Welcome to the first installment of our Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible.

In this episode, we’re discussing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We explore Katniss Everdeen as a heroine whose personality type makes her both powerful and vulnerable, how Peeta functions as a unique male main character (MMC), and why the series’ themes of power, media, and survival feel even more relevant today than when the books were first released. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Come back Thursday for part 2.

This season, we’ll be covering:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell

Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem

And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas.

If you’re new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses.

Plus, 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.

If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you’re in the right place.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/ 

Support the Show: 

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ 

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Analeigh Sbrana, author of the highly anticipated romantasy sequel Lore of the Tides. Following her breakout debut Lore of the Wilds, Sbrana returns with a story full of forbidden magic, grief, identity, and longing romance that raises the stakes for both her heroine and her world.

We talk with Analeigh about:

Why she chose to center Lore’s journey around justice instead of revenge, setting her apart in a genre that often leans into vengeance arcs.

How she approached writing Lore’s grief and emotional growth after the fallout of book one.

The symbolism of Lore’s ink-stained hands and forbidden magic, and how it ties into themes of identity and power.

Crafting a romance arc filled with longing, betrayal, and trust issues—and why the emotional risks feel just as high as the magical ones.

How queerness and Black identity are seamlessly woven into her worldbuilding.

The larger themes of power, oppression, and resistance that resonate with our world today.

Whether you’re already obsessed with Analeigh’s romantasy universe or discovering her books for the first time, this conversation digs deep into the heart of her storytelling and why Lore of the Tides is a must-read for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and epic romantasy sagas.

Sponsor:

Lola Blankets: For a limited time, our listeners are getting a huge 35% OFF their entire order at LolaBlankets.com by using code BOOKTALK at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code BOOKTALK for 35% OFF. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you.

Hello Fresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/BOOKTALK10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show: 

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social:

Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok

TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok

YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special wrap-up episode, we close out our Crown of Midnight season by highlighting listener thoughts, theories, and favorite moments from Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass sequel. Over the course of this season, we explored Celaena’s grief, vengeance, identity, and transformation through 13 years of combined academic literary training, using two literary lenses to analyze metaphors, symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery. Now, we turn the mic to our listeners.

From debates about Chaol’s choices and Dorian’s growing magic, to the heartbreak of Nehemia’s death, Archer’s betrayal, and the reveal of Celaena’s Fae identity as Aelin Galathynius, we revisit the biggest questions of the book through your insights. We also discuss your favorite themes, most shocking twists, and what this book sets up for Heir of Fire.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass fan theories and literary analysis

Community discussions around Romantasy

Breaking down character arcs, betrayals, and reveals

Sharing perspectives on Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian

Foreshadowing and how it connects to the rest of the Maasverse

Join us as we wrap up Crown of Midnight and reflect on everything this season revealed about destiny, grief, and transformation before turning to what’s next for Aelin in Heir of Fire.

Sponsor:

Lola Blankets: For a limited time, our listeners are getting a huge 35% OFF their entire order at LolaBlankets.com by using code BOOKTALK at checkout. Just head to LolaBlankets.com and use code BOOKTALK for 35% OFF. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you.

Hello Fresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/BOOKTALK10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show: 

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ 

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social:

Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok

TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok

YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we explore chapters 49–56 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring two literary lenses to our analysis, exploring metaphors, foreshadowing, symbolism, narrative devices, plot structure, and imagery.

Our guiding question: Have the circumstances and outcomes of Crown of Midnight properly prepared Celaena to begin her journey as Aelin Galathynius?

These chapters deliver some of the most pivotal reveals of the Throne of Glass series. From Chaol’s desperate battle against a creature from another world, to Celaena unleashing her hidden Fae identity in order to save Fleetfoot and Dorian, the stakes rise with every page. Archer’s betrayal is finally exposed, Nehemia’s legacy deepens, and Celaena’s choices blur the line between vengeance and survival. Meanwhile, Chaol strikes a deal with his father that sends Celaena toward Wendlyn, Dorian struggles with the isolation of his magic, and the painful goodbyes between Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian reshape their relationships forever. The final reveal of Celaena’s true identity as the lost Queen of Terrasen sets the stage for the series to transform.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass character analysis and plot breakdowns

Romantasy full of betrayal, magic, and hidden identity

Fae reveals and Aelin Galathynius foreshadowing

Chaol vs. Dorian debates and ship wars

Symbolism-rich fantasy worldbuilding

Dark assassins, blood oaths, and queenly transformations

This is Part 2 of our two-part discussion.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show: 

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ 

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we explore chapters 49–56 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring two literary lenses to our analysis, exploring metaphors, foreshadowing, symbolism, narrative devices, plot structure, and imagery.

Our guiding question: Have the circumstances and outcomes of Crown of Midnight properly prepared Celaena to begin her journey as Aelin Galathynius?

These chapters deliver some of the most pivotal reveals of the Throne of Glass series. From Chaol’s desperate battle against a creature from another world, to Celaena unleashing her hidden Fae identity in order to save Fleetfoot and Dorian, the stakes rise with every page. Archer’s betrayal is finally exposed, Nehemia’s legacy deepens, and Celaena’s choices blur the line between vengeance and survival. Meanwhile, Chaol strikes a deal with his father that sends Celaena toward Wendlyn, Dorian struggles with the isolation of his magic, and the painful goodbyes between Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian reshape their relationships forever. The final reveal of Celaena’s true identity as the lost Queen of Terrasen sets the stage for the series to transform.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass character analysis and plot breakdowns

Romantasy full of betrayal, magic, and hidden identity

Fae reveals and Aelin Galathynius foreshadowing

Chaol vs. Dorian debates and ship wars

Symbolism-rich fantasy worldbuilding

Dark assassins, blood oaths, and queenly transformations

This is Part 1 of our two-part discussion. Part 2 will be released Thursday.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show: 

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ 

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Crown of Midnight deep dive, we cover chapters 44–48 of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, where the darkness under the glass castle closes in. Literally. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we use two literary lenses to break down the rich symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphors, and plot devices that make these chapters some of the most pivotal in the series.

Our guiding question: Why does SJM continue to tie Celaena and Dorian together through their actions and the symbolism surrounding them if they are never quite aligned?

From Dorian’s magic flaring as a warning in the catacombs, to a haunting monster hunt in the dark, to the revelation that the King already claimed the first Wyrdkey, this section is full of turning points. We analyze the predator/prey role reversals between Celaena and Dorian, the layered imagery of light, darkness, and thresholds, and how these moments tie into their ongoing connection. We also unpack Nehemia’s cold farewell from beyond the grave, Gavin’s cryptic warning, and Archer’s shocking betrayal that threatens to expose Celaena’s greatest secret.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass literary analysis & character studies

Romantasy with complex female leads

Fate vs. free will in fantasy

Wyrdkeys, Wyrdmarks & the Maasverse

Dark fantasy creature battles

Slow-burn alliances & betrayals

Symbolism-rich worldbuilding

This is Part 2 of our two-part discussion.

Sponsor:

Task Rabbit: Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!

Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show:

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Crown of Midnight deep dive, we cover chapters 44–48 of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, where the darkness under the glass castle closes in. Literally. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we use two literary lenses to break down the rich symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphors, and plot devices that make these chapters some of the most pivotal in the series.

Our guiding question: Why does SJM continue to tie Celaena and Dorian together through their actions and the symbolism surrounding them if they are never quite aligned?

From Dorian’s magic flaring as a warning in the catacombs, to a haunting monster hunt in the dark, to the revelation that the King already claimed the first Wyrdkey, this section is full of turning points. We analyze the predator/prey role reversals between Celaena and Dorian, the layered imagery of light, darkness, and thresholds, and how these moments tie into their ongoing connection. We also unpack Nehemia’s cold farewell from beyond the grave, Gavin’s cryptic warning, and Archer’s shocking betrayal that threatens to expose Celaena’s greatest secret.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass literary analysis & character studies

Romantasy with complex female leads

Fate vs. free will in fantasy

Wyrdkeys, Wyrdmarks & the Maasverse

Dark fantasy creature battles

Slow-burn alliances & betrayals

Symbolism-rich worldbuilding

This is Part 1 of our two-part discussion—Part 2 drops Thursday.

Sponsor:

Task Rabbit: Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!

Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.

Support the Show:

Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠

Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠

Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 2 of this week's episode.

In this week’s episode, we dive into chapters 39–43 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, where destiny begins to tighten its grip on Celaena Sardothien. Armed with 13 years of combined academic literary training, we use two literary lenses to analyze the rich symbolism, metaphors, and imagery woven through these pivotal chapters, including mirrors, portals, Wyrdmarks, and fire.

Our guiding question: Has Celaena ever had a choice when it comes to Destiny and the path it wants her to take?

From Celaena’s chilling encounter with Baba Yellowlegs and her first true glimpse into the multiverse of the Maasverse, to Dorian’s growing empathy and Chaol’s descent into paranoia and betrayal, these chapters mark a turning point in Celaena’s character arc. We unpack themes of agency, identity, grief, and transformation, while analyzing how Sarah J. Maas uses gothic horror, fairy tale tropes, romantic foils, and fantasy lore to shape Celaena’s slow march toward who she is meant to become.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass literary analysis

Romantasy with layered female protagonists

Fantasy books about fate vs. free will

Witchcraft, Wyrdmarks, and multiverse lore

Enemies to lovers, friends to enemies, and broken friendships

Symbolism, foreshadowing, and character-driven worldbuilding

Dissecting Dorian, Chaol, and Celaena's emotional journeys

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!

Support the Show:

Follow Us on Social:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we sit down with bestselling fantasy romance author and BookTok favorite Hannah Nicole Maehrer (@hannahnicolemae) to talk all things Accomplice to the Villain, the latest book in her hit Assistant to the Villain series. Known for her laugh-out-loud villain/assistant banter, swoony slow burns, and emotionally rich character arcs, Hannah opens up about what it was like writing the third installment of this viral romantasy series.

We dig into character growth, new POVs (yes, even the frog), found family, and the emotional and hilarious chaos that makes this book impossible to put down. Hannah shares how she tackled the more *ahem* intimate moments of Evie and Trystan’s relationship, the deeper themes around motherhood and identity, and how she strikes the perfect balance between humor, heartbreak, and happily ever after.

If you love romantasy, morally gray love interests, TikTok books, and books with magic, spice, and emotional depth, this episode is for you.

If you're a fan of:

Fantasy romance with morally gray love interests

Enemies-to-lovers and villain redemption arcs

BookTok favorites with humor, heart, and heat

Books like Fourth Wing, Powerless, and The Plated Prisoner

...you’ll love this conversation with the queen of villainous banter herself.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!

Support the Show:

Follow Us on Social:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we dive into chapters 39–43 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, where destiny begins to tighten its grip on Celaena Sardothien. Armed with 13 years of combined academic literary training, we use two literary lenses to analyze the rich symbolism, metaphors, and imagery woven through these pivotal chapters, including mirrors, portals, Wyrdmarks, and fire.

Our guiding question: Has Celaena ever had a choice when it comes to Destiny and the path it wants her to take?

From Celaena’s chilling encounter with Baba Yellowlegs and her first true glimpse into the multiverse of the Maasverse, to Dorian’s growing empathy and Chaol’s descent into paranoia and betrayal, these chapters mark a turning point in Celaena’s character arc. We unpack themes of agency, identity, grief, and transformation, while analyzing how Sarah J. Maas uses gothic horror, fairy tale tropes, romantic foils, and fantasy lore to shape Celaena’s slow march toward who she is meant to become.

This episode is perfect for people who love:

Throne of Glass literary analysis

Romantasy with layered female protagonists

Fantasy books about fate vs. free will

Witchcraft, Wyrdmarks, and multiverse lore

Enemies to lovers, friends to enemies, and broken friendships

Symbolism, foreshadowing, and character-driven worldbuilding

Dissecting Dorian, Chaol, and Celaena's emotional journeys

This is Part 1 of our two-part discussion—Part 2 drops Thursday.

Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!

Support the Show:

Follow Us on Social:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices