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Can a workplace romance with a magical twist truly captivate your heart? Meet us on "Of Swords and Soulmates" as we talk about the buzz around Hannah Nicole Maehrer's "Assistant to the Villain." Fueled by social media hype, this charming tale blends humor, romance, and fantasy in a way that had us all hooked. We discuss our star ratings and how this book compares to our favorite films and TV shows.

We kick off the episode with some exciting news—Netflix is bringing Scott Westerfeld's YA dystopian novel "Uglies" to life, starring Joey King! We share our thoughts on this adaptation and reminisce about our personal connections to the book. But it’s not all rosy in the literary world; we touch on the recent Hugo Awards controversy, where deserving authors like Ziran Jay Zhao and RF Kuang were excluded. Thankfully, George RR Martin’s Alfie Awards stepped in to honor these overlooked talents, providing a heartwarming resolution to the issue.

Our deep dive into "Assistant to the Villain" is packed with laughter, insights, and debates on the romance dynamics within. We scrutinize the slow-burn relationship, the intriguing character motivations, and the effectiveness of the romantic tension. Comparing the book’s relationships to iconic pairings like Jim and Pam or Han and Leia, we explore the broader impact of romance in storytelling. We dip into a tangent on what makes a villain a villain, and who is the baddie? To wrap things up, we tease our next episode featuring a review of "Radiance" by Grace Draven. Make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and check our website for more updates!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Uglies TV show drops September 13th on Netflix (link to show page)
  • Based on the YA dystopian series by Scott Westerfeld
• George R. R. Martin hosted the “Alfies” this year
  • Named after Alfred Bester, Martin hosts this when authors get snubbed.
  • Due to the controversy with the 2023 Hugo Awards, he invited Xiran Jay Zhao (author of Iron Widow) and RF Kuang (author of Babel)
  • The Hugo Awards have had past controversies, such as in 2013-2017, & 2021
• Paperback of Fourth Wing is coming out September 17th.
  • Link to Instagram post
  • Will include a new chapter from Xaden's POV
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
  • Goodreads

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Ever wondered how book bans impact the genres we love, particularly romance and romantasy? This week on "Of Swords and Soulmates," we begin with a light-hearted mix-up about Jonathan's podcast persona, JP. Then, we're thrilled to share the latest buzz from the romanticist book world, spotlighting Katie Roberts' stunning opus collection for her "Deal with the Demon" series and Jennifer Armantrout's special edition collaboration for her "Blood and Ash" series. We also dive into the recent book bans in Utah. Hear our take on how these bans affect beloved authors like Sarah J. Maas, Judy Blume, and Margaret Atwood, and the broader implications this has on genres predominantly enjoyed by women.

As we segue into our main topic, get ready for an intriguing discussion on Carissa Broadbent's "Six Scorched Roses," a romanticist story you won't want to miss.
we discuss this fascinating novella that combines elements of Beauty and the Beast with a unique vampire twist. We delve into themes of classism, neurodivergence, and the blend of magic and science within the story. Our hosts debate the novella's brevity and its impact on the depth of the fantasy elements, with a lively rating discussion to boot. Don't miss our next episode, where we'll review "Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Mayer!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Katee Robert’s A Deal With a Demon series is getting the Opus treatment at FaeCrate
  • Priced at $160 per set (plus shipping), ships Dec 2024-Jan 2025.
  • FaeCrate Exclusve (Link)
• Jennifer Armentrout special edition books
  • Special Arcane Society editions of the Blood and Ash series.
  • Signed and unsigned options, Cost is $195 (plus tax and shipping).
  • Date - TBA
• The title of the Moonfall series by Sarah A. Parker announced
  • The Ballad of Falling Dragons (Amazon link)
  • Releases 10/07/25, or you can get a signed version on 07/2025 from Waterstones
• Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel by Kiersten White
  • What if Lucy didn’t die but instead finds herself, finds love, and has the chance for some revenge on Dracula?
  • Releases 09/10/24
  • Amazon Affiliate Link
• Banned Books List in Utah includes Sarah J. Maas
  • Guardian Article
  • Banned Book Week is Sept. 22-28, 2024
• Dragoncon
  • Largest multi-genre convention (anime, art, fantasy, literature, sci-fi, and more)
  • https://www.dragoncon.org
  • Thursday Aug 29th - Monday Sep 2nd in Atlanta, GA
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
  • Goodreads

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Ready to uncover the latest buzz in the fantasy and romance book world? This episode of "Of Swords and Soulmates" promises a treasure trove of updates and discussions that you won't want to miss. We kick off with the exhilarating news that Moira Wally Beckett, the mastermind behind "Anne with an E" and "Breaking Bad," is set to helm the upcoming Fourth Wing TV show. Get the inside scoop on three must-read books hitting the shelves: "A Sorcerer Comes to Call" by T Kingfisher, "Dark Olympus: Book Seven" by Katie Roberts, and "Apprentice to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Mayer.

Our discussion for The Audient and the Phantom Night delves into the fantastical elements from The Flying Dutchman and Beauty and the Beast. We debate the story elements and character dynamics. Ever been baffled by a mysterious dice game in a book? You're not alone—we break down our confusion and share our candid ratings on the fantasy elements.

Finally, our romance segment sails into pirate territory, where opinions clash over the alpha nature of Captain Devlin and his evolving relationship with Fena. Ashley's glowing review sparks a lively debate among the hosts about character transformation, romantic tropes, and the power dynamics at play. We also critique the book cover design by Sadie Hewitt, speculating on the artistry and the allure of its title.

Wrapping up, we touch on the significance of romance in storytelling, with a rapid fire discussion spotlighting "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," and recommend the lesbian romance "Legends and Latte" for those looking to broaden their reading horizons.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Fourth Wing TV show on Amazon Prime
  • Showrunner selected – Moira Walley-Beckett
    • Emmy, PGA, Golden Globe, and Peabody Award winner
    • Previous work includes Anne with an E and Breaking Bad
• New releases of note (all released August 6th):
  • Dark Restraint (Dark Olympus, 7) by Katee Roberts
  • A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher
  • Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain, Book 2) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• Cover reveal for Firebird by Juliette Cross
  • This will be a limited first print run featuring original illustrated stenciled edges, foil case stamp, and designed endpapers. available while supplies last.
• Dragoncon
  • Largest multi-genre convention (anime, art, fantasy, literature, sci-fi, and more)
  • https://www.dragoncon.org
  • Thursday Aug 29th - Monday Sep 2nd in Atlanta, GA
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is The Audient and the Phantom Night by Sadie Hewitt
  • Goodreads
  • Author's Website

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This week on Swords and Soulmates, Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan discuss the potential opening of "The New Romantics," Orlando's first romance-exclusive bookstore. We share our excitement and concerns regarding the rise of niche bookshops, the challenges of securing traditional loans, and the growth of crowdfunding. Join us as we explore the unique community such a bookstore could nurture and what it means for the future of romance and fantasy literature.

Ever tried reading "Ice Planet Barbarians"? We discuss the beloved series and how there are official candles - "Not-Hoth" and "Resonance." We can barely contain ourselves before we discuss our plans for DragonCon in Atlanta. Then we move on to our review of "The Spellshop" by Sarah Beth Durst, a cozy fantasy that left us feeling warm and enchanted. Hear our comparisons to "Legends and Lattes," "Animal Crossing," Studio Ghibli, and enjoy our varied ratings and insights.

Is the city really the villain in fantasy novels? We ponder this and more as we dissect "The Spellshop," discussing themes like the romanticization of rural life, economic depression, and the democratization of magic. From the story’s intricate magic system to its slow-burn romance and fantastical elements, we unpack it all. Despite some spicy disappointments, we find plenty to appreciate, including the book’s adventure, community spirit, the beautiful lavender-sprayed cover, and Caz the Talking Plant. Join our lively, laughter-filled discussion, and let's celebrate the enchanting world of romantic and fantasy literature together.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• The New Romantics
  • https://www.thenewromanticsbooks.com
  • Orlando, FL’s first romance only bookshop is in the works. Check out their crowdsourcing campaign.
• Ali Hazelwood will be at the 2025 Orlando Fabled Fantasy event
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/home
  • Author of Bride, The Love Hypothesis, and other contemporary romance with women in STEM
• Ice Planet Barbarians Official Merchandise
  • Ruby Dixon, author of the Ice Planet Barbarians series, has official scented candles from Briarwick Candles (Click Here for the website)
  • Two scents – Not-Hoth (driving snow, ice, and blue musk) and Resonance (cozy blankets, winter spice, and Khui vibrations)
  • $6.50 to $22 (depending on size)
• Dragoncon
  • Largest multi-genre convention (anime, art, fantasy, literature, sci-fi, and more)
  • https://www.dragoncon.org
  • Thursday Aug 29th - Monday Sep 2nd in Atlanta, GA
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
  • Goodreads
  • Author's Website

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Welcome back to "Of Swords and Soulmates," where we embark on an exhilarating journey through the "Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag" questions! Alongside Kelly, Jonathan, Ashley, and Mari, we explore our top reads so far in 2024, including "The Wolf Gone Wild" by Juliet Cross and Becky Chambers' "A Psalm for the Wild-Built." Our dynamic discussion highlights our favorite sequels—don't miss our thoughts on "The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" by Carissa Broadbent and the thrilling conclusion to the "Throne of Glass" series by Sarah J. Maas. Plus, we can’t wait to dive into new releases like "When the Moon Hatched."

Ever had a book that didn’t quite meet your expectations? We get candid about our biggest literary disappointments and surprises this year. Hear why Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" felt like a slog and how "This Is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar left us scratching our heads. On the flip side, "Wolf Gone Wild" by Juliette Cross and Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince" series turned out to be unexpected gems. We also shine a spotlight on our favorite new authors, with a special nod to the captivating stories by Sebastian Nothwell.

Wrapping things up, we chat about our reading goals and some incredible book-to-screen adaptations. From the heartfelt "Ted Lasso" to the lush world of "Bridgerton," we ponder how some shows have outshone their literary origins. Find out which beautiful editions of books we’ve added to our shelves this year and our plans to finish series like "ACOTAR," "Atlas Complex," and "Crescent City." Stay connected with us on Instagram, Blue Sky, Threads, Facebook, our website, and YouTube, and don't forget to rate, review, and follow us on Goodreads. Your suggestions and recommendations are what keep "Of Swords and Soulmates" thriving—let’s shape this adventure together!

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This episode kicks off with thrilling news from the Fabled Fantasy event in Orlando and their innovative app that helps attendees navigate schedules and panels. Plus, discover the stunning special edition release of Naomi Novik's Scholomance series from Fairy Loot, complete with redesigned covers and exclusive artwork. Then, we shift our focus to the upcoming deluxe edition of "The Hunger Games" set by Barnes & Noble—discussing its aesthetics, practicality, and the importance of matching book covers for collectors. Listen as we debate the potential for future additions to the series and the excitement they bring.

Finally, join Ash, Kelly, Jonathan, and Mari as we review a captivating Hades and Persephone re-telling novel about a witch named Prue and her pact with a devil named Cyrus. From the book's pacing and character perspectives to the psychological and emotional layers of Prue's journey, we unpack it all with humor and candor. We also engage in a spirited debate with funny commentary about the nature of character descriptions, bound romance, and even into Greek mythology smashed together with other mythology.

Finally, don't miss our lively discussion about the highs and lows of James Cameron's "Avatar," followed by an update on our podcast promotion and book club activities.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Fabled Fantasy events app is live
  • Link to Website for the App
  • Download the Guidebook app and use code Rhysand to find them. You can see the venue map as well as workshop descriptions, panelists, etc
• FairyLoot is doing a special edition of Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series
  • Link to FairyLoot
  • Early Access will take place as follows on July 29th:
    • 1pm BST: UK/INT active subscribers.4pm BST: US/Canada active subscribers.
    • If they have any stock remaining, these will be available in the Fairy Trove to the general public on July 30th at 1pm BST for UK/INT customers and 4pm BST for US/Canada customers.
• Barnes & Nobles is doing a deluxe edition of the Hunger Games
  • Link to B&N Site
    • 4 book paperback boxed set with sprayed edges, stenciled artwork, and all new covers
    • $67.96 available for preorder now and will be released Feb 4, 2025
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Ivy and Bone by R. L. Perez.
  • Goodreads
  • Author's Website

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What if we told you that you could experience a whirlwind of bookish excitement in just one episode? We promise you'll be on the edge of your seat with the latest announcements, including the hotly anticipated dates for PolyCon 2025 and insights into the extraordinary line-up of authors attending, such as Carissa Broadbent and Jennifer Armentrout. Our discussion doesn’t stop there; we dive into our personal experiences with Armentrout's captivating fantasy romances and chat about the ever-evolving book talk community.

Then we share our enthusiasm for Owlcrate's new quarterly subscription boxes that promise to cater to a wide range of genres, from romance to horror. In a celebratory mood, we chat about Juliet Cross's latest collaboration with Fae Crate for a stunning special edition release of her Stay a Spell series. Imagine beautifully crafted faux leather hardcovers, foiled designs, and mesmerizing character artwork by Emma Gillette.

We break down the unique features of this collection and transition into our thoughts on "Wolf Gone Wild," the series' first book. This fantasy romance is set in New Orleans, where witches, vampires, and werewolves collide with fresh elements like Grimm characters. With ratings ranging from three-and-a-half to four stars, we revel in the book's lighthearted and fun nature, sharing some laughs along the way. Juliet Cross's engaging writing style truly shines, making for an unforgettable reading experience.

Our conversation also delves into the romance aspects and the spice levels, with some craving more intensity while others appreciate the slow burn. The episode takes an intriguing turn as we explore werewolf lore linked to the Spanish Inquisition and speculate on future character arcs. Wrapping up, we discuss the clever and punny titles of the series, like "A Rebel Without Claws," and share our thoughts on the elegant and simple cover art by Jennifer Zemanek. This episode is packed with insights, laughter, and enough bookish excitement to leave you eagerly anticipating what’s next.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Apollycon 2025 in Washington DC
  • Lineup of authors and dates are announced
  • April 10-13, 2025, tickets on sale June 21st
  • Apollycon Website
• New OwlCrate quarterly subscription
  • 4 new quarterly subscriptions - Romance, Sci-Fi, Romantasy, and Horror
  • More details at The OwlCrate Website
• Juliette Cross and FaeCrate Collaboration
  • Early access sale July 18th, Public sale July 19th at 5pm EST.
  • Instagram Announcement
  • FaeCrate Website
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross.
  • Goodreads
  • Author's Website
• The 10th Kingdom - a forgotten fantasy-romance miniseries
  • IMDB Link
• Wolf packs don't actually have 'Alpha' males
  • Scientific America article

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Ready for some thrilling book news and riveting discussions? You'll want to stick around for this episode, where we kick things off with updates that every book lover needs to know. From Juliet Cross's newly launched shop brimming with signed books and exclusive art prints to Lit Joy Crate's beautiful special edition of Ella Enchanted, we’ve got your bookish cravings covered. Plus, don't miss out on the buzz about Kendare Blake’s collaboration for a special edition set of her Three Dark Crowns series and T. Kingfisher's Paladin's Faith now available in audiobook format.

Join us as we share our (Ashley's) excitement over Suzanne Collins's upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. We speculate on the potential focus on Haymitch's backstory and debate the merits of YA lit adaptations and the 'middle' nadir effect in fantasy series. Whether you’re a fan of fantastical world-building or gripping backstories, this segment promises to engage and entertain.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we dive into our latest book review -The Last Storm. by J.D. Linton. We have mixed feelings about the protagonist's immaturity and erratic emotional pacing, touching on themes of sheltered upbringings and sudden emotional shifts. Brace yourself for a humorous analysis of winged sex logistics to a fiery discourse on the importance of consent in storytelling. And just when you thought we couldn't have more fun, we cap it off debating whether "Beetlejuice" qualifies as a romantic movie, and introduce our playful creation, "I consent to the banginging." Trust us, you don’t want to miss this lively and insightful episode!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• LitJoy Crate has created a special edition of Ella Enchanted, signed by the author. Buy now, ships this summer $29.99
  • LitJoy Promotion
• The Bookish Boutique has created a special edition set of Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Crowns series. They are white with beautiful sprayed edges and foiling and a slipcover case and will be signed by the author. Preorder now and they will ship between Dec 2024 to Feb 2025 for $133.
  • Bookish Boutique Promotion
• Paladin's Faith, Paladin’s Faith, Book 4 of the Saints of Steel series by T. Kingfisher is now available as an audiobook as of 06/04/24.
  • Amazon / Audible link
• A new Hunger Games book (and movie) is coming. Sunrise on the Reaping will be the fifth book and is speculated to be Haymitch's story. Book releases March 2025, and the movie in November 2026.
  • News article (AP Newswire)
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is The Last Storm by JD Linton.
  • Goodreads
  • Author's Instagram

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