We're BACK in Prythian, and Sarah J. Maas has officially sent us into a spiral! 🌙🔥 This week on Swords & Swoons, we're diving into A Court of Splintered Harmonies to share our first reactions, biggest questions, and absolutely unhinged theories. From shocking revelations and complicated relationships to all those sneaky SJM breadcrumbs, we're connecting dots and questioning EVERYTHING. 👀

⚠️ FULL SPOILERS for A Court of Splintered Harmonies, with potential spoilers for the entire ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City series!

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and bring your conspiracy boards—because our SJM theory era is officially BACK! 🦇✨

This week on Swords & Swoons, we're joined by debut author Kayla Hardy to gush about her novel The Quarter Queen! We're diving into the legendary world of Marie Laveau, talking Voodoo, buried secrets, mysterious pasts, and the complicated mother-daughter relationships that prove family drama is truly timeless.

Plus, Kayla takes us behind the scenes of bringing history and magic together, her journey to becoming a published author, and all the spooky, supernatural goodness that makes this book the perfect fall read! 🍂🖤

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and maybe keep a protection spell handy—because we're stirring up some serious magic in the French Quarter! 🕯️🔮

⚠️ Full Empyrean spoilers through Onyx Storm!

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and get your conspiracy boards ready—because we came for the dragons and left with approximately a thousand new theories. 🐉👀🔥

Plus, we're ranking our favorite characters, romances, heartbreaking moments, and unforgettable scenes as we say goodbye to the series that absolutely destroyed us in the best way.

⚠️ Full-series spoilers ahead!

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and bring ALL the tissues. One last time for Terrasen. To whatever end. 👑🔥💔

Plus, armies are converging, Maeve and Erawan are making moves, and Orynth is running out of time.

⚠️ Full-series spoilers ahead!

In Part One of our reread, we’re covering the Prologue through Chapter 40 as Aelin fights to survive Maeve and Cairn, Rowan refuses to stop searching for his wife, and Fenrys officially claims a permanent place in our hearts. Meanwhile, Terrasen is fighting without its queen, Manon is trying to earn the Crochans’ trust, Dorian is collecting magical abilities like Pokémon, and Chaol and Yrene are heading straight toward another battle.

We’re talking Aelin’s rescue, Maeve’s huge reveal, Fenrys Moonbeam, Manorian tension, Aedion and Lysandra drama, witch politics, questionable secret plans, and all the moments that hit SO much harder on reread.

⚠️ Full-series spoilers ahead!

We’re diving into massive revelations about the Lock and the Valg, long-awaited romances, secret marriages, mate reveals, armies finally coming together, and Aelin’s seemingly endless supply of secret plans. And just when everything starts falling into place… Maeve shows up and absolutely ruins our lives.

⚠️ Full-series spoilers ahead!

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and bring tissues—because next stop: Kingdom of Ash. 🔥👑⚔️

In this episode of Swords & Swoons, we officially kick off our Empire of Storms + Tower of Dawn tandem reread, covering through Chapter 32 of Empire of Storms and Chapter 35 of Tower of Dawn.

Aelin is finally home—but being Queen of Terrasen isn't going quite according to plan. With no army and no shortage of enemies, she's gathering allies, hunting for answers about the Wyrdkeys and the Lock, and heading to Skull's Bay for a reunion with everyone's favorite pirate lord. Meanwhile, Elide finds herself traveling with a very grumpy Lorcan, Manon makes a choice that changes EVERYTHING, and Aedion finally comes face-to-face with Gavriel.

Across the sea in Antica, Chaol and Nesryn begin their own journeys. Chaol meets Yrene Towers and discovers that healing his body might require confronting wounds that run much deeper, while Nesryn takes to the skies with Prince Sartaq and uncovers disturbing clues suggesting the Valg threat reaches much farther than anyone realized.

We're talking Rowaelin, Elorcan, Chaol and Yrene, Nesryn and Sartaq, pirates, ruks, shapeshifters, witches, ancient Valg secrets, daddy issues, fake marriages, healing journeys, and SO MUCH foreshadowing.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This is a full Throne of Glass series reread, so spoilers for future chapters and books are absolutely fair game.

We’re breaking down our favorite moments, biggest reveals, character arcs, swoons, emotional damage, and everything that hits differently on a reread—before finally watching Aelin Galathynius return home to Terrasen. 🥹👑

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This is a full Throne of Glass series reread, so spoilers for future books are fair game.

Grab your swords, prepare your swoons, and join us as we officially close the book on Queen of Shadows! ⚔️💕

Aelin is playing one dangerous game after another in Rifthold as she finally moves against Arobynn, Rowan and Aedion settle into their very aggressive version of friendship, and Lysandra drops a reveal that changes everything we thought we knew about her.

Meanwhile, Morath somehow gets even darker. Manon is starting to question the orders she’s been raised to obey, Elide is digging into the horrors hidden beneath the mountain, Kaltain is proving there is far more going on beneath the surface, and we finally learn just how terrifying Perrington’s plans really are.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This is a full Throne of Glass series reread. While we’re focusing on Chapters 31–60 of Queen of Shadows, we will freely discuss spoilers and connections from later in the book and the rest of the series.

Aelin has returned to Adarlan with one goal: take back everything that was stolen from her.

We’re talking about that reunion, the blood oath drama with Aedion, the Gavriel reveal, the tension, the betrayals, the foreshadowing, and all the little moments that hit completely differently on a reread.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This is a full Throne of Glass series reread, so while we’re focusing on Chapters 1–30 of Queen of Shadows, we will reference events from earlier books in the series.

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.

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. 💕

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

In this final installment of our deep dive, we’re breaking down the explosive conclusion, the reveals we didn’t see coming, and the moments that completely reshaped how we view this story.

We revisit our early predictions, react to what actually happened, and dive into what this ending means moving forward. Expect strong opinions, emotional reactions, and a few moments where we’re still trying to recover.

✨ Spoilers for the entire book
✨ Final thoughts, theories, and full chaos ahead

In this episode, we break down both timelines, following Odessa as she pushes for answers and potential solutions, while Caspia uncovers some of the biggest truths we’ve seen so far.

On Odessa’s side, there’s finally a glimmer of hope in the search for a cure for Lyssa, but as always, nothing comes without complications. Between tense confrontations, hidden secrets, and growing uncertainty around those closest to her, the stakes feel higher than ever.

Meanwhile, Caspia’s storyline delivers a massive lore reveal that completely reframes the world, from the origins of magic to the truth about Calandra and the forces at play. This section is packed with revelations, theories, and moments that had us pausing just to process what we learned.

Expect chaos, deep dives, and a whole lot of “wait… WHAT?” as we try to piece together how it all connects.

✨ Spoilers for this section of The Rites of the Starling
✨ Major lore reveals, new theories, and hope (maybe) ahead

In this episode, we break down chapters 19 through 35 — from shocking visions and major character reveals to the moments that had us completely rethinking what we know about this world.

We dive into Andreas joining the journey, the increasingly intense visions surrounding his fate, and the clues that have us convinced we’re onto something big. We’re also unpacking new lore around the Maxims, mysterious connections to the boy from earlier visions, and the scene that left us spiraling — because we have very strong theories about who Andreas really is… and what that means for Odessa.

Expect chaos, questionable predictions, and a lot of “wait… hold on” moments as we try to piece everything together before it all inevitably blows up.

In this episode, we break down chapters 9 through 18 — and the story starts revealing just enough to send us spiraling.

We dive into the evolving character dynamics, the moments that had us questioning everything, and the details that feel way too important to ignore. And yes… we’re bringing our wildest theories yet, including who we think Odessa’s mom could be — and let’s just say, we have thoughts!!!!

If you’re reading along, this is where things start to click… and unravel at the same time.

✨ Spoilers for Chapters 9–18
✨ Theories, chaos, and questionable predictions ahead

We share our first impressions, early theories, and the moments that immediately stood out, all while trying to piece together where this story is headed. With so many new elements introduced right out of the gate, there’s a lot to unpack — and we’re just getting started.

✨ Spoilers for Chapters 1–8
✨ New world, new magic, and plenty of theories ahead

Nesta Archeron is one of the most divisive characters in the Maasverse, and we’re diving headfirst into the debate. Is she misunderstood, complex, and deeply relatable… or just frustrating, toxic, and impossible to defend? We’re unpacking it all — her growth, her choices, her relationships, and why she sparks such strong reactions in the fandom.

Expect hot takes, honest opinions, and a few moments where we might have to check each other — because when it comes to Nesta, there are no neutral opinions.

If you’ve ever argued about her in the group chat… this episode is for you.

We’re back to finish our deep dive into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, and the second half of this book does not hold back. In this episode, we break down the rising tension, emotional twists, and the moments that completely changed everything.

From unexpected reveals to the scenes that left us reeling, we revisit our early predictions, react in real time, and unpack how it all comes together in a finale that delivers. Expect spoilers, strong reactions, and plenty of chaos as we close out this read.

We dive into first impressions, early character dynamics, and the moments that stood out most — from subtle emotional beats to the scenes that already have us theorizing about what’s to come. As always, expect a mix of thoughtful analysis, chaotic reactions, and a few early predictions we’ll probably revisit later.

If you’re reading along or just want a spoiler-filled discussion of the beginning of Shield of Sparrows, this is your place to start.

✨ Spoilers for the beginning of Shield of Sparrows
✨ First impressions, theories, and plenty of swooning ahead

We also discuss the ongoing debate around Nesta’s character, Feyre’s pregnancy arc, and the possibility of a Tamlin redemption storyline.

Join us as we unpack the interview, share our thoughts on the future of the Maasverse, and end the episode with a chaotic round of Maasverse Fuck, Marry, Kill.

In this episode, we are taking on the challenge to convince the other to read a new series, focusing on 'City of Gods and Monsters' and 'The Plated Prisoner' series. To make this even more challenging, this will be a spoiler free debate and we can only convince each other with vibes, music comparisons and meal examples alone! Tune in to see if these series are right for your TBR list, or if you've already read them, did we do the synopsis justice!

Expect hot takes, friendly arguments, and a lot of laughing as we turn bookish vibes into playlists.

🎧 Play along with us, decide who you agree with, and let us know whose Spotify Wrapped you’d steal or hide!

We pull from ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, Powerless, One Dark Window, The Vampire Diaries, and more so you have been warned of the spoilers, pitting book boyfriends against each other, and forcing each other to make impossible (and hilarious) choices.

Play along with us, share your own answers on Instagram, and be prepared for some very unhinged hot takes. After all, in the book world, sometimes the hardest choice is the most fun.

Which era is your favorite?

We unpack Saeris’ evolving magic, Kingfisher’s side quest with his favorite pal Carrion, escalating political tension, and the moments that had our “Spicy Moment Meter” climbing fast. This section of Brimstone raises the stakes and sets the stage for something devastating.

✨ Spoilers for Brimstone through chapter 20 ✨ Chaos, theories, and emotional damage encouraged

We unpack every gasp-worthy twist, every quiet heartbreak, and of course, the dynamics between our favorite couple as the line between love and duty grows razor thin. If you're still emotionally recovering from the final trial events... you're not alone.

Grab your tissues and theory boards—this is one chapter set you do not want to miss.

Would Rhysand be a top-shelf whiskey guy or a red wine snob? Is Xaden secretly ordering something dark and broody like a Negroni? 

Join us as we sip along, laugh way too hard, and decide which fictional characters would thrive (or flop) on a night out. 

 Expect tension, revelations, and plenty of screaming as we dissect every twist, turn and scene making us scratch our heads.

Spoilers for Brimstone ahead. Bring your theories and your emotional support relics.

We break down the rising stakes, the political tension, Saeris’ explosive power arc, and Kingfisher’s glorious descent into morally-gray obsession. With betrayals, reveals, fae politics, and one brutal ending that left us on the floor, this episode is packed with chaos, theories, and swoons.

Whether you’re re-reading before Brimstone drops or spiraling with us for the first time, this is your full breakdown of every twist you screamed about. Grab your headphones — and maybe some notes — because we’re going all in.

✨ Spoilers for the entire book ahead.✨ Listener theories and chaos welcome.

SPOILER WARNINGS: ACOTAR, Fourth Wing series, Veiled Kingdom, Powerless, and Quicksilver

From Rhysand’s possessive declarations, to Xaden’s shadow-lurking ways, to Kai Azer’s dangerously sexy banter — we’re asking: would this fly in the real world, or would we be calling the authorities?

It’s spicy, chaotic, and surprisingly therapeutic. Tune in as we roast and revere our favorite book boyfriends — and question all our life choices in the process.

📚 Featuring characters from ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Powerless, Crescent City, The Wolf King, and more.

Join us as we spill wine, laugh too hard, and admit things we probably shouldn’t about our fictional obsessions. Warning: chaos, thirst, and lots of questionable morals ahead.

Part Four delivers some of the biggest reveals yet. We unpack the shocking truth behind the Book from Edina, where it’s been hiding, the rise of a new Lord of Midnight, and Tal’s full “drink the Kool-Aid” moment with the High Bloods. Heavy spoilers, major power shifts, and unhinged reactions ahead.

From court politics to hidden magic, morally gray decisions to undeniable tension between Saeris and Kingfisher, we’re breaking down every twist, reveal, and chaos-filled moment. If you thought Quicksilver was wild… Brimstone says “hold my metal.”

Expect theories. Expect screaming. Expect swooning. Spoilers for both Quicksilver and Brimstone (Prologue–Ch.10).

In this episode, we’re diving deep into Powerless by Lauren Roberts — breaking down all the drama, the action, and, of course, the swoon-worthy moments. From Paedyn's badass survival instincts to Kai Azer’s sharp wit and smoldering intensity, we’re not holding back on our love for this series (or Kai). Join us as we unpack the twists, betrayals, and steamy tension that had us glued to the pages !

From intense political tension and deepening romantic stakes to moments that left us breathless (yes, Kai is still setting new standards), this section is packed with emotional gut punches and revelations we did not see coming.

You do not want to miss this one—especially that jaw-dropping twist that had us audibly gasping. Let’s get into it.

In our season finale, we break down the explosive ending of Brimstone by Callie Hart. From final revelations and emotional fallout to lingering questions and future theories, this episode wraps up our Brimstone deep dive and closes out the season of Swords & Swoons. Spoilers for the entire book ahead.