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3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD

I have decided to make this a spoilery review because I have no patience and I want to let it all out.

The War of Two Queens is one of my anticipated books of the year and the fourth installment in one of my favorite series of all time.

So you'd probably be surprised by my rating, and I am too. It's the first time I ever give a Blood and Ash book a rating under 4-stars. It pains me to write this as you guys know I'm one of the biggest fans of this series.

Did I not enjoy this book? I did! It was great to return to this world and catch up with all my favorite characters.

The writing improves a lot in this book and there is less repetitiveness and internal monologue.

Many new information is revealed in this book and some are connected to Flesh and Fire series. It made me so excited for ASITE2 also known as A Light in the Flame.

I highly recommend reading A Shadow in the Ember before reading this book, several plotlines are connected to what happens in the present-day.

Moving on, I know this comes as a big surprise that I've written all of this but you'll understand where my frustration and disappointment comes from.

I had a lot to unpack under this section so here goes...

If you haven't read the book I recommend avoiding this section and giving the book a chance and to form your own opinion. Every reading experience for each reader is different and I do not want to influence yours.

Let's get to why this book got 3-stars from me:

1) One criticism and worry I had since TCOGB was Poppy getting a tad too overpowered. That hasn't changed in TWOTQ and it seems like she is getting a new identity with every book or a new discovery about who she truly is which is getting kind of tiring. I'd like her to explore her current capabilities and who she is and not have that changed with every book. I want her to struggle and dive into who she is and not have a new power or identity/title in every book. At first it was empowering, but it's becoming a repetitive plot-twist.

2) I am kind of upset that secondary characters like Vonetta, Naill, Emil, and co and even Tawny did not show up much in the book. While I appreciate the closer bond Poppy and Kieran shared, I still missed the presence of those characters. I expected more of Poppy and Delano bonding because it always seemed like they had a unique bond out of all the Wolven even Kieran. Reaver is the highlight of this book though (I can't believe I forgot to bring him up because he was a delight on every page!)

3) The ending isn't as explosive as I expected it. While I screamed when my baby daddy Nektas showed up. We haven't had a glimpse of Ires and or any knowledge about Jadis (we know she is alive but that's about it). I was anticipating more. Maybe due to the title I expected a full-scale war? I'm not trying to say it's a bad ending, not at all it was exciting and sets up ASITE2/ALITF.

4) Casteel's character felt like a blank space. I don't feel like we delved in much into him as a character beyond his focus on Poppy which truly saddens me. Don't get me wrong! one of the reasons I love him is how he worships and loves Poppy, but when that turns into his sole personality? it stripped away a lot of the complexities and personality Casteel had in FBAA/AKOFAF. Of course I do not expect him to remain the same, it's nornal for characters to change but Casteel's change did not flesh out his character—he fell into the trap of the love interest basing his personality on his lover only. There was a lot to explore with having his POV for the first time in this book, it started out great but then became repetitive. We didn't even get to see him cope much with the trauma of being in captivity again because it's definitely a trigger. A lot was going on but I still wanted to see more of that.

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I have decided to rewrite the following section and try to keep my thoughts coherent. Emotions are high and the book was released two days ago, a lot of what I wrote felt heavy for me so I wanted to write something that will get right into the point. This is something I even discussed with my friends as the negativity in general is getting to me and not in a good way.

If you loved the book and you'll tell me that I'm reading it wrong or I interpreted it wrong—thus questioning my reading comprehension—please refrain from commenting and don't you dare and gaslight me.

I critique books from my favorite series and by my favorite authors, it's not an attack on JLA's person but highlighting my issues with this book. It doesn't erase my enjoyment of the books she had written before whether it's this series or her other works.

The reason most of us are feeling strongly about this is because we love this series and these characters and this world. These books saved me, that is something I will be grateful about despite my frustration about this book.

Criticism is always valid and your experience is also valid. I bet people were shocked because this is the first blood and ash book I gave a 3-stars to and one I'm writing a lengthy critique for. I don't put this much effort if it was a book or series I was not passionate about.

But let me get straight into what my biggest issue:

The new undefined dynamic between Poppy, Casteel and Kieran and the conflicting feelings Poppy started to feel towards Kieran that felt to me had confusing romantic undertones.

This is what I need JLA to clarify. This is what I have an issue with. I wasn't prepared for it and it caught me off-guard. To me, the Joining was something that was brought up and likely to happen, but then again the author made sure to mention multiple times it didn't have to be sexual. But there is a stark difference between a Joining, which is a one-time act, and making what's between Poppy and Kieran something more than "platonic" when it's been confirmed Poppy and Casteel are endgame and they are heartmates. Making them heartmates is setting expectations to the readers that those two are exclusive and there will be no third-party because nothing will equal to a soul bond.

Yes, I've always loved the bond and affection between Poppy and Kieran. I always took it as platonic but in a deeply affectionate way. Like how one would be around a best friend. Yes, you can even be attracted to your friends without it involving romance.

Also, a good point is the Joining turning sexual had no importance for the plot. People that did not sign up for a threes*me could've been spared.

It's been vague for most readers two sides are saying there had been evidence for it or there wasn't. Kieran was there during Poppy and Casteel's sexual situations. The two instances he was there wasn't because he was an active participant, those two scenes were the feeding scenes and he was there to put an end to the feeding and leave. I never interpreted it as something for him, he was their closest friend and the feeding situations are risky that they need a third person around for their own safety.

As for the beach scene, yes Poppy was getting off seeing him get a BJ but she was also looking at the threes*me and taking in everything around her and not just Kieran. It was written as an experince for her because it was a Wolven wedding and later on Cas tells her they are very open about intimacy, I never interpreted as a romantic build-up for Kieran with them. I'll put it in clear: that's not build-up because it wasn't exclusively about him.

It's something I expressed before but I want Kieran to have an identity of his own outside of Poppy and Casteel's relationship. It's obvious Poppy and Casteel will always feel for each other more than they'll feel for Kieran even if they love him "though differently" as both mentioned. The feelings are not equal. It makes for an unbalanced trio. Part of why I didn't support the joining was because Kieran was always reduced to a joining partner by some of the readers.

Yes, I knew the Joining was coming up because it was relevant to the plot and the only option besides the Heartmate Trials to connect Casteel's life to Poppy's along with Kieran. The Wolven is the connecting thread here. I was prepared for it even though I wasn't for it. I liked that it was on Poppy's terms and her choice, but the scene itself was weird. My issue here is not the Joining but it was something I was worried it would result it, but that issue took place even before chapter 44.

We've always had Poppy and Casteel being each other's "forever and always" or "two hearts, one soul" or “You are the foundation that helps me stand. You are my walls and my roof. My shelter. You are my home.�� His lashes swept up, the amber of his eyes churning wildly. “As you are mine, Poppy.�� or “Do you know what’s carved into our rings? It’s in old Atlantian,�� he told me when I shook my head. “Both say the same thing. Always and forever. That is us.�� or “You,�� he said, his voice thick and tone reverent. All I ever need is you. Now. Always.�� or “You are a King. My King. And you will always be my everything, but never will you be a thing.�� or “You’re beautiful.�� Casteel’s voice was like a balmy summer night. “And you’re mine.�� or “He has been going crazy looking for you. I’ve never seen him this way.�� His hands trembled slightly as they folded over the bone and root chains. “Never, Poppy.�� or “No one else matters. Just you and me.��

The romance was exclusively about the main couple for most readers. So it's not out of left field that readers are surprised and upset with the new undefined dynamic. We don't even know as nothing has been clarified yet. It has nothing to do with not being open about any type of relationships. I've been rooting and invested in this couple from book 1 and now we're at book 4 and there's a change that did not feel organic.


The separation of Poppy and Casteel felt like a plot-device to develop and justify a change in the dynamic and force Kieran into it. I "loved" Kieran before this book, but Casteel will always be the main reason I'm reading the books.

In Casteel's POV, he was thinking of how undeserving he is of her and how much he loves her and on the other hand I had to read in Poppy's POV how conflicted she is about the *not so platonic and confusing* feelings she started having for Kieran? This realization just hurts because of Casteel's unconditional love for her, he would never have conflicting feelings about what he feels for her and for another person.

It's important to note that in your criticism of this dynamic, please don't disrespect or shame relationships that may not seem appealing to you.

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I picked out scenes from TWOTQ that I'm still confused about and I think JLA wanted to go in a different direction but it didn't deliver what she intended. This, perhaps, might give a better idea on why readers including myself have an issue this new undefined dynamic.


“When I realized you were in my head, I changed what I was thinking about,�� he said, and I wondered if those rapid, brief images I couldn’t catch was him flipping through his memories. “I thought of the beach on purpose. Figured it would shock you.��

Really Kieran? he thought of the beach scene on purpose and shown her a memory that made her sense arousal? while feeding which we know is very intimate.

Kieran grinned, lowering his hand as I fought the urge to ask him what kind of love he felt for Casteel. For me. I knew it wasn't a familial one and that it went beyond what one felt for friends. I also thought that it wasn't the same as what he'd felt for Elashya or what Casteel and I felt for each other. But I also knew that what I felt for Kieran wasn't the same as what I felt for Delano or Vonetta or Tawny. It was��.more.

So my understanding is it's not romantic love because it's not the same as what Poppy and Casteel felt for each other or what Kieran felt for Elashya, the Wolven he loved long ago. But it's also more than familial and friendship? So I'm still confused here? Further proof the feelings are not equal? Maybe yes the purpose is to show its a stronger kind of love but not the same love she feels for Casteel. But it needs to be clearer.

“So,�� Tawny drew out the word. “Why is it that he behaves as I would expect from your husband?�� Heat crept into my cheeks. “He’s the Advisor to the Crown.�� Tawny stared at me. “And a friend. A close friend—but not like that,�� I quickly added as interest sparked along Tawny’s features. “Honestly, I don’t know what it’s like. It’s complicated.�� “I would say,�� she murmured. “And I cannot wait to hear all about this complication in excruciatingly painful detail.��

Even Tawny highlights that Kieran is acting more like Poppy's husband in his absence and Poppy blushes about it and says it's complicated. I get Poppy easily gets flustered but I felt like the tease is pointing out something.

"I'm safe with both of you."
"Always," Kieran confirmed.
Casteel's lip brushed my chin. "And forever."
A ridiculous surge of emotion swelled in my throat, and with my senses locked down, I knew the sweet rush was all mine. Tears crowded my eyes. I loved them. Both of them. In different ways and for different reasons that I didn't understand, but I really did. And that knowledge left me a little unsteady.

"In different ways and for different reasons that I didn't understand, but I really did." again, I'm confused? She doesn't understand but she understands?

I knew his face well enough to know when he looked upon someone he cared deeply about. Those fine, barely noticeable lines of tension around his mouth disappeared. Kieran softened. He’d done that when he looked at Elashya—whenever he spoke of her. He softened in almost the same way now when he looked upon Poppy.

So if he is staring at Poppy the way he did with his dead lover, does that point to him having romantic feelings for her? Does it have to equate to the kind of love he had for the Wolven he loved and grieved? It's not giving me platonic vibes.

But nothing and everything had changed between the three of us since the Joining. Our relationship remained as it had been, but there was an intimacy now that hadn't been there before. A closeness. A bond we were reminded of every time I felt our hearts beating in tandem.

I still don't understand what kind of dynamic they now have because nothing but everything has changed? It's still not defined.

Kieran said nothing as he pulled away, and the strangest urge to reach out and stop him swept through me. I didn’t understand where that want had come from. Or if it was mine or Casteel’s. And I didn’t know why it felt wrong not to act on it.
But then Casteel and I were alone, and those beautiful, golden eyes, so full of fire and love, were locked onto mine. It was just us, and nothing else—absolutely nothing—mattered.

So Poppy just got Casteel out of a bloodlust and he is back to his former self, he asked everyone (including Kieran) to leave because he wanted to be alone with Poppy. When Kieran is about to leave Poppy almost stops him and says it feels wrong to let him leave and stay with her and Casteel (that was your urge and not Casteel's) when Casteel clearly wanted to be with her alone and asked the others to leave? Her heartmate? Her husband? Who should be HER FIRST PRIORITY? Then one second later she went "it was just us and nothing else mattered" Poppy please sort out your feelings. This is why it's confusing.

“But before that, I’m going to get what I want. You. In the armor.�� “Gods,�� Kieran half sighed, half laughed. Casteel’s lips curved into a smile against mine. “It’s not like you aren’t thinking it.�� My eyes went wide as Kieran sounded as if he choked on his breath. What I suddenly felt from him while Casteel chuckled wasn’t embarrassment. It was sharp and heavy, too fleeting for me to latch onto.

This is post-Joining and towards the end of the book. How should I interpret it?

The issue is not even the Joining even if it was a one-time thing, it's involving those "feelings" between Poppy and Kieran. What's the point of Poppy and Casteel being Heartmates? They have something Kieran doesn't unless we get a retcon in the next book that the Joining means Kieran even joins them as a heartmate, which will cheapen this whole thing to me. Once a soulmate romance is being set up, you know it's exclusively about the people involved. It brings along "true love" trope. Hell there are even poly romances written to include all three or more as soulmates to create a balanced relationship. That's not the case here and it's too late for that. Poppy and Casteel were established to be THE couple from the first book. JLA confirmed they are endgame.

So changing the relationship dynamic and the way it's executed wont be easy to digest and to be honest it's upsetting and I'll say it bluntly: I feel deceived as a reader.

If you've read all of my previous reviews for this series you'll understand how much love I hold for it. I've been invested in the series for almost two years and loved interacting with the fandom and this series pulled me out of depression and grief. It took a lot from me to write this and this review has a lot of intense feelings from a dedicated reader but should not be used as an excuse to attack the author as a person or her other works, remember that this author is a human being, I mainly have an issue with this particular book and it's my personal opinion. FBAA, AKOFAF, and ASITE remain my absolute favorites.

You can express your disappointment about things you did not enjoy about this book but some of you are being horrid in the reviews section. Especially people that have not read the book/the series. On what basis are you rating it if you haven't read it or read any book in the series? You are burying reviews with actual critique of those that have read the entire book.

I will still advise to read this book and form your own opinion on it. This is not to discourage you from reading the book it's my own opinion, I obviously didn't give it a 1-star, I rated it that way because of the things I have already addressed above.

I will still give this series a chance since I'm invested in the Flesh and Fire trilogy, but if FBAA5 takes the story and the couple on a path I'm not happy with, then I'll sadly stop there.