Tread Talks: A Romantasy

Andrew & Jonathan

Welcome to “Tread Talks: A Bromance”, the podcast where two bros get their steps in while diving into the epic world of romantasy!  Season 1 covers the first part of the Empyrean Series, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.  We take it on 5-6 chapters at a time and lend our less than expert opinions on romantasy to the mix.  Stay tuned for season 2 (Iron Flame) and season 3 (Onyx Storm)....

  1. 05/03/2025

    Tread Talks: Onyx Storm Chapters 16-20

    Diving into Onyx Storm: Urgency, Disappointment, and Dragon DynamicsThis episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance' delves into the book 'Onyx Storm' by Rebecca Yarros. The hosts express their disappointment with the book's lack of urgency and the characters' seemingly unaffected attitudes toward crises. They reflect on the pacing and cadence of the series, comparing it to previous books 'Fourth Wing' and 'Iron Flame'. Key plot points discussed include the underdevelopment of important issues, the introduction of new powers, and the evolution of character relationships. They also speculate on potential future storylines and character dynamics, providing a thorough critique while remaining enthusiastic about what's to come. As always, listeners are advised to avoid spoilers unless they've read the books.00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Onyx Storm00:34 Welcome to Tread Talks: A Bromance01:10 Critique of Urgency and Crisis in Onyx Storm02:33 Comparing Onyx Storm to Iron Flame02:56 Discussion on Character Reactions and Realism08:14 Foreshadowing and Plot Predictions28:37 Character Dynamics and Potential Love Triangle32:37 Uncontrolled Power and Dangerous Consequences33:14 Lilith's Strength and Zaden's Weakness35:14 The Assembled Team and Their Mission36:24 Aura's Fatal Mistake40:12 Violet's Return and New Challenges41:10 Riddick's Unique Ability43:22 Speculations and Theories53:51 Timeline Confusion and Story Pacing01:02:16 Final Thoughts and Future Speculations

    1h 3m
  2. 18/02/2025

    Tread Talks: Onyx Storm Chapters 11-15

    Unpacking the Intricacies of Onyx Storm: Venon, Signets, and StrategyIn this episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance,' the hosts dive into chapters 11-15 of Rebecca Yarros's 'Onyx Storm.' The discussion covers themes such as the ongoing war, the intricate timeline between 'Iron Flame' and 'Onyx Storm,' the daily life at Bezgaiath amid chaos, and the political allegories present in the book. The hosts speculate on the second signet powers among the marked ones and draw comparisons to real-world scenarios. Key plot points, including the tactical and practical uses of signets, Violet's evolving role, and the dynamics within Bezgaiath, are explored. Additionally, theories about characters like Liam and the search for the Arid are discussed, alongside fun banter about practical matters like the craftsmanship of prosthetic limbs. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, gearing up for more dragon-filled adventures and strategic battles.00:00 Introduction to the New Book00:24 War and Daily Life in Bezguyath02:59 Real World Parallels and Political Commentary06:04 Podcast Introduction and Spoiler Alert06:46 Discussion on Venon and Signets09:44 Theories and Speculations13:13 Character Dynamics and Relationships22:26 Magic Rules and Venon Insights30:07 Jessenia's Demotion and Scribe Squadron32:02 Creative Prosthetic Ideas32:40 How to Train Your Dragon World33:30 Mysteries of the Dad's Journals34:45 Wards and Runes: Unraveling the Magic37:26 Speculations on Magic and Death41:26 Combat Training and Strategies48:30 Mission Challenges and Team Dynamics56:17 Predictions and Theories58:30 Podcast Wrap-Up and Farewell

    59 min
  3. 28/01/2025

    Tread Talks: Onyx Storm Prologue & Chapters 1-5

    Epic Reads and Evolving Conflicts: Delving into Onyx Storm This episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance' delves into the thrilling world of Rebecca Yarros's 'Onyx Storm' with in-depth discussions on pivotal plot points, character arcs, and dramatic conflicts. The hosts passionately explore the intricacies of Saquon's impact on the Eagles and Giants fans, the suspenseful hunt for the seventh breed of dragons, and Amber Mavis's confrontations with Violet. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes, engage in humorous conjectures, and provide a glimpse into their book collection routines and pet peeves about exclusive editions. The hosts also offer insights into what they desire from future additions to the book's lore and anticipate the unfolding chapters of 'Onyx Storm.' 00:00 Eagles and Giants: The Saquon Debate 01:08 Disney World Plans and Super Bowl Dreams 02:02 Tread Talks: A Bromance Introduction 02:42 Onyx Storm Drama and Book Purchases 03:14 The Target Exclusive Edition Fiasco 04:24 Book Reselling Controversy 09:09 Navigating Pre-Orders and Multiple Copies 15:05 Iron Flame and Dragon Mysteries 30:08 Frustrations and Power Dynamics 31:26 The Lottery Analogy 32:01 Awkward Intimacies and Humor 33:50 Mother Issues and Sacrifices 34:44 Violet's Planning and Unpreparedness 36:04 Fantasy World Building Desires 40:10 Author's Break and Expectations 47:27 Merchandise and Licensing 51:41 Training Discs and Runes Confusion 52:59 Infighting and Power Struggles 55:54 Cliffhanger and Next Episode Tease 57:55 Podcast Outro and Next Episode Preview

    59 min
  4. 09/01/2025

    TreadTalks: Iron Flame Chapters 49-57

    Tread Talks: Unveiling Gilmore Girls Theories & Iron Flame Mysteries In this episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance,' the hosts begin with a discussion on the Gilmore Girls, sharing personal viewing experiences and opinions. They then delve into the thrilling world of Rebecca Yarros’s 'Iron Flame,' discussing key plot points from chapters 49 to 57, including character theories, signet abilities, and the intricacies of dragon-rider dynamics. The hosts also explore the nuances of trust and deception among characters, culminating in an analysis of a critical meeting with General Melgren. Join them for an engaging mix of pop culture and fantasy literature insights. 00:00 Starting the Year on a High Note 00:14 Gilmore Girls Challenge 00:40 Deep Dive into Gilmore Girls 02:10 Podcast Introduction 02:43 Iron Flame Discussion Begins 03:56 Spelunking and Training 04:23 Griffins and Dragons 04:53 Cave Adventures 06:04 Unweaving the Runes 10:01 Violet's Leadership Challenges 23:35 Melgren's Abilities 38:12 Sloane's Emotional Transition 38:51 Manifesting Powers and Draining Energy 39:23 Understanding Venon and Their Abilities 40:20 Personal Reflections and Learning Curves 41:36 The Emotional Rush of Manifestation 43:16 Family Dynamics and Hidden Knowledge 44:18 Audiobook Highlights and Character Moments 45:03 The Argument and Realizations 47:41 Trust, Betrayal, and Redemption 58:39 Dragons, Wards, and the Battle Ahead 01:12:44 The Mystery of Runes and Reanimation 01:15:07 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

    1h 16m
  5. 02/01/2025

    TreadTalks: Iron Flame Chapters 41-48

    Tread Talks: Navigating Romance and Battles in Iron Flame In this episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance,' the hosts delve into various elements from Rebecca Yarros’s 'Iron Flame.' They start by humorously discussing germs from different environments before diving into key plot points and character developments, such as Zayden's relationships, the dynamics of dragon and Griffin riders, and combat strategies. They explore runic magic and the tensions between characters like Violet, Sloane, and Kat. The show highlights significant scenes, including intimate moments and intense battles, while also offering commentary on the evolving storyline and character motivations. By the end, the focus shifts to team-building efforts among characters as they prepare for future challenges in this rich, dragon-filled fantasy world. 00:00 Germ Warfare: The Ball Pit Chronicles 00:48 Welcome to Tread Talks: A Bromance 01:04 Diving into Iron Flame: Plot Points and Twists 01:23 Zayden's Perspective and Chapter 41 Insights 02:25 The Armoire Chest Debate 03:07 Zayden and Violet: Trust and Tension 04:09 The Vice Count's Heir Dilemma 08:49 Venon and Violet: A Deadly Encounter 23:15 The Luminary Negotiation 24:58 Griffin Riders and Altitude Training 30:40 Kat's Mind Games and Zayden's Shadows 33:31 The Price of Dragon Riding 34:36 The New Hatching Grounds 35:06 Sentient Eggs and Dragon Hatchlings 36:48 Navigating Dangerous Passes 37:25 The Griffin Rider's Fall 40:02 Wyvern Sensing and Cloud Cover 50:41 Rune Magic and Challenges 01:05:52 Team Building and Normalization 01:07:06 Podcast Wrap-Up and Farewell

    1h 8m
  6. 26/12/2024

    Tread Talks: Iron Flame Chapters 33-40

    The Phoenix Theory In this episode of 'Tread Talks: A Bromance,' the hosts dive deep into the intricate world of Rebecca Yarros's 'Iron Flame.' They discuss theories surrounding the character Andarna, suggesting she might be a phoenix involved in a cyclical life and rebirth. The episode touches on key plot points, including Violet's ability to wield power, her complex relationships, and emerging themes of magic balance. Listeners are warned about major spoilers and are advised to have read 'Fourth Wing' and 'Iron Flame' before tuning in. The hosts also outline the shifting dynamics between characters, particularly focusing on Violet and Zayden, and tease out intriguing theories about the magical world Yarros has built. 00:00 Introduction to Andarna and the Phoenix 00:29 Welcome to Tread Talks: A Bromance 00:50 Plot Points and Spoilers Alert 01:24 The Italian Job at Bezgayef 01:38 The Balance of Magic 02:31 Robbery in Progress 02:42 The Wards and Their Significance 05:31 Royal Bloodlines and Leadership 08:19 The Heist and Its Aftermath 10:03 Violet's Special Connection 11:07 Theories and Speculations 21:04 The Role of Dragons and Signets 27:44 Betrayal and Interrogation 30:15 Liam's Presence and Support 42:33 The Final Confrontation 46:41 Farsight and Combat Challenges 47:07 Mama Gale's Secrets Unveiled 47:53 Zayden on the Loose 48:10 Dragon Hierarchies and Family Ties 49:05 Violet's Future and Predictions 50:11 The Incest Arc and Family Dynamics 53:50 Bodhi's Signet and Countering Magic 55:59 Dragons' Decisions and Human Pawns 57:44 Violet's Nightmare and Venon Communication 59:14 Zayden and Violet's Relationship 01:04:54 The Phoenix Dragon Theory 01:11:54 The Failed Warding Attempt 01:27:01 Preparing for War and Choosing Sides 01:29:41 Podcast Outro and Next Episode Teaser

    1h 30m

About

Welcome to “Tread Talks: A Bromance”, the podcast where two bros get their steps in while diving into the epic world of romantasy!  Season 1 covers the first part of the Empyrean Series, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.  We take it on 5-6 chapters at a time and lend our less than expert opinions on romantasy to the mix.  Stay tuned for season 2 (Iron Flame) and season 3 (Onyx Storm)....