Romantasy Roundtable: Fantasy Romance Reviews

Amanda, Kim, and Rick
  • 4.1 (7)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Romantasy Roundtable: A Tale of Rick and Roses! Join us for an engaging book club and read-along experience as we explore the enchanting world of romantasy, diving into captivating stories and unforgettable moments together! Hosted by Rick and his "roses," this podcast-style channel explores the most spellbinding books in the romantic fantasy genre. What You'll Find Here: Read-alongs of popular romantasy books. Thoughtful analysis of characters, plot twists, and those unforgettable spicy moments. A warm and inclusive space for book lovers to share their thoughts and join the conversation. Always lighthearted, fun, and a bit unhinged Join the Court! Become part of our growing community of romantasy enthusiasts. Share your favorite books, theories, and moments with fellow "rosebuds." New Episodes Grab a book and settle in for an adventure filled with magic and love. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

  1. 4D AGO

    Throne of Glass: Chapters 27-End

    Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 27–End (Demon Worms, Wookie Holidays & The Hard Kosher Salami) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has expanded! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are joined by a very special guest: Julia (CEO and Founder of Brainwell), to help us survive the chaos of the final chapters of Throne of Glass. We break down Celaena’s hallucinogenic duel with Cain, the justice for Kaltain (who is officially a tragic figure), and the Dorian vs. Chaol debate that is tearing the group apart. But honestly? This episode is 40% plot and 60% unhinged tangents. We discuss why billiards exist in a fantasy world, attempt (and fail) Australian accents, and spend a concerning amount of time reviewing a Jewish Golem romance involving a refrigerator-sized man named Greg Stoneman. Key Topics Discussed: The Ridderak & The Duel: Cain cheats with Bloodbane, calling forth a demon that functions exactly like Slither.io. Celaena wins with a stick, Queen Elena breaks the rules of ghosting, and Nehemia reveals she’s been the MVP the whole time. The Magical Meet Cute "Novella": In a podcast-within-a-podcast, Amanda and Julia review Magical Meet Cute. We discuss Greg Gollum (a man built like a refrigerator who communicates via grunts), the excessive mentions of Hard Kosher Salami, and why Greg Stoneman might be the ultimate book boyfriend. Happy Life Day: Amanda goes on a rant about the Wookie Holiday at Disney World. Apparently, "Life Day" is canon, and we are all forced to celebrate it. Pronunciation Police: We try to honor our listener Jamie’s request for an Aussie accent (spoiler: it sounds like a pirate having a stroke). We also settle the Chaol debate: it’s pronounced "Kale" with a thick Southern accent. The Breakup: Celaena chooses freedom over Dorian, dumping the Prince to become the King’s Champion. We discuss the heavy "Empire Bad" themes and why Duke Perrington needs to meet a guillotine immediately. Closing: Grab your Hard Kosher Salami and your Wyrdmarks. We are done with book one! Your homework is to start Crown of Midnight, Chapters 1–29 (Stop when you see Chapter 30!). Support the Show: Subscribe or the Ridderak will find you! Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtable Email us (especially if you have a Golem story): romantasyroundtable@gmail.com

    1h 41m

  2. FEB 9

    Throne of Glass: Chapters 1-26

    Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 1–26 (Chaol vs. Kale, The Glass Castle & Total Dog Book Energy) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is down a rose (sending healing vibes to Bartholomew the Cat!), but Rick and Amanda are forging ahead into the salt mines of Endovier. We are officially kicking off Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda—fresh off the trauma of The Assassin’s Blade—is ready to meet Celaena Sardothien, the charming Prince Dorian, and the Captain of the Guard whose name we absolutely cannot pronounce: Chaol Westfall. We break down Celaena’s transition from convict to King’s Champion contender, discuss why the Glass Castle is a structural nightmare for anyone afraid of heights, and debate whether the presence of fleet-footed hounds officially makes this a "Total Dog Book." Plus, we answer a listener's Soup, Marry, Kill (Shadow Daddy Edition) that leaves the table divided. Key Topics Discussed: The Inbox is Alive! After a year of begging, we finally got our first official listener email! Shoutout to Megan D. for forcing us to play a high-stakes game of Soup, Marry, Kill: Shadow Daddy Edition (Rhysand vs. Xaden vs. The Kingfisher). The table is divided, but we can all agree on one thing: Tamlin still loses. The Great Chaol Debate: Is it Kay-all? Chail? Or just Kale said with a heavy Southern accent? Amanda and Rick struggle to respect the Captain’s name. Lillian Gordaina: Celaena goes undercover as a vapid jewel thief/court lady but can’t stop vomiting in the bushes during the mandatory training montages. Team Dorian vs. Team Chaol: The battle lines are drawn early. Rick is charmed by Dorian’s gift of books, while Amanda is leaning toward the brooding, judgmental Captain. Chamber of Secrets: Celaena finds a secret tunnel behind a tapestry, spies on the boys, and gets a divine "Save the World" quest from the ghost of Queen Elena (who definitely has Fae ears). Wyrdmarks & Murder: Competitors are getting eaten (literally, RIP Bill the Eye Eater), and weird runes are appearing in the castle. Magic might not be as dead as the King thinks. Closing: Grab your bow and arrow and try to hit the bullseye (or just the center). Your homework is to finish the book for next week! We’ll see you at the finish line—try not to get eaten on the way out. Support the Show: Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the Throne of Glass series! Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtable Email us (with your Chaol pronunciations): romantasyroundtable@gmail.com

    1 hr

  3. JAN 26

    The Assassins Blade: Novellas 4-5

    Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Part 2 (Sewer Romances, Toxic Assassin Daddies & RIP, you deserved better) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to finish the prequel, and we are emotionally compromised. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the final two novellas of The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Underworld and The Assassin and the Empire. We witness the rise and tragic fall of a dear friend, discuss why Arobynn Hamel is the ultimate gaslighting "Assassin Daddy," and question Celaena Sardothien’s decision-making skills. But before the heartbreak, we have important business to attend to: Amanda decodes a prophetic dream about a lip piercing (and why her face is swollen), the crew debates NYC snowstorm survival (Team Trader Joe’s Meal Prep vs. Team Bodega Cat), and we finally, FINALLY,get a medical definition for the Inner Hip. Key Topics Discussed: Love in a Hopeless Place (A Sewer): We break down the pivotal scene where Celaena and Sam finally admit their feelings while drowning in wastewater. It’s gross, it’s dramatic, and it’s the only acceptable place for a first makeout session in this series apparently. Arobynn Hamel Hate Club: We dissect the manipulation of the King of the Assassins. From the creepy gifts to buying Lysandra’s virginity, he solidifies his status as a top-tier villain (who we wouldn't trust to hold our drink). The Inner Hip Resolved: Shoutout to our listener Jamie for solving the mystery! We now know it’s near the pelvic joint/bikini tie area, though Amanda still insists it is not an erogenous zone. Only time will tell RIP: The crew reacts to the off-screen death, the torture by Farran, and the devastating scene at the mortuary. We discuss why this prequel was necessary to understand Celaena’s trauma going into Throne of Glass. "I Will Not Be Afraid": We analyze the ending, the Salt Mines of Endovier, and the iconic mantra that defines the rest of the series (even if Rick quoted it wrong). Closing: Dry your tears, we are done with the prequel! PROGRAMMING NOTE: Ignore what we said in the outro! After the mics turned off, we decided to pivot. We are skipping Bound by Vengeance and diving straight into Throne of Glass next week. Chapters 1–26. Be there.

    1 hr

  4. JAN 19

    The Assassin’s Blade: Novellas 1-3

    Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Novellas 1-3 (Sam Cortland, Skull’s Bay & an inner hip) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable officially enters the Throne of Glass era! We are kicking off our journey into the Maasverse not with the first book, but with the prequel: The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas. Amanda (the newbie), Kim (the veteran), and Rick (the obsessed) break down the first three novellas: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, The Assassin and the Healer, and The Assassin and the Desert. We discuss Celaena Sardothien’s 16-year-old audacity, why Sam Cortland gives off the energy of a finance bro you met on a Hinge date, and the group’s firm belief that Rolf the Pirate Lord is actually just a Muppet with magic hands. Expect debates on the anatomy of the "inner hip," questionable teaching methods involving knives, and why the desert is full of scorpions named Josh. Key Topics Discussed: Reading Order Debate: Why we chose to start with the prequel (Star Wars style) to get the heartbreak out of the way early—even if Rick thinks Yoda was just a puppet until Episode 2. Sam Cortland vs. The World: We analyze Sam’s primal urge to be annoying, his "divorced dad" curtain-ripping energy, and why he feels like a guy who drinks IPAs for a living. The Healer & The Barmaid: A deep dive into Yrene Towers, her brutal self-defense lessons from Celaena, and why "sink or swim" driving lessons in a Florida hailstorm are safer than Celaena's teaching style. Desert Drama: Celaena heads to the Red Desert to train with the Silent Master, meets Ansel (and her betrayal), and learns that Stygian Spiders are basically just giant horses or "a million scorpions named Josh." The Inner Hip: The crew tries to locate this elusive body part (Is it the groin? The string bikini line? An erogenous zone?) and why pinching it is the ultimate female friendship bonding moment. Closing: Join us as we sprint through the desert and liberate slaves with style. Finish The Assassin’s Blade for next week—we have two more novellas to go before the emotional damage truly sets in!

    1h 5m

  5. JAN 12

    A Court of Silver Flames: Full Book

    Episode Title: A Court of Silver Flames – Full Book Breakdown (Soup, Stairs & The Trifecta of Chachkis!) Description: The Romanty Roundtable is back for 2026, and we have officially achieved the Concussion Trifecta! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are diving headfirst into the House of Wind to tackle the behemoth that is A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We’re breaking down Nesta Archeron’s journey from self-destructive "woman about town" to Valkyrie warrior, dissecting the pregnancy trope that absolutely divided the table, and obsessing over Cassian, the ultimate German Shepherd boyfriend. Expect debates on whether the Blood Rite was realistic, how many chachkis (Dread Trove items) you need to save the world, and enough soup talk to feed an Illyrian army. Key Topics Discussed: The Soup Kitchen is Open: We analyze the sheer volume of soup (spicy scenes) in this book—a solid five cans of soup rating. From the stairwell to the infamous dining room table, Nesta and Cassian have zero chill. Valkyries Assemble: Nesta finds her squad in Gwyn and Emerie. We discuss the power of female friendship, the library priestesses, the sleepover that summoned a miniature pegasus, and the trio’s controversial victory in the Blood Rite. The Trifecta of Chachkis: Nesta becomes a High Necromancer in the Bog of Oorid, wielding the Mask and proving she’s the scariest Archeron sister. We track the hunt for the Harp and the Crown (and why the Kelpie is the absolute worst). Feyre’s Uterus vs. The Plot: The crew fights over the pregnancy storyline. Was it necessary? Why did Rhysand hide the truth (again)? Does a baby with wings justify a magical C-section crisis? Kim has thoughts (and a rating of 3 stars to prove it). Nesta vs. The Stairs: The true villain of the first 50% of the book: 10,000 steps. We discuss Nesta’s physical and mental rehabilitation and why Cassian is the most patient male in Prythian. Join us for the chaos, the concussions, and the catharsis. Next up, we’re leaving Prythian to start our journey into Throne of Glass. Grab your Assassin's Blade—we’re going back to where it all began!

    1h 22m

  6. JAN 5

    A Court of Frost and Starlight: Full Book Review

    Episode Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight – Full Book Review (The Hallmark Holiday Special!) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to unwrap the gift that is A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda, Kim, and Rick sit down to roast—we mean review—the bridge novella that sits between the main trilogy and the Nesta-verse. It’s the Winter Solstice in Velaris, which means less war and more shopping, decorating, and primal urges. The crew breaks down the "low stakes, high vibes" energy, Rhysand's questionable gift-giving budget, and why Nesta is the only one keeping it real in a city of toxic positivity. Expect heavy debates on whether this book is essential reading or just expensive fanfiction, a deep dive into The Wall Scene™, and a lot of concern for Tamlin’s depression beard. Key Topics Discussed: The Hallmark Movie Allegations: We discuss if this book is a vital plot bridge or just A Very Special Feyre Christmas episode. Rick is confused by the lack of death; Kim is just here for the vibes. The Wall Scene (Soup Check): We analyze Chapter 22. You know the one. The paint. The soup. The inner hip mechanics. It’s a 5-star spice rating in a 2-star plot. Nesta’s "Villain" Era: The crew defends (and fears) Nesta Archeron, who is currently rotting in a glorious apartment on Rhysand’s dime while roasting everyone who breathes near her. Shadow Daddy Duties: Azriel stands in corners and looks broodingly handsome while buying thoughtful gifts. We discuss his illegally good gift-giving love language. Tamlin’s Sad Boy Manor: Feyre drops by the Spring Court for a pity visit. We dissect the heavy "divorced dad energy" radiating off the High Lord of Spring. The Illyrian Baby Fever: The foreshadowing is heavy! We argue about the pregnancy trope setup and whether Rhysand needs to calm down about his legacy. Cassian’s Pining: Our favorite General is down bad. We track every moment Cassian tries to be nice to Nesta and gets emotionally annihilated for it. Amren’s Expensive Taste: The Tiny Ancient One demands jewelry. We respect the hustle. The Birkin Bag vs. Art Studio: We judge Rhysand’s gifts. Is a house a good gift? Or is it just a chore with a bow on it? The Slog of Happiness: Is it boring to watch people be happy? We debate if peace is actually the ultimate narrative slog. Closing: Grab your Illyrian leathers and your leftover Solstice wine—we’re about to get festive and feral. Next up: The absolute chaos of A Court of Silver Flames. Prepare your knees!

    55 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    2025 Year in Review and Awards

    Episode Title: The First Annual Soupy Awards + Ultimate Tier Ranking (Drunk Edition!) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable crew is signing off for the year, and we are absolutely feral. Rick, Amanda, and Kim are fueled by "Fairy Wine" (Hugos) and aggressive chip-eating ASMR to bring you our massive Year-End Review. We aren't just giving out stars; we’ve invented a chaotic new Tier List ranging from "My House, My Chair, My Woman" (S-Tier) to "Should Have Been a DNF" (F-Tier). Expect unhinged debates about lesbians in space, a re-evaluation of every soup scene (sex scene) we read this year during Post-Soup Clarity, and the inauguration of the Soupy Awards. Who is the ultimate Shadow Daddy? Which book committed the crime of "The Part That Throbbed"? And why does The Night Circus still haunt our nightmares? Grab a drink—this one gets messy. Key Topics Discussed: The Definitive Tier List: We rank everything from Fourth Wing and ACOTAR (S-Tier legends) to the absolute slog of From Blood and Ash (D-Tier) and the nonexistent plot of The Night Circus (F-Tier). Post-Soup Clarity: We aggressively audit the spice. Phantasma takes the crown for quantity and creativity, while Iron Flame gets a promotion. Plus, we officially ban the words "folds," "flaps," and "hilt" from 2026. The Soupy Awards: We hand out trophies for Best Little Guy (Onyx vs. Bartholomew), NPC of the Year, and the Jack F'N Barlow Award for the character we hate the most. The "Dylan Award": Honoring the characters gone too soon (RIP Liam and Dylan). Book of the Year: The crew comes to a rare consensus on the book that defined the podcast (Spoiler: It involves dragons). Closing: Join us for the chaos, the cringe, and the justice for Kingfisher. We’ll see you next year when we dive headfirst into the Maasverse (Throne of Glass & Crescent City). Don't touch our chips!

    1h 42m

  8. 12/22/2025

    Brimstone: Chapters 40-End

    Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 40–End (The "Onyx Lives" Meltdown Edition) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has survived the emotional apocalypse of Brimstone by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are emotionally compromised but ready to break down the explosive finale (Chapters 40–52). We dive into the chaos of Saeris becoming a world-breaking resurrectionist, the long-awaited reveal of Kingfisher’s True Name (goodbye, bird metaphors!), and Rick’s sudden, bagel-fueled embrace of his Jewish heritage. Expect screaming about Onyx the Quicksilver Fox, debates on whether Arisian the Dragon is actually just a big puppy, and a very serious complaint about the severe lack of soup (spice) in the final act. We discuss why Tal is finally invited to the cookout, why Belikon refuses to stay dead, and how Kaiden is officially the ultimate Shadow Daddy. Key Topics Discussed: Onyx Lives (Thank the 7 Gods): Rick prays to every deity from Buddha to Moses as we process the absolute trauma of Onyx’s sacrifice and Saeris' desperate use of Alchemion power to undo death itself. The Artist Formerly Known as Kingfisher: We finally get a name—Khydan Greystar Finvarra—and accept "Khy" as a valid nickname. Also, turns out he’s a demigod with shadow magic? We love a divine power-up. Tal’s Redemption & Plant Daddies: Tal mourns Zalvena and gets a shiny new sword, while Kerrion reveals his plant magic, proving that "nice guys" who like horns are top-tier. The Soup Drought: The crew laments that despite the high stakes, we were denied our enemies-to-lovers payoff. We wanted an orgy; we got political maneuvering and beheadings. Join us for the tears, the rage, and the realization that a bird is a book. Next up: We’re getting festive (and messy) with A Court of Frost and Starlight—aka the Holiday Special!

    1h 27m
See All (54)

Ratings & Reviews

4.1
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Romantasy Roundtable: A Tale of Rick and Roses! Join us for an engaging book club and read-along experience as we explore the enchanting world of romantasy, diving into captivating stories and unforgettable moments together! Hosted by Rick and his "roses," this podcast-style channel explores the most spellbinding books in the romantic fantasy genre. What You'll Find Here: Read-alongs of popular romantasy books. Thoughtful analysis of characters, plot twists, and those unforgettable spicy moments. A warm and inclusive space for book lovers to share their thoughts and join the conversation. Always lighthearted, fun, and a bit unhinged Join the Court! Become part of our growing community of romantasy enthusiasts. Share your favorite books, theories, and moments with fellow "rosebuds." New Episodes Grab a book and settle in for an adventure filled with magic and love. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Information

You Might Also Like