Reading After Bedtime: Booktok Romantasy, Fantasy, and Romance Book Reviews

🚨This bonus episode contains spoilers for ALL of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series, AS WELL AS Throne of Glass and Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. If you aren't completely caught up with the Maas-verse, please press pause, and return once you are.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for the rest of the Maas-Termind files? Check out our full coverage here!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah J Maas x Call Her Daddy Reaction⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prythian Mountains x Where is Vaughan?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bargains x Queen Mor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyrdgates x Crossover Opportunities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Swords x Pegasus⁠⁠

⁠Vassa, Amren x Koschei & The Pool of Starlight⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca deliver a full-spoiler Maas-termind Files episode focused on key swords and daggers across Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City, outlining their origins, appearances, and powers— including Goldryn, Damaris (the Sword of Truth), Wind-Cleaver, Truth-Teller, Gwydion/Starsword, Narben, and Nesta’s forged blade Ataraxia. They connect overlapping lore about Fionn, Theia, Helena, Silene, Pelias, and the prison, discuss how the Starsword and Truth-Teller respond to specific bloodlines tied to starlight and shadows, and note the reappearance of pegasi after the Asteri’s defeat. Their central theory argues pegasi may have learned to world-walk through repeated rift travel with Theia, potentially linking to Illyrian origins and future cross-world travel in upcoming ACOTAR books.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime Podcast Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime ⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After bedtime ⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀

https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast⁠ (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Maasverse Mysteries

00:51 Hosts and Socials

01:29 ACOTAR 6 Party Details

02:22 Full Spoiler Warning

02:59 Weapon Lore Setup

03:59 Goldryn Origins

07:53 Maeve Villain Debate

10:47 Goldryn Powers and Fate

12:49 Damaris Sword of Truth

15:23 More ToG Blades

16:58 ACOTAR Weapons Begin

18:11 Gwydion and High King

20:50 Narben Dread Trove

22:23 Ataraxia Origins

22:45 Ataraxia Powers

23:39 Ataraxia In Crescent City

24:47 Starsword Lore

25:51 Starsword Chooses Bryce

26:51 World Pauses And Erupts

27:15 Starsword To Nesta

28:12 Pegasus Theory Setup

29:28 Fionn Theia And Pelias

32:40 Starsword And Truth Teller

35:49 Illyrians And Shadows

37:05 Pegasi Dusk Court Links

40:10 Pegasi Worldwalking Theory

40:56 Illyrian Pegasus Connection

42:51 Throne Of Glass Parallels

44:35 Final Wrap Up

#acotar6 #acourtofthornsandroses #maastermindfiles #maasverse #bookrecommendation #bookpodcast #romantasypodcast

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Dungeon Crawler Carl. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Dungeon Crawler Carl [Book Chat]

Dungeon Crawler Carl  [Spoiler Summary]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime podcast—part cozy book club, part chaotic mom chat—and discuss Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl (published Oct 2, 2020) with their partners Cody and Shawn (who didn’t read it). They share socials and request reviews, then summarize the premise: an alien invasion collapses Earth’s structures and forces survivors into a televised, trap-filled dungeon reality show starring Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut. Ratings follow (Becca 3, Allyson 4, Cody enthusiastic and continuing to book three), plus a “chili pepper” spice rating of zero despite crude humor and language. They note trigger warnings (violence, dark humor, death) and discuss audio/immersive versions, characters, AI “New achievement” commentary, the meth-llama plot and goblin fallout, the game-show broadcasts, and predictions about Carl ending the games, before closing with favorite quotes, moments, and the next episode pick, Riftborn.

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Cold Open Chaos

00:38 Podcast Welcome

01:06 Book Setup Guests

01:49 Socials Reviews Plug

03:12 Back Cover Summary

04:21 Ratings Audio Talk

07:57 Spice Spoiler Warning

09:36 Tropes Triggers Order

13:00 First Impressions Audio

16:19 Apocalypse Lore Explained

20:09 Carl Donut Details

25:47 Meth Llamas Drug War

29:49 Goblin Bomb Fallout

32:33 Dungeon Rules TV Shows

37:50 Odette Character Breakdown

08:48 Dungeon Deals Explained

40:56 Deathwatch Teleport Gamble

43:13 Dark Family Betrayal Theory

46:25 Agatha And Valtae Mystery

48:10 Who Survives The Dungeon

56:21 Predictions For Floor 13

58:01 Final Thoughts And Quotes

01:07:43 Favorite Moments Wrap Up

01:13:29 Outro And Next Read

#DungeonCrawlerCarl #sciencefiction #fantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Dungeon Crawler Carl [Book Chat]

Dungeon Crawler Carl  [Spoiler Summary]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca present a spoiler summary of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, with warnings for violence and triggers, and note they won’t spoil books 2–8. Carl survives Earth’s sudden collapse because he’s outside chasing his ex’s cat, Donut, then learns Earth has been seized by the Borit Corporation and survivors must enter an 18-level televised dungeon run by a sassy, foot-fetish AI. With guild master Mordecai’s guidance, Carl and Princess Donut level up, defeat bosses, loot obsessively, and navigate streamer-style popularity, sponsors, and interviews (including with former crawler Odette), while crawler counts plummet and the timeline accelerates. They evade killer crawlers Frank Q. and Maggie, survive a rogue rage elemental, gain a PR rep (Zev), acquire Mongo as Donut’s pet, and uncover contraband items tied to the Valte Corporation as they head toward floor three, where race/class choices will matter.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning

02:46 Earth Collapses Overnight

03:56 Tutorial Guild and Mordecai

05:13 Loot Boxes and Leveling Up

06:31 First Bosses and Frank Q

07:21 Murderdozer and New Allies

09:55 Juicer Boss Fight

10:55 Ball of Swine and Floor Two

11:33 Odette Interview and Secrets

12:39 Floor Two Hazards and Foot Loot

14:23 Rev Up War and Jug O Boom

16:38 Crack Karen Boss Chaos

18:34 PR Rep and Rage Elemental

20:40 Creepy Talk Show and Frank Returns

22:56 Gerbil Boss and Pet Mongo

24:54 Agatha Contraband and Floor Three Tease

26:22 Wrap Up and Next Episode

#DungeonCrawlerCarl #sciencefiction #fantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

To Cage a Wild Bird [Book Chat]

To Cage a Wild Bird [Spoiler Summary]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca of the Reading After Bedtime podcast review To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast (published September 9th, 2025), a dystopian prison-escape romance set in Endlock where wealthy people hunt inmates for sport and bounty hunter Raven Thorn gets arrested to save her brother Jed. They share where to follow the show on social media, ask for five-star reviews, and promote an ACOTAR 6 release party with Biblio Bar Books & Gifts in Plano, Texas. Both hosts rate the book 1/5, saying they would have DNF’d it, found the romance with guard Vale unbelievable and instalust-driven, and felt the plot relied on convenient developments and underdeveloped themes. They discuss tropes, missing content warnings, extensive trigger warnings, favorite moments/quotes, and announce the next episode on Dungeon Crawler Carl (July 6th).

____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 BookTok Did Me Dirty

00:41 Podcast Welcome Intro

01:19 Socials And Reviews

01:52 ACOTAR 6 Party Ad

02:50 Back Cover Overview

04:09 Ratings One Star

07:05 Romance Chemistry Issues

08:54 Spice Level Breakdown

10:32 Spoiler Warning Setup

11:21 Genre Tropes Talk

14:59 Content Warnings List

17:02 Hunting Game Critique

19:52 Dystopian Themes Missing

21:07 Raven Character Rant

25:09 Vale And Side Characters

26:30 August Should Be MMC

27:26 August Over Vale

29:08 Momo Tragedy

30:23 Yara And Kit

31:22 Escape Plan Problems

33:16 Vale Stays Behind

36:11 Wasteland Trek

36:35 Favorite Quotes Roast

44:06 Favorite Moments

46:12 Final Thoughts Wrap

#tocageawildbird #dystopian #romantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

To Cage a Wild Bird [Book Chat]

To Cage a Wild Bird [Spoiler Summary]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca share a spoiler summary of Brooke Fast’s To Cage a Wild Bird, with notes that they’ll discuss spice, triggers, and violence, plus social links, a request for five-star reviews, and an ACOTAR 6 release party announcement with Biblio Bar in Plano, Texas. In Dividium, bounty hunter Raven protects her brother Jed and secretly aids the rebel Collective; after Jed is arrested, Raven deliberately gets sent to Endlock Prison to break him out. Inside, she allies with August, Kit, Yara, and Momo, survives attacks from Torin and Perry, and receives unexpected help from guard Vale, who reveals the lower sector food shortage is manufactured. After failed fence-escape attempts and escalating “hunt” upgrades, they plan a mass breakout by drugging the prison with ironroot, smuggling respirators, and using tunnels. Warden Larch thwarts them, chaos erupts, and Raven’s group escapes through the tunnels as Vale is shot and left behind.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning

00:50 Connect and Leave a Review

01:56 ACOTAR 6 Release Party

02:53 Raven the Bounty Hunter

04:07 Jed Arrested and the Plan

04:38 Processed Into Endlock

05:45 First Hunt and Blood Tree

07:04 Allies and Escape Ideas

07:53 Solitary and Graylan Deal

08:41 Vale Secrets and Upgrades

10:04 Perry Attack and Tunnels

11:39 Deadlier Wristbands and Pits

13:05 Ulder Falls and August Dies

13:48 Ironroot Escape Night

14:50 Larch Wakes and Chaos

15:35 Vale Shot and Aftermath

16:06 Wrap Up and Next Episode

#tocageawildbird #dystopian #romantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe. If you don't want the ENTIRE series spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for our full discussion of the Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe? Check out our full coverage!

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe [Spoiler Summary]

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe [Book Chat]

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime Podcast and discuss Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, an indie dystopian enemies-to-lovers romance set in the surveillance state of New Found Haven, where society is divided into rings and loving outside your ring is punishable by execution. They cover publication details, rate the book (Allyson: 5 stars; Becca: 5 stars after starting at 4), and estimate spice at about three “chili peppers,” with multiple explicit scenes and relationships beyond the main couple. The episode includes genre debate (dystopian/soft sci-fi), tropes, extensive trigger warnings, character highlights (Shadera, Greyson, Lira, Callum, Jameson), and major plot twists involving Maximus, Brooker, and Elara, plus predictions for the duology’s sequel, Python.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Maximus Rage Cold Open

00:42 Podcast Intro And Book Info

02:25 Back Cover Overview

04:31 Ratings And Pacing Talk

10:18 Spice Level And Spoiler Warning

12:02 Genre Debate Dystopian Vs Sci Fi

22:35 Why Dystopian Is Back

26:33 Dedications And Epigraph

27:45 Worldbuilding Rings And Laws

31:31 Masks Misogyny And The Culling

36:39 Character Deep Dive Shadera And Greyson

41:22 Big Twist Captain Mikel

42:07 Maximus Marriage Mystery

43:09 Callum Must Survive

44:31 Callum Dark Side

46:27 Jameson Clingy Rebel

52:02 Brooker Trust Issues

54:21 Maximus Not Dead Theory

57:51 Mask Law Python Theory

59:50 Favorite Quotes Roundup

01:06:40 Favorite Moments Highlights

01:09:25 Final Thoughts And Wrap

#daggermouth #theheartduology #hmwolfe #dystopianromance #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the story.🚨_____________________________________________________________

Looking for our full discussion of Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe? Check out our full coverage!

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe [Spoiler Summary]:

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe [Book Chat]: _____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca deliver a spoiler summary of Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, with warnings for spice, triggers, and heavy violence, and share podcast socials plus details for an ACOTAR 6 release party with Biblibar Books and Gifts in Plano, Texas. They recap Greyson Serel, The Heart’s executioner who secretly smuggles aid to the outer rings, and Shadera, a boundary mercenary hired to assassinate him, whose attempt leads to a forced public vow marriage under Maximus Serel’s threats. As Greyson, Shadera, Callum, Lira, Jameson, Jaeger, Kestrel, and Captain Mikel converge on a revolution, secrets surface including Brooker being alive, Mikel being Greyson’s father, and Maximus’s plan for “The Culling.” The climax reveals Brooker’s betrayal, Callum’s death, and Elara unmasking as the rebel Python and killing Maximus, setting up book two.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Welcome and Vibes

01:12 Spoiler and Content Warnings

01:36 ACOTAR 6 Party Plug

02:56 Setup Greyson and Shadera

07:04 Assassination at the Vow

08:21 Loophole Forced Marriage

11:54 Apartment Surveillance Clash

13:11 Allies and Rising Tension

17:27 Club Rescue and Ambush

18:58 Culling Plot Revealed

19:57 Quarantine and Rebel Summit

21:11 Brooker Alive Twist

22:51 Vow Day Plans and Betrayal

23:39 Barefaced Rebellion

24:49 Final Showdown and Cliffhanger

26:23 Wrap Up and Next Episode

#daggermouth #theheartduology #dystopianromance #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Never List by Jade Presley. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the stories.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

The Never List by Jade Presley Review: Why-Choose Spice vs. Fantasy Plot

The Never List [Spoiler Summary]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca introduce the Reading After Bedtime podcast and review The Neverlist by Jade Presley (published April 1, 2025), a why-choose fantasy romance about four immortal god princes seeking a fated mate as Lumathyst faces invasion, and Riley Gray, who sneaks into the Choosing with a dangerous secret. Both hosts rate the book a 3/low 3, criticizing its instalust, fast/easy plot, and limited fantasy development despite intriguing concepts, while noting it is highly explicit with multiple kinks and numerous sex scenes. They debate its “romantasy” marketing, list tropes and content warnings (including rape/non-consent elements), discuss the princes’ similarities, powers, and characterization, highlight strong outfit descriptions and favorite quotes/moments, and announce their next episode on Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe (June 22).

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Referenced Episodes:

⁠Variation by Rebecca Yarros [Spoiler Summary]⁠

⁠Variation by Rebecca Yarros [Book Chat]⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

00:00 Broody Boy Cold Open

00:44 Podcast Welcome Intro

01:47 Book Blurb Overview

02:48 Star Ratings Verdict

05:26 Spice Level Talk

06:11 Spoiler Warning Setup

07:12 Genre Tropes Debate

08:24 Content Warnings List

10:36 Why Choose Discussion

11:47 Meet The Four Princes

13:55 Looks Diversity Rant

17:27 Powers And Magic Breakdown

20:54 Character Arcs And Pacing

22:54 Fated Mates Debate

23:56 More Yearning Please

25:04 Faders And Kings Plot

26:08 Names Powers Coffee

27:25 Kinks And Fadeouts

29:38 Romance Versus Fantasy

30:42 Gowns And Outfit Porn

33:38 Faders And Oppression

34:52 Favorite Quotes Roundup

37:46 Favorite Moments Nicknames

40:42 Wrap Up Next Read

#theneverlist #whychoose #romantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Never List by Jade Presley. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the story.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Allyson and Becca share a spoiler summary of The Never List by Jade Presley, with warnings for spice, trigger content, and violence, and invite listeners to follow and review the podcast. Rylee Gray, an Ashlander demi, forges an invitation to the Choosing to search palace archives for answers about her missing sister Erin, but is chosen as a potential mate by one of the four Legends of Chaos. After a coercive “test” by the kings, Rylee spends months in each Legend’s territory—earning tokens from Kal, Axel, Pierce, and Jax—while Fader attacks escalate and a powder weakens the Legends. Rylee’s secret demi air power is revealed, the Legends still choose her, and she undergoes the Athenry, seemingly dying from a vial meant to connect her to the goddesses. The Legends sacrifice their powers to revive her, and during a final attack Rylee discovers the Fader “Boss” is Erin, who escapes as Rylee is overwhelmed by power, ending on a cliffhanger before book two.

🚨This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Never List by Jade Presley. If you don't want the ENTIRE story spoiled, please return once you've read the story.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for our full discussion of The Never List by Jade Presley? Check out our full coverage!

The Never List by Jade Presley [Spoiler Summary]

The Never List by Jade Presley [Book Chat]

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

🎶 Intro music by the talented Sean Lavrisa!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Spotify⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- ⁠Sean Lavrisa Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

___00:00 Cold Open Chaos

00:49 Podcast Intro

01:47 Spoiler Warnings

02:34 Rylee Crashes Choosing

03:34 Library Secrets

04:14 Chosen By Legend

04:36 Kings First Test

05:20 Kal Ruby Heir

06:33 Dinner And Execution

07:30 Axel Sapphire Cove

09:24 Fader Attack Revealed

10:01 Pierce Emerald Wood

11:18 Jax Obsidian City

12:44 Turner Returns

13:30 Athenry Trials

14:12 Rylee Dies

14:56 Powerless Fader Fight

15:17 Erin Unmasked

16:07 Wrap Up And Next Read

__________________________________________________________

#theneverlist #whychoose #romantasy #booktok #bookdiscussion #bookreview

🚨This bonus episode contains spoilers for ALL of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series, AS WELL AS Throne of Glass and Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. If you aren't completely caught up with the Maas-verse, please press pause, and return once you are.🚨

_____________________________________________________________

Looking for the rest of the Maas-Termind files? Check out our full coverage here!

⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Sarah J Maas x Call Her Daddy Reaction⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prythian Mountains x Where is Vaughan?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bargains x Queen Mor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wyrdgates x Crossover Opportunities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Swords x Pegasus⁠⁠

⁠Vassa, Amren x Koschei & The Pool of Starlight⁠

_____________________________________________________________

The Maas-termind Files: Wyrdmarks, Wyrdgates, and the Old Language Across the MaasverseAllyson and Becca (Reading After Bedtime) share spoilers and theories across Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City while focusing on wyrdmarks: an ancient runic language that exists outside typical magic and is used for protection, locking/unlocking, and guiding travel between worlds. They discuss key Throne of Glass examples (Nehemia’s protection symbols, the clock tower, Aelin’s forehead mark and amulet, wyrdstone collars, wyrdgates and wyrdkeys, and Rowan hiding wyrdmarks in Aelin’s tattoo as a “map home”). They connect possible wyrdmarks in ACOTAR (Feyre’s cottage wards, the wall’s gate markings, Illyrian tattoos) and Crescent City lore linking Urd to Wyrd and the “old language,” including Rhys speaking it to Bryce. Their conspiracy theory centers on realm-walking via wyrdgates and objects like the Horn and Harp, plus questions about Starfall, Amren’s rift, and whether Throne of Glass characters might return.

_____________________________________________________________

🎉LET'S PARTY!🎉

Let's celebrate the release of ACOTAR 6 together! Reading After Bedtime has teamed up with Bibliobar in Plano, Texas to bring you an unforgettable evening counting down to the release of ACOTAR 6! The ACOTAR 6 release party is TICKETED, so make sure to grab yours before they sell out!

Your ticket includes:

- 📚 Gift bag + your copy of ACOTAR 6

- 🎤 Trivia & costume contest🎙️

- 🔮 Conspiracy theories & fandom fun

- 🎯 Games, archery & sword fighting

- 📸 Photo ops

- 🍸 Snacks & drinks (cash bar available)

- ✨ Flash tattoos*

- 🛍️ Shopping & more!

⁠⁠Buy your ticket here!⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________00:00 Maasverse Mysteries01:03 Hosts and Spoilers01:44 ACOTAR 6 Party03:16 Wyrdmarks Topic Setup03:41 Throne of Glass Rereads06:30 Why TOG Hits Hard10:09 Wyrdmarks Explained12:00 Key Wyrdmark Moments14:48 Wyrdgates and Keys19:06 Maasverse Connections20:52 More Wyrdmark Powers22:09 Throne of Glass Tethers23:24 ACOTAR Hidden Wyrdmarks26:10 Crescent City Old Language30:24 Realmwalking Conspiracy32:00 Aelin Falls Through Worlds34:09 Starfall Souls Theory36:54 Dread Trove Gate Keys39:07 Will Throne of Glass Return41:13 Azriel Ships and Blades42:27 Wrap Up and Fan Theories

_____________________________________________________________

Let's be friends on socials!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime Podcast Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After Bedtime ⁠Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Reading After bedtime ⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

_____________________________________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🛍️ Shop our Merch!🛍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Still looking for something? 👀 https://linktr.ee/readingafterbedtimepodcast (Find Goodreads, Book of the Month, a tip jar and so much more here!)

_____________________________________________________________

#acotar6 #acourtofthornsandroses #maastermindfiles #maasverse #bookrecommendation #bookpodcast #romantasypodcast