A Soul of Ash and Blood (Part 1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]

Blood and Ash [Dramatized Adaptation] #5, Part 1

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.

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

Genres: Audiobook, Fantasy, Romantasy

10 pages, Audiobook

Published December 23, 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]

Audiobook’s 5 stars, the book itself is 3.5😑

As usual, the graphic audio does an amazing job at bringing books to life ❤️

I seriously wish ALLLLL audiobooks were like this 😭

Even the gruesome torture scene of a bad guy had all the nasty sound effects 🤣. Normally, I get a tad bit squeamish, but I didn’t mind it 💁🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️👏🏻 lol

I LUUUUUURVE the tension between Cas and Poppy 👀

ESPECIALLY the scenes where they fight/have amazing banter 🤣

The fighting ones are 👀🔥 even though nothing happens 🤣

I was hoping that the graphic audio would take things out from the book that I didn’t like…

But it didn’t 😒

SPOILERS…

It kept Hawke’s/Casteel’s almost-ow sex scene with the woman he’s already had sex with from the brothel 😑. Like. I already read this scene in the original book 🤷🏻‍♀️, why didn’t JLA take it out for the graphic audio 😑🤦🏻‍♀️ (lol I get it’s not just about me, but I was hoping I didn’t have to rehash it again 😒). That means part 2 will have the other scene I don’t wanna relive…

UUUUUGGGGHHHHH 🤬

And, of course, he remembers being drunk with said woman, that they had a good time 🙄 and that they BOTH came 😐, yet… we ALLLLLL know that Poppy is a virgin and has never even been kissed 😒

So annoying 🙄

Anyway…

I’m still gonna listen to the next part, but I’m not gonna be happy if that other scene is also included 😐

Here’s my review for the book

[Shananana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. I thought this was the next part of the story. It's 10 FREAKING hours of review; are you kidding me?! And there’s still part 2. Did we already know Cas actually liked Poppy and got angry when anyone in the court lay hands on her? YES, because the story was well-told the FIRST time. This was a waste of time and an obvious cash-grab. The narrator that does Cas did a great job and I liked hearing more from him, but realistically, this book should have been a few chapters at the end of one of the other books (it's been a while for this re-hash), or a novella. Without even listening to part 2, the 2 parts should have been combined into a 4-5 hour mini. As of yet, only the very beginning is important, and the rest is just reminding everyone this story used to be a swoon-worthy romance. While Poppy sleeps, he's telling her every detail from his point of view, and realistically, no one would go into so many details. The ladies in waiting that flirted when he first became her guard, does anyone care how many colors or how many stones she was sewing into her mask? Would anyone even remember that, in detail, so long after it happened that it should be described to the letter as if it mattered? Or could it be skimmed over (or omitted) like it would have been, had this actually been him retelling the story after so much time has passed between them? Or maybe he thinks Kieran might GAF... because the readers here certainly did not. Most of the book's details are like this. I listened at 1.5 speed just to get through it, and still almost didn't finish it. Kept waiting for something that might be important... and it never came.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d listen to Stewart Crank read a thesaurus and I’d rate it 5 stars.

[Danielle Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio is a 5. Story is 3.75. I can’t remember what I rated this book when I read it, but I do remember skimming a lot of the flashback moments. Not because I didn’t love seeing them in Cas’s pov, but I just felt so repetitive, and I really wanted the story to move forward.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big “THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN EMAIL” energy. Love hearing *some* things from Cas’ POV but my god! This easily could have been a couple of bonus chapters rather than a whole ass book. Absolutely zero new information, and it’s clear in the audio recording that we are literally hearing the exact same conversations. But, incredible job, as always, by Stewart Crank! Audio is a 4, story is a 2. Part 2 here I come, apparently 😵‍💫

[Jess A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SO UNNECESSARY!!! The graphic audio was wonderful, 5★, but the story... literally useless. We understood enough of "Hawke"s perspective in the original book. there's no need for this retelling, or if JLA was desperate to wrote it, make it a novella

[Sirens & Swords · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into A Soul of Ash and Blood (Graphic Audio, Part 1 of 2) really excited, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t fully pull me in the way I expected.

The Graphic Audio production is amazing. The full cast, sound effects, and overall vibe make it feel very immersive. Some scenes hit harder emotionally because of it, which I loved.

But this being Part 1 of 2 is very noticeable.

A lot of the story revisits events we already know, just from a different point of view. I liked getting inside the male lead’s head, but at times it felt repetitive instead of adding something new. The pacing also felt a bit slow in the middle.

What worked:

* Great voice acting and production
* Deeper look into his thoughts
* Strong emotional moments

What didn’t work as much:

* Some repetition
* Slower pacing
* Feels incomplete on its own

Overall, I’m still interested and will be listening to Part 2. This just felt more like setup than a full story. Worth it for fans, just don’t expect a complete arc yet

[Kyra Bookdragonmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐
Ok, this series keeps stretching it. I get it, it's popular, it must make money, and it is a compelling read, because despite knowing by now that it tends to pull new things out of someone's ass, I keep reading it and enjoying it. This time around we basically go back to the beginning and revisit FBAA but from Hawke/Casteel's POV, which is a known technique to keep milking a book series. However, unlike other attempts (looking at you, midnight sun) this one gives you a reason for it.
Poppy has gone into a deep sleep and Casteel is by her side and starts telling her the story of "how we met" from his side, much like people read or talk to their loved ones in a coma.
We'll see what the second half has to offer.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic Plot: The first book of the series, but from Casteel's POV.

As always, Graphic Audio does an amazing job with actors, music, sound effects, etc. It is always worth it. While this book technically does pick up right at the end of the previous book, right now the most recent events are serving as a frame for Casteel to tell his side of the story of the first book. Interesting, but there's not a ton of new information. We get to see him plotting and planning, and falling for Poppy as he gets to know her, but again, nothing really new, which is frustrating. I'm hoping the next half of the book will help move the series plot along a bit more, but I have the feeling that it will mostly just continue in this same vein.

[LMIX · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Graphic Audio version of this series, with Stewart Crank and Torian Brackett, are my favorite audiobook series. It's like discovering these favorite books all over again.

I have to admit, I can listen to Casteel talk, as performed by Stewart Crank, on repeat 24/7. Having a bad day? Casteel talking... Waiting for "on hold" books? Casteel talking... Can't sleep? Casteel talking...

It was totally entertaining listening to Hawke / Casteel POV. Finding out what he was actually thinking and doing, especially because he's such a smart ass. I loved getting to hear Kieran's voice more too, and wish there could be a Kieran Wolven POV book performed Torian Brackett.

Between the two of them they made this series sound magical, it feels like this is a real world and you are in it with them. Can't wait for part 2 of the graphic audio version of this book.

[Mel (whilemelwasreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I started this that the second half of this graphic audio was not out yet. Oops. I really enjoy the narration. These graphic audios draw me in and keep me listening. Though, A Soul of Ash and Blood is a sort of rehashing of all that has already occurred, just through Cas's POV. Which I found both enjoyable at times, but more so boring. There are 12 chapters in the present, so I picked up my paperback and read through the rest of them to finish this book off. The audio deserves 5 stars. The book 3 stars. I personally could have done without it to be honest-I didn't feel it added much to the plot- but I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

the GraphicAudio adaptation is 5 stars (Stewart Crank is truly a perfect Cas), but the book itself is probably being demoted to 3 stars

i remember enjoying the book the first time i eyeball-read it, but i think it was because i had forgotten so much detail so it was fun to get the other perspective. now, im just lowkey irritated — i don’t think we needed the whole first book from his POV, we could have gotten some flashbacks/what he was doing off-screen & the handful of modern scenes and it would have been a fun novella, but dear god am i just ready for this whole thing to wrap up and be done

[Heather Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just a retelling of book one in flashbacks from Cas’s memory, nearly every single scene, with exactly the same dialogue still included. Incredibly boring. Nothing is gained from having Cas’s inner monologue or thoughts during the events of book 1- his perspective is exactly what you would already guess it to be. All he thinks about is how attractive and smart and different Poppy is from other girls, duh. The same that he has already told her he was thinking in other books. What an incredible waste of time this book is while putting the main plot line (also boring at this point) on pause for these flashback memories. Absolutely no new information about the past is included, aside from a few moments that Cas has already told Poppy about from that time period.

[Debra Rohlfs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this essentially a rehash of book one, “From Blood and Ash”, but from Castille’s POV. And ooooooh boy, is it filling in some holes… still a bit cranky with HAWK about Ryland… and if HE’s the one who’s killed Victor… ooooh, sir, we are having WORDS!

Have to wait for part two from GraphicAudio to come out in April, so NO SPOILERS for the second half of the book, please!

[Jennica Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will pick up anything with Stewart Crank.
Bonus, it's all POV Casteel.
Downfall, it's just a retelling of book #1 almost line for line.

But to hear Stewart read frank-smut, I will purchase allllll the Audibles.

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars! Finally making some progress with this series! I liked this one a lot more than the middle books though it still doesn’t feel as strongly fleshed out as the first book or two did. Love the graphic audio narration!

[Stephanie Flaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just recounting Casteel's POV of From Blood and Ash. I was hoping there was going to be some plot reveals, but it was mostly the same as the first book. We will see for the second half. But it was still entertaining, loved the graphic audio of it.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of this book is book 1 as told from Cas’ point of view. The narrators were the same, they were good. Nothing spectacular in this book that has been revealed that I would say makes it worth listening to before part 2 comes out.

[Bethany]

DNF - I usually love a graphic audio but I can’t with the narrator, voice is too deep and it hurts my ears. My headphones just felt like muffled bass was blasting in them 🙈🙉 I guess I really am old now

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope falls into stasis. It is anticipated that she will wake up with her full potential and power. It is a possibility that she will forget herself and everyone else while in this state, so Cas is by her bedside telling her all the events from his POV

[debl · Rating 2 out of 5]

ugh at least 50% of this was an exact retelling of what happened earlier in the series which was SOOOO boring to me

[Krissie Pooh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this the first time with my eyes, and it was good. I reread with the graphic audio, and it was great! So much better of an experience. Loved it!

[Kristina Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved as much as reading it the 1st time! I thoroughly enjoy Casteel's POV! It feels as if it just latches you onto the characters even more. Gives more depth & feeling

[sophslilbookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea how much I needed to hear From Blood and Ash from Casteel’s point of view - even though he’s telling it to help wake Poppy from stasis!

[Cat Rothrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to have a different POV but it goes so far back. I’m interested is the present this far along in the series.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio was great (5 stars cast), but this recap story in the middle of a battle from the previous book’s ending is a 3.

[Maya Pompom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a duplicate book of the first with very little new information.

[Lora Lantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Other than the first part, the rest is a review. 👀 We already know the story…
The narration is a 5/5 though.

[Zee Lawler · Rating 2 out of 5]

was basically a whole book of MMC POV from the beginning so was like re reading the first book instead of progressing with the story

[Kathy Savoie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i feel like this could have just been a novella without the repeated story.