he murmured, and then caught the lobe of my ear between his teeth. It landed with a fleshy smack. ", Kieran: "You look like you want to do that now. I'm kinda obsessed with Kieran. He wants the crown. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the second book in her Blood and Ash Series, and starts off essentially where we left off in From Blood and Ash, with Poppy in the hands of Casteel/Hawke, struggling with the heartbreak from Hawke's betrayal, and trying to figure out what the truth is. Kieran: "I'm sorry. Second of all, don't highlight the text. That it's a blood exchange that often turns into something, um, more intimate.". He lowered himself to his knees in front me me. He is convinced that Hawke and Kieran have led them into a trap. It was more the strangeness of the relationship between Kieran and Poppy while Cas was a prisoner. Casteel/Hawke has earned his nickname, for sure. And thirdly, the author seems to have broken a social contract with her readership by creating a soulmates romance story, publicly calling it such for years and writing three books setting that up, and then blindsiding them with a poor representation of a polyamory relationship at best or emotional infidelity at worst. And I think this was actually part of the problem. Not mine. That's why, even when you were the Maiden, you shared your secrets with him and allowed him things you would've never permitted anyone else. What are you two discussing that has Poppy looking as if she's five seconds away from crawling under the table? Holy fuck. I love! I was actually beginning to wonder if she beat you. King of the Gods. Im kinda surprised at myself since Im normally a only one guy to one girl kinda gal but the joining and how it went felt right to me. It was because he made me feel seen, and he made me feel alive even when I genuinely wanted to cause physical harm to him. And even a few of the comments/thoughts by Poppy after they were reunited. I will fight you., Casteel: If youre looking for a fight Youll fight me, Princess., Casteel: "I suppose I will need to add lock picking to the ever-growing list of attributes. So, first off, my general impression of this book. They'd expect me to fall for someone as fiery as she is kind, brave even to a fault. Will you do me the honor or allowing me to one day become worthy of you? ", Casteel: "Blessed be the gods, someone mark the date and time. Casteel: "Or is it because you don't want to know that it's taking everything in me not to ruin yet another pair of your pants by ripping them off and fucking you so hard that days from now, you'll still be able to feel the extent of my gratitude.". ", Casteel: "It's considered a great honor in Atlantia to be welcomed into the bosom of the noble, ruling family. I'm who you call the Dark One. She's intelligent and funny. ", Poppy: "There's something so entirely wrong with you. ", Poppy: "That wasn't what I was going for. A podcast dedicated to fantasy fiction! ", He laughed as his lips skimmed the side of my throat, Casteel: "Your penchant for violence isn't anything to be ashamed of. **In Progress/not complete ** Language . Casteel: "This is getting extremely annoying.". The three of us? Poppy: "I'd never seen so many in one place. But war is only the beginning. ", Casteel: "I mean, all we're doing is sleeping side by side. The problem is what I said before: thats not what this series set out to be (or at least theres no rational interpretation of the previous books or authors statements that could lead you to thinking otherwise). The Kieran-Poppy-Casteel Vibes. And trust me, Poppy, those plans made way more fucking sense than this - than all of this.". I had plans. together. I stared down at him, at an absolute loss for words. I couldn't do it. Poppy Balfour/Kieran Contou/Casteel Da'Neer; Nesta Archeron/Cassian; Feyre Archeron/Rhysand; Azriel/Gwyneth Berdara; Elain Archeron/Azriel (Queer . It was an actual heart. Stunningly charismatic? Senses hyperaware, I watched him lean in as a confusing tremor of anticipation coiled its way down my spine. Something intangible, far rarer and stronger than bloodlines and even the gods. Poppy has trouble believing that. I want everything. 5 Stories. Like an organ. ", Poppy: "I will not pretend to be the docile fiance without an audience. . To me it felt like she kinda eased us into it since we pretty much saw this coming. If you know what that means, then someone has been very naughty.". He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. Like, super naked. 2020by The Rambling Book Nerd. In the heart? But it is one I will protect until my dying breath. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. I wanted you, and I wanted to find a way to try to keep you. ", Poppy: "I can't just fall asleep. It's your choice. . Poppy grew up believing that Ian Balfour is her brother. But, be warned, there will be spoilers for the book in this review, so read on with that in mind. That's why you didn't use that dagger strapped to your thigh this morning, even though you knew how to use it against an Atlantian. And just so you know, the only reason I didn't end your life the second I learned that you stabbed him in the heart is because he care for you. I was not expecting that. ", Poppy: "I don't know what you want from me. And maybe you should actually look at me when you try to order me to do things. Probably the latter. ", Poppy: "I don't want to pretend anymore. ", Poppy: "What? I love how aware of herself and her feelings she is. ", Poppy: "His name was Leopold, but my mother called him Leo or or Lion. ", Casteel: "Poppy, you wound me. Kiss. I'm just a little chilled. I stopped doing things I didn't want to do the moment I took off the damn veil. ", Poppy: "I'm glad you didn't. Plus, does anyone really think Cas is going to be okay with Poppy having sex with anyone but him? It was partly the length. God there is so much I can say about this book. Casteel: "When will you realize I speak the truth? Like I said, I was here for the romance, and this effectively crushed that. His warm breath danced across my parted lips. ", Poppy: "I know you wanted to marry me partly because it offered me a level of protection -", Casteel: "Originally, Poppy. Understand? Casteel DaNeer is known by many names and many faces. This. Its all the worse when contrasted with Casteels thoughts of her. That was the plan. Like he'd lost his breath. I wanted to know about who he used to be before he lost Shea, lost his brother. Please please try to be careful. I frigging love Poppy. That she is part Atlantian. For her part, Poppy is lost without Casteel. There are readers for it, and Im sure many would have gobbled it up! That's the part you like the most. impossible? Trust in that - in what you feel from me. The Descenters want her dead. It's not my fault. Previously Reviewed: From Blood and Ash and A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire and The Crown of Gilded Bones. Kieran doesn't show any interest in Poppy like that. There is a level of respect and caring that they have for one another. You being mortal or half-Atlantian wouldn't have changed what was already happening. ", Casteel: "And I'm so very intrigued now. ", Kieran: "It's true. ", Casteel: "She'll most likely be amused that you have done exactly that. Accepting him and and allowing myself to feel what I did f or him was a betrayal to those who were lost in all of this, and it felt like a betrayal to myself. He jerked and growled out a sharp curse, and I knew he'd taken another arrow. The last chapters of the book are just epic. S. Thats true, I was shocked it took that long with all the build up to it. If you had stopped after the first time you referenced her, I wouldve let you walk out of here with just your overinflated sense of self-worth. ", Casteel: "It still turns me on, Princess. ", Casteel: "You don't deserve everything that I've laid at your feet, and you sure as hell don't deserve the fact that I'm still trying to hold onto you. ", Kieran: "Well, you do have a habit of doing exactly that.". The way Im going to review this book is as follows: Im going to start with a review of the objective state of this book, then move out to my own interpretations, and then briefly discuss the fan reaction. It looks like you've been sunbathing. Because as stupid as this may make me, and only the gods know why, I care about you!". Besides, I doubt I'd be able to sleep. And completely unexpected. The Dark One. ", Casteel: "Well, you have me there. That would be quicker. My boiling blood roared in my ears, through my body, tightening my breasts and settling between my legs, where his fingers ventured dangerously close. ", Kieran: Too bad, because you need to hear this. I need to feel your lips on mine.". It wasn't a lie. Feedings . It's only skin. Objectively, it has the same flaws as weve seen in the rest of the series. It's me. he snarled, thrusting me behind a tree. It feels like forever. I sensed an acute rush of emotions flow through him, so swift and sudden, I couldn't make out what they were. Poppy: "And you needed this moment alone in a pantry?". Casteel and Kieran have a beautiful life long friendship that brings them as close as brothers. ", Delano: "I heard one of them talk about how they wanted to make a cloak out of my fur. Its complicated. Yeaahh, it reads pretty bad and checks all my marks for emotional cheating in my book (honestly, bordering on actual cheating with that naked sleeping scene). Kieran: "The truth often is. You are a puzzle I want to figure out, but at the same time, don't. Your laugh is as beautiful as your smile, and when I told you it was like hearing something familiar? he said, catching my other wrist when I swung my fist down. Delano: "Please don't fight atop the horse. I started to argue but quickly realized that, unfortunately, he had a point. Maybe forever. He is convinced that Hawke and Kieran have led them into a trap. Before I write this review, I feel like I need to show you the progression of emotions I have had the last few days of my life since A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire showed up on my Kindle. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. All of that makes me anxious. It follows the continuing adventures of Poppy and Hawke along with their gaggle of loyal (and unloyal) friends. Casteel had faced all his demons, found true love, and more or less completed his purpose as a character. Kieran the way he is now just feels like another accolade that Poppy can lay around her neck. ", Kieran: "Other than wondering exactly what choices I made in my life that led me to this exact moment?". It's hot. Why did you have to tell me that Hawke was your middle name? You're naked. The Crown Of Gilded Bones kept hinting at a possible threesome between Poppy, Cas, and Kieran. And this book was marketed, spoken about by the author (she repeatedly said that Cas and Poppy were the main/only relationship for the last several years), and then set up for THREE BOOKS as an exclusive soulmates-style romance. Vonetta: "Planning to stab him during the ceremony? Someone is likely to be very irritated if you stab me, and I end up bleeding all over the bed. ", Casteel: "You're beautiful when you're quiet and somber, but when you laugh? ", Poppy: "I'd rather marry without actually being able to replay all of their concerns in my head during the ceremony. And shes far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation. Some thoughts on Poppy x Cass x Kieran The Joining. His lips curled into a half-grin, revealing the dimple in his right cheek. Whatever it is, I'll take it. Book: The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Publishing Info: Blue Box Press, March 2022, Where Did I Get this Book: bought the ebook, Where Can You Get this Book: Amazon| IndieBound | WorldCat, Book Description: From the desperation of golden crowns. When Casteel grew older, he thought he could kill Queen Ileana and King Jalara by himself; he was taken by the Ascended where he was tortured for five decades. Casteel sighed as he placed his hand on my back. Casteel grunted out a curse. I swallowed, but the knot was still there. All of her books are amazing. Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Blood and Ash Series - Jennifer L. Armentrout Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Poppy Balfour/Casteel Da'Neer, Poppy Balfour/Kieran Contou, Poppy Balfour/Kieran Contou/Casteel Da'Neer Characters: Poppy Balfour, Kieran Contou, Casteel Da'Neer Additional Tags: Threesome - F/M/M Summary: . ", Poppy: "As far as me being a liability? Poppy knows better than to trust him. ", Jasper: "I imagine I will still be officiating a wedding. Her mother-in-law doesn't seem to be happy. How your stupid dimples are infuriating, but I look for them every time you smile because I know that's a real smile. You did more than most could ever think to do. He dipped his head, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear as he spoke. They split up into smaller groups. Casteel: "On second thought, my mother is definitely going to like you. ", Casteel: "Wait. Casteel: "Forcing a warrior to don a veil of submission was never going to last. I couldn't give you to them, not even for my brother. There is nothing I will protect more fiercely or with more devotion Poppy. ", Alastir: "And you will likely change your tune fairly quickly.". ", Casteel: "If I had known that Lord Mazeen joined him, he would've been staked to that wall right alongside the Duke. I was in love with him, even though that love had been built on a foundation of lies. ", Casteel: "You don't understand. I took her, and I kept her, but not to use her. I may or may not have walked into a door while reading. Sure, he kidnaps her but very quickly, it's her, him to get both of their brothers back. ", Poppy: "What we have is simply an impersonal agreement and nothing more.". That when it comes time for you to leave, I'm still going to want you. ", Delano: "Oh, man. Casteel became so still, I wondered if he breathed. I look for them every time you smile because I know that 's a blood exchange often! Long with all the worse when contrasted with Casteels thoughts of her I swung my fist down wanted. 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