Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

4 reviews

itmakessenseincontext's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Controversial, but I think this was the best book in the series.

As in the most well written. 

I loved how it was structured, and how JLA explored mental health, trauma, recovery, and worthiness through Casteel, and I felt myself relating to him a lot in this book, and I was in tears a few times because certain passages felt like a callout. In a good way, because it made me think about how I treat myself, and why certain passages were triggering for me.

If you are just here for more or Poppy and Cas and finding out what happens next you won't enjoy it, and I think that's why people dislike it. But if you approach it as a look into Casteel's mind, vulnerability, trauma, and healing its a wonderfully well written book, and an enjoyable read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Self harm, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Body horror, Confinement, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content

Moderate: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction

I really want to emphasise the Mental Illness, Self Harm, and Suicide trigger warnings. I dont know if I was just really vulnerable while reading, but these topics hit me very hard, and I'm normally able to deal with them very well. They are addressed with care and sensitivity, but if you have gone through this they will be extremely relatable, at least they were for me

itsmaddiebauer's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I appreciated seeing Casteel’s perspective of the first books events. THAT BEING SAID this could have been a bonus chapter? Or maybe make it a different short story in different editions of the book. I know the series is decently long with a ton of twists and turns. Having a reminder of their history and the first book is nice because I read it so long ago but my goodness. This could have been a novella? Or special edition whatever. 

What I did like -
I enjoyed the moments between Cas and Kieran. I was looking forward to the present time moments just for them. I wish we had bits and pieces of Kieran’s POV because I want to get into his head and see what he’s thinking and feeling. 
I want more Cas/Kieran moments. I want to see more of their relationship. I want some of their past relationship and what it’s evolved to. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Murder, Blood, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Sexual content

yarisbooksandbevs's review

adventurous dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed seeing things from Cas’s perspective. Especially after knowing everything we know. I kind of liked this one better than the first.  It was nice to see what he was going through and a little bit into why he made the decisions he did. The ending really surprised me and I did not see it coming.

I love the bond the three of them have. I wasn’t expecting Cas to shift and I just want to know if she recognized them! I will be heartbroken if she doesn’t

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Cursing, Grief, Torture, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Mental illness, and Sexual content

Moderate: Alcohol, Self harm, Confinement, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Classism, Kidnapping, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Body shaming, Child death, and Stalking

zanazy's review

adventurous dark emotional informative sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I loved this book! I didn’t think having Casteel’s POV was necessary, but I was wrong. The book picks up right after the ending of TWOTQ and you get a little teaser of what is happening in the main/present story, however, the bulk of the book is the story of Cas as he decides to kidnap the maiden to use as leverage for his brother’s freedom. As we all know, plans change and seeing the first book from his POV adds so much depth to his character, I see him in a new, better light. Kieran is also part of his POV and this adds some great depth to him too. I hope that we get books 2 & 3 from Cas’ POV as I was left wanting much more. Brilliant way to add to the story and characters. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, and Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Death of parent, Violence, and Torture