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Rachell Howzell Hall is the NYT, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 16 novels. The novel discussed in this interview was Fog and Fury. Her bio says she also writes Romantasy, something Fog and Fury—an intense thriller—is not. And with the fact that she does write romantasy, it allowed discussing questions not previously, asked including the difference between writing thrillers and romantasy.
In this special interview episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we sit down with author and storyteller Sasha E. Sloan to discuss her debut YA fantasy novel, The Ruins Beneath Us. Known for her viral storytelling on TikTok and the fan-favorite series Noble House of Black, Sasha shares how her transition from digital creator to traditionally published author shaped the world, characters, and themes of her novel. Together, we explore the heart of the story: a coming-of-age journey centered on autonomy, family legacy, and the weight of the choices our parents make before we're old enough to understand them. Sasha also pulls back the curtain on crafting the book's emotionally layered love triangle, building complex characters like the brooding Cygnus and determined Finn, and reimagining Elvish lore in a way that feels both classic and refreshingly new for YA fantasy readers. We also talk about the current state of the YA genre, what Sasha hopes to see more of in the space, and how she plans to push the genre forward in future books. If you love fantasy worlds, complicated character dynamics, and conversations about the deeper themes shaping today's YA storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is Part 2 of our listener discussion. In today's episode, we start exploring the biggest reactions and questions coming from the community. Sarah J. Maas sat down with Alex Cooper on the hit podcast Call Her Daddy, and the romantasy community had a lot to say about it. In this episode, we break down the interview, talk through the moments that stood out to us, and share some of the most interesting listener reactions from across the fandom. From discussions about writing, publishing, and the success of series like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass to broader questions about the romantasy boom and the relationship between authors and readers, we're unpacking what this interview reveals, and what it might mean for the future of the series. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aye, it's a fine day for a new TVPL! We're traveling to the Scottish Highlands to look back on the pilot of Outlander, the fantasy romance series that will have you asking yourself “could I pull off a kilt?” This smash hit from Starz comes to us from the creator of Battlestar Galactica and the director of Rounders, the pairing we never knew we needed. It's an episode full of magic, mystery and way more Sex and the City references than we expected to make. Go dance in the moonlight this Samhain and be sure to subscribe to TV Pilot's License for more!Thanks To Riverside For Sponsoring The Pod! Click this link to learn more! Hosted By:Geoff KerbisMax Singer
SPOILERS * SPOILERS * SPOILERS * SPOILERS * SPOILERS If you have not read every single book series written by Sarah J. Maas - which includes Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, then why are you here? Don't listen to this episode, because there will be spoilers, and we don't want you to get mad at us. So if you're still here, listen to our thoughts on SJM's episode on Call Her Daddy. Because we are getting NEW ACOTAR books and you know we have thoughts about it. Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Sarah J. Maas sat down with Alex Cooper on the hit podcast Call Her Daddy, and the romantasy community had a lot to say about it. In this episode, we break down the interview, talk through the moments that stood out to us, and share some of the most interesting listener reactions from across the fandom. From discussions about writing, publishing, and the success of series like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass to broader questions about the romantasy boom and the relationship between authors and readers, we're unpacking what this interview reveals, and what it might mean for the future of the series. This is Part 1 of our listener discussion. In today's episode, we start exploring the biggest reactions and questions coming from the community. Part 2 drops tomorrow, where we continue the conversation and dig into even more listener perspectives. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Matty Dalrymple talks with Brenna Bailey-Davies about STORY FIRST, GENRE SECOND: LESSONS FROM ROMANTASY FOR EVERY WRITER, including why genre works best as a marketing tool rather than a creative constraint, how to signal genre in your first chapter without over-promising on tropes, the danger of trope-stuffing and why narrative should drive genre decisions, what genre-bending fiction offers in the age of AI-generated content, the pros and cons of writing to a hot genre trend, and how editors bring a unique perspective to publishing strategy. Watch the interview on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/TIA326YT Show notes, including extensive summary and transcript, at www.theindyauthor.com/show-notes/326-brenna-bailey-davies If you find the information in this video useful, please consider supporting The Indy Author! https://www.patreon.com/theindyauthor https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattydalrymple Brenna Bailey-Davies is an editor and writer based in Mohkínstsis (Calgary), Alberta, Canada. Through her company Bookmarten Editorial, she specializes in editing science fiction, fantasy, and romance, focusing on stories with queer representation. She also writes SFF and contemporary romance novels under the pen name Brenna Bailey. Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage, and shares what she's learned on THE INDY AUTHOR PODCAST. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors; her articles have appeared in Writer's Digest magazine. She is a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
It's March and for the monster girlies, it is their time to shine. We have special guest Maggie J, our resident monster aficionado. Emily and Maggie shed light on why the monster romance genre is their favorite. Their unanimous answer might surprise you. We discuss the book Oops! I Summoned a Merdemon. Wild does not even begin to cover it. Get ready for more monsters!!!You can follow Maggie J on instagram @mjturnsthepageSend a textSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media
In this week's episode, we discuss Romantasy, the Franken-genre that has conquered the publishing world and defined the libidinal landscapes of a generation of women. We decode the genre's DNA from dimestore bodice-rippers to high fantasy epics, examine the sociological profile of its authors and audiences, and explore how it's mutated in the digital age via AI visualizers and high-budget audio erotica. We also talk about Renaissance faires, fujoshi discourse, the mirror image of male vs. female gooning in popular culture, Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights as the BookTok movie of the century, and more. Links: Image boardSam's Romantasy Spotify Playlist“Did a Best-Selling Romantasy Author Steal Another Writer's Story?” by Katy Waldman in The New Yorker“She Fell in Love With ChatGPT. Then She Ghosted It.” (r/MyBoyfriendIsAI profile) by Kashmir Hill in The New York Times“Gender difference in brain activation to audio-visual sexual stimulation” by Chung et. al. in PubMed“Sexual Scripts: Permanence and Change” by William Simon and John H. Gagnon in Archives of Sexual Behavior, Vol. 15, No. 2“How the Renaissance Fair became America's favorite fantasy” by Kelly Faircloth in National Geographicr/AskAHistorian discussions about medievalism and high fantasy (one, two, three)The Oxford Handbook of Victorian Medievalism ed. Joanne Parker and Corinna WagnerHard to Be a God (2013) dir. Aleksei GermanCandlelight Ecstasy Romance Guidelines c. 1980Love Story magazine ed. Daisy Bacon (1921–1947) (see covers here) “The Uses of Reading Mass-Produced Romance Fiction” (Harlequin study) by Susan B. Neuman (1985) History of the “sex and shopping” genre by Pascal Tréguer“Girls Who Love Boys Who Love Boys” by E. Alex Jung in VultureInterview with Quinn founder and CEO Caroline Spiegel in Refinery29“Aural Fixation: Celebrity Audio Erotica Is 2025's Answer to the Centerfold” by Hannah Jackson in Vogue“The Importance of Critical Thinking in a Zombiefied World” (Why romantasy is crucial to understanding Apple TV's hit show Pluribus) by Maris Kreizman in The Atlantic“Liking Books is Not a Personality” by Hannah McGregor in Electric Literature@shauna_the_author on Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nymphetalumni.com/subscribe
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on Jac's master's dissertation: “The Gender Politics of Vamprism" How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bridget, Caitlin, and HIlda are covering part 1 of "Hollow," book 1 in Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti's Crown of Hearts & Chaos series. So far, it's everything you expect from the Twister Sisters: A feisty heroine; a hot, brooding morally gray MMC; a slow burn building plenty of tension; and lots of inner monologue. So far, our hosts are hooked so you should join them in reading and listening. Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Brooke and Tyler stand shield to shield with Hayden Gray from the Fantasy Fan Fellas podcast to defend fantasy, romantasy, and Wind and Truth. We know the criticisms lobbed against the fantastical works we love and do our best to defend their honor. #NotAllSpoilers There are no major spoilers for Cosmere works until we begin discussing Wind and Truth at 50m15s. Follow Hayden and the Fantasy Fan Fellas Fantasy Fan Fellas Instagram Support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon Original music by David Gruwier. "Radiant" by David Gruwier.
Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A bombshell Four Corners investigation has sent shockwaves through the endometriosis community, revealing allegations of "unnecessary and excessive" surgeries performed by a prominent Melbourne surgeon. With claims that organs were removed from patients whose pathology showed no trace of disease, the Victorian Government has now referred the matter to the police. We speak with one of the Doctor's former patients about the devastating emotional toll of these revelations and the fear that this scandal will make it even harder for women with chronic pain to be taken seriously by the medical establishment. You can contact the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency here and on 03 9664 9330 And in headlines today, Australia is being accused of dodging questions about the legality of US-Israeli strikes on Iran; The UN says the bombing of an Iranian school must be investigated as a possible war crime; the Kyle and Jackie O show is no more, Zendaya's Mum seems to support Law Roach's claims her daughter and Tom Holland are married; Family Planning, the organisation that brought the contraceptive pill to Australia in the 1960s is celebrating 100 years today; Romantasy fans are on the edge of their seats with the announcement that ACOTAR author Sarah J Maas is about to appear on the Call Her Daddy podcast THE END BITS Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Hosts: Claire Murphy Guest: Jo Barry, owner of Scarlet Period and former patient of Dr Simon Gordon Audio Producer: Lu Hill Group Executive Producer: Ilaria BrophyBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send a textOn this week's episode of The Book Fix, your hosts, Yajaira and Cheli are diving into Blood and Steel by Helen Scheuerer. This is a high stakes romantasy that blends brutal training arcs, forbidden ambition, and simmering tension that absolutely refuses to stay quiet. Our main character, Althea Zoltaire has a prophecy hanging over her head, so with her death foretold and only three years to make her mark, she's determined to become a warrior legend in a world where women aren't even allowed to touch a blade. When Althea fights her way into the elite guild sworn to protect the five kingdoms, the trials are merciless, the hazing is borderline deadly, and failure is not an option. But the real complication? Wilder Hawthorne, her gruff, unwilling warrior chaperone, whose presence turns every sparring match into something a little more dangerous than bruises and bloodshed. Join us as we discuss whether or not we would recommend this enemies to lovers romantasy! Support the showOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebookfix?utm_source=linktree_admin_sharebecome our Patron ♡ https://www.patreon.com/BookFixbuy us a book ♡ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thebookfixBusiness Inquiries: thebookfixpodcast@gmail.comfollow us on Tiktok! ♡ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookfix
In this episode, I'm joined by one of the OGs of the romance genre, J.R. Ward, to talk about her new romantasy, Crown of War and Shadow, a sweeping romance that kicks off her brand new Kingdoms of the Compass series! We also chat about:How she sat on the idea for this book for over 20 years! What it's like to craft a romantasy series, Why you'll love Sorell and Merc, her strong heroine, and the alpha male who protects her, Her favorite scene in the book, and so much more!If you love romantasy books that read like a complete story with compelling characters, then you don't want to miss this episode. Listen now, or watch the video on YouTube!Get Crown of War and Shadow now: https://amzn.to/4oEzElNJoin My Email List: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/joinBlog: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/ Podcast: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shereadsromancebooks Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shereadsromancebooks Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shereadsromancebooksblog/LEAVE A REVIEW!If you liked this episode or got a book recommendation you can't wait to read, please give a star rating and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. It helps me know what you like and want to hear. Thanks!This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Author and Instagrammer @librarybrookes Brooke Fast joins BOOKSTORM Podcast to discuss To Cage a Wild Bird! We talk all about real life and love in this dystopian romantasy! Found family, high risk for revenge ... or love ... and the importance of community for survival. These themes resonate in today's world as much as in this fictional one! Join us!You can find more of your favorite bestselling authors at BOOKSTORM Podcast! We're also on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube!
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “The Reader's Space" The article examines the evolving idea of the “reader's space,” tracing how traditionally reader-centered environments like review platforms have become more complicated with the rise of social media and BookTok, where authors are expected to market themselves and engage publicly. It explores the tension between readers wanting spaces for honest discussion free from author influence and authors navigating visibility, marketing pressure, and emotional vulnerability in a highly competitive publishing landscape. The piece argues that while authors should avoid inserting themselves into reader reviews, readers also play a role in blurring boundaries by tagging authors or drawing them into discourse. Ultimately, it calls for nuance, empathy, and shared responsibility, suggesting that online book communities function as hybrid spaces where both readers and authors must learn evolving norms and practice mutual respect. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Liquid IV Tear. Pour. Live More. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sarah and Kaitlyn discuss what romantasy is as well as popular titles in the genre—including A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Fourth Wing.Books mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, and Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.Also mentioned: A Game of Thrones and Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin; the TV series Bridgerton, based on the books by Julia Quinn; the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent; and From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.Check out books, TV shows and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com, hoopladigital.com and kanopy.com/en/westallis. For more about WAPL, visit westallislibrary.org.Music: Tim Moor via Pixabay
Today, Emily & Rachel talk about romantasy!What you'll learn from this episode:expectations of the genrenavigating the vibesdiscussing the genre's critiquereading within the genreReady to make readers so in love with your characters they can't stop biting their nails in anticipation? Grab The Magic of Character Arcs free email course: https://www.goldenmayediting.com/arcsmagicJoin Tenacious Writing! With the perfect combo of craft, mindset, and community resources, you will build a writing life that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and fun—without any prescriptions or rules. Learn more: https://www.tenaciouswriting.com/If you enjoyed Story Magic, please rate, review and follow on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to this podcast!Follow us on social media!Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/bookcoachrachel/Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ebgoldenbooks/
In this second Authors' Alcove Book Club and first Meet the Author session, host Agnes Wolfe welcomes Chelle Cypress for an in-depth discussion of her romantasy novel Unmasking the Curse. Joined by panelists Rebecca Maeve Hartwell, Dawn Marie Manning, and Amber Letters, the group explores the story's emotional depth, character relationships, and the layered tension that drew readers in. The conversation highlights what made this book a standout read, from its reflective elements and immersive atmosphere to the compelling connections between characters that drive the narrative forward.Chelle Cypress shares the inspiration behind the novel, including the research that shaped its historical elements and the personal themes that informed the story's central curse. The panel also examines the complex family dynamics within the book, particularly how Ariana's experiences with an absent father and narcissistic mother influence her choices and growth. Cypress discusses her commitment to crafting characters who feel authentic through flawed decisions, emotional realism, and meaningful consequences.This session contains spoilers and offers readers the opportunity to go beyond the page, hearing directly from the author about the creative process, character motivations, and thematic foundations of Unmasking the Curse. If you enjoy thoughtful book discussions, author insights, and romantasy storytelling conversations, this episode provides a rich and engaging exploration of a memorable novel.To explore more author conversations, book club discussions, and storytelling reflections, visit my Substack at @authorsalcove. Get full access to Agnes Wolfe at dragonheartchronicles.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Liquid IV Tear. Pour. Live More. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Friend-of-the-Pod Claire is back in the stacks to discuss the grandmommy of the Romantasy genre: "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas.Topics of discussion include the genealogy of Romantasy as a genre, the politics of when and where sex appears on the page, and how many male writers can't write about women.As always, we hope you enjoy the conversation!
Send a textToday we're diving right into book three in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Gleam. This book has one of the most satisfying character arcs we've ever read, culminating in an ending we never saw coming. If you enjoy a good feminine rage story, prepare yourself to experience one of the most impactful instances of that trope in any Romantasy we've read to date! We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary, the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss why and how fantasy books can help us process hard things and inspire us to believe in our inner strength and ability to grow into the powerful beings we're meant to be. Did we find Easter eggs? Do we have unanswered questions? What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? We dive into all this and more, plus a fave and fail about Wuthering Heights, Lord of the Rings, and Molly Moonplume.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: The Last Bookstore sweater from @TheLastBookstore in LALiz is wearing : A Feminine Rage Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop | Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=221487d37&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
For the episode this month, an interview with Cayley Wreggit, Director of Full Circle Theatre's 'The Taming Of The Shrew'. Known for their interest in Shakespeare adaptations, Cayley takes us through what went into this Romantasy re-telling of the bards' tale.. https://www.fullcircletheatre.ca/the-taming-of-the-shrew Please check out the Black Film Archive: blackfilmarchive.com
For the episode this month, an interview with Cayley Wreggit, Director of Full Circle Theatre's 'The Taming Of The Shrew'. Known for their interest in Shakespeare adaptations, Cayley takes us through what went into this Romantasy re-telling of the bards' tale.. https://www.fullcircletheatre.ca/the-taming-of-the-shrew Please check out the Black Film Archive: blackfilmarchive.com
Long time, so see ~ In case you missed it, I was in San Diego for LoveLitCon and moderated a Romantasy panel while I was there. I also discovered the view under the bridge is sometimes the more interesting story. I also drive uHauls now. Pussy Sparkle Ribbon Inquiries can be made through the websiteShare your thoughts on the episode The Morning Refill is open to all listeners and I look forward to hearing from you lovelies!Support the showLove, Lies, and Ley Lines Among the Thorns line edits are D-O-N-E DONE! Preorder here In case you missed it, Strange Familiar Audio Book is now available on Youtube ~ Listen for free here You can find the Owl Crate signed edition of Never the Roses here A very beautiful hardcover edition can be found here The audio book can be listened to here And Kindle Unlimited has Never the Roses digital version! Your friendly neighborhood author is doing author-ly things this upcoming month! Hummingbird House is officially OPEN FOR BOOKING Book your next writer retreat at Hummingbird House in Santa Fe here Tuscon Festival of Books is March 14th-15th this year! See you there *Wink* https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org Books ...
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “Revision: Hell or Hell" Finishing a book is a major accomplishment, but the real work begins with revision, which often makes up the majority of the writing process and continues through agents, editors, and multiple drafts. There is no single “correct” way to revise; instead, writers must develop systems that help them assess the full manuscript, identify structural issues like plot holes and character arcs before focusing on prose, and organize feedback in ways that prevent overwhelm. The process can be emotionally challenging, requiring humility, patience, and openness to collaboration, especially when incorporating beta reader feedback and professional edits. Ultimately, revision is about making the story coherent and meaningful first, refining craft and style later, and recognizing that writing is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative journey shaped by continuous refinement. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Sponsor: Monarch Set yourself up for financial success in 2026 with Monarch. Use code BOOKTALK at monarch.com for half off your first year. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda wrap up their coverage of "Between Two Kings," book 2 in Lindsay Straube's Split or Swallow series. Now, they've always said this story was outrageous and unexpected -- and nothing is more unexpected than that ending. And apparently, the third book is a prequel and NOT a follow up to book 2! So ... how did you all feel about that ending, because you know our fave book besties are going to give you their thoughts. Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Belladonna by Adalyn Grace. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Set yourself up for financial success in 2026 with Monarch. Use code BOOKTALK at monarch.com for half off your first year. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Be glad of your human heart....Pity those who don't feel anything at all.” What if the meteoric rise of the romantasy genre isn't about fae courts and dragon riders—but about our deepest and most human longings? Romantasy has taken the publishing world by storm. While some dismiss these stories as escapist fantasy, we believe their deeper power lies in how they illuminate the human heart. In this series on the alchemy of romantasy, we explore the mythic and psychological currents running through books like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing. Through the lenses of Jung and the Hero's (and Heroine's) Journey, we examine the desire to individuate, to be truly seen, to claim inner sovereignty, to find belonging, security, and freedom—and to join with a soulmate who honors the self we are becoming. Join us as we ask why these stories resonate so profoundly right now, and what they reveal about who we are. References: Books & Series A Court of Thorns and Roses and A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros Psychology & Myth Enneagram 4 type Jung & the collective unconscious The Hero's Journey – Joseph Campbell Pop Culture Moana Frozen Monica Lewinsky's podcast Related Gathering Gold Episodes Escape Hatch Fantasies What Could Have Been You Do Not Have to Be Good Bonus: Books that Changed Us Join us on Patreon for bonus content and virtual gatherings: patreon.com/gatheringgold Some of our recent bonus episodes include: What Sheryl Forgot and Victoria's Experiment | The Slipstream of Time | Give and Receiving - Shudder - Feedback | The Problem with Pedestals | Are Intrusive Thoughts like Stray Cats?
This week Shannon, Brooke, and Stacy are discussing romantasy novels. Titles mentioned include:Kristen Ciccarelli, Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1)E.M. Riedl, A Weave Of LiesSable Sorensen, Dire Bound (The Wolves Of Ruin #1)Shannon Mayer, Taken By Fate (The Alpha Territories #1)Annabelle McCormack, Carved In Crimson (Heirs Of Lirien #1)Clare Sager, A Kiss Of Iron (Shadows Of The Tenebris Court #1)Tigest Girma, Immortal Dark (Immortal Dark #1)Sheila Masterson, The Poison DaughterEmily Thiede, This Vicious Grace (The Last Finestra #1)Freya Marske, A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding #1)Amy Yorke, Alchemy & Ashes (The Shadowbound Duet #1)Brittney Arena, A Dance Of Lies (A Dance Of Lies #1)You can always contact the Book Bistro team by searching @BookBistroPodcast on facebook, or visiting:https://www.facebook.com/BookBistroPodcast/You can also send an email to:TheBookBistroPodcast@gmail.comFor more information on the podcast and the team behind it, please visit:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/book-bistro
Our live show is still available to watch on VOD through Dynasty Typewriter, get it now while you still can! Tickets available here: https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squad-up?event-id=128389Fairies with giant wings and even larger shlongs meet feisty female assassins who are also princesses. Vampires and witches fall in love when the world forbids it. These are just some of the plots you can find within the pages of romantasies, the hot and steamy genre of literature that has taken the world and TikTok by storm. Today on the podcast, we sit down with 5 of the world's foremost romantasy writers as we learn the books that inspired them, the books they're most proud of, and maybe even get a peek into their favorite steamy scenes. So pause that audio book, settle in with your glass of wine and book club, and listen in!Our incredible guest who had us breaking from minute 1 is D.J. Mausner! Watch the movie they wrote, Prom Dates, on Hulu and find them @djmausner on socials!This episode was filmed in the beautiful Dynasty Typewriter Theater, and tech-produced by Samuel Curtis. For live shows and events you can find more about them at dynastytypewriter.com.To learn more about the BTS of this episode and to find a world of challenges, games, inside scoop, and the Artists being themselves, subscribe to our Patreon! You won't be disappointed with what you find. Check out patreon.com/aoaoaoapod Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists is an improvised Hollywood roundtable podcast by Kylie Brakeman, Jeremy Culhane, Angela Giarratana, and Patrick McDonald. Produced by Laservision Productions. Music by Gabriel Ponton. Edited by Conner McCabe. Thumbnail art by Josh Fleury. Hollywood's talking. Make sure you're listening. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube! Please rate us five stars!
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “The Mother Curse in Fantasy and Romantasy." This episode explores a thought-provoking essay examining the “mother curse” in fantasy and romantasy — the recurring pattern in which maternal figures are absent, idealized, villainized, or narratively sidelined. Drawing on examples across popular genre fiction, the article argues that mothers are frequently reduced to plot devices: either saintly protectors who lack depth, antagonistic figures who embody trauma, or background characters removed from the story through death, illness, or distance. Rather than treating this as a simple trope critique, the piece considers why authors may struggle to portray complex motherhood and asks whether the genre itself avoids fully realized maternal perspectives. Ultimately, it proposes a shift toward richer, more nuanced portrayals (including stories that center mothers as protagonists) and invites readers to reconsider how fantasy narratives shape our understanding of gender, agency, and family dynamics. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on Mythmakers, you’re invited to join us on a short visit to the world of fantasy romance. What's all the fuss about romantasy and where did it come from? What's the secret sauce (pun intended) of Fourth Wing? And why was the world so transfixed by Twilight back early 2000s?Be sure to stay to the end to hear Julia’s recommendations of what you might like to read this Valentine's Day from the fantasy genre.(01:00) The Rise of Romantasy and Fourth Wing(02:00) Market Forces and Female Readership(04:40) Twilight and the Power of Restrained Desire(06:50) What Makes a True Fantasy Romance(09:20) Recommended Romantic Fantasy Reads(14:00) Writing Romance in the Finding Sky Series(15:10) Why We Read Romance and the Hope of Finding the Right PersonFor more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit: Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
Wuthering Heights is out this weekend so we're diving into some of the press tour's juiciest moments, from Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie's ‘affair baiting' to Elordi's Esquire interview with Emerald Fennell. Also on the show: Bella Hadid's break-up, Charli XCX on her fave red carpet moments, and the powerful rise of motherhood horror, from Rose Byrne's ‘monumental' new film to an addictive, hun-recommended book about a baby shower gone terribly wrong. Plus, the viral Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore TV series, an excellent Romantasy rec and Freida McFadden's new revenge novel.Follow us on IG @straightuppod and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/ reviews: Landman, Paramount+Yellowstone, Netflix What ‘Landman' Understands About Oil, New York Times Charli xcx is the Moment, Gloves Off with Nicky Campbell on YouTube Jacob Elordi Opens up on the Magnetic Power of Margot Robbie and the Yorkshire Moors in Wuthering Heights, EsquireRose Byrne: ‘You lose part of yourself when you become a mother', The Times If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, in cinemas from 20 FebExpectation, Anna HopeSo Thrilled for You, Holly BourneDire Bound, Sable SorensenDear Debbie, Freida McFadden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda are back with part 1 of "Between Two Kings" book 2 in Lindsay Straube's Split or Swallow series. And if you read book 1 (or listened to the episode) then you know how outrageous this series is, and this book does NOT disappoint. Like we're sure there's a plot we're supposed to care about, but the basilisks have entered mating season which means Tem is indulging her basilisk nature. Anyways, listen now for thoughts on part 1. Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send a textToday we're diving right into book two in The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy: Glint. This book is the perfect journey story (both literal and figurative), and follow up to the polarizing book one. If you weren't hooked by the end of Gild, we hope you're hooked now, because these books have A LOT of important things to say. We give you our spoiler free star and spice ratings and faves and fails, then dive into the five sentence summary, the tea on the audiobook and all our unfiltered thoughts, and then discuss why and how fantasy books can help us process hard things like abuse and trauma in a safe, neutral space. And why Romantasy (and in particular Raven Kennedy) does that so well. Did we find Easter eggs? Do we have unanswered questions? What about plot holes? Are we excited to read the next one? We dive into all this and more, plus a smash or pass with our favorite treasure hoarder, and a luchador with a heart of gold. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing!Ashley is wearing: Tye Dye Skeleton Hoodie | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3hgv9/Liz is wearing : Our Crop Besties & the Books Anti Social Book Club Hoodie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/en-usd/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crowAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “The Impact of Romance Novels on Real-Life Expectations." This article interrogates the long-standing claim that romance novels give women “unrealistic expectations” about men, arguing instead that the genre often clarifies (not distorts) what readers actually want. By unpacking the appeal of romance novel MMCs, she reframes the conversation away from abs, wealth, and fantasy physiques, and toward emotional availability, respect, loyalty, and genuine desire. Drawing on pop-culture examples, therapy insights, and personal reflection, the article positions romance novels as a form of emotional exposure therapy: a safe space where readers can examine what triggers them, what heals them, and what healthy connection can look like. Rather than setting women up for disappointment, Sahlin suggests romance fiction can help readers recognize that asking to be cherished, listened to, and liked is not unrealistic at all—it's foundational. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we sit down with Liz Shipton, author of Dot Slash Magic, to talk about one of the most emotionally nuanced and quietly subversive fantasy novels we've read. We dive deep into the evolution of Seven as a female main character and how reader perception shifts over the course of the novel, and what it was like for Liz to write a protagonist who masks loneliness with humor, bravado, and sharp edges. A major focus of our conversation is Dot Slash Magic's bold engagement with AI, technology, and creativity. Liz unpacks how the story interrogates the idea that art must look a certain way to be considered “real,” and why the novel deliberately blurs the line between magic, tech, art, and athletic flow states. We also talk about mental health as something hidden in plain sight: how loneliness, addiction, and internal struggle are embedded into each character rather than treated as a single narrative device. This conversation is for readers who love character-driven fantasy, are curious about AI and art in fiction, and want stories that trust the audience to read between the lines. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hello, Friends! Before we dive into "Between Two Kings," the second novel in Lindsay Straube's Split or Swallow series, we thought we'd rerelease our episode on Split or Swallow so you know what's going on. Enjoy! Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe
Welcome to Season of Aquarius, our book club season on Book Talk for BookTok, a fantasy and romantasy podcast centered on thoughtful discussion and literary analysis. This season is created for readers who want more than quick takes and star ratings, offering space to explore how and why stories work on the page. This is not a traditional book review podcast; it's an analysis and conversation. Each week, we share flash literary analysis that examines themes, authorial intent, character arcs, symbolism, world-building, and key plot devices. Our discussions move beyond initial impressions to unpack narrative choices, emotional resonance, and the craft behind fantasy and romantasy storytelling. We aim to bridge academic literary insight with the modern reading experience shaped by BookTok and online reading communities. This week, we discuss Silver Elite by Dani Francis. Season of Aquarius Book Club Reading List: Alchemized by SenLinYu Phantasma by Kaylie Smith Silver Elite by Dani Francis An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir Blood & Brujas by Mikayla Hornedo Belladonna by Adalyn Grace As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli New episodes release twice weekly. Every Tuesday, we publish a book club episode focused on that week's featured novel. Every Thursday, we zoom out for deeper conversations about bookish culture, reading communities, genre trends, and the larger ideas shaping fantasy, romantasy, and BookTok today. If you're searching for a fantasy book podcast, romantasy podcast, or book club podcast that blends thoughtful literary analysis with a genuine love of reading, Season of Aquarius invites you to read, reflect, and discuss alongside us. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Never have we ever...loved a secondary as much as we love Bartholomew the gargoyle. Today we are chatting about the book The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. This is book 1 in a duology that follows Six, our Diviner and her very blunt and emotional gargoyle on a search for her fellow diviners. She is leaving Aisling for the first time to keep a promise. What she discovers along the way is equal parts endearing and heartbreaking. Our main male character Rory provides us readers with a perfect of example of what it means to show up and be committed. We have little deaths. Sexy scenes that don't involve sex. And of course, Brienne of Tarth level of charmed.We hope you enjoy.Send us a textSupport the showConnect with usInstagram: https://bit.ly/ourIGpageTikTok: https://bit.ly/ourTiktokpageIntro and Outro music, Sexy Fashion Beat from Coma-Media
In this Thursday episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we bring an academic lens to bookish culture, genre fiction, and the conversations shaping romance and romantasy today. Our podcast blends literary analysis, cultural criticism, and emotional honesty. We treat romance, romantasy, and fanfiction as genres worthy of serious discussion, not just quick takes. This episode is part of our Subtext Society series, inspired by The Subtext Society Journal. The Subtext Society Journal is a collaborative publication dedicated to thoughtful essays on romance, romantasy, fan culture, and publishing ethics. We explore moral questions, genre evolution, power dynamics, and the real-world impact of stories, guided by values of literary rigor without gatekeeping, community over hierarchy, and ethics-first analysis. Today's discussion focuses on the article: “Romantasy: The next frontier of feminism, or where feminism goes to die?" This article explores romantasy as both a powerful feminist space and a revealing site of internalized misogyny, examining why female main characters in women-written fantasy are so often criticized as “too much” in every direction. It connects modern fandom discourse to long-standing cultural conditioning that encourages women to compete rather than support one another, and questions whether those critiques reflect genuine narrative flaws or unresolved discomfort with women claiming power, desire, and complexity. Ultimately, the piece argues that romantasy has the potential to become a training ground for a more thoughtful, generous feminism. One that challenges how we read, write, and talk about women. How to participate: Send your theories and spicy takes by commenting on this episode, DMing us, or using the form on our website. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ We're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. Sponsor: Liquid IV Liquid I.V. Go to LiquidIV.com and get 20% off your first order with code BOOKTALK at checkout. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How do romantic tropes and fantasies impact how you understand politics?You might be a fan of Romantic Fantasy, or as the internet calls it: Romantasy. Even if you're not, you would recognize the tradwives or fascism. Romantasies combine supernatural characters and plotlines with the rush of a whirlwind romance novel, and, in this episode, we're exploring how the politics of some of these books have an effect on politics in the real world.Brittany is joined by Netta Baker, Advanced Instructor of English at Virginia Tech, and Princess Weekes, video essayist and online pop culture critic. They get into how this genre demolishes misogyny while reinforcing conservative politics.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Abby joins Moira Donegan and Adrian Daub on one of our favorite podcasts, In Bed With the Right! The topic is romantasy - as a genre of fiction, as a publishing phenomenon, and, above all, as a cultural symptom. What do readers - and women specifically - find in romantasy narratives? How does reading relate to play, and fantasy to trauma and healing? The three explore all these questions and more!Texts include:Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses seriesRebecca Yarros, Empyrean seriesJudith Herman, Trauma and Recovery Andrea Dworkin, Women HatingSigmund Freud, "Creative Writers and Daydreaming" (1907)Have you noticed that Freud is back? Got questions about psychoanalysis? Or maybe you've traversed the fantasy and lived to tell the tale? Leave us a voicemail! (646) 450-0847 A podcast about psychoanalysis, politics, pop culture, and the ways we suffer now. New episodes on Saturdays. Follow us on social media: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/OrdinaryUnhappiness Twitter: @UnhappinessPod Instagram: @OrdinaryUnhappiness Patreon: patreon.com/OrdinaryUnhappiness Theme song: Formal Chicken - Gnossienne No. 1 https://open.spotify.com/album/2MIIYnbyLqriV3vrpUTxxO Provided by Fruits Music
For this episode, Moira and Adrian are joined by Abby Kluchin from the Ordinary Unhappiness podcast to discuss a recent publishing phenomenon and its implications for gender politics: romantasy, a genre that's been emerging over the last 10 years with renewed force. Series like Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and the Empyrian-novels by Rebecca Yarros mix fantasy tropes with costume drama and pretty explicit sex scenes -- and they rely on a very particular kind of trauma heroine, and what seems to be a very particular understanding of gendered trauma.
If you've ever wondered how myths were made, especially during the Medieval period, we've got you covered! We're joined by Professor Matthew Gabriele, host of American Medieval, to talk about Medieval mythmaking, Castlecore vs Crusadecore, and Romantasy as a way of reflecting on the Medieval period! Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of fascism, white supremacy, islamaphobia, misogyny, death, sex, and genitals. GuestMatthew Gabriele is a professor of medieval studies at Virginia Tech. The co-author of "The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe" and "Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe," he'll talk your ear off about the Middle Ages. This is why he started the Multitude podcast, "American Medieval." See more at profgabriele.com and americanmedieval.comHousekeeping- Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests' books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books- Call to Action: Send in those urban legend emails as you head home for the holidays!- Submit Your Urban Legends Audio: Call us! 617-420-2344Sponsors- Bookshop.org, where you can now use the code we shared in the midroll to get 10% off your purchase!Find Us Online- Website & Transcripts: spiritspodcast.com- Patreon: patreon.com/spiritspodcast- Merch: spiritspodcast.com/merch- Instagram: instagram.com/spiritspodcast- Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiritspodcast.com- Twitter: twitter.com/spiritspodcast- Tumblr: spiritspodcast.tumblr.comCast & Crew- Co-Hosts: Julia Schifini and Amanda McLoughlin- Editor: Bren Frederick- Music: Brandon Grugle, based on "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod- Artwork: Allyson Wakeman- Multitude: multitude.productionsAbout UsSpirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and folklore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy retellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every week, on Spirits.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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