Cassandra Aston writes dark fantasy and romantasy packed with dangerous magic, court intrigue, sharp banter, and love that would burn the world before it lets go. Her stories feature morally gray men, stabby heroines, and brutal choices with consequences that bite.
She is the award-winning author of the completed Prophecies of Angels and Demons series and the Deadly Fae saga. She is currently expanding her interconnected universes with new fae stories, villain-led retellings, and gothic standalones that lean darker, sharper, and more emotionally ruinous.
When she can, she escapes to a cozy mountain cottage to write, fueled by hot chocolate and spite, and she believes there is only one rule that truly matters: love fiercely.
Connect with Cassandra through her website or on social media.
Even though you shouldn't be reading this (but I know you're lurking!), thank you Cassandra for the ARC and for not banning me from everything after all of my crash outs!!
Listen. I read *Half* of this book the night before I had surgery. When I woke up from the anesthesia, I crashed out about it THREE SEPARATE TIMES on my way home. If that isn't enough to convince you to read a book, I genuinely don't know what else to say.
As per usual, no one is safe, so keep your emotional support character close and pray for their life (except Kaspar, because he's mine and you can't have him).
I laughed, I cried, I gave Jack sh*t for being so down bad--we ran the full gambit of emotions here, folks.
There are so many good lines and moments in this, you'll have a hard time picking a favorite. If you're anything like me, you're going to end up with around 100 notes and highlights, most of them screaming, and at least one meme reaction per chapter.
My personal favorite out of context notes: ~"HE CAN'T SWIM. HE'S NOT A FISH" (Said multiple times post anesthesia out of concern for Jack, who is indeed, not a fish) -"These are the hands of a killer, Sav" -"Alexa, play Wood" -"Jack will be murdered and apologize for the mess with his last breath."
Picking up where Book 1 left off Sav needing to save Jack but now has herself in a bargin and binding contract that she doesn't know that she'll ever escape with Prince Kasper. Sav contemplates how she can save Jack and Fairie.
Talk about an adventure that carried sooooo many twists, turns and flips. I was in anticipation over what more would be revealed and even got to the point of wondering who was going to make it out alive. Jack and Sav and the others we got to know, find themselves suspect, blindsided and discovering their own truths as this book continues.
Please utilize the access to the trigger and content warnings as this book may not be for everyone BUT could be enjoyed by those who love a traumatic romantasy. There is elements of rage, war, emotional rollercaosters and even breaks of swooning.
I was not ready for this duology to come to an end BUT the unraveling of truth behind the whole duology was an absolute mindblowing adventure to have gone on. ✨️📚✨️
Poison Amidst Blooms by Cassandra Aston is the definition of a love-hate relationship.
Like… Cassandra, bestie… why would you do this to me? 😭
This book had me laughing, crying, glaring at the pages, and then flipping to the next chapter like I wasn’t actively planning the author’s downfall. The emotional whiplash was REAL.
Sav is still that girl — stubborn, powerful, determined, and not about to tolerate weakness in anyone, especially not in a mate. And honestly? When she basically said she wasn’t accepting a weak mate I was like YES MA’AM, DRAG HIM because book one Jack was… a whole mess. 💀
And speaking of Jack… I can’t believe I’m saying this but… he grew on me a LOT this book. The stakes were higher, the captivity and tension were intense, and his devotion was giving burn-the-world-down energy in the best way.
BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT THE REAL ISSUE HERE:
Kaspar.
My sweet misunderstood kelpie prince. My baby. My “he would never” man.
And Cassandra really said: let’s ruin her life today.
I am blaming everything on the author because in MY mind Kaspar would never 😤 I felt like this book was strategically designed to make us switch teams after we already fell headfirst into loving him and I was NOT emotionally prepared to be betrayed like that.
Also… I was rooting for Sav to collect her little harem, okay?? I wanted that chaos, I wanted that freedom, I wanted that “why choose” life for her—but I guess happiness is illegal in Faerie.
The political tension was delicious, the world felt darker and more dangerous, and the way the story kept unraveling layer after layer had me completely hooked. The “faerie is literally fraying apart” aspect? TERRIFYING AND SO GOOD. And the found family elements gave me life when everything else was trying to emotionally end me.
Only complaint:
I’m still salty we didn’t explore Fero more because HELLO?? There was potential there and I feel like we missed out on something truly unhinged and iconic (and yes I said what I said).
AND THEN THAT ENDING???
I was bamboozled. I was gagged. I was staring into the void.
No spoilers but just know I had to close the book for a second and reevaluate my existence.
Bottom line: I’m mad. I’m impressed. I’m obsessed. And I will 100% be continuing this series while side-eyeing Cassandra Aston like she personally keyed my emotional stability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Man there is a lot going on in Faerie! As the end to the duology most things are solved. However a few story arcs are infuriatingly left unanswered, like where was Mab from and how did she die? Who was her spouse and where was he? Why would Jacks father agree to keep him safe only to spend every waking moment killing his kind? What happens to Creig when he goes to Earth? Who is the lady in the bargain between Sav and Grace?
Jack was captured in the last book and was at the mercy of the human anti fae group. The torture helps to bring his fae powers to the surface. Sav is able to rescue him, with the consequence of loss of lives. From that point forward it’s pretty action packed going from one disaster to the next. Along the way, Sav and Jack come to love each other while dealing with new magic, loss of loved ones, and crippling injuries. If you are looking for spice you won’t find it here with a 1 out of 5.
The torrent of politics from the first book continued and at times was hard to keep track of. Some of the characters from Whisper, whom I liked, turn out to be horrible fae. The author really knows how to write someone so you hate their every fiber of their being. This happened with Kaspar. He took years to set up Sav so she would have no choice but to marry him. Once he had her he was cruel and used mind control to abuse her. His loss causes him to go off the deep end, becoming no better than his uncle.
The sheer amount of super egos in each realm is astounding. There is no shortage of awful fae attempting to claw more power or revenge or retribution over others doing the same thing. When a few awful characters are taken out another one steps in to wreak havoc. It’s a good thing the fae take a lot to die because the violence against them is acute and consistent. The bright, shining beacon throughout the book is Sav and Jacks love for one another. And please, give Foxglove and Juniper their own story as well as one for cute little Hazel and Larek!
I enjoyed the journey of the two books and will read the two novellas in hopes they will fill in some of the blanks. I appreciate the advance copy from the author as it was well worth the read.
Thank you Cassandra Aston for my eARC of Poison Amidst Blooms. I have truly enjoyed the Deadly Fae Duology. I am so glad I read Spring before diving into this ARC so that I had a bigger picture of the complex politics between the courts in Faerie.
Poison picks up where Whispers Among Thorns left off; with Jack as prisoner and Sav taking vows to Kaspar, Prince of Lakes and Streams, becoming his princess.
While being held by Janet, the leader of the ISHFA, and Fae ambassador Morgan, Jack comes into his power and learns he is more than a simple human with a simple past.
Shortly after taking making her bargain and taking her vows, Sav learns of Kaspar's dark secrets and his hidden cruelty. She leaves to save Jack, taking a few familiar faces with her.
I really enjoyed how Cassandra can take characters I didn't care for in book one and turn them into my new favorite. She also did that with characters I thought I loved...No one is who you think they are.
Poison was an engaging read. I did find myself getting a bit lost at times because of the sheer amount of added details from court to court and character to character. For that reason, Poison gets four stars instead of five.
I am so excited for Cassandra's novella, Winter to come out soon to get even more of this story. I also enjoyed the tiny epilogue at the end and will be hanging around to see what comes of the characters introduced in it.
Poison Amidst Blooms is a dark fantasy. This book is not for the faint of heart and neither are it's contents. If certain topics trigger you, be sure to check out the content warning on Cassandra's website before reading.
My mind has been blown and my heart has been shredded to a pulp. I will never get over what happens here and am devastated this story has come to an end... or has it? Folks, this story was extremely gory and dark. I mean the blows just kept coming.. but those weren't the only things coming AYO! Sav and Jack, you two beautiful, broken souls. I'm so glad you two were able to get creative and find moments of joy in the bubble of pure chaos. Also who loves a mini love story within a major love story? Because I do! And if youve read Spring, youre going to appreciate Foxglove's 2nd chance here. I cannot say enough amazing things about this story (hello double peen?). Everything from the lore to the growth in the characters was truly magical. I can't believe how this story ended because I would have never imagined that was how this was going to end. Now I can't leave a review without talking about my man Kaspar.. girlies there is a crash out thread in discord because WHAT WAS THAT? Also villain Kaspar is so hawt, its insane. He shouldnt be so hawt and I shouldnt be this obsessed, yet here I am.
Anyway... Cassandra, thank you for letting me be apart of this world and humoring my every question and reaction. I am eternally grateful to be your Alpha and your humble servant. You are a most gracious god who answers all questions with love (just kidding, you gut me like no other) and knowledge wise beyond anything I'd ever imagine. All my love and here's to another completed series. Yes winter is still coming BUT this duology is fin.
OMG, what a journey! This story starts in complete chaos, the same mess we were left with in Book 1, and it only gets worse! So much death, loss, and despair. There are plenty of tough scenes to read (please check the TW before diving in). But at the same time, it’s absolutely intense and powerful, I ABSOLUTELY loved it! 🖤 Thank you Cassandra for this ARC! Sav, Jack, and the rest go through so much, and just when there’s a glimmer of hope… everything comes crashing down again! Haha, I loved it, a true rollercoaster of emotions! And SO.MUCH.GORE ☠️ So many battles, and so much magic! I have to admit, I hated quite a few characters in this book, especially… well, you know who! He gets so stubborn and selfish. I understand why, but still.. it was a lot to take in 💔 New problems, new villains, new faces, and the same old hatred between Humans and Faery Folk… how can this ever work?! No one is who you think they are.. and that’s the best part! New truths, old secrets unraveled, and a new world awaits. This dark fantasy will break your heart, toy with it, and then mend it, but crooked and incomplete ❤️🩹 And THAT ending! Why Cassnadra.. WHY?!?! Now, we wait.. 👀 I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book ✨📚 Here are the Awesome Tropes: 🖤 Dark Fantasy Romance 🍃 Fae vs Humans 🥀 Secrets & Betrayals ❤️🩹 Found Family 🗡️ So Many Battles 👑 Fae Court Politics ❤️🔥 Fated Mates ☁️ Hidden Identities 📃 Multiple POVs
"I meant what I said. I am going to take care of you." ❤️🔥
This book is the perfect conclusion of the story of Sav and Jack, and a delightful beginning of another's (don't intent to spoil it🫣). The story is absolutely bewitching, with twist and turns, with love and betrayal, with life and death, second chances and found love. I was absolutely stunned by Hazel 's story, by Grace and saddened by Kaspar's and Craig's ones. I do believe that their stories are not done and good will come their way. The characters change and grow. Sav has her magic released and everything comes alive. Jack turns out to be fae and who he actually is we should have known all along(🤫). He is there for Sav, helping her but not outshining, being the shoulder she needs to keep her straight and backing her up to become what she us supposed to. Hazel finds love, after a lifetime of suppresion and abuse, and that warmes my heart. Foxglove has a wonderful and soft second chance to love, after a terrible fate. Fero's story in so sad to me, he always did seem to be underrated and feared but not quite fairly. I loved this book! it was a roller-coaster of emotion! Thank you, Cassandra Aston for the opportunity and privilege to read this book! Absolutely stunning worldbuild!
✨I came for the fae politics and forbidden romance and stayed for the chaos, betrayal, and delicious angst.
Reading Whispers Among Thorns and Poison Amidst Blooms back-to-back felt like being dropped into a dark fae fantasy blender in the best way. From secret identities and enemies-to-lovers tension to deadly rules about loving humans, I was instantly hooked. Sav is a fierce, morally gray fae heroine trying to survive modern New York City while navigating fae law, anti-fae extremists, and a mission that forces her straight into the arms of her enemy’s son. And Jack? Fully book-boyfriend coded loyal, dangerous, and willing to burn the world for love.
Poison Amidst Blooms cranks everything up: higher stakes, deeper betrayals, marriages of convenience, true names, and impossible choices. The love triangle tension, the fae magic, and the emotional fallout had me stressed in the most entertaining way. Cassandra Aston blends urban fantasy, dark fae romance, political intrigue, and high-stakes fantasy so smoothly that I devoured both books and immediately wanted more.
✨️Thank you Cassandra Aston for sharing Whispers Among Thorns and Poison Amidst Blooms with me!
This was a really good book to end Jack and Sav’s story.
I was hooked and had to know what happened next after every detail we learned. The twists had me on the edge of my seat because you never knew what would happen next.
I loved seeing Jack and Sav’s relationship grow even more in this book. This book starts right where book 1 ends after Sav marries Kaspar and Jack is captured. What will Jack and Sav do about her marriage to Kasper? Will they be able to be together in the end or will she be stuck with Kasper?
We also learn a lot about Jack in this book and who he is and what happens when he becomes his true self.
I really liked this book and loved seeing how their story ended. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this world after that epilogue. I read this book as an arc.
The story is told in Multiple POV's but mainly focuses around Jack and Sav. Jack is currently being held prisoner and is being tortured. In order to save him and regain her magic Sav agrees to marry the kelpie prince, Kaspar. I really loved Kaspar in the Spring novella, however in Poison we get to see a whole nother side of him and all the secrets he has been keeping.
Jack and Sav definitely had to overcome obstacles and work hard for their HEA. there was a lot of loss and heartbreak along the way. I loved that we got to learn more about Jack and his heritage. Also love that Sav really goes to great lengths for those she loves.
Now that Jack and Sav's story is complete, I'm curious to see where Cassandra takes this world next.
Dark and thrilling! This action-packed sequel had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I enjoyed the high stakes! There was so much going on in this one and I enjoyed every minute of Sav and Jack’s journey!
With multiple POVs, there was insight into a whole cast of different characters which was cool to see all the various perspectives and thoughts.
I loved the unique magicks and unpredictable twists throughout the story.
There’s so much to be explored in the world and I can’t wait for more!
Tropes to enjoy here are found family, high stakes, fated mates, touch them and xx vibes, hurt/comfort, unique magicks, uncovered pasts, he falls first, betrayal, and so much more!
I loved this so much! I have been desperate for more of Jack and Sav’s story, and this is perfect! So many threads come together in this instalment, bringing back characters that seemed insignificant in book one, and proving that it pays to pay attention. This whole book is action packed, with barely a chance to catch your breath, I had to pause several times to process what I read!!! I love when books require you to think a bit! There are plot twists and high stakes moments, along with sweetness and vulnerability- ugh!! I love it. I adored how the author used the epilogue- don’t miss it!!! The author has also been incredibly transparent about the content included, which is amazing!
Thank you to Cassandra and her team for an e-arc of Poison!
This was an enjoyable, action-filled, chaotic conclusion to the story, with some doors left open for future stories. I enjoyed book 1 and the backstory in Spring. Poison brings us back to present day and man, if you like some red flag MMCs you will appreciate the love triangle here. The pacing is good and the characters' choices are wild. This was a good time overall. There is a lot happening and I had a hard time keeping track of some of it, which may be a me-problem more than anything. I love the FMC even if I want to shake her half the time!
Poison Amidst Blooms was an excellent conclusion to Sav and Jack's story, but has an ending that both satisfied and left me eager for more books in the same world. The tension between Kaspar, Jack, and Sav was amazing. It was so well written and the character growth was done well. I loved seeing how Kaspar was affected by Jack and Sav's growing relationship. This book nicely concluded with a full reveal of secrets about Jack, Hazel, and Fero. We find out so much more about each of them and Jack's reveal altered everything! A very interesting world that gives me all the fantasy vibes I love: magic, fae, court politics, tension, and more.
Tropes: Bound Magic Forbidden Romance Age gap (She's centuries old fae, he's 25) Slow burn Fae politics
Quote: "We'll deal with the angry seahorse later. Right now, you need a bath."
I read Book 2 right after reading the Spring Novella and I was sooooo torn between Team Kaspar and Team Jack. Kind of like a Stefan/Damon moment. I loved the multiple person POV and getting to know the characters better. The crazy insane shocking twists and turns. Anytime there was a sea scene I was holding my breath. I also really enjoyed the ending and with how the book went it was the perfect ending. I can not wait to read Winter and it sounds like even more is coming!! 5 giant stars!!!
Okay, staying spoiler free, but be prepared for a journey. Sav and Jack really go through it. Kaspar. Well, I have a lot to say about him and it's all heartbreaking.
I was happy to be back with the fae courts and these characters. Foxglove is still low-key my favorite. Don't tell Jack! The visuals are so good in this duology.
So many twists, so many turns, that I was kept on the edge until the very end. There are many POVs, which helps move the story along. Especially since it takes place in both the human world and the fae world. A perfect finish to the duology, with a promise of more to come.
So many twists and turns, the multi-povs helped tell all of this story. The intricate way how mates work in this was fascinating and I was just at the edge of my seat reading through it. I still have all the love for Kaspar. That ending setup for a future series was perfect!
This book picks up right after the events of the first book with Jack being held captive, Sav trying to save him but she is married to Kaspar, and parts of Faire is still missing. This book was action packed and kept me on my toes at all times. I really enjoyed seeing the POV's from all the different characters and how the story blended together. There was so much action and events that happened in this book, it was so hard to put it down and go be an adult and do life. I love when authors write the fae as tricksters and wordsmith's and this book is no different. When making a bargain be sure to choose your words carefully.
I loved Sav and Jack's relationship. Even when everything and everyone are trying to tear them apart, they still stick together. Also the friendship's in this book? Pure magic. The love they all have for each other was really something, and even though not everyone makes it out (this is war after all), their memories are sure to live on.
I loved the ending, and loved seeing a glimpse a few hundred years into the future, and I am excited for the next series to come out of this world as well!
This book was such an adventure and an awesome conclusion to the duology. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. There were so many twists and turns. This whole world is built on secrets and it was a journey to peel back the layers. There were quite a few mind blowing political revelations, and a lot of questions answered. I didn’t want the story to end but it was an entertaining ending.
Which brings me to the epilogue. THE. EPILOGUE.🔥 I can’t wait to see where that goes 👀.