Swords and Swoons

In this episode of Swords & Swoons, we're are doing a FULL SPOILER deep dive into Heir of Prophecy by Analeigh Sbrana!

We're breaking down Audra's journey from overworked innkeeper's daughter to unwilling student at a magical war academy, where she's surrounded by suspicious Priestesses, deadly trials, new friends, ancient magic—and a prophecy that might have everything to do with her.

We're talking Holyvere Academy, Wilder and the gang, necromancy, Zhaire, THAT dream temple, Fae propaganda, betrayal, deadly magical trials, Audra finally embracing her power, and that ending that has us more than ready for Book Two.

We have officially welcomed our very first author guest to the podcast!

In this extra-special episode of Swords & Swoons, we're joined by author Analeigh Sbrana to talk all about her newest release, Heir of Prophecy, coming August 25th!

We sit down with Analeigh to chat about the story behind Heir of Prophecy, her journey as an author, the inspiration behind her characters and world, and what her writing process looks like behind the scenes. We also put ourselves to the ultimate fantasy-reader test by revealing how WE pronounced some of the names and places in the book—and letting Analeigh tell us just how right (or horribly, horribly wrong) we were. 😂

Whether Heir of Prophecy is already at the top of your TBR or you're hearing about it for the first time, come hang out with us and meet the woman behind the magic!

📖 Heir of Prophecy by Analeigh Sbrana — out August 25th!

A HUGE thank you to Analeigh for being our very first author guest and joining us for such a fun conversation. 💕

In this episode of Swords & Swoons, we're diving into Part 2 of Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, and the pressure is mounting for every one of our favorite characters.

Aelin's training under Rowan is anything but easy as she's forced to confront the grief, guilt, and power she's spent years trying to bury. In Rifthold, Chaol and Dorian find themselves navigating dangerous secrets while the King's grip on Adarlan continues to tighten. Meanwhile, Manon Blackbeak begins her journey with the wyverns, proving that becoming Wing Leader is going to take far more than brute strength.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Heir of Fire and previous books in the Throne of Glass series.

The world of Throne of Glass just got a whole lot bigger.

In Part One of our Heir of Fire deep dive, we're following three storylines across three very different corners of Erilea as Sarah J. Maas begins expanding the world in ways we never saw coming.

Back in Rifthold, Chaol, Dorian, and Aedion are each navigating dangerous secrets as rebellion quietly brews beneath the King's rule. In the Ferian Gap, we're introduced to Manon Blackbeak, the fierce Ironteeth witch whose journey—and unlikely bond with a certain flower-loving wyvern—quickly stole our hearts. And across the sea in Wendlyn, Celaena begins the most difficult battle of her life as Rowan pushes her to confront the grief, power, and identity she's been running from.

✨ Spoilers for Part One of Heir of Fire

Before there was Endovier. Before the Glass Castle. Before the King's Champion. There was The Assassin's Blade.

In this episode, we're diving into all five novellas that shaped Celaena Sardothien long before the events of Throne of Glass.

As we revisit these stories, we're sharing our favorite moments, discussing the incredible foreshadowing Sarah J. Maas planted years before it paid off, and reflecting on just how much more emotional these novellas become on a reread. Knowing where the series ends makes every act of kindness, every friendship, and every heartbreak hit even harder.

Join us as we celebrate the prequel collection that transformed Celaena from Adarlan's Assassin into one of fantasy's most beloved heroines and reminded us why The Assassin's Blade deserves far more love than it gets.

✨ Spoilers for all five novellas of The Assassin's Blade

The truth is finally revealed... and nothing in the Throne of Glass series will ever be the same.

In the epic conclusion to our Crown of Midnight reread, we're breaking down the second half of the book, where grief turns into vengeance, long-buried secrets come to light, and the mystery surrounding the Glass Castle begins to unravel.

We're unpacking the emotional fallout of Nehemia's death, debating Chaol's impossible choices, celebrating Dorian's growing role in the story, and discussing the reveals that completely redefine everything we thought we knew about Celaena Sardothien.

And of course, we couldn't end this deep dive without talking about one of the most iconic twists in fantasy: the revelation that changes the future of the series forever.

✨ Spoilers for the second half of Crown of Midnight

Our journey through the Maasverse continues as we dive into Part One of Crown of Midnight, and if you thought Throne of Glass was just setting the stage, think again.

In this episode, we're breaking down the opening chapters of the second book in Sarah J. Maas's iconic series, where Celaena has officially stepped into her role as the King's Champion. But behind every assignment lies another secret, loyalties begin to blur, and the weight of the choices she's making starts to take its toll.

Join us as we continue our complete Sarah J. Maas reread series, one chapter at a time.

✨ Spoilers for the first half of Crown of Midnight and Throne of Glass

The Champion's Competition is heating up, bodies are piling up, and there is definitely something evil lurking beneath the Glass Castle.

In Part 2 of our Throne of Glass reread, we're covering Chapters 28–55 and diving into the mystery, magic, and mayhem that transform this story from a competition between champions into something far darker. We discuss the escalating murders, the secrets hidden within the castle tunnels, and the clues Sarah J. Maas was planting from the very beginning of the series.

We're also revisiting some of our favorite character moments, including peak Dorian banter, Chaol's growing concern for Celaena, Nehemia's shocking revelations, and the ongoing debate that launched a thousand fandom arguments: Team Dorian or Team Chaol?

✨ Spoilers for Chapters 28–55 of Throne of Glass

Our Maasverse reread officially begins!

In anticipation of the next ACOTAR release, we're heading all the way back to where it all began: Throne of Glass. I

n Part One of our deep dive, we're covering Chapters 1–27 and revisiting the book that introduced us to Celaena Sardothien, the Glass Castle, and the world that would eventually become one of fantasy's most beloved series.

Join us as we meet Celaena, Chaol, Dorian, and Nehemia all over again, revisit the beginning of the mystery beneath the castle, and remember why so many readers fell in love with this series in the first place.

✨ Spoilers for Chapters 1–27 of Throne of Glass
✨ Character introductions, early mysteries, and plenty of reread insights ahead

The drinks are poured, the opinions are flowing, and the side-eyes are fully activated.

In this episode, we're putting the deep dives and chapter breakdowns aside for a good old-fashioned bookish vent session. Join us as we sip our beverages of choice and discuss the latest BookTok buzz, books that left us feeling underwhelmed, and the tropes that have us questioning everything.