Arini's Reviews > A Soul of Ash and Blood

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)