Spread Your Wingspan

Sara & Jennie
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Created by Sara Vander Zwaag & Jennie Lindsay We are two friends that immediately bonded over our secret smut addictions. Tune in as we chat about all things literary involving Romantasy, Fantasy, and straight up Romance. We compare notes on the Bookstagram fan favorites, the obscure series with new-to-us kinks, and everything in between. Do we always have the same opinion? No! Do we love to dissect tropes, fantasize over gorgeous fae, and giggle when we imagine their wingspans? Yes! If you are like us (highly anxious older daughters with ADHD and escapist tendencies) then this is the podcast for you. Pssst... It’s always the quiet ones. ;) Follow us on Instagram @spreadyourwingspan Visit our website: spreadyourwingspan.com Email us your questions and hot takes: hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Oct 27

    Crescent City #3 Lore Recap: House of Flame & Shadow

    Summary Jennie and Sara return to House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas, the third Crescent City book, for one last recap before A Court of Splintered Harmony arrives. They sort through the lore that matters for Prythian, from the Asteri and the Dread Trove to the questions they hope the next ACOTAR book finally answers. Along the way they dig into Nesta's growth, why the book's exposition was such a slog, and the Throne of Glass crossover theories fans are chasing. Spoilers Full spoilers for House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas, including the ending. Content Warnings Threat of torture, imprisonment, and violence. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:24 – Our Last Recap Before A Court of Splintered Harmony 3:26 – The Tunnel We Blocked Out & Crescent City Letdowns 7:35 – Content Warnings for House of Flame and Shadow 8:05 – Lore Recap: Bryce, the Asteri & the Dread Trove 12:12 – Questions for A Court of Splintered Harmony 13:04 – Retcons & Pants-Writing 14:19 – Lore Dumps & Joyless Prythian 17:01 – What a True Crossover Could Have Been 18:37 – Pitting Protagonists Against Each Other 19:34 – Nesta, the Mask & the Starsword 20:31 – Nesta's Arc & Backsliding 22:33 – Starsword, Truth Teller & Avallen 23:24 – Nesta's Tattoo & Starborn Bloodlines 24:17 – The Valkyrie Cycle & the Made Swords 28:02 – The Bryce-riel Ship Wars 28:58 – Nesta's Silver Flames 30:19 – Exposition Overload 33:32 – A Rushed Rewrite & No Slice of Life 35:28 – Building on Air: Interconnected Worlds 36:26 – Expectations for Books 6 and 7 38:07 – Rebecca Yarros's 800,000-Word Year 40:16 – Throne of Glass Crossover Theories 44:35 – What's Next: A Court of Splintered Harmony 46:01 – Jennie's Orange Dragon: The Dragonkind Quiz 48:43 – Spice Rating & Lore Rating 49:02 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. Maas Crescent City series — Sarah J. Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas A Court of Silver Flames — Sarah J. Maas A Court of Splintered Harmony — Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass series — Sarah J. Maas Kingdom of Ash — Sarah J. Maas Kushiel's Dart — Jacqueline Carey Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros Threshing Day — Rebecca Yarros Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Dragonkind (the dragon-bonding quiz) FAQ Does Episode 42 of Spread Your Wingspan cover House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas, the Crescent City book that crosses over with A Court of Thorns and Roses? Yes, Episode 42 of Spread Your Wingspan is Jennie and Sara's lore recap of House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas, the third Crescent City book and the one that crosses over with the ACOTAR world of Prythian. It focuses on the lore that matters for A Court of Splintered Harmony, rather than a full discussion of the book. For that, check out Episode 2 of Spread Your Wingspan. What is House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas about? House of Flame and Shadow is the third book in Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series. It follows Bryce Quinlan as the story crosses into Prythian, bringing her face to face with Nesta, Azriel, and the Inner Circle, and with the Asteri and the Dread Trove. We dig into the lore in Episode 42 of Spread Your Wingspan. Do I need to read House of Flame and Shadow before A Court of Splintered Harmony? Jennie and Sara hope this recap saves you the read, and they expect Sarah J. Maas to include some recap-style exposition in the next ACOTAR book. If you want to know what matters for Prythian before A Court of Splintered Harmony, hear their full lore breakdown in Episode 42 of Spread Your Wingspan. —---- Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  2. Oct 26

    Interview with Jennifer Michelle Herrera

    Summary Sara and Jennie sit down with Jennifer Michelle Herrera, author of Siren Says, for an author conversation as warm as it is wide-ranging. Jennifer shares how Pennsylvania slate and the Welsh settlers who quarried it sparked her romantasy, why she filled the story with plants and tactile detail, and what drew her to the myth of Mis and the power of female rage. The three talk Delilah as a "shadow mommy," Cherry and the case for unlikable women, intergenerational trauma and atonement, and the audiobook narration that carried the Welsh pronunciations. Jennifer also opens up about her writing process, her path from philosophy grad student to literary agent to author, and the books she wants everyone to read next. Spoilers Full spoilers for Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera, including the ending. Author Bio Jennifer is the author of Siren Says & The Hunter. She studied philosophy in graduate school before moving to New York City, where she became a literary agent. She has gone on to represent New York Times bestsellers, IndieBound bestsellers, and winners of multiple awards. She now lives in Philadelphia with her husband, children, and cats. Jennifer’s website Jennifer’s Instagram Content Warnings Self-harm, domestic abuse from a parent, violence and gore, and a coercive sexual encounter that is accidental. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:23 – Meet Jennifer Michelle Herrera 3:11 – What Inspired Siren Says: Slate & Welsh Settlers 6:10 – Pennsylvania Rocks & Local History 8:37 – A Tactile Book & Re-Enchanting the World 9:51 – Ancestral Enchantment & Reclaiming Heritage 11:16 – Welsh Pronunciations & the Ceffyl Dŵr 12:05 – Sorcha Groundsell's Audiobook Narration 15:32 – Favorite Scene to Write: Flowers in Bloom 18:58 – Power, Morality & The Good Place 21:30 – Delilah the Shadow Mommy 24:41 – Favorite Character: Delilah & the Crone 29:11 – Female Rage & the Myth of Mis 33:21 – Fantasy as Permission to Feel 35:32 – Motherhood, Advocacy & Accessing Rage 37:19 – Intergenerational Trauma & Atonement 41:01 – Will There Be a Sequel? 42:06 – Cherry & Unlikable Women 46:03 – Writing Process, Research & The Light Eaters 49:05 – Intuition & the Subconscious on the Page 51:36 – The Hero's Journey vs. Women's Cycles 52:36 – Oral History, Mother Tongue & Women's Knowledge 54:26 – Celtic Storytellers & Passing Down Stories 55:55 – Llyfr Cyfrin: The Welsh Book of Secrets 57:04 – Book Recommendations: Wild Reverence & Emma M. Lion 1:00:23 – From Philosopher to Literary Agent to Author 1:03:12 – Where to Find Jennifer 1:05:01 – Favorite Welsh Spirit: The Ceffyl Dŵr 1:06:18 – Thank You & Guerrilla Marketing Plans 1:07:17 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode Siren Says — Jennifer Michelle Herrera Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros Threshing Day — Rebecca Yarros Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words — Jenni Nuttall The Light Eaters — Zoë Schlanger Wild Reverence — Rebecca Ross The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion — Emma M. Lion Welsh Witchcraft — Mahra Starling "Sun to Me" — Zach Bryan (the song behind the flower-garden scene) Sorcha Groundsell — narrator of the Siren Says audiobook Jennifer Michelle Herrera's website: jenniferherrerabooks.com FAQ Does Episode 41 of Spread Your Wingspan feature an interview with Jennifer Michelle Herrera, author of Siren Says? Yes, Episode 41 of Spread Your Wingspan is Sara and Jennie's author interview with Jennifer Michelle Herrera, the author of the Welsh-inspired romantasy Siren Says. It is the companion to Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan, where they recap and discuss the book. In this conversation Jennifer talks about her inspiration, her writing process, female rage, and what she is reading next. What is Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera about? Siren Says follows Raven Wynn, a young woman whose magic was bound as a teenager and who travels to Pennsylvania to find her mysterious aunt and a way to deal with her power. Jennifer built the story around Welsh mythology and the slate-quarrying history of Pennsylvania. Hear the full recap in Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan. Should I read Siren Says before listening to Episode 41 of Spread Your Wingspan? Yes, if you can. The interview includes full spoilers for Siren Says, so read or listen to the book first. If you want a refresher, Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan covers the full recap before Jennifer joins in Episode 41. Will there be a sequel to Siren Says? Jennifer shares in Episode 41 of Spread Your Wingspan that her publisher would want strong sales before commissioning a sequel, and that she already knows where the story would go, with more of Cherry's story. She jokes that it may one day appear on Patreon. What books does Jennifer Michelle Herrera recommend? In Episode 41 of Spread Your Wingspan, Jennifer recommends Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross, The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger, and The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, a series of tiny, rule-breaking novels she read in eight days. —---- Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  3. Oct 26

    Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera

    Summary Jennie and Sara give their opinions of Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera — a lush, Welsh-rooted romantasy about a young woman whose magic has been bound for years, the family secrets waiting for her in Pennsylvania, and the women who shape her path. From a plant-based magic system and a dark fairy tale ending to a softer, more everyday kind of romantasy hero, the hosts dig into female rage, intergenerational trauma and atonement, reclaiming ancestral culture instead of borrowing someone else's, and why female friendship is the beating heart of the story. They also talk pacing, tactile prose, and the hopeful question: when do we get the Delilah, Cherry, and Idris spin-offs? Spoilers Full spoilers for Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera, including the ending. Content Warnings Self-harm, domestic abuse from a parent, violence and gore, and a coercive sexual encounter that is accidental. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:24 – Today's Book: Siren Says 1:50 – Content Warnings for Siren Says 2:44 – Recap Begins: Welsh Pronunciations & Raven's Bound Magic 5:01 – Recap Continues: Cynefin, Cherry & Training 6:20 – Recap Wrap-Up: The Family Quarry & Nos Calan Mai 7:56 – Themes & Reactions: Intergenerational Atonement 9:55 – Appropriation vs. Reconnecting With Ancestral Roots 11:47 – Passing Down Stories, Setting & a Grim Fairy Tale 14:59 – The Violence of Women 16:24 – Bound Magic: Power Isn't the Problem 18:32 – Morally Gray Women 20:22 – The Grimoire as a Framing Device 21:40 – That Dark Fairy Tale Ending 22:52 – Welsh Pronunciations: Audiobook vs. Print 24:00 – Wanting More: Pacing & the Final Act 27:31 – A Tactile Book 28:42 – Idris, "Ravenous" & a Softer Hero 30:56 – The Quartet: Raven, Cherry, Idris & Delilah 32:19 – Female Friendship Over Rivalry 33:42 – Shadow Mommies 34:39 – Why You Should Read It 36:29 – Magic Types, Seers & Fransys 37:54 – Intergenerational Trauma, Atonement & Fantasy as Allegory 39:15 – Spice Rating, the Club Scene & Overall Score 41:50 – Female Friendship, Rereading & Why We Do This Podcast 43:42 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode Siren Says — Jennifer Michelle Herrera Outlander — Diana Gabaldon Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros Sorcha Groundsell — narrator of the Siren Says audiobook FAQ Does Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan cover Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera, the Welsh-inspired witch fantasy? Yes, Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion of Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera, a fantasy rooted in Welsh mythology about a young witch whose magic has been bound. Jennie and Sara walk through the story, the themes, and what they loved and wanted more of. What is Siren Says by Jennifer Michelle Herrera about? Siren Says follows Raven Wynn, a young woman whose magic was bound as a teenager and who travels to Pennsylvania to find her mysterious aunt and a way to deal with her power. Along the way she finds family secrets, ancient Welsh magic, and new friendships. We cover the full recap in Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan. Should you read or listen to Siren Says? Jennie and Sara recommend the audiobook, narrated by Sorcha Groundsell, if you're the kind of reader who needs to know how a word sounds before moving on, since the Welsh names and magic terms can slow down a print read. Hear their full take in Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is Siren Says spicy? Not very — Jennie and Sara give it one pepper out of five, noting the love scene is sweet but short and not graphic. Full spice talk is in Episode 40 of Spread Your Wingspan. —--- Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  4. Oct 20

    Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

    Summary Sara and Jennie give their opinions of Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros — the Fourth Wing companion from the Wings and Claws collection, told through the eyes of the cadets as their dragons choose them. The hosts chapter through every rider and dragon pairing, then dig into dragon lore, the joy of multiple points of view, how Yarros and Sarah J. Maas build their worlds differently, and what this little book hints at for the series ahead. It all wraps with a spice rating, an overall score, and what's up next this season. Spoilers Full spoilers for Threshing Day, Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Content Warnings Suicidal ideation and an unsuccessful suicide attempt (in Sloane's chapter), violence and gore, and death. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 1:44 – Today's Book: Threshing Day & the Dragonkind Game 4:32 – Rereads & Series Fatigue 7:39 – Content Warnings for Threshing Day 8:36 – Recap Begins: How Dragons Choose & Pronouncing the Names 10:30 – Brennan & Marbh 11:15 – Mira & Teine 12:05 – Xaden & Sgaeyl 13:23 – Garrick & Chradh 14:10 – Dain & Cath 15:05 – Bodhi & Cuir 15:57 – Imogen & Glane 17:07 – Rhiannon & Fierge 18:01 – Sawyer & Sliseig 19:13 – Ridoc & Aotrom 20:38 – Liam & Deigh 21:50 – Sloane & Thoirt 23:31 – Aaric & Molvic 24:46 – Themes, Tropes, the Gods & Dragon Personalities 27:33 – Theory Corner & Audiobook Narrators 33:30 – Plotters vs. Pantsers: Yarros, Maas & Tolkien 37:07 – Bonus Chapters & Modern Marketing 40:38 – Stakes, Tragedy & TV Casting 43:25 – Night-Feed Comfort Read & Multiple Points of View 46:33 – Favorite Chapters & the Bodhi Theory 51:07 – Bonds, Anger & Why Riders Die With Their Dragons 54:23 – Spice Rating, Overall Score & Onyx Storm Rereads 55:45 – Next Week: House of Flame and Shadow Lore 57:29 – Coming Up: Siren Says, the Author Interview & Partner Props 1:01:53 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode Threshing Day — Rebecca Yarros Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros Iron Flame — Rebecca Yarros Onyx Storm — Rebecca Yarros House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. Maas Siren Says — Jennifer Herrera Circe — Madeline Miller Outlander — Diana Gabaldon FAQ Does Episode 39 of Spread Your Wingspan cover Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros, the Fourth Wing companion? Yes, Episode 39 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion of Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros, a companion to the Empyrean series that follows the Fourth Wing cadets as they bond with their dragons. Sara and Jennie chapter through every dragon and rider pairing. What is Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros? Threshing Day is a supplementary book in the Wings and Claws collection that follows the cadets of Fourth Wing as they bond with their dragons, one point of view at a time. We cover every pairing in Episode 39 of Spread Your Wingspan. Do you need to read Threshing Day before continuing the Empyrean series? Sara and Jennie say no — Rebecca Yarros has said it isn't necessary, and you won't miss anything in the main timeline, though it's packed with Easter eggs and lore. Hear how it adds to the series in Episode 39 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is Threshing Day spicy? No — Sara and Jennie give it zero peppers out of five, since there's no sex in this one. Full spice talk is in Episode 39 of Spread Your Wingspan. ------ Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  5. Oct 13

    ACOTAR Recap 5: A Court of Silver Flames

    Summary Jennie and Sara give their opinions of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas — the fifth ACOTAR book, which shifts the spotlight to Nesta and Cassian and the long road of healing that follows the war. Their extra-long recap sets the stage, then the hosts dig into how the book handles trauma, autonomy, found family, and the House of Wind, plus a few rants, a candid look at Cassian's red flags, and what the story leaves unanswered for the books ahead. It all wraps with a spice rating, an overall score, and a look at what's up next this season. Spoilers Full spoilers for A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, including the ending. Light, non-story-critical references to Crescent City, House of Flame and Shadow, Fourth Wing, Priest, and House Witch. Content Warnings Sexual assault allegory, alcoholism and addiction, suicidal ideation, self-hate, self-harm, torture, depression, threat of rape in memories, rape mentioned but not shown, and explicit sex. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:15 – Diving Into Book Five 1:11 – Content Warnings for A Court of Silver Flames 3:54 – Recap Begins: Nesta's Ultimatum 5:20 – House of Wind, Windhaven & the Library 9:06 – Meeting Emerie & Gwyn 12:32 – A Bargain & the First Training Session 17:15 – The Blood Rite Explained 20:30 – The Dread Trove Revealed 28:22 – Bones, Stones & Nightmares 31:13 – The Bog of Oorid & the Mask 36:21 – Forging Weapons 42:56 – The Punishment Hike 45:13 – The Harp & the Prison 52:03 – Solstice at the Hewn City 55:14 – Sleepover at the House of Wind 59:31 – The Blood Rite Begins 1:06:14 – The Final Showdown 1:09:14 – Recap Wrap-Up 1:10:14 – Themes, Tropes & MacGuffins 1:11:45 – The Cauldron Opening Chapter 1:15:45 – Forced Rehab vs. Autonomy 1:24:10 – The House & Found Family 1:26:29 – Rants: Nutrition Advice & Modern Terms 1:28:46 – Training Scenes & the Valkyrie Fantasy 1:33:19 – The Sex Scenes 1:34:18 – Cassian's Red Flags 1:39:49 – Why Doesn't Cassian Say "I Love You"? 1:44:36 – Sexual Assault, Healing & Romance 1:50:27 – Rhys & Feyre's Choices 1:54:54 – The Pregnancy Arc & the Rules of Magic 2:00:06 – Spice Rating & Overall Score 2:02:33 – Ball Pit Tangent 2:05:24 – Up Next: Threshing Day 2:06:42 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode A Court of Silver Flames — Sarah J. Maas Crescent City — Sarah J. Maas House of Flame and Shadow — Sarah J. Maas Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros Priest — Sierra Simone Siren Says — Jennifer Herrera House Witch — Delemhach FAQ Does Episode 38 of Spread Your Wingspan cover book five of the ACOTAR series? Yes, Episode 38 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion episode covering A Court of Silver Flames, book five in Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series. What happens in A Court of Silver Flames? A Court of Silver Flames follows Nesta Archeron and Cassian as Nesta is pushed into training and work at the House of Wind, forming new friendships and confronting her trauma while a new threat gathers. We cover the full recap in Episode 38 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is A Court of Silver Flames spicy? Yes — Jennie and Sara give it three peppers out of five, and call the sex scenes a big step up from the earlier books. Full spice talk is in Episode 38 of Spread Your Wingspan. How do Jennie and Sara rate A Court of Silver Flames? Jennie rates it an 8.5 to 9 and Sara rates it an 8, praising how well it writes a healing journey and girlhood. Hear the full reasoning in Episode 38 of Spread Your Wingspan. ------ Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  6. Oct 5

    ACOTAR Recap 4: A Court of Frost & Starlight

    Summary Jennie and Sara give their opinions of A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas — the shorter, slower novella-length entry that catches up with Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle as they settle into Winter Solstice after everything the war put them through. It's a quieter, slice-of-life kind of book, and the hosts dig into what that shift in pacing does for the series, how the characters are healing (or not) in the in-between moments, and the world of Velaris. From there, it's a wider conversation about overused phrases, editorial continuity slip-ups, how this series stacks up against other current fantasy romance favorites, and why book five has both hosts so excited for next time. Spoilers Full spoilers for A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, including the ending. Light, non-story-critical references to A Court of Silver Flames, Crescent City, Fourth Wing/Onyx Storm, From Blood and Ash, and The Lord of the Rings. Content Warnings Alcoholism and addiction, familial abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:20 – Diving Into Book Four 2:28 – Why This One Hits Different After Book Three 5:58 – Content Warnings for A Court of Frost and Starlight 6:58 – Recap Begins: Solstice Approaches in Velaris 9:52 – Catching Up on Eris, Lucien & the Human Lands 11:19 – Feyre's Art & Rhysand's Visit to the Spring Court 13:09 – Family Dinner & Nesta's Distance 14:03 – Mor's New Assignment 14:31 – Shopping, the Weaver's Tapestry & a New Gallery 16:17 – The Bat Boys' Snowball Fight 16:47 – Solstice Dinner & Nesta's Surprise Visit 17:45 – A Quiet Night & a Big Conversation 18:42 – Opening the Art Studio 22:08 – Recap Wrap-Up: A Slower, Quieter Book 25:18 – Themes, Tropes & the Weaver's Grief 31:39 – Found Family & the World of Velaris 38:26 – Sara's Reactions: Loving Nesta's Mess 39:52 – Continuity Errors & Editorial Gripes 43:18 – Overused Phrases & the "Lore Bible" 45:55 – Comparing Series: Yarros, Crescent City & Blood and Ash 46:53 – Buffy, Endings & Why Book Five Is a Favorite 48:34 – Spice Rating & Overall Score 51:35 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode A Court of Frost and Starlight — Sarah J. Maas Crescent City — Sarah J. Maas From Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros FAQ Does Episode 37 of Spread Your Wingspan cover book four of the ACOTAR series? Yes, Episode 37 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion episode covering A Court of Frost and Starlight, book four in Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series. What happens in A Court of Frost and Starlight? A Court of Frost and Starlight slows things down after the war, catching up with Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle as they navigate Winter Solstice, grief, and healing in the months that follow. We cover the full recap in Episode 37 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is A Court of Frost and Starlight spicy? Not really — Jennie and Sara call it one of the least spicy entries in the series so far, landing at barely a pepper out of five. Full spice talk is in Episode 37 of Spread Your Wingspan. Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  7. Sep 28

    ACOTAR Recap 3 - A Court of Wings & Ruin

    Summary Jennie and Sara close out the original ACOTAR trilogy with A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas — the book they call the most relentless of the series so far. Feyre goes undercover, plays a dangerous game of deception, and fights her way back to the people who matter most, all while the war she's been dreading finally arrives. From there, the hosts dig into pacing and publishing pressures, the found-family dynamics of the Inner Circle, the show's ongoing "who gets to be a good leader" theme, a spirited debate over one of the book's most-discussed plot devices, and comparisons covering everything from Throne of Glass to fandom ship wars to what makes a battle scene actually work on the page. Spoilers Full spoilers for A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, including the ending. Light, non-story-critical references to later ACOTAR books, Throne of Glass, Crescent City, and Outlander. Content Warnings Torture, violence/gore, war, domestic abuse, PTSD. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:24 – Book Count & Reread Reflections 2:45 – Content Warnings for A Court of Wings and Ruin 5:05 – Recap Begins: Feyre's Deception at the Spring Court 6:56 – Hybern's Envoys Arrive & the Wall Inspection 9:49 – The Bogge, Ianthe's Manipulations & Tamlin's Rage 13:37 – Feyre's Escape Unravels: The Hybern Twins' Betrayal 18:15 – Fighting the Twins & Fleeing With Lucien 21:01 – Rescue by Cassian and Azriel 29:20 – Reunited in Velaris & News of the Summer Court Attack 33:09 – The High Lords' Meeting at the Dawn Court 39:19 – Training to Fly, the Bone Carver & the Ouroboros Bargain 43:57 – Hybern Infiltrates the Library: Elain's Visions 48:16 – Adriata Falls: The Battle for the Summer Court 53:37 – War Council: Preparing to Rally the Human Lands 1:00:53 – The First Battle & Jurian's Redemption 1:03:09 – The Suriel's Sacrifice & Infiltrating Hybern's Camp 1:13:51 – The Final Battle: The Cauldron & the King's Death 1:18:59 – A Devastating Loss & a Hard-Won Return 1:22:45 – Recap Wrap-Up: "This Could Have Been Two Books" 1:28:24 – The Sisters, Found Family & Series Themes 1:30:13 – Themes, Tropes & Fandom Foreshadowing Theories 1:34:27 – Sara's Reactions: Pacing, Growth & a Big Plot Debate 1:36:41 – Battle-Writing Praise, Final Spice Rating & What's Next 1:37:23 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode  A Court of Wings and Ruin — Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass — Sarah J. Maas Crescent City — Sarah J. Maas FAQ What happens in A Court of Wings and Ruin?  A Court of Wings and Ruin brings the war Feyre has been bracing for to its breaking point, as old alliances are tested, new ones are forged, and the fight for Prythian's future reshapes everyone involved. We cover the full recap in Episode 36 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is A Court of Wings and Ruin spicy?  Jennie and Sara rate it about a six and a half to seven out of ten — not the spiciest entry in the series, but there's plenty that happens along the way. Full spice talk is in Episode 36 of Spread Your Wingspan. Does Episode 36 of Spread Your Wingspan cover book three of the ACOTAR series?  Yes, Episode 36 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion episode covering A Court of Wings and Ruin, book three in Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series. Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

  8. Sep 21

    ACOTAR Recap 2: A Court of Mist & Fury

    Summary Jennie and Sara are back for the full recap and discussion of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas — book two of the ACOTAR series and, as they put it, the book where everything changes. They follow Feyre out of the Spring Court and into the Night Court's orbit, through new alliances, new powers, and a slow-burn dynamic with Rhysand that reshapes everything she thought she knew. From there, they dig into themes of healing, self-actualization, the found-family dynamics of the inner circle, Sarah J. Maas's world-building and exposition choices, and the "third act breakup" trope (and why this book breaks it). Spoilers Full spoilers for A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, including the ending. Light references to later ACOTAR books, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City — nothing story-critical for those series is revealed. Content Warnings Domestic abuse (physical and emotional), imprisonment, suicidal ideation, depression, violence/gore. Chapters 0:00 – Show Intro 0:24 – Housekeeping & Book One Spice Recap 4:40 – Content Warnings for A Court of Mist and Fury 5:52 – Recap Begins: Three Months After Under the Mountain 7:56 – The Wedding That Wasn't 9:55 – The War Room, Rhysand's Offer & Deepening Depression 17:42 – Mor Rescues Feyre 19:46 – Touring Velaris & Dinner With the Inner Circle 24:02 – The Bone Carver 27:05 – The Weaver's Cottage 29:39 – Reuniting With Nesta and Elain & the Attor Attack 33:33 – The Summer Court & the Book of Breathings 37:33 – The Court of Nightmares & Rhysand's History With Tamlin 41:16 – The Inn, the Ash Arrows, and the Mating Bond 43:02 – The Cabin, Rhysand's Full Story & the Soup Scene 47:32 – War Comes to Velaris: Attack, Hybern & Capture 52:57 – Recap Wrap-Up & Themes/Questions 57:03 – Deep Dive: Trauma and the Book's Opening 1:01:52 – Tamlin Discourse, Reddit Deep Cuts & Parasocial Relationships 1:08:20 – Game of Thrones Tangent (Spoilers!) 1:11:37 – Exposition Done Right 1:16:55 – Found Family, Feyre's Powers & Learning by Instinct 1:23:43 – Trauma, Rebirth, and "Love Can Be a Poison" 1:27:29 – Names, Identity & World-Building 1:32:45 – Breaking Tropes: Third-Act-Breakup & Winnowing 1:37:33 – The Trials, Reclaimed & Kink/Consent in the Court of Nightmares 1:39:26 – The Star Wars Dark-Side Metaphor 1:45:31 – On Immortality and Choosing Forever 1:54:17 – Final Spice & Overall Rating 1:56:38 – Show Outro Mentioned in This Episode  A Court of Mist and Fury — Sarah J. Maas A Little Life — Hanya Yanagihara A Discovery of Witches — Deborah Harkness FAQ What happens in A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas?  A Court of Mist and Fury picks up after the events of book one, as Feyre is pulled out of the life she's known and into the orbit of the Night Court, where new alliances, new powers, and new dangers reshape everything she thought she knew. We cover the full recap in Episode 35 of Spread Your Wingspan. Is A Court of Mist and Fury spicy?  Kind of — Jennie and Sara rate it about a two out of five peppers. Full spice talk is in Episode 35 of Spread Your Wingspan. Does Episode 35 of Spread Your Wingspan cover book two of the ACOTAR series?  Yes, Episode 35 of Spread Your Wingspan is a full recap and discussion episode covering A Court of Mist and Fury, book two in Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series. —---------------- Got a question or a book/author you want us to check out? Email us at hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadyourwingspan Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spreadyourwingspan Get 1 month of the Yearn app free! Your first month of romantasy starts here: https://www.yearn.media/spreadyourwingspan

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Created by Sara Vander Zwaag & Jennie Lindsay We are two friends that immediately bonded over our secret smut addictions. Tune in as we chat about all things literary involving Romantasy, Fantasy, and straight up Romance. We compare notes on the Bookstagram fan favorites, the obscure series with new-to-us kinks, and everything in between. Do we always have the same opinion? No! Do we love to dissect tropes, fantasize over gorgeous fae, and giggle when we imagine their wingspans? Yes! If you are like us (highly anxious older daughters with ADHD and escapist tendencies) then this is the podcast for you. Pssst... It’s always the quiet ones. ;) Follow us on Instagram @spreadyourwingspan Visit our website: spreadyourwingspan.com Email us your questions and hot takes: hello@spreadyourwingspan.com Hosted on Podbean. See podbean.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Sara & Jennie
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Spread Your Wingspan

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