A Soul of Ash and Blood

How does seeing Poppy from Cas’s perspective, particularly in the early days of their relationship, shape Poppy’s character? Why does Poppy remain veiled around Cas, even when she starts to trust him?

Cas wants Poppy to cherish her scars as a symbol of her strength and resilience. How does Poppy feel about her scars? Why might she view her scars differently from how Cas wants?

Cas ultimately wants to give Poppy more control over her life. Does he succeed? Why or why not?

As their love story progresses in other novels, Cas feels increasingly unworthy of Poppy’s love. How do his actions in A Soul of Ash and Blood set up Cas for emotional complications later on? Cas traces his feelings of being unworthy of love back to his captivity with the Ascended. Why does Cas’s previous trauma prevent him from unconditionally accepting love?

Explore the role of the minor characters, including Delano, Naill, Emil, Elijah, and Lev, in the novel. How do these characters assist in shaping the main characters? Why do these characters remain loyal to Cas?

When Cas confronts Malik for his betrayal and deceit, he ultimately decides, “[W]e were brothers, and I loved the fucker” (522). Does Cas forgive Malik? How does he fail to forgive others throughout the text? Why does Cas hesitate to forgive and offer opportunities for redemption, and what consequences does this create for him?

Cas and Poppy briefly allow themselves to consider becoming parents, and in doing so, Cas considers how becoming a parent changes a person’s identity, deepening the novel’s exploration of Love’s Influence on Identity. What does Cas observe about Isbeth, Eloana, and Valyn as parents? How might becoming a father change Cas?

While discussing his traumatic past, Cas confronts the maladaptive coping mechanisms he used to overcome grief, loss, and memories that haunt him. How does Cas cope with his negative experiences in a healthier, more productive way in A Soul of Ash and Blood?