Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to her beloved Blood and Ash universe with A Soul of Ash and Blood, the fifth installment in a series that has captivated fantasy romance readers worldwide. What makes this entry particularly compelling is its bold narrative choice: telling the familiar love story between Poppy and Casteel entirely from Hawke’s perspective as he sits vigil over his unconscious beloved.
The series journey has been remarkable, beginning with From Blood and Ash (2020), which introduced us to the Maiden Poppy and her mysterious guard Hawke. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (2020) shattered our assumptions about identity and destiny, while The Crown of Gilded Bones (2021) and The War of Two Queens (2022) expanded the mythology into a sweeping saga of gods, primals, and kingdoms in turmoil. Now, with A Soul of Ash and Blood, Armentrout dares to revisit the foundation of her epic through fresh eyes.
The Weight of Memory and Fear
The framing device is both simple and devastating. Poppy has fallen into stasis after becoming the Primal of Blood and Bone, her transformation potentially threatening her very memories and identity. Casteel faces the terrifying possibility that when she awakens, she might not remember who she is—or more crushingly, who he is to her. Following ancient advice to “talk to her,” Casteel begins recounting their story from his perspective, revealing secrets that only his closest confidant Kieran had known.
This setup transforms what could have been a mere retelling into something far more emotionally charged. Every memory Casteel shares carries the weight of potential loss, every revealed secret feels like a desperate attempt to anchor Poppy to their shared history. Armentrout masterfully uses this framework to explore themes of identity, trauma, and the power of storytelling to preserve love.
Unveiling the Prince Behind the Guard
The true strength of this novel lies in its character revelation. Readers who fell in love with Hawke Flynn, the enigmatic guard, now get to experience his internal monologue as Prince Casteel Da’Neer of Atlantia. The contrast is striking and often heartbreaking. Where Hawke appeared controlled and mysterious, we now see a man wrestling with guilt, rage, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
Armentrout’s exploration of trauma feels particularly authentic. Casteel’s reflections on his captivity and the coping mechanisms he developed afterward—including self-harm and emotional numbness—are handled with remarkable sensitivity. His admission that “pain could stop it all” and his struggle with shame even after understanding his trauma wasn’t his fault, adds psychological depth that elevates the fantasy elements.
The author’s decision to explore masculinity through Casteel’s vulnerability proves especially effective. His tender moments with Poppy, his complex relationship with his brother Malik, and his deep friendship with Kieran reveal different facets of strength. These relationships feel lived-in and authentic, particularly the bond with Kieran, which serves as a model of healthy male friendship rarely seen in fantasy romance.
Romance Reimagined Through Retrospection
Experiencing the central romance through Casteel’s memories creates an entirely different emotional landscape. Moments that seemed romantic from Poppy’s perspective now carry the weight of deception and internal conflict. When Casteel recalls their early encounters, we feel his struggle between duty to his imprisoned brother and his growing feelings for the woman he’s meant to use as a bargaining chip.
The intimate scenes, while fewer than in previous installments, gain new meaning through Casteel’s perspective. They become less about physical desire and more about emotional connection and healing. Armentrout writes these moments with her characteristic heat, but they’re tempered by Casteel’s awareness of what he’s risking and what he might lose.
Expanding the Mythological Canvas
While the focus remains on character development, Armentrout continues to expand her rich mythology. The concept of Primal stasis, the awakening of gods across realms, and the complex politics of both mortal and immortal kingdoms provide a backdrop that never overwhelms the personal story. The author strikes a difficult balance between intimate character moments and epic fantasy worldbuilding.
The revelation of Poppy’s true nature as a Primal and the implications for both realms add urgency to Casteel’s desperate storytelling. The threat of memory loss becomes not just personal tragedy but potentially cosmic disaster, as a Primal without knowledge of herself could reshape reality itself.
Literary Craftsmanship and Emotional Resonance
Armentrout’s writing has matured considerably since the series began. Her prose flows with greater confidence, and she demonstrates particular skill in handling dual timeline narratives. The transitions between Casteel’s present-day vigil and his memories feel seamless, creating a rhythm that mirrors the cadence of someone telling stories to a sleeping loved one.
The author’s exploration of mental health themes deserves special recognition. Casteel’s processing of his trauma, his understanding of how it shaped his behavior, and his journey toward healing feel authentic rather than romanticized. This psychological realism grounds the fantasy elements and makes the characters more relatable.
Where the Story Falters
Despite its many strengths, the novel isn’t without weaknesses. The retrospective format, while emotionally powerful, can feel constraining. Readers familiar with the series may find some sections repetitive, as we’re covering familiar ground albeit from a new perspective. The pacing occasionally suffers when the narrative dwells too long on moments we already know well.
Some of the side character development feels rushed in comparison to the deep dive into Casteel’s psyche. While we gain new insights into figures like Malik and Millicent, they sometimes feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters. The complex political situations in the aftermath of Poppy’s transformation could use more detailed exploration.
The ending, while emotionally satisfying, leaves several threads unresolved in ways that feel more like series maintenance than natural story conclusion. Readers should expect this to function more as a bridge to future installments than a standalone experience.
A Testament to Enduring Love
What ultimately makes A Soul of Ash and Blood successful is its core emotional truth: love as an act of faith. Casteel’s storytelling becomes an act of devotion, his memories a gift offered without guarantee of recognition or reciprocation. This transforms the entire reading experience into something more profound than simple retelling.
Armentrout has created something unique in fantasy romance—a love story that exists in the space between memory and hope, between past and future. It’s a book about the stories we tell ourselves and others about who we are and why we matter.
Final Verdict
A Soul of Ash and Blood succeeds as both a satisfying entry for series fans and a meditation on love, memory, and identity. While it doesn’t break entirely new ground in terms of plot, it offers emotional depth and character insight that enriches the entire series. Armentrout’s willingness to explore difficult themes while maintaining the escapist pleasure that draws readers to fantasy romance shows her growth as a storyteller.
The novel works best for readers already invested in the series, as the emotional payoffs depend heavily on previous knowledge. Newcomers should start with From Blood and Ash to fully appreciate the journey. With The Primal of Blood and Bone (2025) on the horizon, this installment serves as both culmination and preparation, honoring what came before while building anticipation for what’s to come.
For fans of complex fantasy romance that doesn’t shy away from psychological depth, A Soul of Ash and Blood delivers an emotionally satisfying experience that will linger long after the final page.
Similar Reads You Might Enjoy
Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series – For epic fantasy romance with complex mythology
Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing – For romantic tension with high stakes
Carissa Broadbent’s The War of Lost Hearts series – For dark fantasy romance with trauma themes
Stephanie Meyer’s The Host – For dual consciousness and identity themes
Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air trilogy – For enemies-to-lovers with political intrigue
Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Flesh and Fire series – For readers wanting to explore the author’s connected universe