His hand drifted lower, over the flap of buttons on my pants. ", Vonetta: "Apparently, you have a habit of it. ", Poppy: "It's you. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. ", Poppy: "I'm not foolish enough to not feel fear when I know that any of you could kill me before I even have a chance to take my last breath. Anyone who has read my reviews of these books before will note that Ive always been hesitant to say much in favor of the general quality of the writing and world-building in these books. Cas can't even. ", Poppy: "You don't doubt our intentions? Casteel: "Did I ever tell you what you taste like?". You need to read this book. ", Poppy: "I'm not sighing every five minutes. Yes to the Joining or no. Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Web do poppy casteel and kieran get together In War of Two Queens Poppy and Kieran are brought together by Casteels imprisonment. Him. I dont know, I guess I just really like the relationship between Cas and Kieran and it feels like Poppy gets to share in that. ", Casteel: "If I'm not willing to risk my life for Spessa's End, how dare I ask the people here to do so? ", Casteel: "Penellaphe intrigued me from the first moment I spoke to her. The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout is book 3 in the beloved From Blood and Ash series. I was thinking she might have been part Wolven, considering her connection with them, but I. this. If you know what that means, then someone has been very naughty.". I know it. I'm pretty sure she's threatened to stab or punch me since then, too. SO FREAKING MUCH. I immediately thought of the Joining, and the humor dancing across Casteel's face was evidence that he knew where my mind had gone. His fingers trailed along my thigh, the ring around his finger cool against my skin. "He's not wounded," Kieran answered. Keeping him at what feels like just the bff side character after what has transpired feels wrong to me, like hes just the family dog to a married couple (if that makes any sense), I think youre spot on. On there own, these actions are pretty condemnable from a partner who is in an established exclusive relationship. Casteel sighed as he placed his hand on my back. Their relationship is so teasing and annoying each other. And I think this was actually part of the problem. At some point, the story needs to move past the discovery phase and into the action phase. Poppy, Casteel and Kieran are trying to find their new normal after the events of The war of two queens. My wide eyes followed the blur that was Casteel as he pinned Landell to the wall, his forearm pressed into the wolvens throat. There are readers for it, and Im sure many would have gobbled it up! ", Poppy: "Glad to know the disturbed apple doesn't fall too far from the crazy tree.". 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. (LogOut/ She is more than capable of handling things herself. ", Casteel: "I hope you don't think I'm foolish enough to trust your vow. Its all the worse when contrasted with Casteels thoughts of her. Cas is super possessive of Poppy except with Kieran, and I think its because Kieran almost feels like an extension of Casteel. The stupid dimple in his right cheek appeared. But she is not the Maiden, Alastir. With the strength of the Primal of Lifes guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her waybecause there can be no retreat this time. They made those tiny circles that tugged at the seam of my pants, rubbing it against my very center. I'm expecting some insane drama resulting from the reveal though. And Poppy and Casteel together? It's an ache. Capture you and use you. They believe he has turned into an Ascended. Casteel: "I'm a Prince. He lowered himself to his knees in front me me. And from what I've learned about you from my brother and Casteel, the Ascended have already stolen a lot of joy from you. Somewhere along the way, I no longer saw her as a bargaining chip or a tool for revenge. Or is there something you want to ask? I have been very devoted to LUX being my favorite series to date, but I think it's been bumped down to the number 2 slot. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their peopleand each other. Just. Objectively, it has the same flaws as weve seen in the rest of the series. ", Casteel: "You're not the only one. You smell like honeydew. This would open up the door for a Kieran/Poppy romance, which wouldn't be shocking as they have a very weird relationship anyway. 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. Kieran: "The truth often is. ---------> Did anyone predict that ending? It would also force a lot of character. ", Casteel: "I am born of the first kingdom. Neither was freeing my brother or preventing a war. Like Liked by 1 person. ", Casteel: "I'm going to to need you to hold onto me and not let go, because I'm about to fuck you like I promised. I honestly was thinking that she would be bonded with Poppy at some point, but considering what we find out in the end, Poppy doesn't really need a bonded wolven, as technically, all wolven are bound to protect her. ", Poppy: "Are we sleeping here? Why did you have to tell me that Hawke was your middle name? And a special treat in this book: at the end, you get a link to read the red pearl scene (From Blood and Ash) from Hawke's perspective, and it's pretty amazing. Poppy: "He can see me standing behind you. ", Kieran: Too bad, because you need to hear this. Web 40 CasteelPoppy Kieran Joining Chapter. Way too much. It's just that I would've paid good money to see him try to explain that to you. Casteel DaNeer is known by many names and many faces. ", Casteel: "Just so you know, Penellaphe doesn't need protection. Like he'd lost his breath. from someone else because of his love for Poppy. Thanks for reading! Then, we get our first true taste of Hawke's character When he and Vikter argue about Poppy and him being caught alone together. The possibility that he was already well on his way to doing so should've served as a dire warning, but I was far too immersed, far too gone at the feel of him, lost in how demanding his lips were. I simply stared up at him, waiting and wanting. You made her flinch, and then you threatened her. I'd already begun to realize that I couldn't live like I was any longer. You look at me like ", Casteel: "How do I look at you, Princess? I could still feel Casteel's stare. At a . And I don't know what you know of me, but I had no control over where I went, who I spoke to or could speak with. ", Kieran: "If you get yourself killed, I'm going to be pissed. I'm not two separate people, no matter how badly you want to believe that. Hawke is really the Dark One, Prince Casteel Da'Neer of the Atlantians. I also am head over heels with the dark one himself, Casteel. Casteel told me that he had spoken to Jansen, told him that our party should be small so that it would easier to capture me. ", Kieran: "I hope you're not embarrassed about this morning. She is the reason I came home. ", Casteel: "You don't understand. ", Poppy: "I don't know if you realize this or not, Casteel, but I'm not duty-bound to obey a single thing you say. Casteel DaNeer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, couldve prepared for the staggering revelations. ", Kieran: "Possibly. The two encounter Kieran in the corridor, who transforms into a wolvena long-thought extinct werewolf-like creature. Casteel sends Kieran away, and the two of them fight, but Poppy realizes that while she has been able to keep up with Casteel, he was tiring her out until he could grab her. From the moment you stayed instead of walking out of that room at the Red Pearl, I knew you had a warrior's strength and bravery.". But by the end of the book, I was right back to thinking this asshole is. And I dont think Kiran and Poppy cleaving together in the way they do for emotional support is half as far fetched as other things in this series. ", Poppy: "You look at me like Like you want to eat me.". Casteel: "So incredibly violent, my Princess. It burst from me. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. Poppy: "I'm going to seriously hurt you both. ", Casteel: "That's because I don't want to be awed by something so incredibly reckless. Because as stupid as this may make me, and only the gods know why, I care about you!". My mouth opened, but I truly had nothing to say. In War of Two Queens, Kieran has been the most wonderful supporter and friend to Poppy. I think it's something deeper than that. Phillips and Penellaphe race toward the stables, and Hawke kills Phillips. I expect to hear many stories that involve you throwing down with him. ", Casteel: "I wouldn't be marrying her if I didn't plan on keeping her. I'm not talking about that.". The shock of his lips against mine sent a jolt through me. How youve spoken to me doesnt bother me. He nipped at my jaw, drawing another gasp from me. her, physically and emotionally. Poppy: "That and my sparkling personality. I know. intriguing. I just know it will. It is still heavily Cas&Poppy so not sure if we are ever gonna have them all together again or just a one time thing from the joining. Poppy and Casteel finally being real, not "pretending," and getting married. Casteel's head swung toward mine so fast, I was surprised he didn't crack his neck. ", Casteel: "Since we've been married, she's already told me to shut up - how many times? ", Casteel: "There's something innately wrong with the idea of being stabbed and then having to clean up my own blood. I fell in love with her, probably long before I even realized I had. ", Poppy: "Did they have a certain eye color? ", Casteel: "Always. That would be quicker. I wasn't ready for that.". ", Kieran: "Ask where every single god or goddess sleeps, because that will lead to more questions. The family becomes very well-to-do and ok in the end of the series, thanks to Heaven Casteel. God there is so much I can say about this book. I can think of a few I would love to have, Princess. To feel you come around my cock while I taste your blood on my tongue. You are a puzzle I want to figure out, but at the same time, don't. ", Casteel: "I'm curious. ", Casteel: "Wait. She also has a fondness for sharp, deadly objects. I love! He planted his hands on the carriage wall, caging me in. Casteel: "I'm talking about your blood, but now you've dragged my mind into unseemly places. But hed do it all again, at least Poppy is free out in the world. ", Casteel: "This reminds me of the stables. ", Poppy: "That is not what I said. You wound me yet again. ", Poppy: "Don't whine. ", Casteel: "Try to remember you said that later when I'm sure I'll give you a reason to stab me. Rather, Kieran believes that they are heart mates, something that is far rarer than love, especially since they recognized each other after speaking a few times. ", Casteel: "Oh, I'm listening. ", Poppy: "I'm glad you didn't. And you thought it would kill him? And thats where we get to the subjective portion. They'd expect someone like you, to be honest. Second of all, don't highlight the text. Kieran, Casteel, and Poppy are a team. He dipped his head, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear as he spoke. ", Casteel: "But you like what's wrong with me. . And fuck if it didn't go off the rails the moment you walked into the godsdamn Red Pearl. The War of Two Queens is the fourth book in Jennifer L Armentrout's Bestselling Blood and Ash series. But I don't think that's the case. "At least, not physically. Web There are nights when Casteel and. ", Casteel: "The line in your palm is believed to be the one connected to your heart. ", Casteel: "If you open your senses to me right now, you'll know exactly what I'm feeling. Yours are the color of an Atlantian spring - of dew-kissed leaves. Holy fuck. and right there, basically, is all the dialogue that happens during this book. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Im not sure if its because of the popularity of the series or what, but it seems that the publisher has taken a very hands-off approach to editing this series. ", Casteel: "It's no secret that I planned to use Penellaphe as ransom. and our What I feel? The Dark One. With a wound that most likely punctured a lung. ", Casteel: "Do you think I understand any of this, Poppy? She just admitted I was right. Casteel: "I don't know if I should. I stepped back, bumping into a shelf. Poppy: "I know exactly what he's referencing, thank you very much. ", Casteel: "If I had known that Lord Mazeen joined him, he would've been staked to that wall right alongside the Duke. The fact they get married in this book, with two more to go shit is going down. ", Alastir: "I can see why. Do poppy and Casteel end up together? '", Poppy: "In a perfect world, I would've loved to have been courted in a way that didn't involve kidnappings or fleeing the Ascended. It wasn't the only reason. ", Kieran: "You don't sound remotely sorry. In my heart. He answers her questions with no judgement, and is honest with her. And if they do the Joining, I have a feeling it will end up in a threesome because Kieran has been in one too many intimate moments between Poppy and Casteel. Casteel and Kieran have a beautiful life long friendship that brings them as close as brothers. The banter, the passionate fighting, the sex, and all the things they do before they get to that point again? None of this was supposed to happen. And I am Casteel. ", Casteel: "You waking up uninjured was more pressing than a vague, rather unhelpful message from the gods. ", Kieran: "Please don't die. ", Kieran: "Casteel will announce you as his fiance. If the author had wanted to write a polyamory romance, thats fine! 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.". I love when you can feel the tension and chemistry between two characters, and it, in this book. And Poppy, wouldn't either. ", Kieran: "Dear gods, you have her on her own horse? He smiled up at me, his eyes twin golden flames. Screaming for help. ", Casteel: "You don't need to stay up here, Poppy. Whelp, shes off sharing a bed with naked Kieran, developing feelings for him, and getting asked why her husbands best friend is acting like her husband by family friends. I wanted to feel him inside me so I couldn't feel anything but him. It undoes me, Poppy. Maybe you should try that. I love how aware of herself and her feelings she is. Created from the blood and ash of all those who fell before me. It's us. You being mortal or half-Atlantian wouldn't have changed what was already happening. It was partly the length. Hard., Kieran: You do smell like him, but thats not it. I love her passion and fiery temper. had a lot of thoughts and feelings about this book, so its taken a bit to get my mind in order with what exactly I wanted to say about this book. . I'm sure there is something you'd like to ask. He. I stared down at the dazzling gold swirl on my palm. Its been clear the direction this has been going in, so not sure how you were thrown off in this book. Please please try to be careful. He adds a level of humor to everything with his personality, but obviously also takes his role as protector very seriously. But fearing what you're capable of doesn't mean I fear you. They get interrupted by the Craven, which they fight together, and then they return to the castle. together. His lies are as seductive as his touch. You won't look at me. Will you do me the honor or allowing me to one day become worthy of you? Kieran doesn't show any interest in Poppy like that. You smell of death., Kieran: He has done things some might find unforgivable. Hurrying to the bed, I picked up the wolven dagger and secured it around my thigh. His weight and the heat of his body against my back and the iciness of the snow at my front was a shock to my senses, stunning me. You'll heal. ", Poppy: "What? original characters for the world's best stories. Personalities are kept consistent, and best of all, the book is thrilling and unpredictable. And together with his kin, they protect the royal family of Atlantia. Because I know you would've done it. ", Poppy: "What we have is simply an impersonal agreement and nothing more.". I'm kinda, Poppy and Kieran? I don't want Kieran. This series blows my mind. Partly, I think I just really liked the Kieran/Casteel relationship on its own (so rare that you see a friendship between two men this strong in a fantasy novel) and I almost didnt want Poppy encroaching on it. At myself. It feels like an injustice to Kieran imo either he has someone who loves him equally or he has a bond to Poppy but is nothing more than to protect her as his queen and friend. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossibletravel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. Bastard. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Feedings . ", Casteel: "Some say patience is a virtue. Many are probably already loving the series anyways! . In all truth, she should never doubt herself. 2020by The Rambling Book Nerd. But, be warned, there will be spoilers for the book in this review, so read on with that in mind. . Poppy: "And you needed this moment alone in a pantry?". This is better. ", Kieran: "You're not? Again. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. ", 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. Stunningly charismatic? I fell in love with him when he was Hawke, and I kept falling once I learned that he was Casteel. Then -------> after Poppy and him have their first conversation, I was thinking that Poppy might actually get a father figure back in her life. Poppy: "Only when it's deserved. No matter what.". I hated lying to you, Poppy. ", Poppy: "I can hate that I'm nothing more than a pawn to you and still understand why I am. ", Kieran: "He's not wounded. We have Casteels thoughts almost entirely focused on Poppy and how glad he is that he is the one locked up and suffering instead of her. Poppy: "That's why you aren't just hauling me straight to the capital right now, demanding the exchange. ", Casteel: "You're right. I read the relationship dynamic between Poppy and Kieran as two people bonding and grieving over loss together, and as JLA making a clear distinction that Poppy doesn't see Kieran as a family member . Casteel and Kieran together is always fun, but -----> Poppy and Kieran? Casteel dipped his head, and I felt the bridge of his nose along the side of my neck. Anyways you might h Millions of unique designs by independent artists. It's beautiful.". ", Kieran: "He wouldn't be marrying you, risking the ire of not just his entire kingdom but also his parents, who you will soon discover are not two people you want to anger just so you have a chance to make it through this alive, free from the Ascended and from him. I don't need either of those things. Im dont think Kieran and Poppys interactions are far-fetched at all. All thats wonderful except that theres 3 more books left in the series. They are already together non stop, Kieran is their advisor, all major conversations involve the 3. You will have to force me, and I will not make it easy for you. There is NO WORDS. Because I don't have gold or hazel eyes? Poppy and Kieran are bonded and Kieran and Cas were previously bonded and still ridiculously close even now without it so what's really going to change if the 3 are bonded together? Where From Blood and Ash seemed a little frenzied at times with a . It turns me on when you're armed with something sharp. But I definitely agree with what youre saying about Kieran now seeming to be the epitome of a third wheel. ", Delano: "And you healed me with the touch of your fingers. He is convinced that Hawke and Kieran have led them into a trap. King Casteel Da'Neer (pronounced: Ca-steel Da-near) is the former prince and now current ruler of Atlantia. And as far as being a distraction to Casteel, that's his weakness. Casteel: "Most wouldn't find that such an attractive quality. ", Poppy: "You're welcome. Casteel has plans for her. ", Kieran: "Other than wondering exactly what choices I made in my life that led me to this exact moment?". He hesitated as if to see if I would pull away. Cookie Notice I took her. It would probably only further endear you to him. Obviously. Poppy: "It's the part where you think I would actually marry you.". All of that makes me anxious. If they are heartmates (which I think they are), he won't be able to endure that. ", Casteel: "It will be my most prized possession.". I gasped, my eyes wide as the little nip set fire to my blood. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to bewhat she fears the most. Not a Maiden, but Chosen nonetheless. Kieran & Cass "If I had turned to Casteel in my sleep, Kieran had also turned, as if Casteel were a magnet that drew both of us." I strange turn of phrase. ", Poppy: "I only stabbed him . a few times. Theres some contextual things that make me suspect this, but the biggest indicator is that his character (and his relationship with Poppy) seems like its done developing. ", Casteel: "You have a beautiful smile. Check out the rest of the Blood & Ash Series, and expect upcoming news for the next installment! Casteel: "Would you fret with worry if I was?". So, subjectively, this ruined most of the series for me. Elijah: As I just said, Im with Casteel. I expected to be picking up pieces of myself.". Penellaphe Da'Neer (ne Balfour, pronounced: Pen-nell-uh-fee Bal-floor), often simply named Poppy, is the former Maiden or Chosen One in the Kingdom of Solis and rightful Queen of Atlantia. ", Casteel: "Everything. So, first off, my general impression of this book. Indeed, Ive said repeatedly that Im really only there for the romance. For her part, Poppy is lost without Casteel. Casteel: "You dirty girl. I started to argue but quickly realized that, unfortunately, he had a point. That the Maiden wasn't me, and I was better and stronger and meant for something other than that. Jansen had passed another story to the Duchess saying that groups that are smaller will attract less attention from other traveler's as well as Craven. 5-78 x 8-14 in 148 x 210 m. Kieran. I sensed an acute rush of emotions flow through him, so swift and sudden, I couldn't make out what they were. A tiny piece that belonged to me? ", Casteel: "Lion. When all is revealed, I wonder if Cas will kill him himself, or if he will let Poppy do the honors after that stoning attack.<--------. ", Casteel: "Is it necessary for you to make it sound like we'd be doing something other than sleeping? Vonetta: "Planning to stab him during the ceremony? 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. ", Poppy: "I felt your hunger, Casteel, and I don't need to do this. Will you marry me? Touch. Im not going back to the keep. I have no idea what I was talking about. And trust me, Poppy, those plans made way more fucking sense than this - than all of this.". And this didn't happen overnight. I nodded as Casteel cursed when the arrow he'd been pulling on most likely got stuck on something important. ", Casteel: "Tell me what piece of you I can have. Things have been different since the Joining. ", Kieran: "Then why are you sighing every five minutes? Can I have you? And emotional infidelity isnt it, friends. We can't forget about the side characters in this book. Casteel: "Ouch. Forget about sex. Reply. All of her books are amazing. ", Kieran: "Only because you wanted to do violent and terrible things to me. ", Casteel: "Understandable. ", Poppy: "I'm not going to stop fighting you. ", Poppy: "Even if I wasn't about to become a Princess, I would be up here."". What are you two discussing that has Poppy looking as if she's five seconds away from crawling under the table? ", Poppy: "Yes. And that love it entrenched itself deeply when I realized the kind of strength and will he had within him to survive what he had and to still find the pieces of who he used to be. Casteel and Kieran tell Poppy that it sounds like a God returning to its place of sleep. ", Poppy: "The last time his pants actually stayed on! ", Casteel: "Unless you have a different idea. But he he was the catalyst in a way. Im glad you enjoyed it though! You'd only be annoyed, and the knife is not nearly sharp enough to sever your head or pierce your incredibly thick skull. ", Kieran: "Well, you do have a habit of doing exactly that.". I remember her admitting (I believe on her facebook page, where she is very active with her fans), that she was not sure if she could write a good high-fantasy, and she didn't know if she would ever publish it. he said, catching my other wrist when I swung my fist down. ", Casteel: "I didn't take you then because I knew the moment I did, you would stop looking at me like like I was just Hawke. ", Casteel: "It's considered a great honor in Atlantia to be welcomed into the bosom of the noble, ruling family. There isn't really clarity with where our three main characters relationship will go next, and I'm not sure where the author is taking their relationship. Your heart was always safe with me. ", Poppy: "I think he's far more taken with himself. And I knew it wasn't because he was my first everything. Casteel and Kieran together is always fun, but -------->Poppy and Kieran? He gives her, to make her own choices, even when he is unhappy with them. ", Kieran: "Those pants were looser, I suppose. Wickedly clever? Casteel: "I'm furious, and yet, at the same time, I'm in awe. Now that Hawke is Poppy's guard, we start getting a lot of swoon-worthy moments. For saving your life. Who she is - this beautiful, strong, intelligent, endlessly curious and kind woman who was as much a victim of the Ascended as any Atlantians. I didn't get to choose what I ate, when I left my chambers, or who was allowed to even touch me. A podcast dedicated to fantasy fiction! Elijah: "Told him that if a woman fights with that kind of passion and makes you work that hard to earn even a smile, then that's the kind of woman you want by your side in and out of the bedchamber.". Read the full disclosure here. But I really like your comments about Kieran in general and I think youre so right. I honestly don't get the drama over it, especially now. I need to feel your lips on mine.". ", Poppy: "Is it really necessary that the three of us sleep so close? ", Poppy: "Did you just pull me into a pantry?". Web King Casteel DaNeer pronounced. I may or may not have walked into a door while reading. ", Casteel: "To be honest, I had more pressing concerns. ", Casteel: "But you're still going to hear me whisper things. Poppy: "I'd never seen so many in one place. And if he chooses her, then we all do.. Thanks for your comment! ", Casteel: "She stabbed me in the heart with a bloodstone dagger. - Listen to Beauty in her Madness by The Sexy Scary Book Club instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. You would've done it to save me. It is a gift I do not deserve. But for the most part, if youve read the other books, youll know the flaws youre working with and none of them are improved in this book. Haven't I told you it turns me on?". Indeed, Im not sure how you can be a fantasy fan and have problems with that!