Welcome to Dear Fantasy Reader! Described by listeners as "a deep dive book club with your besties," this podcast offers everything from meticulous analysis and wild theories to heartwarming fangirl moments, all centered around the beloved Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros.
Hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly lead listeners on an unforgettable journey through every chapter, character, and clue, exploring easter eggs, intricate foreshadowing, compelling lore, and fan-favorite theories that make fantasy stories utterly captivating!
🌩️ CURRENT SEASON 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive
Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into Rebecca Yarros' gripping fantasy, Onyx Storm! Each episode includes chapter recaps, in-depth analysis, character check-ins, and discussions enriched by transformative insights from Yarros herself. Whether uncovering hidden meanings in epigraphs, revealing easter eggs, or sparring over bold predictions, this season is your perfect companion for exploring the Empyrean series.
📖 COMPLETED SEASON 2: Onyx Storm Prep
Countdown to the release of Onyx Storm with prep episodes! Recap Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, explore the biggest theories and burning questions, and dive into Rebecca Yarros' insightful pre-release interviews—all designed to build excitement for the latest thrilling installment of the Empyrean series.
🔥 COMPLETED SEASON 1: Fourth Wing Through the Lens of Iron Flame
Experience Fourth Wing in a new light with chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, unpacking how Iron Flame reshaped everything you thought you knew. With fangirl enthusiasm, detailed foreshadowing analyses, signet speculations, and over 30 hours of binge-worthy content, it's the ultimate guide for Empyrean fans and the perfect cure for your Onyx Storm hangover!
Whether you crave elaborate theories, insightful analyses, or simply swooning over shadow daddies, Dear Fantasy Reader is a must-listen podcast for fantasy lovers eager to dive deeper into the magic!
✨ Subscribe now and take flight through the pages everyone can't stop talking about!
New episodes every Thursday!
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Join book besties Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly as they sit down, once again, with Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, the author duo behind the Sundered Realms Universe, which includes the Esprithean Trilogy (Riftborne and Duskbound) and the newly released The Ascended, book one in the Aesymarean Duet.
This episode serves as a part two to our first interview with Bree and Parker, which is linked below. That interview covered their writing style, creative journey, and spoiler discussions for the Esprithean Trilogy. In this new conversation, we expand the discussion into The Ascended and the broader Sundered Realms Universe. We take listener questions, explore hidden connections, and unpack long-awaited details about how these stories weave together across series.
We begin with a brief spoiler-free section for new readers who want to know more about The Ascended and how the universe fits together. From there, we move into a spoiler section focused on The Ascended, where we talk about character arcs, inspirations, emotional moments, and the creative process behind the story. The episode ends with a full Sundered Realms Universe spoiler segment that ties together Riftborne, Duskbound, and The Ascended.
Expect deep lore, major reveals, and plenty of laughter, along with more than a few chaotic theories!
Highlights include:
💫 The creative process behind the trials and worldbuilding in The Ascended
💫 How the authors took familiar mythological and magical concepts and made them feel fresh
💫 Insight into character journey's and what readers can expect in the next books
💫 Universe-level connections, clarifications, and theory confirmations
💫 Hints about the upcoming releases, including Realmblade and Aesymarean book two
Bree and Parker also share more about their planned seven-book universe, their approach to novellas, and how the upcoming Realmblade connects the Esprithean and Aesymarean storylines. We include listener-submitted theory questions about fate, memory, magic, and pantheon dynamics, and the authors tease just enough to keep everyone spiraling!
This episode is part of our ongoing Ascended coverage. We also have Initial Thoughts and Reactions as well as a full Theories episode available now. We are so grateful to Bree and Parker for supporting the pod by sponsoring this season. All thoughts, reactions, and spirals are completely our own, and we feel very lucky to share this conversation!
*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of The Ascended. The second portion of this episode includes spoilers for Riftborne and Duskbound.*
Stream our first interview with Grenwich & Lennox:
• 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.
• Season 6:Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7:The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe.
New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!
Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!
Ep 6 Quicksilver Bonus Chapters: Recap, Theories, and Hidden Clues
Season 6 · Episode 6
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 58:28
Step into the quicksilver with book besties Kinsey and Karly as they close out the Brimstone Prep phase with a deep dive into the Quicksilver bonus chapters: The Gate: Part 1,The Gate: Part 2,The Maze, and The Fox. The Boots. The Dress.
In this episode, the hosts revisit these pivotal Kingfisher POV scenes to uncover their hidden meanings and the lore connections that might shape Brimstone. From godswords, dragons, and true names to the twin goddesses, Zareth, and the lingering mysteries of the Fae and Alchemy world, they explore what these moments reveal about Kingfisher's past and the divine chaos yet to come!
This episode marks the final stop in Brimstone Prep & Recovery, wrapping up everything listeners need to know before Brimstone releases on November 18th, 2025. Next up: Recovery mode, where the hosts share their first reactions, favorite moments, and early theories after reading the book. No matter where you are in your reread or how much you remember, this season is here so you never face fae bargains or alchemical spirals alone!
Grab your relics and prepare to dive into the Quicksilver. Sanity is not guaranteed.
*This episode includes spoilers for Quicksilver by Callie Hart, including the four bonus chapters listed above.*
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
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!
Hannah Nicole Maehrer - Accomplice to the Villain | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Season 4 · Episode 5
Friday, August 8, 2025 • Duration 02:03:55
🎤 Recorded before release day — one of Hannah Nicole Maehrer's first interviews aboutAccomplice to the Villain!
In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with Hannah Nicole Maehrer to get the inside scoop on Accomplice to the Villain!
This episode was recorded before the book's official release, making it one of Hannah Nicole Maehrer's first in-depth interviews about the story. As some of the earliest readers to dive into this world, the hosts came armed with questions, theories, and all the romantasy chaos you'd expect from fangirls!
The conversation covers Hannah Nicole's inspiration, elemental worldbuilding, character dynamics, and what readers can expect next in the Assistant and the Villain series!
Rather than a traditional Q&A, this episode leans into a reader-first perspective. The hosts ask the questions romantasy fans are most eager to know, including the twist ending, her publishing journey, and behind-the-scenes lore! Hannah Nicole 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 villain-curious, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and behind-the-scenes details you won't want to miss!
Segment Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:03 Spoiler-Free Segment
31:51 Spoiler-Filled Segment
01:19:27 Swiftie Mania
01:39:04 Are You Smarter Than A Fangirl? Trivia
01:49:27 The Reader's Letter
Accomplice To The Villain Immediate Thoughts & Reactions | Fangirl Breakdown
Season 5 · Episode 2
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • Duration 43:07
In this spoiler-filled reaction episode, hosts Kinsey and Karly (and Kingsley??) break down their initial thoughts & reactions to Hannah Nicole Maehrer's highly anticipated Accomplice to the Villain, which released yesterday, August 5th, 2025. The excitement? High. The chaos? Unhinged.
As our resident ATTV-fangirl, Kinsey dropped everything to read Accomplice to the Villain as soon as the advanced reader copy hit our email (thank you RedTower & Entangled!). Unfortunately for her, this meant she had to very impatiently wait for another cohost to finish before she could fully spiral…and as you know, that ending isn't for the weak!
LISTENER BEWARE: this episode was recorded late on a work night, so no matter how structured it tries to be... it's still mostly unhinged fangirling.
If you've just finished Accomplice to the Villain 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 Assistant to the Villain, Apprentice to the Villain, AND Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer*
**ADDENDUM: Merv = MARV. Looking at you, Kinsey ;)**
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 in the Assistant and The Villain series
Jade Presley - The Never List | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Season 4 · Episode 4
Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 01:09:32
In this spicy new episode of Dear Fantasy Author, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit 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 we were 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.
In true Dear Fantasy Reader fashion, this is not your average author Q&A. Our questions are fangirl-led—asked by readers who are almost as emotionally invested in the story as the author herself.
The episode features both spoiler-free and spoiler-filled segments (with clear warnings and timestamps in the show notes), followed by two bonus sections: a hilarious Are You Smarter Than a Fangirl? trivia showdown, and our signature Reader's Letter, where the hosts share a heartfelt thank-you to the author.
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
00:54 Spoiler-Free Segment
20:54 Spoiler-Filled Segment
Stacey McEwan - A Forbidden Alchemy | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Season 4 · Episode 3
Thursday, July 17, 2025 • Duration 01:38:57
🎤 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, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit 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 some of the earliest readers to dive into this world, the hosts came armed with questions, theories, and all the romantasy chaos you'd expect from fangirls!
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.
Bonus segments in this episode include a Swiftie Mania deep dive, where Stacey pairs Taylor Swift songs to her characters, a hilarious round of Are You Smarter Than a Fangirl? trivia, and a heartfelt Reader's Letter from the hosts.
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!
What's Next for Dear Fantasy Reader: New Formats, New Books, Same Fangirl Energy
Season 3
Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 04:53
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
• 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:
Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Season 4 · Episode 2
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 01:41:34
🎤THE ONLY PLACE THE ESPRITHEAN 3 BOOK DETAILS HAVE BEEN REVEALED!
(title, cover, and release date—all first announced in this episode)
In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit 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 the exclusive reveal of the Esprithean Book 3 title, cover, and release date—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. The hosts 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!
Watch the full video episode—including the exclusive cover reveal—and a bonus 15-minute spoiler-filled Q&A, available only on Patreon:
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*
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
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• 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.
• Season 6:Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7:The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe. & MORE TO COME!
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
✨ 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!
• 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.
✨ 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!
• 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.
✨ 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!
• 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.
✨ 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!
