Deep Trope Fantasy & Romance Podcast

In Episode 4 of our six-episode deep dive into The Incendiary by LJ Claren, Rachel and Kate cover chapters 33 through 43! Things get gorgeous, intense, and heartbreaking as we unpack the stunning floral magic of the Reverie Ball, Gavin’s dark past encounters with Molochai, Elias's growing internal conflict, soul-level connections, and that absolutely devastating attack. 

Content warning! This episode and description contain spoilers for The Incendiary. If you haven’t finished the book, turn back now! All content warnings from the book apply to this podcast, including discussion of Ary’s brutal assault.  

Episode Highlights:

• The Reverie Ball: Breaking down the breathtaking god-themed floral bouquets, fashion moments, and Ary's dance with Elias.
• Gavin's Flashbacks & Molochai: Exploring the black sand castle in Tugaf, shadow magic, and the fateful "fairy deal" blood oath that bound Gavin to his shadow-father.
• Elias's Realizations: Unpacking Elias's shower spice scene, forced proximity on the road, snake venom treatment, and his growing suspicions about Simeon.
• Soulmates & Soul Pieces: Examining the literal soul-level connection and tether between Ary and Gavin.
• The Brutal Climax: The devastating news of Gavin's alleged death, the horrific shower attack by Gerard and his men, and the fierce awakening of Ary's feminine rage.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 

• Do you think Ary and Gavin are demigods descending from Aesta and Helios for Ary and Nyxar for Gavin? How do you think Simeon is managing to spy on everyone? Drop us a message or comment with your thoughts on this episode! 

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Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

Rachel and Kate sit down with LJ Claren, author of the Selvaren series, to break down every single detail of The Incendiary. From unpacking Gavin's intense poetic devotion to debating Elias's controversial choices, this conversation covers it all.

LJ spills major behind-the-scenes secrets about how a Lord of the Rings discussion with her husband inspired Nyrida's religious system, reacts to some of our most unhinged fan theories, and drops exclusive hints about what to expect in Book 3, The Nocturne!

🎧 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Exclusive Audiobook Scoop: LJ Claren confirmed that both Gavin and Elias will have distinct, separate male narrators for the upcoming duet-style audiobooks. 
• The Inspiration Behind Nyrida's Lore: Claren revealed that Nyrida's unique calendar, pairing months with specific gods, colors, and flower symbolism, was born after her husband challenged her use of a standard Gregorian calendar in a high-fantasy world.
• Gavin's Genuine Intensity: While some readers view Gavin's dramatic language as overwhelming, Claren emphasized that his intense declarations come from a place of genuine, unadulterated adoration.
• The Elias Debate: Claren weighed in on why Elias remains such a polarizing character, sparking fierce reader debates over human flaws, accountability, and the possibility of a redemption arc.
• What to Expect in The Nocturne: Book 3 is officially set to release on July 13, 2027, Gavin Smyth’s birthday! And we hear it’s going to be SPICY! 

Connect with LJ Claren:

• Website: https://ljclaren.com/
• Instagram: @ljclaren

Deep Trope Selvaren Schedule:

• Catch Up: Listen to our completed 4-episode deep dive of The Silversmith, episodes 1-3 of our deep dive of The Incendiary, and our previous interview with LJ Claren. 
• October 20: The Incendiary Episode 4
• October 27: The Incendiary Episode 5
• November 3: The Incendiary Episode 6

What’s next after The Selvaren series? We’re heading to Basgiath! Our Threshing Day deep dive starts November 10. 

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Follow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:

• Website: deeptropepodcast.com
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Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

In episode three of our deep dive into The Incendiary, by LJ Claren, we discuss chapters 22-32, including some full-on tinfoil hat theories. Join us as we revisit Ary’s second trial, some major revelations from her notes with Creepy Uncle Simeon, Mina and Mavic’s discovery of Ary’s true identity, and the work party from hell. 

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains major spoilers for all of The Incendiary.

🎧 Episode Highlights & Breakdown: What We're Actually Screaming About

• The Great Elias Winterton Debate: We are officially putting Elias's questionable decisions into the "cons" column. From his instinct to choose the easy way out to kissing Ary without consent, we are side-eying his red flags (and totally cheering for Ary when she brutally bites Finch in self-defense).
• Notes with Creepy Uncle Simeon: We compare manipulative Uncle Simeon to an always-listening smart-home device, question his shady blood deals, and dissect each one of his cryptic notes to Ary. 
• Grammar Rage & Magic Systems: We are losing our sanity trying to decipher vague prepositional phrases, grimoires, and how power gets obtained through murder versus bloodlines. Is magic just a recipe?
• Gavin & Ary’s Heart-Wrenching 10-Day Marriage: We completely spiral over the emotional devastation of their short-lived marriage, and the backstory on Gavin’s 400-year old beard. 
• The Most Toxic Work Party: We rage against the patriarchy when cadets try to diminish Ary's accomplishments by claiming she slept her way to the top, and we're not holding back on how gross Elias's friends act.
• The Mother of All Theories (Gavin's Birthmother): We deep-dive into our wild new theory that Molochai hunted Gavin's mother for her godlike powers. We spiral over whether she might not actually be dead and could be the mysterious "she" threatening Ary!
• Trope Tracking & Endgame Theories: We track our favorite micro-tropes, like private dorms and a hint of a one-horse ride, while deep-diving into whether Gavin's shadow powers tie him to Molochai or if the mysterious "she" is the true villain. 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Who is the mysterious “she”? Is Gavin’s birthmother actually dead? Drop your thoughts in the comments or come spiral with us on social media!

Follow & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes:

• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
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• Website: www.deeptropepodcast.com
  
  

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

In Episode 2 of our six-episode deep dive into The Incendiary by LJ Claren, we cover chapters 12-21, and things are getting intense. Join us as we break down Ary's brutal first days of training at the barracks, Elias Winterton's flirtatious knife lessons, historical flashbacks to Gavin's 402nd birthday, and a chilling murder discovery in the ravine.

🚨SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains major spoilers for all of The Incendiary.

🎧 Episode Highlights & Breakdown

• Training Halls & Fighting Smart: Ary navigates her first day of sparring by going straight for a man's biggest weakness, uncovers a hidden library door, and continues to build her friendship with Mavic and Mina.
• A Chilling Discovery: Ary uncovers a murdered cadet in the ravine, and when she rushes to bring it to Elias’s attention, she encounters her first threesome. 
• 400-Year-Old Flashbacks: We step back in time to Gavin's 402nd birthday on the 13th of Helios, exploring his blacksmith shop, deep-seated devotion, and a vulnerable swimming scene where Ary reveals her hidden powers.
• The First Trial: From Ary’s search for her and Gavin’s stolen wedding bands to being hunted by her fellow cadets, the first trial reveals much about Elias’s army.
• New Theories: We discuss our theories on Elias Winterton’s origins, Ary and Gavin’s bond, Ary’s connection with the god Nyxar, and dissect the meaning behind Ary’s creepy nightmares. 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Do you think there’s a connection between Ary and Nyxar? Did Simeon conjure Elias Winterton? Drop your thoughts in the comments or come spiral with us on social media!

Follow & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes:

• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast
• Website: www.deeptropepodcast.com

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

We just read Threshing Day, and our jaws are on the floor! In this special reaction episode, Rachel and Kate sit down with fellow Fourth Wing theorists Avorie & Xavier Harleston (@axharleston) from the Romantasy Chaos HQ Podcast and Claire (@runingbooks) for an immediate, unfiltered breakdown of the newest Empyrean release. Fresh off our virtual release party and an all-day reading sprint, we're spiraling over every little detail packed into these 224 pages.

⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This episode and description contains full, detailed spoilers for Threshing Day, as well as Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm! Proceed at your own risk!

What we discuss: 

• Initial Reactions & Bets: Who won our Threshing Day bets? Who’s writing an Imogen-Garrick fanfic and who has to read sci-fi by a male author?
• Major Character & Lore OMGs: Why dragons might not wait until Threshing to bond, how dragons fake their identities, sizzling romances for Garrick-Imogen and Dain-Sloane, and what Aaric’s chilling declaration really means for the monarchy.
• Favorite POV Chapters: Discussing the surprising humor in Brennan's chapter, the emotional heartbreak of Sloane’s, and Garrick’s dreamy POV.
• Easter Eggs & Mind-Blowing Theories: Did Dain’s father manipulate him using a signet? Why didn't Dain bleed at Threshing? Plus, we discuss theories on why the Rune Master is the key in the war against venin, Imogen’s true lineage, why and when dragons choose their riders, and what tf is up with Molvic. 

Grab your copy of Threshing Day and spiral with us!

Follow Our Guests:

• Avorie & Xavier (Romantic Chaos HQ): @axharleston  (Instagram & TikTok) | Romantasy Chaos HQ Podcast
• Claire: @runingbooks (Instagram & TikTok)

Follow & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes:

• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast
• Website: www.deeptropepodcast.com

Upcoming on Deep Trope: 

• We’re currently deep diving The Incendiary by LJ Claren! New episodes drop on Tuesdays. 
• Want more Threshing Day? We’re deep diving every single POV. Episode schedule to be announced. 

Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know help is available. Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

In episode one of our deep dive into The Incendiary by LJ Claren, we kick off our six-episode coverage of book two in the Selvaren series by discussing chapters 1-11, picking up where we left off in The Silversmith, getting more backstory on Gavin and Ary, and seeing a whole new version of Ary as she steps into her power. 

We unpack a hefty list of romantasy tropes featured in this section of the book, including InstaLove, Who Did This To You?, and Kisses in a Library. This episode is full of theories about magic in Nyrida, the origin of Molochai’s beasts, and the possibility that Gavin and Ary are fated mates. 

🚨SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains major spoilers for all of The Incendiary.

Topics discussed in this week’s episode:

• Analysis of the opening epigraph letters and their implications for future historical records
• Gavin and Ary’s first date and his immediate draw to Ary 
• Vixen Ary aka Fera - strong, cunning, and a total flirt (but it’s all part of her plan) 
• The introduction of Shera, her bond with Ary, and her ability to speak and share memories
• A budding love triangle with the introduction of Elias Winterton 
• Theories about fated mates, Molochai’s beasts, soul-eating magic, and whether Ary is carrying a piece of Gavin’s soul

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Do you think Gavin and Ary are fated mates? What secrets is Shera hiding? Drop your thoughts in the comments or come scream with us on social media!

Follow & Subscribe for Weekly Episodes:

• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast
• Website: www.deeptropepodcast.com

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

Pour yourself a midnight margarita (or grab your giant collectible popcorn bucket) because we are going deep into Practical Magic 2! We love seeing Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman back on screen together, but trying to cram four dense books into a single movie meant making some major cuts. Join Rachel and Kate as we dive into our unfiltered reactions, major book differences, and why we’re ready to pitch HBO for a multi-season reboot.

In this episode, we break down:

• The Adaptation Struggle: Why a sprawling multi-book story couldn't quite fit into a single feature film, and our official pitch to HBO for a multi-season series.
• The Highlights: The incredible chemistry between Bullock and Kidman, Lee Pace stealing scenes as Ian (and that romantic tension), stunning 90s-inspired fashion, and why we’re thrilled (spoilers!) they kept Sally's magic intact.
• Our Major Grievances: The unfortunate elimination of queer storylines, the total lack of red boots, and why the wedding switch gave us serious pause.
• Easter Eggs & Nods: From apple pie (with a gravy boat of custard) to crow familiars, the movie included nods to both the book series and the original movie. 

What did you think of Practical Magic 2? Did it live up to the book series, or did it leave you wanting more? Drop us a comment or slide into our DMs and let us know!

What’s Next on Deep Trope:

• Next Week: We kick off our next deep dive with The Incendiary by LJ Claren (Book 2 in the Selvaren series). Make sure you're caught up on our coverage of The Silversmith! 
• September 28th: Join us for a free virtual release party celebrating Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros! We’re teaming up with @AXHarleston (Romantasy Chaos HQ) and Claire (@RuningBooks) for a night of theories, games, and fun. RSVP here: romantasychaoshq.kit.com/threshing
• October 1st: Catch our immediate reaction episode about Threshing Day on Threshing Day! 

Connect & Subscribe

Follow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:

• Website: deeptropepodcast.com
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• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast
  

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

Is the five star rating system officially broken? Rachel and Kate sit down with Em (known on Bookstagram as @_bookbrat), founder of The BookList, to discuss a new approach to how we review, rate, and discover books.

Whether you are reviewing a spicy standalone novella or an eight book high fantasy series, traditional star ratings often leave readers with mismatched expectations. Em breaks down how her new platform removes stars entirely, replacing them with structured reader data to help books land in the hands of their exact target audience.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Problem with 5 Stars: Why subjective ratings fail readers and how starless, structured feedback creates healthier review spaces for traditional and indie authors alike.
• Inside The BookList App: How The BookList acts as a reading companion and dating app for books powered by community data, custom lists, and mood tracking.
• The 7 Reader Archetypes: How reader psychology, primary archetypes, and secondary tendencies (from Chaos Goblins and Pace Chasers to Spiralists and Escapists) define your reading identity.
• Supporting Indie Authors: How the 5-star system and social media negatively impact indie authors and why creating dedicated spaces for indie releases helps both authors and readers. 
• Rapid Fire Romantasy: Em shares her god tier reads, top book boyfriends, Sarah J. Maas favorites, and most anticipated upcoming releases.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

• Instagram: @_bookbrat & @thebooklisthq
• Website - take the quiz to find your reader archetype: https://booklisthq.com/ 

UPCOMING DEEP TROPE SCHEDULE: 

• Sept 22: Practical Magic 2 Movie Breakdown & Midnight Margaritas!
• Sept 29: Deep dive kickoff for The Incendiary (book two in The Selvaren series) by LJ Claren.
• Sept 29 (9 pm EDT): Threshing Day Virtual Release Party with Romantasy Chaos HQ and RuningBooks. RSVP here for this FREE event: romantasychaoshq.kit.com/threshing
• October 1: Special reaction episode to Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE

Follow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:

• Website: deeptropepodcast.com
• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

In the fourth and final installment of our Practical Magic series read-along, we break down Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic (recently re-released as Practical Magic 2). From Jet’s discovery of the Book of the Raven to the family’s return to the original Essex county in England, we explore how the Owens family love curse is finally broken once and for all.

Key Highlights & Topics Covered

• Spoiler-Free Review: The episode begins with our spoiler-free review, discussing how The Book of Magic / Practical Magic 2 swaps whimsical everyday magic for high-stakes hexes, dark magic, and European travel that feels like it was meant for the big screen. 
• Full Plot Recap: Jet’s premonition, Kylie’s reckless quest in London, Bad Tom’s curse, dark magic, and the devastating conclusion to the Practical Magic series. 
• Character & Romance Breakdown: Sally's magic renunciation, the arrival of morally gray MMC, Ian Wright, Antonia and Ariel's sapphic romance, and Vincent’s path to healing.
• Owens Family Lore & Book Inconsistencies: Analyzing character changes, timeline shifts, the mysterious return of Maria’s sapphire pendant, and the Hathorne, Lockland, and Owens curses.
• Movie Predictions: What to expect from the Practical Magic 2 theatrical sequel and how this novel lays the groundwork for the big screen.

Upcoming Deep Trope Schedule

• September 15: Special guest interview with the creator of The Book List review platform.
• Sept 22: Practical Magic 2 Movie Breakdown & Midnight Margaritas!
• Sept 29: Deep dive kickoff for The Incendiary (book two in The Selvaren series) by LJ Claren.
• October 1: Special reaction episode to Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE

Follow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:

• Website: deeptropepodcast.com
• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast

SHOP WITH US

• Shop Practical Magic
• Take 10% off Storylines by Sav bookish attire with Rachel10
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Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.

Need a refresher on The Silversmith before reading The Incendiary? We’ve got you!

This is a comprehensive, spoiler-filled recap of The Silversmith by LJ Claren, the first book in The Selvaren series, covering everything you need to remember before reading book two. We walk through the full plot, worldbuilding, and characters. From the powers of each one of the twelve gods of the Selvaren to the heartbreaking truth behind Gavin’s yearning and devotion, this is your ultimate guide to the world of Nyrida.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Full Plot Walkthrough: Every key event from the start of Ary’s journey in Warrich to the dramatic ending.
• Worldbuilding & Kingdom Lore: A breakdown of Nyrida, dark prophecies, and the history between Simeon Whitlock and Molochai.
• The Selvaren: Exploring the twelve gods, their unique elemental powers, and how magic works in Nyrida.
• Character & Romance Breakdown: Unpacking Ary's journey, Gavin Smyth's top-tier yearning, and our favorite side characters.
• Epilogue & Gavin POV Bonus Chapters: We meet the Commander, Elias Winterton, and discuss crucial details and highlights from the bonus chapters that we think will play a massive role in The Incendiary!

This episode contains full book spoilers for The Silversmith.

Need More Gavin Smyth? Spiral With Us:

🎧 4-Episode Deep Dive: Catch our completed theory breakdown of The Silversmith (Out now!)

🎙️ LJ Claren Interview: Listen to our exclusive chat with author LJ Claren (Out now!)

📚 Next Up: Join us as we deep dive The Incendiary starting September 29th!

CONNECT & SUBSCRIBE

Follow along for weekly episode drops, extra book breakdowns, and community discussions:

• Website: deeptropepodcast.com
• Instagram: @DeepTropePodcast
• TikTok: @DeepTropePodcast
• Facebook: /deeptropepodcast

Deep Trope is a fantasy romance podcast where two unfiltered millennials go deep into popular romantasy books, breaking down plot, characters, easter eggs, theories, tropes, and of course, their favorite spicy moments.