Novel Theories

In our fourth and last episode of the Great Azriel Ship War we dive deeeeeep into the Bryce and Azriel ship evidence--and go with us on this journey, because it is 2 full hours of detailed breakdowns. From the weapons as a decoy bond, to the language choices Sarah uses, to the weird ways that Azriel acts out of character in Bryce's presence.

As this wraps up the ship war -- share with us: what do you think? What do you feel like stands out the most to you? What are the top arguments? What are the weakest? And who do YOU think is going to end up as Azriel's future mate?

Sound off in the comments!

Threshing Day is here--and it did not disappoint. These 13 stories are strong, emotional, fun, insightful, informational, and simply chockful of Empyrean goodness. This could be one of Rebecca's best works yet...

SPOILERS AHEAD!

In this episode we discuss:

• What does Asher Sorrengail know?
• Are Signets determined during Threshing?
• Are there dragons who aren't who they say they are?
• Is Xaden the grandson of Sgaeyl's rider?
• Is Imogen the granddaughter of Glane's?
• Why was Liam's Threshing so different?
• Why did everyone have a tree? Except Aaric...

We cover all of this and so much more in this breakdown episode! Comment and let us know your thoughts on Threshing Day!

This week in the Great Azriel Ship War? Azris! Listen along as we uncover the evidence for Azriel and Eris and decide -- is it a Fireheart? Or does it belong Straight in the Cauldron?

(Hint: We are giving it a 50/50 Hot Cup of Suriel Tea...)

We love the Azris shippers--they showed up! The Azris fan-based is fun, passionate, and able to produce way more evidence than I think we were expecting.

If you missed part 1 on Gwynriel and part 2 on Elain, check them out! And next week, stay tuned as we head for our fourth and final movement--you guessed it: Bryceriel.

Happy shipping!

It's time for more of the most unhinged theories! In our third installment of Wild Maasverse Theories, we dig into:

• Is Rhysand related to or connected to Maeve?
• What is with all the monsters in Wendlyn--are they related to the monsters in the prison?
• Was Elain pregnant with Greyson's child when she went in the cauldron?
• Is Gwyn "Shadow-Bryce?"
• Is Hunt "Shadow-Azriel?"

We cover all of these theories and more! Sound off in the comments below - what do you think? Is it a fireheart for you? Do you want to throw it straight in cauldron?

And thank you to everyone who has embraced the Maasverse Scoring System with us! We are thrilled to drop the first MSS image in this episode on YouTube, if you want to see it in person!

For more, you can follow us at:

• Instagram: @noveltheories | @bookloveaholic | @marvelousmrsmeghan
• TikTok: @bookloveaholic | @marvelousmrsmeghan
• Reddit: u/noveltheoriespod

We are going deeper into the Great Azriel Ship War this week with part 2: Elriel! We know there are many die-hard Elriel fans out there and we wanted to investigate the evidence they bring to the table.

Honestly? Elain and Azriel fans SHOWED UP with the data. The quotes to comb through were there. But the questions isn't if they have a romantic connection...we know they do. The question is: what does it mean for the future?

Do the patterns that occur in the text prove matehood? Endgame? Where are the arguments strong? Where are they weak? And how do we feel about the entirety of the evidence?

And we want YOUR thoughts. Sound off in the comments, drop your thoughts, theories, and feedback. We want to hear from you.

Maasverse 101: The Great Azriel Ship War Debate is on. Stay tuned as we work on Azris and Bryceriel in parts 3 and 4!

BookTok made her book go viral… and then traditional publishing came knocking.

This week, we’re joined by Sheila Masterson, bestselling author of the dark romance sensation The Poison Daughter, to talk about the whirlwind journey from indie publishing to breakout success.

We talk about what it actually feels like when your book takes off, the realities of going from indie to traditional publishing, the highs and surprises of the process, and what happens when the story you created starts becoming much bigger than you ever expected.

Plus:

• The story behind The Poison Daughter
• How BookTok and Bookstagram helped propel the book
• Going from indie author to traditional publishing
• The whirlwind of getting signed
• What surprised Sheila most about the publishing world
• What comes next
• And… could The Poison Daughter be making it's way to Hulu?

Whether you already love The Poison Daughter, found Sheila through BookTok, or you’re fascinated by what happens when an indie book suddenly catches fire, this conversation is such a fun look behind the curtain.

And, truly, Sheila is an absolute delight. ❤️

Nicole and Meghan take on the evidence for Gwyn and Azriel in the Great Azriel Ship War!

Digging into a debate that started on social media, follow along in the first episode of Novel Theories (formerly Romantasy Readers Podcast) with us as we surface the top evidence for the possible future of Gwyn and Azriel! We uncover the strongest arguments, analyze what makes them work, where might they fall apart, and what we think this means for the future of the Maasverse!

As we move on to the front lines in this war, our first battle will tackle Gwyn and Azriel (Gwynriel), followed in part 2 by Elain and Azriel (Elriel), part 3 on Bryce and Azriel (Bryceriel), and--perhaps--a part 4 on Eris and Azriel (Azris!).

We want to hear all of your comments, thoughts, feedback, arguments--what are the pieces of these ships that work for you? Where do they crumble?

Just remember--there are rules:

- Your arguments must be based in textual evidence, foreshadowing, symbolism, parallels, or lore.

- Your arguments must not be based on author interviews or commentary or personal opinion of preferred story line. If it can't be proven by the text it doesn't exist! (For this debate!)

Happy debating!

In this episode we get to sit down with Alley, co-host of Romantasy Readers, as she bids us farewell as a permanent host in order to continue growing her author business!

Alley, also known as the author Alexandria Arden, is in the middle of writing her 4th book as her 3rd book -- a hockey romance called "After Further Review" is headed for release! Between her Thayar Crown series (The Witch Queen, The Shining Prince) and her new hockey romance, Alley has been insanely busy on tour!

Hear about her run in with a freak tornado accident recently, how it impacted her business growth, and hear her thoughts on the upcoming ACOTAR 6 and 7 releases!

We will miss Alley being here regularly, but she will continue on a guest host whenever she wants! We look forward to this new chapter with Meghan as our new permanent host...and stay tuned because a few changes are coming...

Join Nicole as she sits down to talk with Megan Gad (@megangadreads) to discuss:

• What's going on with Sarah and Bloomsbury?
• Is Rhysand evil?
• What about Bryceriel?
• And so much more!

Show Note: Megan and Nicole recorded this episode prior to the ACOTAR 6 and 7 title and blurb releases. There is the possibility that some items discussed are no longer as relevant as they were prior to recording. BUT! We still want to hear all of your questions! Sound off below with your thoughts, comments, theories, and more.

Is Crescent City in the past and ACOTAR in the future? Is Ragnarok going to happen on Midgard? Is Rhys collecting powerful people—and using the siphons to block Azriel and Cassian’s true power?

In this episode, Part 2 of our Wild Maasverse Theories, we cover all these questions an so much more!

Join Nicole and Meghan as they get a little unhinged, dive deeper, and bring back the Maasverse Theory Spectrum! Is it going Straight in the Cauldron? Does it have Ironteeth? Maybe…just maybe it’s a Fireheart!