The War of Two Queens (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Blood and Ash [Dramatized Adaptation] #4, Part 1

by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Katie Boothe (Narrator), Stewart Crank (Narrator)

From the desperation of golden crowns…

Casteel Da’Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could’ve prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh…

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life’s guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way—because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises…

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear—to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be—what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy, Vampires, Dark, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

10 pages, Audiobook

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

Hey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.

To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

Reviews

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars these graphic audios eaaaaat

Gah. I can’t wait for part 2 to release
Because that’s when all the *craziness* happens 👀🫣🔥

I gave this less stars because of how long Cas and Poppy are separated 😭

Plus. I feel AWFUL for Cas 😭😭😭

These audiobooks EAT though 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Here’s my review for the book

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

THESE GRAPHIC AUDIOS ARE EVERYTHING 😩

[Lucie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long review, buckle up.

✅ 2 POVs
✅ Characters
✅ Relationships (yes, I’m talking about Kieran, Poppy, and Cas)
✅ Intense romance
✅ Smut
✅ Plot and pace
✅ Action
✅ Angst
✅ Drakens! 🐉 (but not enough of Reaver…)
🆗 Not enough of Netta, Delano, Naill, and Emil
🆗 Poppy keeps on leveling up…
❗️❗️ I recommend reading A Shadow in the Ember before reading The War of Two Queens.
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

_______________________

Second read:I know the fact that Poppy and Kieran get close in this book annoyed many readers, but I didn’t mind it the first time around, and I do not mind it now. It is made very clear that while they care for each other, the love they feel for each other is not even close to what Poppy feels for Casteel. Sure, Kieran sleeps in his wolven form next to Poppy, but she spends every minute of every night thinking about Cas and wishing for his return, and the fact that they develop such a strong bond through their hurt and grief makes the joining less jarring and out of nowhere, in my opinion.

_______________________

4.5 stars I think… Please don’t hate me, and I apologize in advance for the long review.

Together.
Always.
And forever.

I think it’s the first time I’m afraid to receive hate because I loved a book. 😬
➡️ Yes, I loved it.
➡️ No, I don’t think there was any emotional cheating.
➡️ No, I wouldn't mind a throuple in the future books, even though I am hoping for Kieran to find his one true love.
➡️ Please keep in mind that everyone has their own opinion and preferences and that we can all share them respectfully.

“The pain was more than worth it. I would spend an eternity taking these bites if that meant she was safe. That it wasn’t her in this cell. That she wasn’t the one in pain.”

The very first chapter of this book is from Cas’s POV, and I was happy to have some chapters from his perspective, finally. I know many readers thought that the book was long and boring, but I was hooked from page 1. As Casteel is held prisoner by the Blood Queen, Poppy is raising her army. She has the drakens and wolvens behind her, but she also needs the support of the Atlantians if she hopes to win the war, kill Isbeth, and save her King.

The Gods and Primals’ history and significance are more important in this book, hence my recommendation to read ASITE first. I thought that the main villain in this series would be the Blood Queen and her allies, but I realize now that I was sorely mistaken and that the war has only begun. There are mentions of characters that we meet in ASITE, and while this book would be enjoyable even if you didn’t read the first book of the spinoff, I think it is more engaging if you know the characters from the spinoff already.

We can’t save everyone, Kieran reminded me. But we can save the ones we love.

This book is filled with heartache, rage, sorrow, angst, and love. The suffering and anguish Casteel endures broke my heart, and seeing Poppy and Kieran in pain and desperate to find him and save him before it was too late was just as painful. I do love angst, though, so I was happy to get my dose of it. The villains are also so cruel and easy to hate. Oh, how I wanted to see Callum and the Blood Queen die a painful and slow death. I hate them so much, but at the same time, I’m happy that I hate them because it means that I am so much more involved in the story.

“Whether she ruled over all the lands and seas or was the Queen of nothing but a pile of ashes and bones, she would—will—always be my Queen. Love is too weak an emotion to describe how she consumes me and what I feel for her. She is my everything.”

Poppy becomes even more confident and assertive in this book. The stakes are higher than ever before, and she tries her best to win a war without killing innocents or destroying cities. She also has to deal with the Atlantian generals who are doubtful about her and her ability to rule, and we can see how she hurts and how the weight on her shoulders is slowly becoming too much. Cas, as usual, was a perfect supporting husband. Never tries to stop her or tell her that she couldn’t do what she wanted to do. He trusts her completely and gives her the power over her life that she didn’t have in all of her years as The Maiden. Their love is inspiring and beautiful… It’s also full of passion and sexy moments 😏 (that being said, them having sex after Cas spent over 40 days without a bath, shower, or toilet was NOT sexy).

“Don’t forget what he means to me, Poppy. I’ve known him my whole damn life,” he said. “We shared the same crib more times than not. We took our first steps together. Sat at the same table most nights, refusing to eat the same vegetables We explored tunnels and lakes, and pretended that fields were new, undiscovered kingdoms. We were inseparable. And that didn’t change as we grew older.” His voice roughened, and he dropped his forehead to mind. “He was and still is a part of me.”


I reached over, clasping his shoulder. “We are not brothers of the same blood. We are not friends due to some bond,” I told him, and his gaze met mine. “We are not loyal to each other because of courtesy or tradition or title. We have always been above all that. And, in a lot of ways, we’re two halves of the same whole. Different than Poppy and me, but not that much different. You know that.”

Cas and Kieran’s love and fierce loyalty for each other are so wholesome and heartwarming. I love them with all my heart, and seeing how much they care for each other and would do anything for each other was beautiful. This is some higher-level bromance here. I’ve loved Kieran from the start, and he truly shone in this book. He showed a more sensible and deep side of himself, and I really hope he will be able to find someone worthy of him before this series ends.

I shot him a glare. ”Would you like to help, or do you just want to stand there and watch me get yelled at by an old woman?”
“Is there a third option?”
My eyes narrowed.

Poppy and Kieran get closer to each other emotionally and physically in this book. I know that some readers saw this as “emotional cheating”, which I respect, but I did not see it that way. They are both going through the same emotional pain after losing Cas, and they are doing all they can, including risking their lives in crazy plans to save him. Cas himself does not mind them getting closer and does not see it as cheating, nor does he see Kieran as a threat. Sure, Kieran and Poppy care for each other, but it is not the same love Poppy and Cas share. On the contrary, Cas is the one bringing them all together, and I truly believe that Poppy will need both of them to keep her in check in the future with her growing powers and this damn prophecy saying that she’s the Harbringer and that she will remake the realms.

Emotions clogged my throat, and I didn’t know if it belonged to them, me, or if it was a combination of all of us.

The three of them love each other. Poppy and Cas can love Kieran without loving each other less. They both love Kieran, and it is heartwarming, sweet, and beautiful. Their also loving Kieran, and Kieran loving them, does not diminish the heartmate bond and the fact that they would do anything for each other.

‼️MILD SPOILER BELOW ‼️
(But seeing how every hateful reader ranted about chapter 44 on every social media, you probably already know about this mild spoiler)…

“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.”

I love how the relationship between Cas, Poppy, and Kieran gets deeper with each book. It is clear that Cas and Kieran have a special connection, and seeing how Poppy grew on Kieran and how she learned to rely on him and to love him was precious. I am happy that Kieran was more important in the plot this time and that he was more present throughout the book. We can see that things are starting to change between Poppy and Kieran. Of course, her heartmate remains Cas, but she feels something more than friendship for Kieran. I know that many people were against the idea of The Joining or against the idea of Kieran getting involved in Poppy and Casteel’s relationship, but to me, it just makes sense that they got to that point.

Now, about all those hateful and rude comments… I do believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that 100%, but I also believe that there is a way to share one’s opinion while remaining civilized and respectful.

I saw many hateful reviews saying that the fact that Poppy was growing closer to Kieran while Cas was imprisoned was disgusting, that The Joining made no sense because Cas would never share Poppy, and that the scene just came out of nowhere to please a few horny fans on Facebook.

➡️ The concept of The Joining was introduced in the second book. From the very start, Poppy shows that she is not disgusted by the idea of sharing blood between 3 people and maybe something more in the heat of the moment.

➡️ Poppy was always intrigued by The Joining, and never said that she was against it. She always left the door open to the possibility of it happening, if it was what was expected of her.

➡️ There are also a few hints of Poppy and Kieran potentially getting physically closer and the fact that it does not bother Kieran and only makes Poppy mildly embarrassed (the scene where he is behind her as Cas drinks from her, when they’re all sleeping together while traveling to Atlantia, or when he was holding Poppy while she was drinking from Cas and also having sex with him in the third book).

➡️ I also distinctly remember in the second book, when Poppy awakens to find Kieran sleeping right behind her while she was cuddling Cas, she says that it was as if Cas was a magnet that drew them both. She mentioned that again in this book.

➡️ There is also that moment on the beach, after the wolven wedding, when Poppy watches Kieran and Lyra, and we learn later that Kieran watched Poppy and Cas too that evening…

➡️ The hints were there, and the fact that they are now sharing the same anguish and pain with the temporary loss of Cas can very well explain why they grew closer to each other. Also, Poppy and Kieran developing a stronger and more intimate bond does not mean that she wants to replace Cas or that she loves him less.

➡️ Now, concerning the comments stating that “real men don’t share,”… Let’s keep in mind that Cas and Kieran share a very strong, ancient, and unique bond. They’re not just best buddies; they grew up together, and they trust each other with their lives. Their connection is a strong one. Cas did not get jealous or angry at Kieran the few times he saw Poppy naked or had a front-row seat for some intimate moments, nor did Cas get angry or possessive when Poppy saw Kieran naked. More than once.

“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.”

‼️END OF THE MILD SPOILER‼️

Seeing Reaver in his mortal form was already an utterly unexpected experience. But seeing him completely, absolutely naked whilst crouched on a pillar took the oddness of the situation to a whole new level.

"You’re just saying nonsense. You both are nearly the same height and size,” I said.
“I believe your vision could use improvement,” the draken responded, and I rolled my eyes.
“You could use an attitude improvement,” Kieran retorted.
“I ate a lot of ham,” I announced to Kieran before Reaver could fire back another barb. Both males looked at me. “A lot. You’d be proud.”
“While I’m glad to hear that,” Kieran began, “that was a little random, Poppy.”


“I get it. Kieran almost stepped on your tail.” I turned to the wolven. “Reaver almost bit your hand. Stop whining and get over it.”
“He almost stepped on my entire leg,” Reaver corrected. “Not my tail.”
“And he almost bit my arm off.” Kieran’s eyes narrowed. “Not my hand.”
I stared at them. “You two are… I don’t even know.”

I adored Reaver and his “I don’t really give a shit” attitude in this book, but I would have loved to see more of the drakens. Reaver’s an odd one for sure, but he added many funny moments in this book, and I want more of him in the next one! I am also curious to see if something more might develop between Kieran and him, because the way they are annoying each other might hide some other feelings… There is tension between them, and I’m not sure it’s 100% angry tension, if you know what I mean.
EDIT: Apparently, the author already confirmed that it would not happen, but it would have been nice. I like their snarky interactions and how Reaver just didn’t seem to give a shit about anything besides burning humans and annoying Kieran.

I would have loved to have more of Delano and Netta. While I am happy that Kieran was more important, most of the book follows him, Poppy, and Cas, and we do not really know what is happening with the Atlantian army, with the other wolvens, and with the drakens that stayed behind. I feel that Poppy did not have any time with them, or the generals, or the other “important” Atlantians, which would help her gain their trust and know better how to organize her army.

Also, a special mention to Malik and Millie, who are both quite intriguing, Millie even more than Malik. I fully expect to see them again in the next books, and their role in this war is not over. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say that there is potential for me to like these two in the next books if they make good decisions.

Overall, I did love this book very much. The last 10% were intense, and I am already excited for the next book. I know that many people were disappointed, but all I can say is to at least give it a chance, and not base your opinion only on all the 1-star reviews 9especially since many of those 1-star reviewers did not evenread the book), and hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did!


1. From Blood and Ash ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. The Crown of Gilded Bones ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Visions of Flesh and Blood ⭐.5


Flesh & Fire series
1. A Shadow in the Ember ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Light in the Flame ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. A Fire in the Flesh ⭐⭐⭐
4. Born of Blood and Ash ⭐⭐⭐

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[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was full of drama, suspense, and heart ache.
I could not put it down!

[Addie Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to continue reading the series because the plot is really good. I know for a fact, I’ll never reread this series.

The first half is just her, I want to say pages and pages but it’s a graphic audio so I’ll say minutes nay hours, being upset that Cass isn’t there I get it girl. You miss him. It was giving Bella from twilight when Edward left and she couldn’t even think or say his name. It reminded me of that.

I feel like there was so many other things going on that could have been being written about during that span of time. Like so much world building could’ve happened in this first half of this book.

My need to see the kingdom be saved is the only reason I won’t DNF the series. But because I feel no need to pick it up right away I’m more than willing to wait for part two of the graphic audio to come out.

[Kyra Bookdragonmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is entertaining, but it honestly should have ended in book 2, everything after that has been clumsy, both in writing and world building. I understand that you as the reader discover the world in parts and pieces, but every book has a bunch of new elements too conveniently placed that sound like they pulled it out of their ass. Again I'm entertained, but it's dragging and I no longer feel shock, or relief, or am very invested, which sucks because I was all in for the first couple books.
Also since it's graphic audio, this means I'm half way through the book and I swear if there's no threesome between Poppy, Cass, and Kieran I'm gonna be pissed 😠😜

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

this adaptation is still wonderful, so five stars for that — this book is just not my favorite of the series, but i have hopes for the second half of this book. the sound effects and score remain perfect!

honestly, reaver and kieran made this one for me. i wish i liked some characters more (im pretty sure i like them more later??? i can’t remember but prayers for them)

[Bobbi Hasard · Rating 5 out of 5]

only recommended if you like getting your heart ripped out

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy A War of Two Queens, especially in the GraphicAudio format, which made the action, emotion, and chaos feel extra immersive.

That said, while I liked this one overall, I definitely felt like it dragged in the quieter moments between all the chaos. There’s so much happening, but somehow I’m still a little confused about who everyone is ....gods, primals, dieties, demis and what’s actually going on because it feels like everyone only ever half answers anything. At this point in the series, I really wish I felt like I understood more than I do.

Every book keeps peeling back another layer of secrets and reveals, which is fun in theory, but it also means the characters keep making mistakes over and over again because they’re constantly working with incomplete information and honestly, it can get a little frustrating lol.

Overall, I still had a good time with it and I’m invested enough to keep going, but I’m definitely craving a little more clarity from this series moving forward.

[Pink · Rating 3 out of 5]

pros to these adaptations
1. each character actually has a different narrator
(which is what regular audiobooks need to be doing. )
I can do without the sounds and music. which usually drowns out the voices and the sound effects are repetitive to the point of being annoying.
2. they usually cut out unnecessary parts (probably could cut out more in this particular series though)

Cons to these adaptations:
1. They split them into 2 or more parts for 💲 scheme
There is no other reason for it.
2. This causes issues with being put in order
3. this causes them to be more books than actually are
4. this causes issues with being able to borrow them from libraries, with limited borrows and holds at a time, 5 books turns into 10 and that's usually the limit. So 5 books hog up your entire limits and usually very long waits.
6. ebooks dont sync with them
7. THEIR sexual & intimate scenes are very fake and poorly done. even just kissing is done really badly

[Theughost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooo 😩 this book! I need the next paaaaart. But I can’t listen to it until October 😭.

This book series has me in a chokehold and it is now one of my favorite reads 2025. I gave this book 5/5⭐️ and I’d say spice is a 🌶️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.

In this first half of the book we get to see both povs after the events of book 3. The king who is now captured by the false Queen and Queen Poppy who now has to do everything she can to find and save her king. Her husband. Her heart mate. But can she do it in time before it’s too late? Or will the blood lust take over what is left of her king and the false queen succeed?

This book has me in an absolute chokehold and I love every single part of it. I need moooore! So if you’re considering reading or listening to this series? Do iiiiiit!

[Krissie Pooh · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are FANTASTIC! Look, if you made it to this book, you are already sold on Poppy girl, but these dramatic adaptations are BEST way to consume it. I have read this on my kindle, listened to the regular audio (which is also great), but the graphic audios are the BEST!

They do piss you off where they choose to stop between the halves, gives whomever decided that… “ya mama’s a ho…” but also I get it because I am DYING for the next one!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: While Cas tries to survive a dunheon, Poppy tries to run a country and rescue him.

So much going on in this book. Lots of twists and turns to the plot. New discoveries and characters we haven't really interacted with before. It's an absolute gut-wrencher that I probably should be giving 5 stars to, but I haven't been in the head space to let myself immerse, so it's a me thing, not particular to the book. At any rate, the end of this audio is a criminal cliffhanger.

[Eryn Hayner · Rating 4 out of 5]

UGH! I’m so mad I have to wait for the second half of this book!
This is actually more like a 3.5, but that’s not an option, so 4 it is. The plot continues to grow and the world continues to develop in an interesting manner, however, some of the dialogue and writing feels a little corny to me. I feel like Armentrout could have spent more time writing dialogue that actually felt true to the characters. Other than that, great job.

[lexiskat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
I love this series, I am not happy that soon this series will be over and Poppy and Casteel will be living their best lives after all the blood sweat and tears that they had to deal with. The Queen is a bitch and I mean just that. Cuz girl please you are evil and ruthless. Hopefully the truth will reveal itself soon.

[Lynsi Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this the second time round. I don't write many reviews on this series because... I just can't. I love it so much. I have so many thoughts... I can't give a concise review. What is there to say. But I also know there is some controversy. So just to be clear. Love this book. Love The Joining. Love Kieran. The End.

[Jen Mallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love this series, and the graphic audio is amazing, but I just can’t give it 5 stars since they were apart the whole time and this all just feels like lead up to what will actually happen in part 2.

[Emillie Chukwuba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie I forgot to write my review here so it’s been a bit since I read this book but remember thinking it was really good and I can’t wait for the next graphic audio of this book to come out because I was excited to see what happens next.

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! Wow, so good! Poppy's growth is so cool.

[Kandace Young · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf

[Kristina Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as much as the first time I read it :). Waiting impatiently for part 2!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Just wish I had known the second half hasn’t been released in graphic audio yet :(
Once you go graphic, very hard to go back

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤌🤌 I love Kieran.

[Rachel Nimtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next part more than I need air

[Jenn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just sad that the next one doesn't come out till the end of next month 😭

[Adina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first half felt a lot like filler with plot driven points sprinkled in. I didn’t feel as gripped by the story or the characters but I’ll continue forward since I started lol.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, stressed for poppy and cas ….

[sophslilbookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reliving the series in this format!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.95 stars