Dear Fantasy Reader

In this spicy new episode of Dear Fantasy Author, host Hannah Michelle sits down with New York Times bestselling author, Jade Presley, to talk all things The Never List, a steamy "why choose" romantasy packed with magic, myth, and four very swoon-worthy love interests. This book became an instant book club favorite—and the DFR team was so excited to get the inside scoop directly from the author herself!

Jade shares how she built this unforgettable fantasy world (including the inspiration behind the gem-themed cities), why she wanted her magic system to feel earned, and what it was like stepping into a new pen name to write romantasy after years of YA. She also opens up about crafting a heroine who doesn't have to choose—and why giving us four book boyfriends just made sense.

This conversation covers everything from reader feedback and cliffhanger chaos to the logistics of balancing four legends (and their distinct love languages). There's also a sneak peek at what readers can expect in Book 2—plus a few teaser quotes, easter eggs, and fan-favorite moments to revisit.

The episode features both spoiler-free and spoiler-filled segments (with clear warnings and timestamps in the show notes).

Whether you've already read The Never List or are just fantasy-curious and spice-positive, this episode is packed with worldbuilding, swoons, and plenty of why-choose energy!

Segment Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:34 Spoiler-Free Segment

16:08 Spoiler-Filled Segment

47:17 About Dear Fantasy Reader

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

THE NEVER LIST KEY DETAILS PDF GUIDE (Patreon): https://www.patreon.com/posts/key-details-list-130119001?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

THE NEVER LIST KEY DETAILS VISUAL GUIDE (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKNcia4vp64/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ready to add one more book to your TBR? Order The Never List: https://amzn.to/4kVRAGy

Follow AUTHOR's Journey:

Website - www.jadepresley.com

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@jadepresleyauthor

Instagram - www.instagram.com/jadepresleyauthor/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/people/Jade-Presley/100078448732792/

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
  • Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community — our UPCOMING & ongoing series with industry experts where we pull the curtain back on different aspects of the book community learning what all goes into getting these books to our hands!

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Don't forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!

🎤 Recorded the day before the US release date - one of Stacey's first in-depth interviews about A Forbidden Alchemy!

In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, host Hannah Michelle sits down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stacey McEwan to get the inside scoop on her brand-new romantasy release, A Forbidden Alchemy!

Known for her signature blend of humor and heartbreak, Stacey delivers a world of gangster grit, slow burn tension, a wildly unique magic system, found family, devastating twists, and just enough banter to make the heartbreak hurt harder—and we were honored to be among the first readers to experience it!

This episode was recorded the day before the book's official US release, making it one of Stacey's first in-depth interviews about the story. As one of the earliest readers to dive into this world, Hannah came armed with questions, theories, and all the romantasy chaos you'd expect from a fangirl!

The interview includes both spoiler-free and spoiler-filled sections (see timestamps below). In the first portion, Stacey walks us through her writing journey & the inspirations behind her story—including Peaky Blinders, her unique approach to worldbuilding, and why writing a unique magic system with real consequences was so important to her.

After a spoiler warning, the conversation dives deep into characters & scenes, world-building & theory clarifications, and an interrogation about the cliffhanger. Stacey also shares a few hints about what readers can expect in the sequel—and answers some chaotic theory questions along the way.

Whether you've already devoured the book or you're just romantasy curious, this episode is full of laughs, lore, and behind-the-scenes chaos you won't want to miss!

Segment Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:39 Spoiler-Free Segment

25:47 Spoiler-Filled Segment

58:30 Swiftie Mania: Applying Taylor Swift Songs to A Forbidden Alchemy

01:09:51 About Dear Fantasy Reader

**Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes**

Ready to add one more book to your TBR? Order A Forbidden Alchemy:

AUS - https://amzn.eu/d/ffna5L1

US - https://amzn.to/4jJDWW5

Follow Stacey McEwan's Journey:

Website - https://www.staceymcewanbooks.com/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@staceymcewanbooks

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/staceymcewanbooks/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574240476854

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
  • Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community — our UPCOMING & ongoing series with industry experts where we pull the curtain back on different aspects of the book community learning what all goes into getting these books to our hands!

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Don't forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!

With Onyx Storm wrapped, the DFR hosts—Hannah, Kinsey, & Karly—are giving you a quick update on what's coming next for the pod! From new season formats to upcoming coverage plans—this is everything you need to know about what's changing, what's staying, and what's ahead!

Featuring:

• A shift from chapter-by-chapter deep dives to fast-paced prep and post-release reactions
• What series they are covering next
• How upcoming seasons are being planned around 2026's biggest romantasy releases

📌 Explore the full DFRP season guide: www.dearfantasyreader.com/season-guide

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨ Each month, we pick a romantasy read (typically not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion with exclusive chat channels in our Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon. Come read with us!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Kindred's Curse Saga theories & insights: [email protected]

New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your romantasy friends!

🎤THE ONLY PLACE THE ESPRITHEAN 3 BOOK DETAILS HAVE BEEN REVEALED!

In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, host Hannah Michelle sits down with Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, co-authors of the Esprithean series, for a two-part interview that blends cozy chaos, craft talk, and major romantasy reveals.

The first portion of the episode is completely spoiler-free and perfect for anyone curious about the Esprithean series. We chat about Riftborne, Duskbound, and the authors' upcoming spinoff series, The Aesymarean Duet. Book one, The Ascended, releases October 7 and takes us even deeper into the magical world of the Esprithean!

Then in the spoiler-filled portion, Bree and Parker share an exclusive reveal of the Esprithean Book 3—officially and exclusively announced here for the very first time!

From writing rituals and character dynamics to worldbuilding choices, co-authoring chemistry, and the emotional arc of the series, this episode dives into everything fans love about the Esprithean universe. And yes, there's unhinged fangirling, speculative theories, and plenty of behind-the-scenes lore!

Rather than a traditional Q&A, this episode leans into a reader-first perspective. Hannah ask the questions romantasy fans are most eager to know—plus a few the authors definitely weren't ready for. Bree and Parker answer with heart, laughter, and a few juicy teases that may just change how you read the entire series.

Whether you're a longtime Esprithean fan or just stepping into this world, this conversation is full of insight, emotions, and early reveals you won't hear anywhere else!

Segment Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:02 Spoiler-Free Segment

19:43 Spoiler-Filled Segment

01:16:34 About Dear Fantasy Reader

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

Ready to add one or two (or three) more books to your TBR?

Order Riftborne- https://amzn.to/4nu3EBd

Order Duskbound- https://amzn.to/3I84Eec

Pre-order The Ascended- https://amzn.to/4lt5NeA

Follow Grenwich & Lennox' Journey:

Website - https://www.grenwichlennox.com/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@grenwichandlennox

Instagram -

Parker Lennox: https://www.instagram.com/parkerlennoxauthor

Bree Grenwich: https://www.instagram.com/breegrenwichauthor

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
  • Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community — our UPCOMING & ongoing chats with industry experts where we pull the curtain back on different aspects of the book community learning what all goes into getting these books to our hands!

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Don't forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!

Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 63-66 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm!

First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros' recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series.

Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer's Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments, and spotlight standout quotes that made these chapters unforgettable.

Then, the squad will visit the Scribe's Quadrant for an Epigraph Analysis, deciphering hidden meanings and intriguing hints woven expertly by Yarros.

Afterward, they'll head to the Hatching Ground to reveal key Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing, piecing together clues that hint at what's to come.

Finally, they'll round things off with a thrilling Signet Sparring session, honing their precognitive abilities to theorize about all things Empyrean. Expect lively debates, bold predictions, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Grab your leathers & bookmarks, Quest Squad, we have dragons to ride!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, & Onyx Storm*

00:00 Intro

02:39 Current Reads: Lightning Round

09:50 Archives Vault: Chapter Summary

14:09 Quest Squad: Discussion & Analysis

01:14:06 Healer's Quadrant Temp Check

01:23:34 Favorite Moments & Quotes

01:26:25 Scribe's Quadrant: Epigraph Analysis

01:38:23 Hatching Grounds: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs | Signet Sparring: Theories

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨ Each month, we pick a romantasy read (typically not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion with exclusive chat channels in our Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon. Come read with us! Upcoming Book Club Livestream: June 25th covering Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

ARCHIVES:

Rebecca Yarros Good Morning America "Ask Me Anything" Clip - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pzBjMdj-PdU

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends!

Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 58-62 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm!

First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros' recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series.

Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer's Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments, and spotlight standout quotes that made these chapters unforgettable.

Then, the squad will visit the Scribe's Quadrant for an Epigraph Analysis, deciphering hidden meanings and intriguing hints woven expertly by Yarros.

Afterward, they'll head to the Hatching Ground to reveal key Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing, piecing together clues that hint at what's to come.

Finally, they'll round things off with a thrilling Signet Sparring session, honing their precognitive abilities to theorize about all things Empyrean. Expect lively debates, bold predictions, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Grab your leathers & bookmarks, Quest Squad, we have dragons to ride!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, & Onyx Storm*

00:00 Intro

01:44 Current Reads: Lightning Round

02:56 Archives Vault: Chapter Summary

06:00 Quest Squad: Discussion & Analysis

41:16 Healer's Quadrant Temp Check

48:56 Favorite Moments & Quotes

52:17 Scribe's Quadrant: Epigraph Analysis

56:27 Hatching Grounds: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs

01:29:56 Signet Sparring: Theories

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨ Each month, we pick a romantasy read (typically not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion with exclusive chat channels in our Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon. Come read with us! Upcoming Book Club Livestream: June 25th covering Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

ARCHIVES:

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends!

Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 53-57 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm!

First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros' recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series.

Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer's Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments, and spotlight standout quotes that made these chapters unforgettable.

Then, the squad will visit the Scribe's Quadrant for an Epigraph Analysis, deciphering hidden meanings and intriguing hints woven expertly by Yarros.

Afterward, they'll head to the Hatching Ground to reveal key Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing, piecing together clues that hint at what's to come.

Finally, they'll round things off with a thrilling Signet Sparring session, honing their precognitive abilities to theorize about all things Empyrean. Expect lively debates, bold predictions, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Grab your leathers & bookmarks, Quest Squad, we have dragons to ride!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, & Onyx Storm*

00:00 Intro

01:01 Current Reads: Lightning Round

03:00 Archives Vault: Chapter Summary

04:56 Quest Squad: Discussion & Analysis

45:45 Healer's Quadrant Temp Check

49:26 Favorite Moments & Quotes

53:04 Scribe's Quadrant: Epigraph Analysis

57:49 Hatching Grounds: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs

01:15:17 Signet Sparring: Theories

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨ Each month, we pick a romantasy read (typically not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion with exclusive chat channels in our Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon. Come read with us! Upcoming Book Club Livestream: June 25th covering Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends!

In this spoiler-filled reaction episode, Hannah and Karly hit record just two minutes after Hannah finished reading Shield of Sparrows. The emotions? Raw. The spiraling? Immediate. The chaos? Very. Real.

Karly finished the book first and, like the responsible bookish bestie she is, threw together a quick outline to help guide the conversation. But let's be honest, this episode was recorded between 1am and 3am, so no matter how structured it tries to be... it's still mostly unhinged.

This is the kind of post-read breakdown where your heart is still racing, your voice is too loud, and you keep yelling "wait, can we go back to that one scene for a second?"

If you've just finished Shield of Sparrows and need to scream with someone... this is your episode & these are your book besties!

*Please note that this episode includes spoilers for the entirety of Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry*

In this episode:

• Real-time post-book emotional chaos

• Favorite moments and unfiltered reactions

• Swooning and spiraling over key characters (you know the ones)

• Early thoughts and theories for what's next

• Karly trying to be composed while Hannah just got wrecked

Want to scream with us about it?

Join our free Discord server or tag us on Instagram with your favorite Shield of Sparrows theories!

The chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨

Each month, we pick a romantasy read (typically not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion with exclusive chat channels in our Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon. Come read with us!

Upcoming Book Club Livestream: June 25th covering Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

New regular season episodes drop Thursdays (with early access Wednesdays on Patreon).

Don't forget to share this episode with your favorite romantasy friends!

🎤 Recorded before release day — one of Hazel's first interviews about A Fate Forged in Fire!

In the first Dear Fantasy Author episode, host Hannah Michelle sits down with Hazel McBride to get the inside scoop on her Celtic-inspired romantic fantasy debut, A Fate Forged in Fire. The story is filled with dragons, slow-burn romance, political intrigue, and a powerful exploration of misogyny, feminine rage, and identity. Think Barbie meets Outlander meets House of the Dragon.

This episode was recorded before the book's official release, making it one of Hazel's first in-depth interviews about the story. As one of the earliest readers to dive into this world, Hannah came armed with questions, theories, and all the romantasy chaos you'd expect from a fangirl!

The conversation covers Hazel's inspiration, elemental worldbuilding, character dynamics, her detailed "book bible," and what readers can expect next from the ever-expanding Hazelverse.

Rather than a traditional Q&A, this episode leans into a reader-first perspective. Hananh asks the questions romantasy fans are most eager to know, including the twist ending, publishing journey, and behind-the-scenes lore! Hazel shares exclusive insights throughout, especially in the spoiler-filled segment where she teases upcoming plotlines, character arcs, and details that may change how readers see the story.

Whether you've already read the book or are just romantasy-curious, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and behind-the-scenes details you won't want to miss!

Segment Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:42 Spoiler-Free Segment

29:21 Spoiler-Filled Segment

36:00 Post-Attempted Sterilization Conversation (skipping it entirely)

48:53 About Dear Fantasy Reader

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

Ready to add one more book to your TBR? Order A Fate Forged In Fire:

UK - https://amzn.eu/d/ffna5L1

US - https://amzn.to/4jJDWW5

Follow Hazel McBride's Journey:

Website - https://hazelmcbride035.wixsite.com/hazelmcbride

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hazelmcbrideauthor?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hazelmcbrideauthor?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HazelMcBrideAuthor

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

• Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community — our UPCOMING & ongoing chats with industry experts where we pull the curtain back on different aspects of the book community learning what all goes into getting these books to our hands!

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Don't forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!

Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 48-52 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm!

First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros' recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series.

Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer's Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments, and spotlight standout quotes that made these chapters unforgettable.

Then, the squad will visit the Scribe's Quadrant for an Epigraph Analysis, deciphering hidden meanings and intriguing hints woven expertly by Yarros.

Afterward, they'll head to the Hatching Ground to reveal key Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing, piecing together clues that hint at what's to come.

Finally, they'll round things off with a thrilling Signet Sparring session, honing their precognitive abilities to theorize about all things Empyrean. Expect lively debates, bold predictions, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Grab your leathers & bookmarks, Quest Squad, we have dragons to ride!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, & Onyx Storm*

00:00 Intro

01:41 Current Reads: Lightning Round

07:11 Archives Vault: Chapter Summary

09:19 Quest Squad: Discussion & Analysis

53:30 Healer's Quadrant Temp Check

56:24 Favorite Moments & Quotes

01:02:49 Scribe's Quadrant: Epigraph Analysis

01:09:22 Hatching Grounds: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs

01:30:03 Signet Sparring: Theories

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

• Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

• & MORE TO COME!

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨

Each month, we pick a romantasy read (not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion + exclusive chat channels in our private Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon — come read with us!

JUNE BOOK CLUB LIVE STREAM: June 25th covering Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

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Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website: www.dearfantasyreader.com

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New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!