We chat with #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout about A Soul of Ash and Blood, which is the latest installment in the Blood and Ash series and revisits Poppy and Casteel’s epic love story…but this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.
Hi, Jennifer! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Thanks for having me! I’m the author of over 65 books, including the Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire series. I write fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, and mystery/suspense every once in a while. When I’m not writing, I’m usually gardening or taking care of the farm pals. We have five sheep, two goats, and six alpacas.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It’s really hard to pinpoint exactly when because reading has always been an escape for me, starting as a preteen. I was fascinated by how something I knew was fictional could evoke such emotions, and that is what fueled me to begin writing. I wrote my first book during algebra class in the 9th grade, which probably explains why I had to take remedial math in college.
Quick lightning round! What is one book that you can’t stop thinking about?
LJ Smith’s The Forbidden Game
A Soul of Ash and Blood is the fifth installment in your Blood and Ash series! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Unexpected and surprisingly poignant fantasy.
What can readers expect?
ASOAAB kicks off where The War of Two Queens ended, so you get to see where the characters currently are while getting to know more of what was going on in Cas’s head during the events of From Blood and Ash. There are a lot of things revealed that will play a large role going forward.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further?
The scene between the Duke and Cas was one of my favorites. Also, the last scene.
With this being the fifth installment, what’s your process? How do you map out a series?
Process? I should have a process? Ha. Just kidding. I have one. Barely. I try not to map out an entire series in too much detail because then you feel locked in and are reluctant to change the path, even if the story now dictates that it should happen. I know what the key points are for the overall plot and character development and how the series will ultimately end.
Can you give us a little teaser for The Primal of Blood and Bone?
It’s time to meet the grandparents. Also, everything from book one to now comes to a head.
What’s next for you?
In September, I have a Fall of Ruin and Wrath coming out on the 13th. That’s a new fantasy series with Bramble/Tor. Then I have the 3rd book of the Flesh and Fire Series, A Fire in the Flesh, coming out October 31st.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I’ve been rereading one of my favorite series written by Kerrigan Byrne, the Victorian Rebels series. Well-written antiheroes are my weakness.
