February 17, 2026

"Belladonna" by Adalyn Grace: Romantasy Meets Gothic Mystery

1 hour 10 minutes

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.

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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.

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