Casteel’s arm curled, tightening around my shoulder, drawing me closer. My breath snagged as his movement triggered Kieran. He shifted behind me, and my pulse felt like a trapped bird. A sleek, muscled thigh slid between mine, pressing in. I had no idea if it was Casteel’s or Kieran’s.” 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. Casteel: “I never found myself constantly hungering, and I believe you need that to find yourself exploring those things with someone you’re committed to.”

MALIK & MILLICENT?! HELLO I’M INVESTED. 👀👀 I’m so curious to know why he knows they are heartmates, but she doesn’t. These two went through so much under Isbeth’s tyranny and I can’t imagine what horrors they had to witness. Also Malik staying at Isbeth’s side all these years only for Milli ugh my heart. 🥺🥺🥺 these two characters have so much potential, not only with each other, but Malik and Cas sibling relationship needs to be fixed and I hope we see some brotherly bond in the next books. Also Milli being Poppy’s sister?! Of course I wanna see some sibling relationship with them too. There is so much to explore.

Now, concerning the comments stating that “real men don’t share”… Let’s keep in mind that Cas and Kieran share a very strong, ancient, and unique bond. They’re not just best buddies, they grew up together and they trust each other with their life, their connection is a strong one. Cas did not get jealous or angry at Kieran the few times he saw Poppy naked or had a front-row seat for some intimate moments, nor did Cas get angry or possessive when Poppy saw Kieran naked. More than once.

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. Then the whole Poppy having feelings mess. This is where it gets complicated and messy. This is the point where I can understand the concerns of some readers, because my biggest concern after TWOTQ is not knowing where the romance aspect is going. Poppy is young, Cas is her first love and she has not much experience with love, so I kinda get that she’s feeling confused about her feelings about Kieran. But at the same time she described it as not romantic love like she has for Cas, but more than she felt for Delano/Vonetta. I just think as humans, we like to label things. So there is either platonic love or romantic love. If it doesn’t fit in neither category it’s hard to grasp, but that’s exactly what I think Poppy & Kieran have. I stayed up LATE to read this book multiple nights in a row because it was addicting and I didn’t want to put it down, even though I had some major problems with it, namely with the romance. Also, a special mention to Malik and Millie who are both quite intriguing, Millie even more than Malik. I fully expect to see them again in the next books, and their role in this war is not over. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anyone, but let's just say that there is potential for me to like these two in the next books if they make good decisions.

Awards

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. Disclaimer: All thoughts are my own and how *I* interpret the events in this book. If you disagree that’s fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion about his book, if you can disagree in a civil manner great, but refrain from leaving hate comments on here. 😪 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.