Book Talk for BookTok

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 27 - 31. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back on Tuesday, when we will discuss chapters 32 - 36. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Consumed with Elena’s ominous warning, Celaena continues to search for information about Wyrdmarks and to reveal the meaning behind those that surround the ebony clock tower. While with Nehemia, Celaena is confronted by Cain and Verin, where Cain reveals he knows her true identity as Adarlan’s Assassin. Deep in research at the library, Celaena is desperate to find anything about Wyrdmarks, but instead stumbles upon an old mysterious text from her destroyed homeland, only adding to her growing concern about the mysterious evil foe she must face. While training, she and Chaol are met with news about another champion’s brutal death. Celaena joins Chaol to examine the body, and a chilling realization dawns on her: Maybe the one murdering the champions is the same as Elena’s mysterious evil force. After an animated conversation with Dorian, Celanea struggles to block out the memories of her past and is visited by Elena once more, who warns her about the next trial. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 27 - 31. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Consumed with Elena’s ominous warning, Celaena continues to search for information about Wyrdmarks and to reveal the meaning behind those that surround the ebony clock tower. While with Nehemia, Celaena is confronted by Cain and Verin, where Cain reveals he knows her true identity as Adarlan’s Assassin. Deep in research at the library, Celaena is desperate to find anything about Wyrdmarks, but instead stumbles upon an old mysterious text from her destroyed homeland, only adding to her growing concern about the mysterious evil foe she must face. While training, she and Chaol are met with news about another champion’s brutal death. Celaena joins Chaol to examine the body, and a chilling realization dawns on her: Maybe the one murdering the champions is the same as Elena’s mysterious evil force. After an animated conversation with Dorian, Celanea struggles to block out the memories of her past and is visited by Elena once more, who warns her about the next trial. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 23 - 26. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back next Tuesday where we discuss chapters 27 - 31. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Celaena dreams of being broken in Endovier, and is saved by Chaol waking her to the day of Samhuinn. Though she is able to spend time with her friends in the palace throughout the day, Celaena is confined to her bedroom during the evening’s festivities. But a phantom breeze calls Celaena’s attention to draft in her room, which leads her to a hidden door safeguarding secret passages to forgotten parts of Rifthold’s stone castle. During her illicit exploration, Celaena uncovers a secret route to escape the castle and a hidden window to spy on the Great Hall. When she realizes Chaol is returning to check on her, Celaena rushes back to her room, where Chaol and Dorian both pay her a visit. But the night’s adventures don’t end there, and Celaena is greeted by her dead ancestor, fate, and the evil that lurks beneath the castle. The morning brings ill tidings of another death of a king’s champion. Sponsors: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BOOKTALK. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 23 - 26. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Celaena dreams of being broken in Endovier, and is saved by Chaol waking her to the day of Samhuinn. Though she is able to spend time with her friends in the palace throughout the day, Celaena is confined to her bedroom during the evening’s festivities. But a phantom breeze calls Celaena’s attention to draft in her room, which leads her to a hidden door safeguarding secret passages to forgotten parts of Rifthold’s stone castle. During her illicit exploration, Celaena uncovers a secret route to escape the castle and a hidden window to spy on the Great Hall. When she realizes Chaol is returning to check on her, Celaena rushes back to her room, where Chaol and Dorian both pay her a visit. But the night’s adventures don’t end there, and Celaena is greeted by her dead ancestor, fate, and the evil that lurks beneath the castle. The morning brings ill tidings of another death of a king’s champion. Sponsors: Start your hair growth journey with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BOOKTALK. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 16 - 22. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back on Tuesday 23-26. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Despite her successful completion of the first Test, Celaena continues to train her weakened body. Her growing relationship with Chaol stutters to a stop at the swift death of Sven, a competitor who attempts to escape from the palace. Though she does her best to find comfort in her budding friendships, Celaena cannot avoid the hurts of the past, finally giving in to the grief she has been staving off for a year. Dorian attempts to get closer to Celaena and is surprised to find a complex woman and not the snarky assassin he assumes she’d be, finding in the process the determination to forego his mother’s wishes to marry an eligible woman of the court. Too soon, Celaena braves the second Test to prove herself the King’s Champion, but when she is close to victory she chooses to save a peer rather than claim her prize. Sponsors: Dipsea: Right now, listeners of this show can get an extended 30-day free trial! Just go to DipseaStories.com/BOOKTALK to start your free trial. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 16 - 22. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Despite her successful completion of the first Test, Celaena continues to train her weakened body. Her growing relationship with Chaol stutters to a stop at the swift death of Sven, a competitor who attempts to escape from the palace. Though she does her best to find comfort in her budding friendships, Celaena cannot avoid the hurts of the past, finally giving in to the grief she has been staving off for a year. Dorian attempts to get closer to Celaena and is surprised to find a complex woman and not the snarky assassin he assumes she’d be, finding in the process the determination to forego his mother’s wishes to marry an eligible woman of the court. Too soon, Celaena braves the second Test to prove herself the King’s Champion, but when she is close to victory she chooses to save a peer rather than claim her prize. Sponsors: Dipsea: Right now, listeners of this show can get an extended 30-day free trial! Just go to DipseaStories.com/BOOKTALK to start your free trial. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 11-15. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back on Tuesday where they will explore chapters 16 - 22. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: With Chaol at her side, Celaena forces her body beyond its limits in her effort to prepare for the looming first trial in her bid to become the King’s Champion. She judges her competitors at the first gathering of the group, and more than once Celaena wishes she could put each of them in their place. However, at the command of her sponsors, Celaena tries to perform in the middle of the pack without standing out enough to do well or poorly during her training. Along the way, she meets Nehemia, another potential ally or foe who is similarly captive in the palace at Rifthold. In the end, it takes all of Celaena’s strength and will to successfully complete the first Test. Sponsors: For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK to start your subscription. That’s Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK, or you can use promo code BOOKTALK at checkout. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 11-15. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: With Chaol at her side, Celaena forces her body beyond its limits in her effort to prepare for the looming first trial in her bid to become the King’s Champion. She judges her competitors at the first gathering of the group, and more than once Celaena wishes she could put each of them in their place. However, at the command of her sponsors, Celaena tries to perform in the middle of the pack without standing out enough to do well or poorly during her training. Along the way, she meets Nehemia, another potential ally or foe who is similarly captive in the palace at Rifthold. In the end, it takes all of Celaena’s strength and will to successfully complete the first Test. Sponsors: For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK to start your subscription. That’s Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK, or you can use promo code BOOKTALK at checkout. Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 7-10. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Come back on Tuesday where they will explore chapters 11 - 15. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Following her year of slavery, Celaena Sardothien returns to Rifthold as a guest of the palace and would-be Champion with Dorian and Chaol. Despite Celaena’s wariness of the glass castle, the assassin finds herself pleased with her accommodations and the ready supply of books Dorian is willing to give her. But unlike Dorian, many are unhappy with Celaena’s presence, including the King of Adarlan, who does not hold back his ire regarding Dorian’s choice of Champion. Meanwhile, Celaena does her best to hide her fear of the king and her disdain about her missteps as a competitor on the eve of the competition’s first trial. Sponsors: Manscaped! Give him the gift of grooming this Valentine’s Day! Get 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com. That’s 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com! Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best friends Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, they discuss chapters 7-10. Each episode is broken into 2 parts. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Stick around for part 2, which airs on Thursday. (Spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire will be discussed. Any larger series or other SJM spoilers will be reserved for the end of Thursday's episode in part 2.) Every episode, Jac and Amy use their combined 13 years of literary academic training to analyze and give voice to reasons why you may love or hate today's popular books. They embrace and respect modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy books written by women. And so, it is in their nature to analyze these books as you would any other novel you might have discussed in school. Chapter summary for this week's episodes: Following her year of slavery, Celaena Sardothien returns to Rifthold as a guest of the palace and would-be Champion with Dorian and Chaol. Despite Celaena’s wariness of the glass castle, the assassin finds herself pleased with her accommodations and the ready supply of books Dorian is willing to give her. But unlike Dorian, many are unhappy with Celaena’s presence, including the King of Adarlan, who does not hold back his ire regarding Dorian’s choice of Champion. Meanwhile, Celaena does her best to hide her fear of the king and her disdain about her missteps as a competitor on the eve of the competition’s first trial. Sponsors: Manscaped! Give him the gift of grooming this Valentine’s Day! Get 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com. That’s 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com! Let's keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts to our form on our website (https://booktalkforbooktok.com/) for a chance to have your thoughts discussed during a future mini-episode, or on a Patreon-exclusive episode. Want to support the show? Follow us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Or check out our merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/booktalkforbooktok Follow us! Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok For all other information, visit our website https://booktalkforbooktok.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our 10-part literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas’s debut fantasy novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, we explore chapters 1–6 and begin our deep dive into Celaena Sardothien’s story. From slave in Endovier to contender for the King’s Champion. Each week, best friends Jac and Amy bring 13 years of combined academic literary training to their analysis of modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy. In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we examine how Throne of Glass introduces themes of agency, identity, and survival in a brutal empire—and how Celaena’s history as Adarlan’s most feared assassin shapes her every step toward freedom. This is Part 2 of this week’s episode. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there for full context. In this second half, we continue our discussion with a deeper dive into character dynamics, evolving worldbuilding, and the literary techniques that shape Celaena’s introduction. Spoiler Note: This discussion includes spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. Any larger series spoilers (including Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash, Tower of Dawn, or House of Earth and Blood) are reserved for Part 2 of the episode. If you’re new to our podcast, we also recommend checking out our full literary breakdowns of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series and Crescent City (House of Earth and Blood) for even more in-depth SJM discussion. Chapter Summary: After a year of slavery in the Salt Mines of Endovier, Celaena Sardothien is given the chance of a lifetime: to compete for the role of the King’s Champion and earn back her freedom. Despite the lack of respect she receives from the Crown Prince of Adarlan and the Captain of the Guard, Celaena agrees to their terms of engagement to enter the competition as Dorian’s candidate for Champion. Over the following weeks, Celaena—formerly Adarlan’s greatest assassin—travels in chains with the Prince’s retinue back to the capital city, while the past and many secrets that haunt her lurk around every corner. Let’s keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts at ⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠ for a chance to be featured in a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠ Merch: ⁠Etsy Store⁠ Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ TikTok: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ YouTube: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our 10-part literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas’s debut fantasy novel, Throne of Glass. In this episode, we explore chapters 1–6 and begin our deep dive into Celaena Sardothien’s story. From slave in Endovier to contender for the King’s Champion. Each week, best friends Jac and Amy bring 13 years of combined academic literary training to their analysis of modern fantasy, romance, and romantasy. In Part 1 of this week’s episode, we examine how Throne of Glass introduces themes of agency, identity, and survival in a brutal empire—and how Celaena’s history as Adarlan’s most feared assassin shapes her every step toward freedom. This episode is Part 1 of 2. Stick around for Part 2, airing Thursday, where we continue the conversation and expand on character dynamics, worldbuilding, and narrative technique. Spoiler Note: This discussion includes spoilers for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. Any larger series spoilers (including Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash, Tower of Dawn, or House of Earth and Blood) are reserved for Part 2 of the episode. If you’re new to our podcast, we also recommend checking out our full literary breakdowns of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series and Crescent City (House of Earth and Blood) for even more in-depth SJM discussion. Chapter Summary: After a year of slavery in the Salt Mines of Endovier, Celaena Sardothien is given the chance of a lifetime: to compete for the role of the King’s Champion and earn back her freedom. Despite the lack of respect she receives from the Crown Prince of Adarlan and the Captain of the Guard, Celaena agrees to their terms of engagement to enter the competition as Dorian’s candidate for Champion. Over the following weeks, Celaena—formerly Adarlan’s greatest assassin—travels in chains with the Prince’s retinue back to the capital city, while the past and many secrets that haunt her lurk around every corner. Let’s keep the conversation going! Submit your thoughts at booktalkforbooktok.com for a chance to be featured in a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and I will NOT be afraid." If that quote from Sarah J. Maas’ "Throne of Glass" series gives you full-body chills, then you’ve come to the right place. Hi! We’re Book Talk for BookTok with Jac and Amy, a literary podcast where we take the romantasy books you love seriously. We use our academic background to provide an in-depth literary analysis on Sarah J. Maas’ debut novel "Throne of Glass." It’s just like we’re back in English Lit class, but with more jokes. So tune in every Tuesday and Thursday to get your dose of "Throne of Glass" with your book besties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "The Book of Azrael" by Amber Nicole. This is part two of this week's episode. Sponsor: Visit Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK, or you can use promo code BOOKTALK at checkout to get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box when you start your subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "The Book of Azrael" by Amber Nicole. This is part one of this week's episode. Stick around for part two, which airs on Thursday. Sponsor: Visit Wildgrain.com/BOOKTALK, or you can use promo code BOOKTALK at checkout to get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box when you start your subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "The Stardust Thief" by Chelsea Abdullah. This is part two of this week's episode. Sponsor: Manscaped - Get 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "The Stardust Thief" by Chelsea Abdullah. This is part one of this week's episode. Stick around for part two, which airs on Thursday. Sponsor: Manscaped - Get 20% off + free shipping with the code BOOKTALK at Manscaped.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig. This is part two of this week's episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week, we discuss "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig. This is part one of this week's episode. Stick around for part two, which airs on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we take a break from our Winter Book Club series and ask our listeners what their bookish goals, hopes, and predictions for 2025 are. Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this special New Years Eve episode, we take a week off from our Winter Book Club, to bring back a listener favorite game. What are the rules? We're not entirely sure. But feel free to play along! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week we discuss Lightlark by Alex Aster. This is part 2 of this week's Episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club! Each week we provide a flash analysis of some of BookTok's favorite books. This week we discuss Lightlark by Alex Aster. This is part 1 of this week's Episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club series, where we will do a flash analysis on a different book each week. This week, we discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Sponsors Manscapted: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code [BOOKTALK] at Manscaped.com. Factor: Head to factormeals.com/50booktalk and use code 50booktalk to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our Winter Book Club series, where we will do a flash analysis on a different book each week. This week, we discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Sponsors Manscapted: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code [BOOKTALK] at Manscaped.com. Factor: Head to factormeals.com/50booktalk and use code 50booktalk to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 2 of this week's episode. Welcome to Winter Book Club! Every week from November - January, we discuss a different book for our Winter Book Club roster and provide an in-depth, flash analysis. This week we discuss Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole. We'll point out what you may or may not love certain characters, while also discussing writing techniques. Sponsors: Better Help This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Find comfort this December, with BetterHelp.Visit BetterHelp.com/BOOKTOK today to get 10% off your first month. Factor Head to FACTOR MEALS.com/50booktalk and use code 50booktalk to get 50% off your first box, plus free shipping while your subscription is active. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we interview Thea Guanzon, the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Hurricane Wars series. Today, Thea tells us about the heavily anticipated follow-up, Monsoon Rising. Monsoon Rising is out now and available everywhere!. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Winter Book Club! Every week from November - January, we discuss a different book for our Winter Book Club roster and provide an in-depth, flash analysis. This week we discuss Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole. We'll point out what you may or may not love certain characters, while also discussing writing techniques. Sponsors: Better Help This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Find comfort this December, with BetterHelp.Visit BetterHelp.com/BOOKTOK today to get 10% off your first month. Factor Head to FACTOR MEALS.com/50booktalk and use code 50booktalk to get 50% off your first box, plus free shipping while your subscription is active. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to part 2 of this week's episode. This week in our Winter Book Club, we discuss Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli! We discuss our initial thoughts and flash analysis while also reading some listener thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in our Winter Book Club, we discuss Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli! We discuss our initial thoughts and flash analysis while also reading some listener thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we discuss Gild, the first book in the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy. We read listener thoughts as well as our own first blush analysis. We get into Raven's writing style techniques and how that contributes to the reader's first impressions, Auren's growth, and the book's themes. Sponsors Manscaped: Get 25% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we discuss Gild, the first book in the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy. We read listener thoughts as well as our own first blush analysis. We get into Raven's writing style techniques and how that contributes to the reader's first impressions, Auren's growth, and the book's themes. Sponsors Manscaped: Get 25% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we kick off our Winter Book Club by providing a flash analysis of Charissa Weaks' best-selling novel, The Witch Collector. We discuss listener thoughts and their take on the novel. Sponsors Manscaped: Get 20% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we kick off our Winter Book Club by providing a flash analysis of Charissa Weaks' best-selling novel, The Witch Collector. We discuss listener thoughts and their take on the novel. Sponsors Manscaped: Get 20% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're back to answer your questions about House of Sky and Breath, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and more! All while a little drunk, as requested by our listeners. Sponsors Better Help: This episode is brought to you by Better Help. Visit BetterHelp.com/BOOKTOK today to get 10% off your first month. Manscaped: Get 20% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we discuss listener thoughts on Sarah J. Maas' House of Sky and Breath. We also discuss House of Earth and Blood, as well as House of Flame and Shadow. We review fan theories and new insights! Sponsors Better Help: This episode is brought to you by Better Help. Visit BetterHelp.com/BOOKTOK today to get 10% off your first month. Manscaped: Get 20% off plus free shipping with the code BOOKTALK. Visit Manscaped.com today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 15, where they review Chapters 72 through the epilogue. The infiltration of the Asteri’s crystal palace quickly goes awry when Bryce takes a detour in the archives in search for truth, and Ruhn leaves Hunt to save Agent Daybright from the dungeons. Meanwhile, Tharion escapes the lab in Pangera when he realizes Cormac’s plan to sacrifice himself to kill Pippa Spetsos and thwart the rebel’s and Asteri’s chances of using the mechsuit prototypes. When Ruhn, Bryce, and Hunt are inevitably caught, Lidia Cervos kills the Harpy to save them from her ministrations. Only for them to find that they played right into Rigelus’s hands and land in his trap, one that requires sacrifice and good-byes in order for Bryce to escape with the truth and newfound conviction to raise Hel’s armies and kill the Asteri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 15, where they review Chapters 72 through the epilogue. The infiltration of the Asteri’s crystal palace quickly goes awry when Bryce takes a detour in the archives in search for truth, and Ruhn leaves Hunt to save Agent Daybright from the dungeons. Meanwhile, Tharion escapes the lab in Pangera when he realizes Cormac’s plan to sacrifice himself to kill Pippa Spetsos and thwart the rebel’s and Asteri’s chances of using the mechsuit prototypes. When Ruhn, Bryce, and Hunt are inevitably caught, Lidia Cervos kills the Harpy to save them from her ministrations. Only for them to find that they played right into Rigelus’s hands and land in his trap, one that requires sacrifice and good-byes in order for Bryce to escape with the truth and newfound conviction to raise Hel’s armies and kill the Asteri. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 14, where they review Chapters 65 through 71. Bryce struggles to accept Danika’s latest uncovered truth: her secret mate, Baxian, who reveals the mystery of Sofie’s last message. The gang regroups to identify the room that Sofie gained entry to and sets up a plan to access it at the risk of everything they hold dear. Each team member begins to make their peace and resolve loose threads before their operation to break into the Crystal Palace. But when Day is taken away mid-conversation and implies that she’s been caught, Ruhn, Bryce, and Hunt agree to accelerate their plans and rely on Cormac and Tharion to cause a distraction. Inside the Palace, Bryce discovers the truth about the Asteri and how their destruction could change their world as they know it. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 14, where they review Chapters 65 through 71. Bryce struggles to accept Danika’s latest uncovered truth: her secret mate, Baxian, who reveals the mystery of Sofie’s last message. The gang regroups to identify the room that Sofie gained entry to and sets up a plan to access it at the risk of everything they hold dear. Each team member begins to make their peace and resolve loose threads before their operation to break into the Crystal Palace. But when Day is taken away mid-conversation and implies that she’s been caught, Ruhn, Bryce, and Hunt agree to accelerate their plans and rely on Cormac and Tharion to cause a distraction. Inside the Palace, Bryce discovers the truth about the Asteri and how their destruction could change their world as they know it. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 13, where they review Chapters 60 through 64. Fearing he has put Agenda Daybright in terrible danger, Ruhn flees the Autumnal Equiniox celebration, while Bryce and Hunt stumble upon a secret affair taking place in the coat closet. The festivities end early for most, including Hypaxia and Ithan, who seek to contact Connor and instead summon the Under King. Others are rudely interrupted as well, including Ruhn and Day mid-tryst and Bryce and Hunt by Bryce’s sudden ability to teleport. Things come to a head for the crew the next day when Cormac learns some truths about Emile’s location that means the boy is far out of his reach, Tharion tries to steel Ariadne for himself, and the crew are lured to the temple of Urd, only to be ambushed by three different entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 13, where they review Chapters 60 through 64. Fearing he has put Agenda Daybright in terrible danger, Ruhn flees the Autumnal Equiniox celebration, while Bryce and Hunt stumble upon a secret affair taking place in the coat closet. The festivities end early for most, including Hypaxia and Ithan, who seek to contact Connor and instead summon the Under King. Others are rudely interrupted as well, including Ruhn and Day mid-tryst and Bryce and Hunt by Bryce’s sudden ability to teleport. Things come to a head for the crew the next day when Cormac learns some truths about Emile’s location that means the boy is far out of his reach, Tharion tries to steel Ariadne for himself, and the crew are lured to the temple of Urd, only to be ambushed by three different entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 12, where they review Chapters 54 through 59. The Autumn King pays Bryce a visit and reminds her there are consequences to actions, and her claiming of her Princess title lands her with permanent repercussions. Bryce invites Hypaxia for some girl talk, but they are attacked by demons from the Pit during their walk, resulting in Ithan’s near death and Bryce harnessing her ability to teleport. After Hypaxia tends to Ithan’s wounds, the group prepare for the autumnal equinox party. There, Bryce unveils her latest move, by introducing Hunt as her mate publicly, making Hunt a Prince. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/booktok and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 12, where they review Chapters 54 through 59. The Autumn King pays Bryce a visit and reminds her there are consequences to actions, and her claiming of her Princess title lands her with permanent repercussions. Bryce invites Hypaxia for some girl talk, but they are attacked by demons from the Pit during their walk, resulting in Ithan’s near death and Bryce harnessing her ability to teleport. After Hypaxia tends to Ithan’s wounds, the group prepare for the autumnal equinox party. There, Bryce unveils her latest move, by introducing Hunt as her mate publicly, making Hunt a Prince. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/booktok and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 11, where they review Chapters 48 through 53. Safely home from Ydra, the crew contemplates Lidia’s motives for not turning them over to the Asteri. Baxian tries to convince them he is an ally, only to be ignored. Once alone, Hunt and Bryce fight about the truth of Emile and Bryce’s actions to find and keep the boy safe. Ruhn checks in with his housemates while Hunt checks in with Celestina and Tharion with the River Queen. Hypaxia seeks Ruhn’s help and protection, which presents Ithan with the best opportunity to reach out to Connor at the coming Autumnal Equinox. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's special bonus episode, we interview Kate Golden and discuss her latest, and final release in her Sacred Stones Trilogy, A Reign of Rose. Kate Golden is the bestselling author of viral sensation and debut novel A Dawn of Onyx. She lives in Los Angeles where she works in the film industry developing movies with screenwriters and filmmakers. When she isn’t telling stories, Kate is an avid book reader, movie fanatic, and functioning puzzle addict. She and her husband can be found hosting cozy game nights and taking hikes with their sweet pup, Milo. You can find her on Instagram at KateGoldenAuthor and on TikTok at Kate_Golden_Author, where she is known to post both spicy and heartbreaking teasers for her upcoming books. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 11, where they review Chapters 48 through 53. Safely home from Ydra, the crew contemplates Lidia’s motives for not turning them over to the Asteri. Baxian tries to convince them he is an ally, only to be ignored. Once alone, Hunt and Bryce fight about the truth of Emile and Bryce’s actions to find and keep the boy safe. Ruhn checks in with his housemates while Hunt checks in with Celestina and Tharion with the River Queen. Hypaxia seeks Ruhn’s help and protection, which presents Ithan with the best opportunity to reach out to Connor at the coming Autumnal Equinox. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 8, where they review Chapters 44 through 47. The team is in dire straits as they float in the ocean, made worse by the Hind who comes racing towards them for a confrontation. Hunt holds onto his power by a mere thread, ready to let loose and kill everything and everyone to save Bryce, his friends included. At the last minute, they are saved by an unknown tentative ally, the Ocean Queen’s people. While on the ship, Bryce and Hunt finally come together, only to discover that their powers can merge, making Bryce even stronger in the process. Meanwhile, Ithan faces the reality of his situation as he helps free three fire sprites and a dragon from the Astronomer. Back on the ship, the team receives devastating news about Sofie, bringing Cormac’s hunt for her to an end. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 1 of Episode 8, where they review Chapters 44 through 47. The team is in dire straits as they float in the ocean, made worse by the Hind who comes racing towards them for a confrontation. Hunt holds onto his power by a mere thread, ready to let loose and kill everything and everyone to save Bryce, his friends included. At the last minute, they are saved by an unknown tentative ally, the Ocean Queen’s people. While on the ship, Bryce and Hunt finally come together, only to discover that their powers can merge, making Bryce even stronger in the process. Meanwhile, Ithan faces the reality of his situation as he helps free three fire sprites and a dragon from the Astronomer. Back on the ship, the team receives devastating news about Sofie, bringing Cormac’s hunt for her to an end. Sponsor: Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This season, Jac and Amy conduct a literary analysis of Sarah J. Maas' book Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath! This is Part 2 of Episode 8, where they review Chapters 40 through 43. Despite their differences, Tharion and Bryce team up to evade Mordoc. Hunt is unable to come to her aid, as he is stuck at the Comitium, where he helps diffuse Isaiah and Baxian’s interactions and finds time to bond with Baxian. During Hunt’s week of confinement at the barracks, Bryce trains with Cormac and Ruhn, and Dec’s program finally finds evidence of Danika in the library of Griffin Antiquities. The video footage shows Danika’s secret search for the truth of her lineage, leading Bryce to approach The Prime to find out what he knows. When news about Ophion’s successful operation to steal a mechsuit prototype means they are coming to Lunathion’s shores, Bryce convinces Celestina to release Hunt under the guise of visiting her family. The team travels to Ydra and meets Pippa Spetsos and the truth of what it means to be a Vanir working with the Ophion rebel group. Sponsors: Head to FactorMeals.com/booktalk50 and use code booktalk50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month. Need a fall wardrobe update? Visit quince.com/booktalk for free shipping and 365-day returns with Quince. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices