ick. Like, hard core. But now? I understand. It makes sense. I also loved getting to see Hawke still struggling with the darkness he was forced to endure and how slowly, Poppy helped him start to find his way out. That wasn't an angle that we really got to explore in FBaA, and it just adds so much depth and stability to the foundation of Poppy and Hawke's relationship.
I'd also like to give a quick shout out to Hawke eavesdropping on Poppy and Tawny discussing the infamous Red Pearl encounter and his running internal commentary. I seriously had to stop and reread certain sections because I was laughing so hard.
Overall, this book was well paced, solidly built, highly entertaining, and a new member on my favorites shelf. In all transparency, I feel like it is the Tower of Dawn of the Blood and Ash series, where we really could have had the important plot points added in to the prior book, and nothing would change besides not having Hawke's retelling. And let's be clear, Hawke's retelling isn't necessary. Did I enjoy it, though? Hell yeah.
*** Original review ***
What. The. Actual. Heck? Review to come when my sanity returns… I don’t know when that will be though… HUH?!
From Blood and Ash review - 3
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire review - 4.5
The Crown of Gilded Bones review - 5
The War of Two Queens review - 4.5
October 27, 2023
“From this moment until the last moment, I am yours.”
This book was so good! This was an intriguing and magical fantasy romance about love, power, family, sacrifice, and revenge. A Soul of Ash and Blood follows Cas as he revisits when he first met Poppy and the events in the first book. During this book there are a few new revelations of the earlier events and Cas' thoughts and feelings come to light.
This book is from Cas' point of view. The first chapter of the book was so good and as soon as the book started I became swept up in this world that the author created full of vampires, wolven, gods, magic and dragons. The pacing was great, although there were times when the plot dragged. I enjoyed reading about Cas' this thoughts and feelings from his own perspective. Reading from his point of view reminded me of why I feel in love with him and brought a new perspective to previous events. I love seeing Cas' vulnerable side as well as his protective side. I love him so much, he is charming, brave, protective, resilient and sweet to Poppy. I'm glad that Cas' was the focus in this book, I felt that during the previous book, his personality didn't shine through as much and he felt static. I really liked that this book recapped events from the first book, I forgot a lot of what happened so it was a great refresher. I do wish that there were more new events and new revelations that happened during the book. I love all of the main characters especially Cas, Poppy and Kieran. Poppy is such a brave and strong character, I was really proud of her. I loved the banter between Cas and Poppy and the chemistry was amazing! There were so many scenes that made me laugh, blush and smile. The writing was very descriptive and I could vividly picture all of the events that occurred in the book.
I recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy romance, great characters and great world building.
This book was so good! This was an intriguing and magical fantasy romance about love, power, family, sacrifice, and revenge. A Soul of Ash and Blood follows Cas as he revisits when he first met Poppy and the events in the first book. During this book there are a few new revelations of the earlier events and Cas' thoughts and feelings come to light.
This book is from Cas' point of view. The first chapter of the book was so good and as soon as the book started I became swept up in this world that the author created full of vampires, wolven, gods, magic and dragons. The pacing was great, although there were times when the plot dragged. I enjoyed reading about Cas' this thoughts and feelings from his own perspective. Reading from his point of view reminded me of why I feel in love with him and brought a new perspective to previous events. I love seeing Cas' vulnerable side as well as his protective side. I love him so much, he is charming, brave, protective, resilient and sweet to Poppy. I'm glad that Cas' was the focus in this book, I felt that during the previous book, his personality didn't shine through as much and he felt static. I really liked that this book recapped events from the first book, I forgot a lot of what happened so it was a great refresher. I do wish that there were more new events and new revelations that happened during the book. I love all of the main characters especially Cas, Poppy and Kieran. Poppy is such a brave and strong character, I was really proud of her. I loved the banter between Cas and Poppy and the chemistry was amazing! There were so many scenes that made me laugh, blush and smile. The writing was very descriptive and I could vividly picture all of the events that occurred in the book.
I recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy romance, great characters and great world building.
June 23, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
Oh my god. I am SPEECHLESS. This series and this book has my whole heart. Beware that this book has a HUGE cliffhanger and I physically and emotionally don’t know how I will be able to wait for the next one. Omg I loved this so much. I missed these characters so much. Being thrown back to the very beginning and seeing all the banter and teasing through Casteels pov was the greatest thing ever. I got the same emotions and feelings that I had the first time I ever read it. These characters and books never fail to make me feel all the emotions. I thought that maybe I would get bored by reading a retelling of From Blood and Ash but this wasn’t that at all. It genuinely is a new book and is so intriguing. There’s definitely a lot of scenes from the first book but since I’m such a hardcore fan of this series, for me it was genuinely so fun to be able to go through it again. It’s everything I could’ve asked for and more. We see both scenes after The War of Two Queens as well as From Blood and Ash told in Casteels pov. We flip back and forth between both as Cas tells Poppy stories while she is in stasis.
Going deeper into Casteels thoughts was something else. His pov brought with it lots of pain. I knew going into this, that I would feel all the emotions but reading about his thoughts on a deeper level and how he used to cope.. it was so hard and made my heart hurt. Man oh man did I love seeing more Kieran. I already loved him but seeing him in his earlier days aka before Poppy was really fun. All the Cas and Kieran interactions were the best. I loved seeing them be together and care for each other. No surprise here that I loved this book. I had so much fun reading it and highly recommend. I already can’t wait for more!
Oh my god. I am SPEECHLESS. This series and this book has my whole heart. Beware that this book has a HUGE cliffhanger and I physically and emotionally don’t know how I will be able to wait for the next one. Omg I loved this so much. I missed these characters so much. Being thrown back to the very beginning and seeing all the banter and teasing through Casteels pov was the greatest thing ever. I got the same emotions and feelings that I had the first time I ever read it. These characters and books never fail to make me feel all the emotions. I thought that maybe I would get bored by reading a retelling of From Blood and Ash but this wasn’t that at all. It genuinely is a new book and is so intriguing. There’s definitely a lot of scenes from the first book but since I’m such a hardcore fan of this series, for me it was genuinely so fun to be able to go through it again. It’s everything I could’ve asked for and more. We see both scenes after The War of Two Queens as well as From Blood and Ash told in Casteels pov. We flip back and forth between both as Cas tells Poppy stories while she is in stasis.
Going deeper into Casteels thoughts was something else. His pov brought with it lots of pain. I knew going into this, that I would feel all the emotions but reading about his thoughts on a deeper level and how he used to cope.. it was so hard and made my heart hurt. Man oh man did I love seeing more Kieran. I already loved him but seeing him in his earlier days aka before Poppy was really fun. All the Cas and Kieran interactions were the best. I loved seeing them be together and care for each other. No surprise here that I loved this book. I had so much fun reading it and highly recommend. I already can’t wait for more!
June 3, 2023
i considered reading this when i thought it was cas’s pov from books 1 & 2, but seeing as they actually remain partially in the present, i would rather kms than watch both cas and kieran be sad about poopy being in stasis🤢 would be fun if him revisiting those memories made him realize he didn’t want that incestuous ass throuple though lmao
February 25, 2024
I can’t even put into words how annoyed I am at this book. When she said Cas’ POV I thought fair enough…
naturally assuming we were going to get more material than a literal repetition from book one?? This is the 5th book AND WE GOT BOOK 1 ALL OVER AGAIN.. HOW DOES THAT EVEN MAKE ANY FKING SENSE BRO
This could’ve been a novella - SHAME ON YOUU JENNIFER!!!
There’s little to no progress from the previous book which ended in a massive cliffhanger… soo basically we’ve been waiting THIS WHOLEEEE TIME FOR NOTHING!!!! I’m sooooo pissed off man
naturally assuming we were going to get more material than a literal repetition from book one?? This is the 5th book AND WE GOT BOOK 1 ALL OVER AGAIN.. HOW DOES THAT EVEN MAKE ANY FKING SENSE BRO
This could’ve been a novella - SHAME ON YOUU JENNIFER!!!
There’s little to no progress from the previous book which ended in a massive cliffhanger… soo basically we’ve been waiting THIS WHOLEEEE TIME FOR NOTHING!!!! I’m sooooo pissed off man
December 30, 2023
“Nothing is ever simple. And when it is, it’s rarely ever worth it”
so. this kinda sucked. it really, really should’ve been a lot shorter. and a novella, jfc.
sure, we all knew it was only going to be fbaa from cas’ perspective, but nothing new at all for the 5th book in the series? so disappointing.
but it was cute! it was romantic, it was fun, it just should’ve only been a few scenes, instead of all of them.
we didn’t need this 600 page book to tell us what we already knew and read. jla, girl, we both know you don’t need the money that bad. give it a rest
so. this kinda sucked. it really, really should’ve been a lot shorter. and a novella, jfc.
sure, we all knew it was only going to be fbaa from cas’ perspective, but nothing new at all for the 5th book in the series? so disappointing.
but it was cute! it was romantic, it was fun, it just should’ve only been a few scenes, instead of all of them.
we didn’t need this 600 page book to tell us what we already knew and read. jla, girl, we both know you don’t need the money that bad. give it a rest
December 18, 2024
Oh shit is getting real.
Thoroughly enjoyed the FBAA portions of the story from Cas' POV. Was nice to revisit one of my favorite books EVER.
And I loved that JLA tied in the current timeline and gave us a couple of updates in the beginning for what was going on. AND THAT ENDING. Obviously concerned if Poppy has some memory issues but Cas turning into a badass cave cat was fucking tight.
I'll be pretty bummed when this whole series is done but it's so worth it.
Thoroughly enjoyed the FBAA portions of the story from Cas' POV. Was nice to revisit one of my favorite books EVER.
And I loved that JLA tied in the current timeline and gave us a couple of updates in the beginning for what was going on. AND THAT ENDING. Obviously concerned if Poppy has some memory issues but Cas turning into a badass cave cat was fucking tight.
I'll be pretty bummed when this whole series is done but it's so worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'not-for-me'
July 18, 2023Note to future self:
You do not want to read this book. It came out today, and I am telling you: don't.
If you're back here thinking 'maybe I should give this a chance', just go read some reviews and get spoiled the ending/cliffhanger. You do not want to spend any more time and/or money on this series than necessary. This is a money grab. I know we love Cas, but enough is enough.
Don't cave. Love you!
July-2023 You.
You do not want to read this book. It came out today, and I am telling you: don't.
If you're back here thinking 'maybe I should give this a chance', just go read some reviews and get spoiled the ending/cliffhanger. You do not want to spend any more time and/or money on this series than necessary. This is a money grab. I know we love Cas, but enough is enough.
Don't cave. Love you!
July-2023 You.
July 24, 2023
– 2.75 stars
i love Casteel Da'Neer and he ist one of JLA's best male lead for sure, but unfortunately this series has run it's course. if JLA would've published this book after A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire or The Crown of Gilded Bones, i would've gobbled it down cuz Casteel supremacy and all. but after The War of Two Queens and the drama surrounding it, my excitement for this series is not how it used to be. i'll keep reading this series bc i want to see how it all ends, but JLA should've ended this series as a trilogy...
this book brought absolutely nothing new to the table. A Soul of Ash and Blood is basically 98% the retelling of the events of book 1 from Cas' POV with a handful of Present chapters where he talks to Poppy while she is asleep/in a coma. it was cute to see Cas' devotion to Poppy and how he started to fall in love with her tho.
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
BLOOD AND ASH SERIES
#1 From Blood and Ash – 3.75 stars
#2 A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – 4-4.25 stars
#3 A Crown of Gilded Bones – 3.5 stars
#4 The War of Two Queens – 3.5 stars
#5 A Soul of Ash and Blood – 2.75 stars
#6 The Primal of Ash and Blood – tbr
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
I wanted to be a good man who would walk away from what he knew he wasn't worthy or deserving of. The kind Kieran believed I was. The type I had been raised to be. But I wasn't a good man.
I was just hers.
i love Casteel Da'Neer and he ist one of JLA's best male lead for sure, but unfortunately this series has run it's course. if JLA would've published this book after A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire or The Crown of Gilded Bones, i would've gobbled it down cuz Casteel supremacy and all. but after The War of Two Queens and the drama surrounding it, my excitement for this series is not how it used to be. i'll keep reading this series bc i want to see how it all ends, but JLA should've ended this series as a trilogy...
this book brought absolutely nothing new to the table. A Soul of Ash and Blood is basically 98% the retelling of the events of book 1 from Cas' POV with a handful of Present chapters where he talks to Poppy while she is asleep/in a coma. it was cute to see Cas' devotion to Poppy and how he started to fall in love with her tho.
┍━━━━━━━━»•» «•«━┑
BLOOD AND ASH SERIES
#1 From Blood and Ash – 3.75 stars
#2 A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – 4-4.25 stars
#3 A Crown of Gilded Bones – 3.5 stars
#4 The War of Two Queens – 3.5 stars
#5 A Soul of Ash and Blood – 2.75 stars
#6 The Primal of Ash and Blood – tbr
┕━»•» «•«━━━━━━━━┙
April 10, 2023
It started so well. I was so in love with the 1st book. With Cas and Poppy tension, their love and adventurous moments. How Poppy was describing her feelings and her affection against Cas. And how Cas day by day was getting surprised about her and was admiring her. Cas was dominant, mysterious and strong character. I couldn't stop myself reading and getting excited about the second book. But then something happened. In the middle of the second book something about Kieran began to annoy me. His dialogues, his actions and the way he was describing his feelings made me stressed. All of us read books to get unstressed. Life is already hard and we don't want get it even harder. And honestly I was so fed up with that Kieran thing in the next books that i wanted tear them and threw them away. I don't know why author just spoiled everything that started so well. This book was trauma for me. And i will just pretend that this story consist of just 1st book. Cause I just don't think author will give us Cas&Poppy story, once we used to fell in love. I wanna remember their love unique, not the way the author wants to bring on.
June 3, 2023
I TOLD YOU TO KEEP IT IN THE DRAFTS NOW YOU MADE IT ALL INCESTO MANIFESTO
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