A Soul of Ash and Blood

After the battle with Isbeth, Poppy is unconscious, caught in a deep sleep while her body finishes changing. Casteel stays by her side and, to pass the time, tells his own version of the story. Most of the book goes back to the days of From Blood and Ash: what Casteel thought when he was Hawke, what he hid from Poppy, what he planned and how the plan fell apart when he fell in love. Between memories, the present moves on, with Kieran close by and the fear that Poppy won't wake up the same. In the end, the wait is over and Poppy wakes, ready for what comes next.

1. Behind the scenesCasteel's turn

   It's the first book told entirely by Casteel. Most of it is flashbacks to From Blood and Ash, from his side.

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2. ReferenceFamiliar scenes

   Many scenes from the first book come back, now with what Casteel was thinking and hiding. It helps to have From Blood and Ash fresh in mind.

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3. ReferenceWhere it fits

   The author recommends reading both series in publication order. That puts this book after A Light in the Flame, the second prequel.

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