Romantasy Roundtable: Fantasy Romance Reviews

Episode Title: Queen of Shadows – Chapters 1–27 (The Rescue, the Reunion, and the Ruins of Aelin's Patience)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable is back, and Amanda is reporting live through the fog of a 17-hour flight and a 10-day trip to South Africa with 27 teenagers! The crew is breaking down the chaotic first third of Queen of Shadows, and we’re officially in the "everyone is playing 10D chess" era. We discuss Aelin’s return to Rift Hold, her tense game of cat-and-mouse with the toxic king of assassins, Arobynn Hamel, and her surprisingly bitter reunion with Chaol Westfall.We dissect the breathtaking rescue of Aedion Ashryver during the royal birthday execution, Dorian’s tragic enslavement to a Valg prince, and why the arts are the ultimate form of resistance. Plus, we finally get our first look at Elide Lochan hiding her witch blood in Morath, and Manon Blackbeak continues to terrorize everyone around her. Expect sleepy hot takes, debates on Aelin's red flower strategy, and another "soup" prediction that misses the mark.Key Topics Discussed:The Return of Arobynn: Aelin strikes a devil’s bargain with her toxic ex-master to save Aedion, uncovering the horrifying truth behind Sam Cortland's torture.The Reunion: Aelin and Chaol finally cross paths in the sewers, but it’s far from a romantic reunion. Blame, bitterness, and the tragedy of Dorian shatter any lingering feelings.The Royal Rescue: We break down the intricate, Ocean’s 11-style extraction of Aedion during the royal birthday celebration, complete with smoke bombs, Madame Florine's dancers, and a tragic encounter with a collared Dorian.The Witches of Morath: Manon Blackbeak and the 13 arrive at the Duke's stronghold, discovering a horrifying breeding program and a quiet servant named Elide Lochan.Art as Resistance: The crew discusses the profound impact of the silent protest at the Royal Theater and how it mirrors real-world historical resistance movements.The Shadows of the Sewers: Aelin hunts a terrifying obsidian Wyrdhound, leading to an alleyway encounter and the long-awaited return of Rowan Whitethorn.Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you Team Aelin or Team Chaol after that brutal sewer reunion? Let us know in the comments if you saw the Aedion rescue coming! Next up, we’re reading Queen of Shadows chapters 28–52. Make sure you pack your Wyrdmarks and stay out of the alleys—the Valg are everywhere.

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 45–End (The Rebirth of a Queen and the End of Our Hearts)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable has reached the absolute fever dream that is the end of Heir of Fire, and we are collectively unwell. Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down the literal and figurative fire of these final chapters. We’ve got Aelin Ashryver Galathynius finally taking her own hand in the darkness, Rowan Whitethorn pledging an eternal blood oath, and Dorian Havilliard entering his Villain Origin Story after the most traumatic decapitation in Glass Castle history. Between discussions on art as resistance and the crushing weight of atrocities through a Jewish lens, we’re trying to figure out how Sarah J. Maas managed to break every single character we love while giving us the ultimate Empire Strikes Back ending.Key Topics Discussed:The Rebirth of Fireheart: We deep dive into Chapters 53 and 54 where Aelin relives her trauma, Relives the death of Sam Cortland (never forget!), and relives the sacrifice of Lady Marion (the fox of our hearts).Rowan and Aelin’s Bond: "To whatever end" is now a personality trait. We discuss how Rowan sees all of her—the scars, the rage, and the queen—and how the blood oath swap was the ultimate Shadow Daddy move.The Valg Princes vs. The Queen: A magical burnout battle for the ages at Mistward. We break down the Caraman bond and how Aelin literally set the world on fire to protect her court.Manan Blackbeak’s "Heart": Our favorite Iron Teeth witch shows mercy, rescues a Blueblood, and receives a red cloak souvenir that definitely has her questioning her lack of a soul. Abraxos continues to be the best boy in the Fian Gap.Dorian’s Tragedy: The King of Adarlan proving he is the "Big Bad" by murdering Sorscha (RIP to our favorite healer) and snapping a Wordstone collar on his own son.The Great Escape: Chaol Westfall finally picks a side, breaks his oath, and tosses his sword into the Avery River to fully embrace the rebellion.Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you as traumatized as we are by the Dorian cliffhanger? Join us for the emotional fallout and our Queen of Shadows predictions. Chapters 1–25 of the next book are up next—we’re heading back to Rift Hold to finally rattle some stars!

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 24–44 (The Spider Silk Heist and the Refrigerator’s Reality Check)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable is officially viral! While Rick celebrates 68k views on TikTok, Amanda and Kim are busy processing the absolute emotional wreckage of Heir of Fire chapters 24–44. We’re headed back to the Glass Castle to watch Dorian overhear some life-altering secrets in Elena's Tomb (hello, villain origin story?), while Chaol and Aedion play a dangerous game of "who can hide the most Wyrdkey intel."Over in Wendlyn, Rowan and Selena transition from "I hate your face" to "let’s bond over our mutual soul-crushing trauma." We’ve got lake monsters that look suspiciously like Fantasia’s Chernabog, fire shields, and the moment Rowan finally sees the Endovier scars. Plus, Manan Blackbeak proves she’s the ultimate toxic girl boss by tricking Stygian Spiders and turning Abraxos into a spider-silk winged legend. It’s a wild ride filled with Acatar release news, Jewish resistance parallels, and a 90-second speed-run of Rick's latest obsession: Gay Hockey.Key Topics Discussed:The Healer and the Prince: Dorian and Sorscha are officially sharing a bed, but the real highlight is Dorian calling out Chaol for "conditionally loving" Selena. It was the reality check the refrigerator desperately needed.Manan’s Toxic Boss Energy: From the Rune Mountains to the Stygian Spiders, Manan refuses to pay the price for spider silk and instead chooses violence and wyvern solidarity.The Crossing: The most breathtaking moment of the series so far—Abraxos takes the plunge, fueled by the 13 and their iron-clad loyalty.Fire Heart & Ice Daggers: Rowan moves Selena into his room (for training purposes, obviously) and we finally see the "unbreakable bond" forge after the Beltain magical burnout.The Triangular Spell: Chaol and Aedion connect the dots between the Obsidian Towers, the Blackstone, and the headaches that are plaguing the continent.Pasta Meets Latke: We pitch our very own Italian-Jewish rom-com and discuss why Sarah J. Maas’s background makes the resistance in this book feel so historically accurate.Join us for telepathic stares, ancient lake monsters, and more pining than a Wendlyn forest. We’re finishing the book next—don't let the Valg catch you before the finale!

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 1–23 (The Hawk, the Witch, and the Scrappy Wyvern!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back and things are getting frosty—literally. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into the first third of Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, where our favorite assassin is currently rotting away in Wendlyn on a diet of oniony flatbread and pure depression. We meet the ultimate "grumpy refrigerator," Rowan Whitethorn, and finally get introduced to the bloodthirsty Manon Blackbeak. Back in Adarlan, Chaol is panicking over the arrival of the "General of the North," Aedion Ashryver, while Dorian tries to keep his literal ice magic from shattering every window in the castle. Expect debates on fay biology, theories on the Gods breeding with humans, and a deep appreciation for the scrappiest wyvern in the pits, Abraxos.Key Topics Discussed:The Broodiest Warrior: Meet Rowan Whitethorn, the silver-haired Fae warrior with a face tattoo and a seriously bad attitude who is tasked with training Aelin. [07:47]Witchy Business & The 13: We are introduced to Manon Blackbeak and the Iron Teeth witches. The crew breaks down the clan politics and the terrifying Ferian Gap. [12:17]The General of the North: Aedion Ashryver struts into Rift Hold with Aelin's father's sword and a secret rebel agenda that leaves Chaol reeling. [11:32]Training Montages & Skinwalkers: Selena (or Aelin, if Rowan is talking) endures brutal training at Mistward, facing barrow-wights and literal skinwalkers. [31:09]Abraxos is the Best Boy: Manon defies her grandmother and chooses the "runty" bait beast Abraxos, forging an unspoken alliance that has us all cheering. [49:11]Dorian’s Ice Magic: The Prince is struggling to suppress his emerging powers while finding comfort with a new healer, Sorscha. [39:41]Join us for more training montages, witch drama, and "soup" predictions. Chapters 24–44 are next—don't go back to Russia, and keep your wildfire under control!

Episode Title: Crown of Midnight Chapters 30 to End (The Head-Dropping, Portal-Hopping, Aelin-Revealing Grand Finale!)Description:The Romanty Roundtable is officially losing its collective mind. Amanda, Kim, and Rick have reached the explosive conclusion of Crown of Midnight, and let’s just say Sarah J. Maas didn't just break the glass—she shattered the whole damn castle. From the devastating fallout of Nehemia’s death to the most iconic head-on-a-desk moment in literary history, the crew breaks down the Feral Assassin arc in all its bloody glory. We’re talking Dorian’s divine power-up magic, Chaol’s broom-closet sob fests, and the long-awaited revelation that Celaena Sardothien is actually—drumroll please—Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the lost Fae Queen of Terrasen. Expect heated debates on whether Chaol deserved the Worst Boyfriend award, a deep dive into Rick’s chaotic handwriting practice, and why we will never stop talking about soup.Key Topics Discussed:Feral Era and The Head Toss: Celaena stops playing nice and delivers Grave’s severed head to the King’s Council like a gruesome gift-wrapped I quit. We discuss why this is peak Assassin behavior.Jenny on the Block: The trio breaks down Chapter 33’s perspective shift to Calaculla, discussing the powerful portrayal of armed resistance and why this slave girl’s rebellion was a literary masterstroke.The Ultimate Betrayal: Archer Finn pulls The Worst Heel Turn in history. We dissect his Secret Society snake vibes and why Celaena showing zero mercy was the only correct ending for him.Portal Problems and Fae Features: The Wyrdgate opens, Fleetfoot (the best golden hound in fiction) almost meets a grim end, and Celaena finally unleashes her Fae form. Fire magic? Check. Pointy ears? Check. Pure chaos? Double check.The Aelin Reveal: Chaol finally does some library homework and realizes he sent the most powerful threat to the Adarlanic Empire straight into the arms of her Fae allies. Smooth move, Captain.Rick’s Side Quest: A brief, chaotic detour into Rick’s handwriting practice and his reviews of Gay Hockey romances (Heated Silvery) and Survivor-style Fae smut.Episode Ratings:Rick: 4.5 Stars (The world is finally expanding!)Kim: 4 Stars (Disappointed by fire magic being boring, but loved the pining.)Amanda: 4 Stars (The books are getting better, even if Chaol is a refrigerator.)Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you Team Chaol, Team Dorian, or Team Leave-Them-Both-In-The-Sewer? Drop a comment below and let us know if you predicted the Aelin reveal or if you're just here for the Fleetfoot content. Next time, we’re heading across the ocean for Air of Fire (Chapters 1 to 23). Bring your Wyrdmark dictionaries and extra soup—it’s about to get hot in Wendlyn!

Special ARC Review – The Snow Queen's Heir (Shark Repellent, Snowstorms & DNF Debates)The Romantasy Roundtable is braving a historic, two-foot Northeast blizzard (we blame you, Queen Lumi) to bring you a very special bonus episode! We are incredibly honored to review our first-ever ARC (Advanced Reader Copy): The Snow Queen's Heir by Keilah Jude. The crew discusses Noel and Lumi's quest for a magical, resurrection-granting necklace, the transition into the Naturei realm, and the inevitable deadly trials.But the table is divided! Amanda explains why she handed out a DNF at 30%, while Rick and Kim break down why they pushed through the pacing issues for the sake of the world-building. Expect constructive "teacher-brain" critiques, debates on YA romantasy tropes, and a highly relevant tangent about 1960s Batman.Key Topics Discussed:The Plot & World-Building: We break down the core quest for the magical necklace, the political genius of single-combat duels to avoid kingdom-wide wars, and how the book cleverly handles Fae immortality.Teacher Brains Activate (The Critique): Kim wants to take a red pen to the repetitive text, Amanda begs for "show, don't tell," and Rick points out the delayed pacing. We offer our honest, constructive feedback while agreeing the bones of this story have massive potential.Insta-Love & "Shark Repellent": We debate the sudden romances (or lack of chemistry) and compare Lumi's conveniently appearing magical powers to Adam West's infamous "Shark Repellent" spray.Tangent City (Blizzards & Hockey): It wouldn't be an episode without a massive detour. We discuss the record-breaking New York/New Jersey snowstorm, and Rick tries to claim a proxy Olympic gold medal because of Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils.Join us for a snowed-in review full of honest critiques, red pens, and ARC excitement! A huge thank you to Keilah Jude for taking a chance on us and trusting us with our very first ARC, you never forget your first! Stay warm out there, avoid the Snow Queen's wrath, and we will see you back in Erilea next week.

Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back and diving into the second book of the Throne of Glass series: Crown of Midnight! Rick, Amanda, and Kim unpack the first 29 chapters, where Celaena Sardothien is officially acting as the King's Champion, or at least, she’s pretending to.We discuss Celaena’s secret plot to fake the deaths of her targets, the return of her old flame Archer Finn, and her desperate attempt to keep her friends safe from the King’s wrath. Meanwhile, Chaol (yes, Amanda is still pronouncing it "Kay-Oal") is struggling with his feelings, and Dorian is realizing his bloodline might be a little more magical than he thought. Plus, we introduce the best new character in the series: Mort the Magical Door Knocker.Key Topics Discussed:The Fake-Out Assassin: Celaena isn't actually killing anyone on the King's list. We discuss her clever plan to smuggle targets out of Rifthold and how long she can keep the treasonous secret from Chaol and the King.Archer Finn & The Rebels: Archer is back, and no one knows how to feel about him. Is he a pretty-boy courtesan? A rebel leader? A snake? Amanda gets whiplash trying to figure out his true motives.Justice for Kaltain: The crew continues to advocate for Kaltain Rompier, who is being drugged with opium and manipulated by Duke Perrington. We are officially calling for a guillotine.Magic is Awake: The Wyrdmarks are back, monsters are roaming the halls, and Dorian accidentally explodes a library with his newfound ice magic. We debate the growing supernatural threat and what it means for the Havilliard bloodline.The Heartbreak: The episode ends with a devastating sprint across Rifthold and the tragic death of Princess Nehemia. We react to the betrayal, the grief, and the brutal cliffhanger.Closing: Dry your tears and prep your Wyrdmarks. Your homework is to finish Crown of Midnight! We’ll be back next week to break down the explosive conclusion. (And maybe, just maybe, Rick will finally let Amanda talk about gay hockey).Support the Show:Subscribe so you don't miss the Crown of Midnight finale!Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (with your theories on Archer): [email protected]

Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 27–End (Demon Worms, Wookie Holidays & The Hard Kosher Salami)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has expanded! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are joined by a very special guest: Julia (CEO and Founder of Brainwell), to help us survive the chaos of the final chapters of Throne of Glass.We break down Celaena’s hallucinogenic duel with Cain, the justice for Kaltain (who is officially a tragic figure), and the Dorian vs. Chaol debate that is tearing the group apart. But honestly? This episode is 40% plot and 60% unhinged tangents. We discuss why billiards exist in a fantasy world, attempt (and fail) Australian accents, and spend a concerning amount of time reviewing a Jewish Golem romance involving a refrigerator-sized man named Greg Stoneman.Key Topics Discussed:The Ridderak & The Duel: Cain cheats with Bloodbane, calling forth a demon that functions exactly like Slither.io. Celaena wins with a stick, Queen Elena breaks the rules of ghosting, and Nehemia reveals she’s been the MVP the whole time.The Magical Meet Cute "Novella": In a podcast-within-a-podcast, Amanda and Julia review Magical Meet Cute. We discuss Greg Gollum (a man built like a refrigerator who communicates via grunts), the excessive mentions of Hard Kosher Salami, and why Greg Stoneman might be the ultimate book boyfriend.Happy Life Day: Amanda goes on a rant about the Wookie Holiday at Disney World. Apparently, "Life Day" is canon, and we are all forced to celebrate it.Pronunciation Police: We try to honor our listener Jamie’s request for an Aussie accent (spoiler: it sounds like a pirate having a stroke). We also settle the Chaol debate: it’s pronounced "Kale" with a thick Southern accent.The Breakup: Celaena chooses freedom over Dorian, dumping the Prince to become the King’s Champion. We discuss the heavy "Empire Bad" themes and why Duke Perrington needs to meet a guillotine immediately.Closing: Grab your Hard Kosher Salami and your Wyrdmarks. We are done with book one! Your homework is to start Crown of Midnight, Chapters 1–29 (Stop when you see Chapter 30!).Support the Show:Subscribe or the Ridderak will find you!Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (especially if you have a Golem story): [email protected]

Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 1–26 (Chaol vs. Kale, The Glass Castle & Total Dog Book Energy)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is down a rose (sending healing vibes to Bartholomew the Cat!), but Rick and Amanda are forging ahead into the salt mines of Endovier. We are officially kicking off Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda—fresh off the trauma of The Assassin’s Blade—is ready to meet Celaena Sardothien, the charming Prince Dorian, and the Captain of the Guard whose name we absolutely cannot pronounce: Chaol Westfall.We break down Celaena’s transition from convict to King’s Champion contender, discuss why the Glass Castle is a structural nightmare for anyone afraid of heights, and debate whether the presence of fleet-footed hounds officially makes this a "Total Dog Book." Plus, we answer a listener's Soup, Marry, Kill (Shadow Daddy Edition) that leaves the table divided.Key Topics Discussed:The Inbox is Alive! After a year of begging, we finally got our first official listener email! Shoutout to Megan D. for forcing us to play a high-stakes game of Soup, Marry, Kill: Shadow Daddy Edition (Rhysand vs. Xaden vs. The Kingfisher). The table is divided, but we can all agree on one thing: Tamlin still loses.The Great Chaol Debate: Is it Kay-all? Chail? Or just Kale said with a heavy Southern accent? Amanda and Rick struggle to respect the Captain’s name.Lillian Gordaina: Celaena goes undercover as a vapid jewel thief/court lady but can’t stop vomiting in the bushes during the mandatory training montages.Team Dorian vs. Team Chaol: The battle lines are drawn early. Rick is charmed by Dorian’s gift of books, while Amanda is leaning toward the brooding, judgmental Captain.Chamber of Secrets: Celaena finds a secret tunnel behind a tapestry, spies on the boys, and gets a divine "Save the World" quest from the ghost of Queen Elena (who definitely has Fae ears).Wyrdmarks & Murder: Competitors are getting eaten (literally, RIP Bill the Eye Eater), and weird runes are appearing in the castle. Magic might not be as dead as the King thinks.Closing: Grab your bow and arrow and try to hit the bullseye (or just the center). Your homework is to finish the book for next week! We’ll see you at the finish line—try not to get eaten on the way out.Support the Show:Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the Throne of Glass series!Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (with your Chaol pronunciations): [email protected]

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Part 2 (Sewer Romances, Toxic Assassin Daddies & RIP, you deserved better)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to finish the prequel, and we are emotionally compromised. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the final two novellas of The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Underworld and The Assassin and the Empire. We witness the rise and tragic fall of a dear friend, discuss why Arobynn Hamel is the ultimate gaslighting "Assassin Daddy," and question Celaena Sardothien’s decision-making skills.But before the heartbreak, we have important business to attend to: Amanda decodes a prophetic dream about a lip piercing (and why her face is swollen), the crew debates NYC snowstorm survival (Team Trader Joe’s Meal Prep vs. Team Bodega Cat), and we finally, FINALLY,get a medical definition for the Inner Hip.Key Topics Discussed:Love in a Hopeless Place (A Sewer): We break down the pivotal scene where Celaena and Sam finally admit their feelings while drowning in wastewater. It’s gross, it’s dramatic, and it’s the only acceptable place for a first makeout session in this series apparently.Arobynn Hamel Hate Club: We dissect the manipulation of the King of the Assassins. From the creepy gifts to buying Lysandra’s virginity, he solidifies his status as a top-tier villain (who we wouldn't trust to hold our drink).The Inner Hip Resolved: Shoutout to our listener Jamie for solving the mystery! We now know it’s near the pelvic joint/bikini tie area, though Amanda still insists it is not an erogenous zone. Only time will tellRIP: The crew reacts to the off-screen death, the torture by Farran, and the devastating scene at the mortuary. We discuss why this prequel was necessary to understand Celaena’s trauma going into Throne of Glass."I Will Not Be Afraid": We analyze the ending, the Salt Mines of Endovier, and the iconic mantra that defines the rest of the series (even if Rick quoted it wrong).Closing: Dry your tears, we are done with the prequel!PROGRAMMING NOTE: Ignore what we said in the outro! After the mics turned off, we decided to pivot. We are skipping Bound by Vengeance and diving straight into Throne of Glass next week. Chapters 1–26. Be there.

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Novellas 1-3 (Sam Cortland, Skull’s Bay & an inner hip)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable officially enters the Throne of Glass era! We are kicking off our journey into the Maasverse not with the first book, but with the prequel: The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas. Amanda (the newbie), Kim (the veteran), and Rick (the obsessed) break down the first three novellas: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, The Assassin and the Healer, and The Assassin and the Desert.We discuss Celaena Sardothien’s 16-year-old audacity, why Sam Cortland gives off the energy of a finance bro you met on a Hinge date, and the group’s firm belief that Rolf the Pirate Lord is actually just a Muppet with magic hands. Expect debates on the anatomy of the "inner hip," questionable teaching methods involving knives, and why the desert is full of scorpions named Josh.Key Topics Discussed:Reading Order Debate: Why we chose to start with the prequel (Star Wars style) to get the heartbreak out of the way early—even if Rick thinks Yoda was just a puppet until Episode 2.Sam Cortland vs. The World: We analyze Sam’s primal urge to be annoying, his "divorced dad" curtain-ripping energy, and why he feels like a guy who drinks IPAs for a living.The Healer & The Barmaid: A deep dive into Yrene Towers, her brutal self-defense lessons from Celaena, and why "sink or swim" driving lessons in a Florida hailstorm are safer than Celaena's teaching style.Desert Drama: Celaena heads to the Red Desert to train with the Silent Master, meets Ansel (and her betrayal), and learns that Stygian Spiders are basically just giant horses or "a million scorpions named Josh."The Inner Hip: The crew tries to locate this elusive body part (Is it the groin? The string bikini line? An erogenous zone?) and why pinching it is the ultimate female friendship bonding moment.Closing: Join us as we sprint through the desert and liberate slaves with style. Finish The Assassin’s Blade for next week—we have two more novellas to go before the emotional damage truly sets in!

Episode Title: A Court of Silver Flames – Full Book Breakdown (Soup, Stairs & The Trifecta of Chachkis!)Description: The Romanty Roundtable is back for 2026, and we have officially achieved the Concussion Trifecta! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are diving headfirst into the House of Wind to tackle the behemoth that is A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We’re breaking down Nesta Archeron’s journey from self-destructive "woman about town" to Valkyrie warrior, dissecting the pregnancy trope that absolutely divided the table, and obsessing over Cassian, the ultimate German Shepherd boyfriend. Expect debates on whether the Blood Rite was realistic, how many chachkis (Dread Trove items) you need to save the world, and enough soup talk to feed an Illyrian army.Key Topics Discussed:The Soup Kitchen is Open: We analyze the sheer volume of soup (spicy scenes) in this book—a solid five cans of soup rating. From the stairwell to the infamous dining room table, Nesta and Cassian have zero chill.Valkyries Assemble: Nesta finds her squad in Gwyn and Emerie. We discuss the power of female friendship, the library priestesses, the sleepover that summoned a miniature pegasus, and the trio’s controversial victory in the Blood Rite.The Trifecta of Chachkis: Nesta becomes a High Necromancer in the Bog of Oorid, wielding the Mask and proving she’s the scariest Archeron sister. We track the hunt for the Harp and the Crown (and why the Kelpie is the absolute worst).Feyre’s Uterus vs. The Plot: The crew fights over the pregnancy storyline. Was it necessary? Why did Rhysand hide the truth (again)? Does a baby with wings justify a magical C-section crisis? Kim has thoughts (and a rating of 3 stars to prove it).Nesta vs. The Stairs: The true villain of the first 50% of the book: 10,000 steps. We discuss Nesta’s physical and mental rehabilitation and why Cassian is the most patient male in Prythian.Join us for the chaos, the concussions, and the catharsis. Next up, we’re leaving Prythian to start our journey into Throne of Glass. Grab your Assassin's Blade—we’re going back to where it all began!

Episode Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight – Full Book Review (The Hallmark Holiday Special!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to unwrap the gift that is A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda, Kim, and Rick sit down to roast—we mean review—the bridge novella that sits between the main trilogy and the Nesta-verse. It’s the Winter Solstice in Velaris, which means less war and more shopping, decorating, and primal urges. The crew breaks down the "low stakes, high vibes" energy, Rhysand's questionable gift-giving budget, and why Nesta is the only one keeping it real in a city of toxic positivity. Expect heavy debates on whether this book is essential reading or just expensive fanfiction, a deep dive into The Wall Scene™, and a lot of concern for Tamlin’s depression beard.Key Topics Discussed:The Hallmark Movie Allegations: We discuss if this book is a vital plot bridge or just A Very Special Feyre Christmas episode. Rick is confused by the lack of death; Kim is just here for the vibes.The Wall Scene (Soup Check): We analyze Chapter 22. You know the one. The paint. The soup. The inner hip mechanics. It’s a 5-star spice rating in a 2-star plot.Nesta’s "Villain" Era: The crew defends (and fears) Nesta Archeron, who is currently rotting in a glorious apartment on Rhysand’s dime while roasting everyone who breathes near her.Shadow Daddy Duties: Azriel stands in corners and looks broodingly handsome while buying thoughtful gifts. We discuss his illegally good gift-giving love language.Tamlin’s Sad Boy Manor: Feyre drops by the Spring Court for a pity visit. We dissect the heavy "divorced dad energy" radiating off the High Lord of Spring.The Illyrian Baby Fever: The foreshadowing is heavy! We argue about the pregnancy trope setup and whether Rhysand needs to calm down about his legacy.Cassian’s Pining: Our favorite General is down bad. We track every moment Cassian tries to be nice to Nesta and gets emotionally annihilated for it.Amren’s Expensive Taste: The Tiny Ancient One demands jewelry. We respect the hustle.The Birkin Bag vs. Art Studio: We judge Rhysand’s gifts. Is a house a good gift? Or is it just a chore with a bow on it?The Slog of Happiness: Is it boring to watch people be happy? We debate if peace is actually the ultimate narrative slog.Closing: Grab your Illyrian leathers and your leftover Solstice wine—we’re about to get festive and feral. Next up: The absolute chaos of A Court of Silver Flames. Prepare your knees!

Episode Title: The First Annual Soupy Awards + Ultimate Tier Ranking (Drunk Edition!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable crew is signing off for the year, and we are absolutely feral. Rick, Amanda, and Kim are fueled by "Fairy Wine" (Hugos) and aggressive chip-eating ASMR to bring you our massive Year-End Review. We aren't just giving out stars; we’ve invented a chaotic new Tier List ranging from "My House, My Chair, My Woman" (S-Tier) to "Should Have Been a DNF" (F-Tier).Expect unhinged debates about lesbians in space, a re-evaluation of every soup scene (sex scene) we read this year during Post-Soup Clarity, and the inauguration of the Soupy Awards. Who is the ultimate Shadow Daddy? Which book committed the crime of "The Part That Throbbed"? And why does The Night Circus still haunt our nightmares? Grab a drink—this one gets messy.Key Topics Discussed:The Definitive Tier List: We rank everything from Fourth Wing and ACOTAR (S-Tier legends) to the absolute slog of From Blood and Ash (D-Tier) and the nonexistent plot of The Night Circus (F-Tier).Post-Soup Clarity: We aggressively audit the spice. Phantasma takes the crown for quantity and creativity, while Iron Flame gets a promotion. Plus, we officially ban the words "folds," "flaps," and "hilt" from 2026.The Soupy Awards: We hand out trophies for Best Little Guy (Onyx vs. Bartholomew), NPC of the Year, and the Jack F'N Barlow Award for the character we hate the most.The "Dylan Award": Honoring the characters gone too soon (RIP Liam and Dylan).Book of the Year: The crew comes to a rare consensus on the book that defined the podcast (Spoiler: It involves dragons).Closing: Join us for the chaos, the cringe, and the justice for Kingfisher. We’ll see you next year when we dive headfirst into the Maasverse (Throne of Glass & Crescent City). Don't touch our chips!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 40–End (The "Onyx Lives" Meltdown Edition)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has survived the emotional apocalypse of Brimstone by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are emotionally compromised but ready to break down the explosive finale (Chapters 40–52). We dive into the chaos of Saeris becoming a world-breaking resurrectionist, the long-awaited reveal of Kingfisher’s True Name (goodbye, bird metaphors!), and Rick’s sudden, bagel-fueled embrace of his Jewish heritage.Expect screaming about Onyx the Quicksilver Fox, debates on whether Arisian the Dragon is actually just a big puppy, and a very serious complaint about the severe lack of soup (spice) in the final act. We discuss why Tal is finally invited to the cookout, why Belikon refuses to stay dead, and how Kaiden is officially the ultimate Shadow Daddy.Key Topics Discussed:Onyx Lives (Thank the 7 Gods): Rick prays to every deity from Buddha to Moses as we process the absolute trauma of Onyx’s sacrifice and Saeris' desperate use of Alchemion power to undo death itself.The Artist Formerly Known as Kingfisher: We finally get a name—Khydan Greystar Finvarra—and accept "Khy" as a valid nickname. Also, turns out he’s a demigod with shadow magic? We love a divine power-up.Tal’s Redemption & Plant Daddies: Tal mourns Zalvena and gets a shiny new sword, while Kerrion reveals his plant magic, proving that "nice guys" who like horns are top-tier.The Soup Drought: The crew laments that despite the high stakes, we were denied our enemies-to-lovers payoff. We wanted an orgy; we got political maneuvering and beheadings.Join us for the tears, the rage, and the realization that a bird is a book. Next up: We’re getting festive (and messy) with A Court of Frost and Starlight—aka the Holiday Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 26–39 (Red Wedding Vibes & The Three-Minute Soup)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns with a "Tale of Rick and Roses" (where the girls are apparently just hair clips?). Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down Chapters 26–39 of Brimstone, and frankly, we are not okay. We go from Saeris going full Magneto with twin god swords to Tal interrupting his own orgy to deliver plot points. We finally confirm that Carrion Swift is the undisputed Pansexual King, realize the Stargazer birds were the book the whole time (Rick loves when a bird is a book), and survive a literal Red Wedding ending where everyone vomits black blood. Plus, we debate whether Lights Out is a rom-com or a "dom-com," Rick declares his hatred for "Balls" (the dancing kind), and Amanda gives a masterclass on Vancouver soccer.Key Topics Discussed:Magneto Era: Saeris splits Solace into twin swords, decapitates guards, and proves she is the Captain now. Fischer just stands back and admires the violence.The Soup is Real: No more dreams. We get the Fisher Reunion (described as a "gymnastics trial") and the infamous "Three Minutes" scene against a mirror while Tal waits outside.The Pansexual King: Carrion delivers the iconic "The thing about leaning" speech, confirming he likes the wine, not the label. We stan.Foley is John Cena: The depressed vampire wolf cleans up nice! He enters the Even Light Ball like a WWE surprise entrant to be the 6th petitioner.The Red Wedding: Just when we thought Tal was serving looks, he serves poison to the entire court (and himself). The "Scion of No One" moment left us screaming.Archer Watch: We almost lost our favorite Fire Sprite/Dobby, and Rick was ready to riot. He is alive, one inch taller, and dancing.Closing: Join us for the emotional damage, the soccer tangents, and the realization that Hayden is an entitled brat. Chapters 40–End are next—finish the book, bring your tissues, and prepare for the ACOTAR Christmas Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 13–25Description: Buckle up, besties — Brimstone drops the brakes in this middle section, and Amanda, Kim, and Rick are simply feral about it. Ambushes, demon scorpions named Josh (yes, really), dream-soup shenanigans, a vampire-wolf named Foley (sorry, still not scary), and an eldritch spaghetti monster who maybe wants a favor and maybe wants your soul…? The Romantasy Roundtable chews through chaos, court politics, and enough editing errors to power a drinking game.Highlights include:A Million %$#@ Scorpions Named Josh: The most un-intimidating demon name in history; the nightmare fuel itself is very real.Fisher Throws Carrion Out a Window: Buddy-cop energy at its finest — including “Did something hit me?” / “Yeah, I punched you.”Library Boom-Pow: Saeris casually detonates a 20-foot hole in a wall and gets banned after dark like a magical middle-schooler.Dream Soup Supreme: Shirtless, panicked Fisher; mate-bond chaos; Onyx cameos; bite-healing; emotional dump fest. The people were FED.Foley the Vampire Sad Boy: Former wolf, current recluse, future reluctant mentor. Also unfortunately named after a catheter.Carrion Swift, Pansexual King: “I prefer my women and my men prettier than you.” The people’s prince has spoken.Cleansing Day Massacre: Fisher goes full righteous fury at reproductive oppression — shadow knives for everyone.The Secret Forge Vault: 1,223 stairs, dangerous quicksilver storage, and Elroy hitting Fischer with a fire iron. Art.Plus: Hanksgiving, tote-bag economics, Jets slander, Rick’s moral alignment chart (Tal: good/bad/good/bad), and RIP to the brave little paper bird.Next up: Chapters 26–39 — stop at Chapter 40. Let the chaos continue.