A Court of Frost and Starlight might be one of the most overlooked books in the ACOTAR series, but we think there’s a lot more happening beneath the surface than people give it credit for.

In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re breaking down ACOFAS and talking about why this novella is an important bridge between the original trilogy and what comes next. While it may not have the same battles and high-stakes action as other books in the series, it gives us a closer look at healing after war, shifting relationships, and the characters trying to figure out what comes next.

We also chat about:

- Why ACOFAS is an important pause in the ACOTAR storyline

- Feyre and Rhys’s journey after the events of the war

- Nesta, Elain, and the tension building around their stories

- The small details and moments that might become more important later

- The theories and setup we think Sarah J. Maas may be leaving behind for the future of the Maasverse

If you’ve ever wondered why A Court of Frost and Starlight matters (or why it gets so much debate in the fandom), this episode is for you.

Tell us in the comments:Where does ACOFAS rank for you in the ACOTAR series?What detail from ACOFAS do you think will matter later?✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCACRead along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow us & find everything in one placehttps://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts📩 Contact us: [email protected] for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

It’s time for Brimstone Part 2 — and the chaos ensues.In this episode of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re starting with a debate that every reader has an opinion on: audiobooks vs. physical books. Then we’re diving back into Brimstone by Callie Hart and breaking down the plot, the clues we’re finding, and the theories we’re building as we try to figure out what’s coming next.In this episode we discsusss:- Audiobooks vs. physical reading and which one wins- Our Brimstone plot deep dive- The theories, foreshadowing, and predictions we’re putting togetherComment below:Team audiobook or Team physical book?

✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCACRead along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979📌 Follow us & find everything in one placehttps://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaosTikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts📩 Contact us: [email protected] for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

This week we’re diving into Brimstone by Callie Hart—the plot, the vibes, the characters, and everything that pulled us in.

But we’re also addressing the editing controversy that’s sparked a lot of conversation in the romance community.

In this episode we cover:

- What Brimstone does well

- The characters and dynamics we were drawn to

- The editing issues readers have raised

- How the situation reflects bigger conversations about author support, accessibility, and quality control in indie publishing

✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion: https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one place

https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Happy Friendsgiving, book besties! 🦃✨

In honor of the season (and all our new followers!), we’re getting cozy and chatty with a full get-to-know-us episode.

We’re sharing:

• How we met

• How our friendship formed

• What unhinged events led to the birth of ACOCAC

• Why this podcast is one of our biggest joys

• How grateful we are for this community

• PLUS some bonus SJM theories and chaos—because we physically cannot help it

Shoutouts at the end to some amazing bookish creators you should follow immediately. 💛

Drop a comment and tell us:

• How did you find the podcast?

• Which SJM theory are you currently spiraling over?

• What are you grateful for this year?

✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion: https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one place

https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Emily (@emily.reads.alot) returns for Part 2 of our Alchemised miniseries!We open with a little fun—in honor of Kaine Ferron, we each share our favorite “non-typical” book boyfriends: the messy, morally ambiguous, delightfully unhinged men who defy the usual archetypes.Then we transition into our deeper discussion: the plot and core themes of Alchemised by SenLinYu.In this episode, we unpack:• The emotional reality of healthcare burnout• How generational trauma shapes choices and relationships• The portrayal of mental health• Invisible labor, particularly the burdens placed on women• The unique emotional atmosphere that sets Alchemised apart

✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:

https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one placehttps://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

___________Books Mentioned:Tongue So Sweet and Deadly — Sophia St. GermainAlchemised — SenLinYu

Our Alchemised deep dive begins!In Episode 19 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re joined by our first-ever guest, Emily (@emily.reads.alot), to kick off our 3-part miniseries exploring Alchemised by SenLinYu.This episode focuses on the foundation- the story, the themes, and the idea of alchemy itself. From symbolism and transformation to the emotional complexity of the narrative, we’re unpacking why Alchemised is such a powerful, thought-provoking work.Tell us in the comments:• What was your first impression of Alchemised?• What themes stood out to you most?✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:

https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one placehttps://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!📚 Books & Topics Mentioned:• Alchemised – SenLinYu• Thematic breakdowns of alchemy and transformation• Literary and mythological context

We’re starting November with some festive chaos! In Episode 18 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we kick things off with a game of “Holiday Gift Ideas for SJM Characters”- spoiler, Rhys is getting a lint roller.Then we’re sharing our favorite holiday book recommendations for both adults and kids- perfect for gift ideas, cozy reads, or adding to your ever-growing TBR.Tell us in the comments:• What’s your dream holiday gift for your favorite SJM character?• What’s your go-to cozy read this time of year?✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion: https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one placehttps://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

______________

📚 Books Mentioned:

Alaskan Holiday- Debbie Macomber

Starry Night- Debbie Macomber

Royal Holiday- Jasmine Guillory

The Christmas Tree Farm- Laurie Gilmore

Eight dates and Nights- Betsy Aldredge

Bullets and Mistletoe- CJ Lucci 

The Matzah Ball- Jean Meltzer 

Frostfully Yours- Breanne Bergie 

Three Holidays and a Wedding- Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley

Five More Sleeps Till Christmas- Jimmy Fallon 

Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal- Meghan Quinn 

Holiday Ever After- Hannah Grace 

Good Spirits- BK Borison

Sugar and Sin- Nova B Quinn 

Mistletoe Missus- Breanne Bergie

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's, Peekaboo Christmas 

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas- Meghan Quinn 

You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie- Natalie Marshall 

You’re My Little Christmas Cookie- Natalie Marshall

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow- Lucille Colandro

Poke a Dot the Night Before Christmas

Our Table- Peter H Reynolds

Wreck the Halls- Tessa Bailey

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas- Alice Schertle

A Court of Frost and Starlight- Sarah J Maas

Harry Potter- JK Rowling

The Snowy Day- Ezra Jack Keats

Santa Bruce- Ryan T Higgins

The Polar Express- Chris Van Allsburg

Ten Ways to Hear Snow- Cathy Camper

It’s spooky season, and we’re diving straight into childhood trauma (the fun kind). In Episode 17 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re talking about the scary movies that scarred us for life—and shaped our dark, chaotic humor.

Then we wrap it up with our most delulu Maasverse headcanons yet, because who doesn’t love mixing fear and fantasy.Tell us in the comments:• Which scary movie messed you up as a kid?• What’s your wildest Maasverse theory?✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:

https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one place

https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

We’re keeping it short and chaotic this week! In Episode 16 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we discuss our Throne of Glass rankings, talk about our reading journeys, and give a quick Alchemised update (because we needed a group therapy session for that one).Tell us in the comments:• What’s your Throne of Glass ranking?• Have you survived Alchemised yet?✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion:

https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one place

https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair took us by surprise....and straight into our Top 5 reads of the year.

In Episode 15 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re breaking down why this book deserves way more love from the fantasy community.

In Episode 15 of A Court of Cortisol and Chaos, we’re talking about why this book deserves way more attention from the fantasy community. We’re breaking down what made this story stand out, the characters we connected with, and why we think more readers should be adding it to their TBRs.

We also chat about:

- What surprised us about Terror at the Gates

- Why it became one of our favorite reads of the year

- The characters, worldbuilding, and moments that made it memorable

- Why this book deserves more hype in the fantasy space

If you’re looking for a fantasy read that flew under your radar, this might be the one to add next.

Tell us in the comments:

Have you read Terror at the Gates?

What’s a fantasy book you think deserves more attention?

✨ Join our Fable Book Club — Read & Yap with ACOCAC

Read along with our monthly book picks and join the discussion https://fable.co/club/read-yap-with-acocac-with-acourtofcortisolchaospodcast-514859046979

📌 Follow us & find everything in one place:

https://linktr.ee/acourtofcortisolandchaos

TikTok & Instagram: @ACourtofCortisolandChaos

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube, Spotify, and Facebook

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts

📩 Contact us: [email protected]

Thanks for spiraling with us—now get back to your TBR!________📚 Books Mentioned:• Terror at the Gates – Scarlett St. Clair