The War of Two Queens

Casteel is locked in the tunnels under Carsodonia, taunted by the Blood Queen, while Poppy leads an army across Solis. She takes Massene and Oak Ambler, and receives Casteel's severed finger with his wedding ring. Disguised in the capital, she is wounded and brought to the queen. Poppy heals Casteel and sets up an escape with help from Malik, who served Isbeth to protect Millicent, the Handmaiden, who turns out to be Poppy's sister. Isbeth curses Kieran and demands Malec. Poppy, Casteel and Kieran perform the Joining, which breaks the curse. Given Malec, Isbeth stabs him to awaken Kolis, the old Primal of Death. Poppy calls on Seraphena, becomes a Primal and destroys Isbeth. Isbeth is dead, but Kolis is awake, and the real war begins.

1. Behind the scenesTwo narrators

   The book alternates between Poppy's and Casteel's chapters. While she leads an army, he is imprisoned in the tunnels under Carsodonia.

   source ↗
2. Behind the scenesToo big for one volume

   In some countries, such as the Netherlands, the book was split into two parts. Books 5 and 6 got the same treatment in other languages.

   source ↗
3. ReferenceWho answers the call

   At the climax, Poppy calls on Seraphena, the Primal of Life. That's Sera, the heroine of the Flesh and Fire prequel series.

   source ↗
4. SetupWatch the Handmaiden

   Millicent, the Blood Queen's Handmaiden, shows up more than a mere servant should. Her link to Poppy is one of the book's big reveals.

   source ↗