Romantasy Roundtable: Fantasy Romance Reviews

Amanda, Kim, and Rick
  • 4.2 (10)
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  • 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. 6d ago

    Crescent City House of Sky and Breath: Review

    CRESCENT CITY 2: HOUSE OF SKY AND BREATH | CROISSANT 2, ELECTRIC BOOGALOO | Romantasy Roundtable WE HAVE ARRIVED AT THE MULTIVERSE. And apparently the best way to explain 800+ pages of murder, rebellion, space vampires, magical batteries, morally questionable queens, mind-sex, and 15,000-year-old conspiracies is… THE JETSONS MEET THE FLINTSTONES. In this episode of Romantasy Roundtable, Rick, Amanda, and Kimberly dive into Sarah J. Maas’s House of Sky and Breath, the second book in the Crescent City series. And yes, we have NOTES. So many notes. Enough notes to apparently fill 38,000 pages. We’re talking Bryce trying desperately to have a normal life, Hunt and Bryce finally embracing the mating bond, Rune and Day’s absolutely fantastic slow-burn romance, Danica’s MANY secrets, the Asteri being interdimensional energy vampires, and the ending that finally connects Crescent City to the Maasverse in the most “HOLY SHIT, THOSE ARE OUR PEOPLE” way possible. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: • Bryce trying to have a normal life… LOL. Absolutely not. • Bryce’s growing responsibility and whether she’s actually becoming a leader • Bryce and Hunt’s relationship, the mating bond, and whether they actually earned it • The best soup in the book: Rune and Day having SEX IN THEIR MINDS • Rune going from “Bryce’s hot brother” to one of the most interesting characters in the book • The reveal that Day is the Hind • Lydia/Hind and the morality of fighting a brutal system from the inside • Cormac: hot, annoying, complicated… and ultimately VERY dead • Ethan finding a new family with Rune, Flynn, Declan, and Theon — aka the frat house for emotionally damaged supernatural men • Theon being an absolute f*****g idiot and somehow repeatedly escaping one magical contract by signing another • The Viper Queen and why we absolutely do NOT trust her… but also kind of do • ARIADNE. THE DRAGON. • First Light and the horrifying truth about how the Asteri harvest the energy of their citizens • SECOND LIGHT — because apparently the Asteri weren’t done being horrifying after death • The Asteri revealed as interdimensional space vampires harvesting entire worlds • Pivian, other worlds, and the massive implications for the Maasverse • Danica’s secrets and why Bryce discovering she barely knew her best friend is devastating • Sophie and Emil, the Thunderbird mystery, and whether their storyline actually paid off • The morally gray rebellion and the question of whether “the good guys” are actually good • The history of Midgard being propaganda written by the victors • Dusk’s Truth, the mysterious Dusk Court theory, and Amanda planting her Maasverse red string board • Bryce’s powers, the Horn, gates, rifts, teleportation, and why her magic might be about ACCESS rather than light • The theory that the gates in Crescent City connect to the gates in Throne of Glass • WHY IS HUNT’S POWER SO COMPATIBLE WITH BRYCE?! • The Asteri controlling everyone by keeping every faction fighting everyone else • Bryce infiltrating the Asteri palace and discovering the truth • Hunt, Rune, Lydia, Baxian, and the absolute chaos of the final confrontation • Bryce grabbing the Star Sword, opening a rift, and YEETING HERSELF THROUGH A PORTAL • And then… THE ACOTAR INNER CIRCLE. And then we have to discuss THE ENDING. Rick had the full “HOLY SHIT” reaction. Kimberly didn’t even get to experience it properly because Rick insisted on reading the final scene to her. And Amanda… well, Amanda had been waiting for the famous Maasverse pizza and discovered that the pizza was, in fact, just pizza. Basically, everyone told Amanda: “You HAVE to finish Crescent City 2. Something HUGE happens.” Something huge happened. It was people from ACOTAR. Amanda: “THAT’S IT?! I HAVE TO READ ANOTHER 865 PAGES?!” We also debate whether House of Sky and Breath actually delivers on its massive lore setup, whether Sarah J. Maas has simply created Too Many F*****g Characters™, and whether the multiverse connection makes the Asteri threat infinitely more interesting. FINAL RATING: 4 stars / 3.5 soup (And yes, Rick was literally riding an Icelandic pony while we figured this out.) SPOILERS: This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for House of Sky and Breath and major Maasverse/ACOTAR discussion. If you haven't finished the book, GO READ IT FIRST! HOUSE OF SKY AND BREATH Sarah J. Maas Crescent City #2 Next up: HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW. Then Threshing Day. Then our MASSIVE Maasverse red-string prediction episode. And then… ACOTAR 6. If you enjoyed the episode, PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a comment! And most importantly… WAS THE ACOTAR CAMEO WORTH 800+ PAGES OF QUESTIONS?! Find us everywhere: Instagram & TikTok: @RomantasyRoundtable Email: [romantasyroundtable@gmail.com](mailto:romantasyroundtable@gmail.com)

  2. Sep 28

    Crescent City House of Earth and Blood: Review

    Episode Title: Crescent City Pt. 1: House of Earth and Blood! Hawaiian Pizza, Vacuum Cleaners, & Lehabah's Sacrifice! Description: Grab your Baja Blast and order a questionable Hawaiian pie from the corner store, Rose Buds, because we are officially entering Crescent City! With Amanda getting married in less than a week, the Romantasy Roundtable squad is pre-recording an epic three-part deep dive into Sarah J. Maas's most chaotic, divisive, and action-packed series to date. Rick, Amanda, and Kim are breaking down House of Earth and Blood from start to finish! From Rick's legendary pizza theory (ACOTAR is Domino's, Throne of Glass is authentic Italian wood-fired, and Crescent City is NYC pineapple pizza) to Kim's frantic 45-second recap, we tackle every wild piece of Lunathion lore. We are talking four bureaucratic houses, Hebrew angels, cell phones, Magitech labs, the frat-house glory of Ruhn Danaan and the boys, and why Syrinx the lion-pug chimera is the greatest little guy in fantasy. Plus, we walk through the brutal murder of Danica and the Pack of Devils, Hunt Athlar's tragic enslavement, Micah's livestreamed downfall, and the ultimate tearjerker: Lehabah's unforgettable sacrifice. Pack your bags for Midgard and get ready for pure, unhinged romantasy yapping! Key Highlights & What The Squad Said: • The SJM Pizza Analogy: Rick explains why ACOTAR is reliable Domino's, Throne of Glass is a Michelin-star Italian brick-oven pizza, and Crescent City is Hawaiian pizza with pineapple—some people think it's brilliant, others want it slapped out of their face! • Kim's 45-Second Book Speedrun: Kim attempts to recap an 800-page fantasy epic in 45 seconds, shouting about Danica's death, Micah the Archangel, and Bryce sucking up the villain's demonic ashes with a vacuum cleaner! • Midgard Lore & Bureaucracy Overload: The squad breaks down the four houses, the Asteri, the SPQM slave branding, the First Light power grid, and why the Malakim angels have Amanda giving Hebrew language lessons. • Danica, Connor, & The Pack of Devils: Bryce's party-girl world is shattered when her bestie Danica and the entire Pack of Devils are brutally slaughtered. Rick and Kim re-ignite the debate over whether Taylor Swift's Ruin the Friendship is about Bryce and Connor or Aelin and Sam Cortland! • Grumpy / Grumpy Buddy Cops: Fast-forward 22 months: Bryce is paired with Hunt Athlar (the Umbra Mortis). Between stakeouts, panic attacks, and feeding Hunt junk food, the two realize they understand each other's trauma on a molecular level. • Ruhn Danaan & The Frat Boys: Introducing Crown Prince Ruhn Danaan (the star-sword wielding chosen one with a side-shave and lip ring) alongside Declan Emmett and Tristan Flynn, living in an actual frat house swinging from chandeliers. • Syrinx & Lehabah Steal Our Hearts: Syrinx the chimera teleports around biting Hunt's ass, while Lehabah the fire sprite watches reality TV (Fangs and Bangs!) and wins everyone's heart. • The Synth Sting & Betrayal: Hunt secretly plots to steal the military stimulant Synth to restart the rebellion. When the sting goes wrong, Sandriel flogs him and cuts off his wings, forcing Ruhn to invoke Fae law to save Bryce from financial ruin. • Lehabah's Legendary Final Words: Micah traps Bryce in the gallery and drops Syrinx into a tank with a terrifying Nøkk. Lehabah unleashes her unbridled fire magic to shatter the glass, giving her life with the unforgettable words: "My friends are with me, and I am not afraid." • Industrial Vacuum Cleaner Justice: Bryce shoots Micah with the Godslayer rifle, burns his body, and literally vacuums up his demonic remains while all the city rulers watch live on camera! • The Drop & "Light It Up, Bitch": Danica tattooed Luna's Horn onto Bryce's back! Bryce rides her scooter into the fray, plunges into the bedrock of Midgard alone, and Danica anchors her soul from across the veil. Hunt catches her as their powers merge to incinerate every demon in Lunathion! • Sunball Debate & Final Ratings: What even is Sunball? Rugby? Baseball? Blitzball? Amanda rates the book 3.5 stars, Kim gives 3.5 stars, and Rick crowns it 4 stars (and a full 5 stars on reread!). Plus, the squad awards 1.5 cans of soup for that steamy appetizer scene! Closing & Call-To-Action: Where do you stand on Crescent City—do you love the Hawaiian pizza or do the cell phones take you out of the fantasy? Did Lehabah's sacrifice make you sob? Drop your hot takes in the comments below! Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel on YouTube and Spotify, and follow us on Goodreads, StoryGraph, and the Year app. Got theories or want to chat with the crew? Email us at romantasyround@gmail.com! See you next week for House of Sky and Breath!

  3. Sep 21

    ACOTAR: Books Ranked

    Episode Title: ACOTAR Book Rankings: ACOMAF Wins, Silver Flames Chaos & the Christmas Special! Description: Welcome back to the Romantasy Roundtable! In this special ACOTAR episode, Rick, Amanda, and Kim rank all five books in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series in anticipation of ACOTAR 6! From the gateway-to-romantasy magic of A Court of Thorns and Roses to the emotional chaos of A Court of Silver Flames, we're debating which book deserves the crown—and apparently using cover colors because nobody can remember the titles. There are strong opinions, immediate disagreements, Star Wars references, soup, and one very important question: how much shopping is too much shopping? We revisit Feyre's journey, Rhysand's transformation, the Tamlin twist, the war, the Valkyries, Nesta's redemption, Cassian's backstory, and the infamous Chapter 55 soup scene. Plus, we discuss why A Court of Silver Flames is simultaneously a five-star book and, according to Amanda, a zero-star experience whenever Rhysand and Feyre show up. Key Topics Discussed: • The ACOTAR Book Ranking: We rank A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames from worst to best—and yes, the rankings get spicy. • #5: A Court of Frost and Starlight: The Christmas special gets absolutely roasted. Rick's first read was four stars; the reread dropped it to three. Amanda reminds us that the book is basically everyone shopping for Christmas presents, while the part that actually matters is Cassian flying over the mountain and remembering his mother. • #4: A Court of Thorns and Roses: The original gateway into romantasy! We talk about the Beauty and the Beast setup, Amarantha's unforgettable presence, and why this book is important even if the later books are stronger. • #3: A Court of Wings and Ruin: The war-heavy installment may be less memorable for some of us, but the beginning and ending still hit. Feyre infiltrating the Spring Court, creepy twins, Amarantha's legacy, the King of Hybern's death, and Nesta's legendary throat-ripping moment all get their due. • #2: A Court of Silver Flames: Nesta, Cassian, the Valkyries, and SOUP. We talk about why this book has so much going for it—and why the Rhysand/Feyre pregnancy storyline is the one thing holding it back for Amanda and Kim. • #1: A Court of Mist and Fury: The unanimous favorite for Amanda and Kim, and nearly the top choice for Rick. We discuss Feyre's transformation, the expansion of the ACOTAR world, the Rhysand twist, the mating bond reveal, and that unforgettable line: “There you are. I've been looking for you.” • The Chapter 55 Soup Scene: It wouldn't be an ACOTAR ranking without talking about the soup. Rick still considers it one of the defining moments of the series, and we are absolutely not afraid of the soup. • Rhysand Gets Knocked Off the Pedestal: We debate the difference between loving a character and approving of everything they do. Does Silver Flames give us a more complete picture of Rhysand, or did Sarah J. Maas take things too far? • Nesta's Redemption Changes Everything: Rick explains why Silver Flames completely changed his view of Nesta after initially hating her. We discuss hitting rock bottom, growth, redemption, and whether the series is showing us that nobody is truly irredeemable. • What Comes Next for ACOTAR?: We speculate about the future of the series, including the possibility of multiple perspectives, characters working through betrayals, and whether Feyre and Rhysand will actually have to confront what happened in Silver Flames. Closing/Call-to-Action: What is YOUR ACOTAR book ranking? Is A Court of Mist and Fury the undisputed champion, or are you defending Silver Flames, Wings and Ruin, or even the Christmas special? How much did Silver Flames change your opinion of Rhysand and Nesta? Drop your rankings in the comments! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on Goodreads and StoryGraph. Got an ACOTAR hot take or want to argue with Rick about soup? Email us at romancinground@gmail.com! And get ready for Romantasy Fall 2026—because apparently we're all booked.

  4. Sep 15

    Knave and the Moon: 16-End

    THE KNAVE AND THE MOON — Chapters 16–30 | HOW DID IT END?! | Romantasy Roundtable WE MADE IT TO THE END. And somehow we went from “haha funny gargoyle in a pink robe” to earthquakes, forest fires, royal coups, martyrdom, death, resurrection, and a gargoyle who might literally be becoming a storytelling god. In this episode of Romantasy Roundtable, Rick, Amanda, and Kimberly finish Rachel Gillig’s The Knave and the Moon, the second book in the Stonewater Kingdom duology, covering Chapters 16 through 30. And yes… there are A LOT of feelings. We’re talking about Bartholomew being the absolute MVP, Benji spiraling further into madness, Rory and Cybil’s relationship, the truth behind the sacred spring and the Tour, and the increasingly unhinged ways Rachel Gillig manages to make us love these characters before absolutely DESTROYING US. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: • Rory putting Benji in his place… and why that definitely comes back to bite him • Bartholomew. In. The. Pink. Robe. • The lore behind sprites, gargoyles, stone, and the Stonewater Kingdom • Rory and Cybil’s reunion, romance, and some VERY important “soup” • Cybil’s determination to sacrifice herself and whether the book gives that storyline enough emotional weight • Benji’s increasingly unhinged descent into villainy • The tournament of champions and Bartholomew absolutely DOMINATING • Hamlin Fischer being exactly as awful as we expected • The forest fire, the deaths, and Bartholomew’s heartbreaking sacrifice • The truth about the Tour and the ancient sprite beneath it • Bartholomew’s relationship with the children of the kingdom — prepare yourselves • Cybil giving Bartholomew a surname and WHY IT IS SO DAMN SWEET • Rory’s love confession • The return of the sheepkin rug™ • Ma Bower becoming king… and then THAT happening • The final duel between Cybil and Benji • Benji’s final fate and why Rick actually felt bad for the little bastard • Bartholomew’s death… • THE ENDING. THE ENDING. THE ENDING. • The beautiful final chapters and the idea that stories change every time they’re told • Whether the entire Stonewater Kingdom duology could actually be one of Bartholomew’s retellings • Our final ratings: 5 Stars and TWO SOUPS We also talk about why The Knave and the Moon made us appreciate The Knight and the Moth even MORE, how Rachel Gillig manages to blend romance, fantasy, darkness, whimsy, and almost Disney-movie-level storytelling, and why this duology feels like two halves of one complete story. And, naturally, we have to discuss Bartholomew’s impeccable vocabulary, including his truly elite use of the word “bitch.” Plus: Rick gives another shoutout to Robert Biehn’s The First Stone, Kimberly continues reading it, Amanda is apparently planning a wedding instead of reading, and we reveal what’s coming next on Romantasy Roundtable! SPOILERS: This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for The Knave and the Moon AND The Knight and the Moth. If you haven’t finished the duology, GO READ IT FIRST! THE KNAVE AND THE MOON Rachel Gillig Stonewater Kingdom #2 If you enjoyed the episode, PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a comment! Tell us what YOU thought of the ending, whether you saw the twists coming, and most importantly… DID BARTHOLOMEW DESERVE THIS MUCH PAIN?! Find us everywhere: Instagram & TikTok: @RomantasyRoundtable Email: romantasyroundtable@gmail.com

  5. Sep 7

    Knave and the Moon: 1-15

    Description: Welcome back, Rose Buds! After conquering Kingdom of Ash and cleansing our palettes with Heartstopper, and ACOTAR reactions, the Romantasy Roundtable is officially kicking off spooky fantasy season with Rachel Gillig's brand-new release, The Knave on the Moon (Chapters 1 through 15)! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are back in the studio diving into the first half of the epic Stonewater Kingdom duology conclusion. But before we get to our favorite one-winged stone bat, we have got to tackle the critical news: Taco Bell bringing back the Choco Taco, Kim consuming an entire birthday chocolate cake in 48 hours, Rick confusing Eleanor Roosevelt with Marie Antoinette during the Great Depression, and our brand-new official partnership with the Yearn app! Plus, Rick gives early love to an incredible ARC fantasy, The First Stone by Robert Biehn. Then, it is straight into the gothic, eerie world of Erilea meets gothic folklore as Sybil Delling and an amnesiac Rory Mandacius fight their way through King Benedict III's corrupt Five Hamlet Tournament. Grab your mild sauce, put on your fluffiest pink thrift-flower gown, and let us dive into the madness! Key Highlights & What The Squad Said: • Taco Bell & Marie Antoinette History Lessons: Rick celebrates the return of the Choco Taco (aka Churro Taco) and claims Eleanor Roosevelt said "Let them eat cake" during the Great Depression, while Kim celebrates her birthday with an entire grocery store chocolate cake. • ARC Spotlight - The First Stone: Rick and Kim gush over an early ARC of The First Stone by Robert Biehn, describing it as Mistborn meets Avatar: The Last Airbender with elemental magic, fantastic pacing, and clean YA worldbuilding edited by the editor of Red Rising. • Prologue Lore - The Cosmic Maiden Buffet: The squad breaks down the creepy mythological prologue where mortals devour an all-knowing cosmic maiden in the Fields of Broograss, forcing her into an eternal slumber of minor tunes that mirrors the looming plot. • Sybil Trapped & Benji Barlow's Forced Wedding: Sybil wakes in Castle Lurch, attempts to strangle King Benji Barlow, and ruins her silk bridal gown with rancid Oxeye sedative before tree sprites crash the sham ceremony. • Rory's Amnesia & Jason Bourne Reflexes: Rory wakes up covered in blood on the Tor with zero memories, gets tackled by Ma Bower, and learns he technically died. Rick compares Rory's instinctual combat hammer skills to Jason Bourne. • Bartholomew is the GOAT of Little Guys: The one-winged stone gargoyle returns in all his unhinged glory, complaining about wool slippers, rocking a pink thrift-flower gown, dropping iconic quotes ("What an arduous process as it is to wait"), and being the absolute goat of sidekicks. • The Five Hamlet Tournament & Eye-Eating Birks: Benji sets up a traveling tournament across the hamlets to flex his stolen stone relics, while the squad faces off against terrifying eyeball-eating Burks in the Chiming Wood. • The Living Sixth Relic: Sybil realizes the prophecies were manufactured, but she herself is the living sixth magical relic, setting her mission to enter the games, destroy every stone object, and kill the king. • The Loomstone Heist & Rory Remembers: At the Coulson Fair lists, Ma Bower shatters her jousting lance against the royal box, allowing Rory to snatch the Loomstone from Torie Basset's neck. His memories flood back: foundling origins, King Benedict I, and his undying love for Sybil. • The Melee & The Knave Unmasked: Dedric Lang beats Sybil's abdominal wound with steel-toed boots, but the mysterious Nave enters the arena with a stonemason's hammer and Sybil's silk scrap, snapping Dedric's wrist and unmasking himself as Rory! • Intimate Blood Divination: In the secret canal factory, Rory fakes amnesia in front of a drunk, paranoid Benji. Sybil grants him his champion's divination, hungrily taking spring-water-infused blood from his finger as Rory whispers their private sacred vow. • The Library Collapse & Pink Robe Rescue: An earthquake crumbles the Harried Scribe's library, Sybil smashes the inkwell relic, and as she nearly drowns in the freezing Tenner River, Bartholomew in his pink robe pulls her from the depths ("There you are, Bartholomew!"). • Disney Princess Hunger Games Debate: Rick derails the pod with a rapid-fire Disney Princess Hunger Games debate: Mulan vs Merida vs Jasmine (with Elsa disqualified for being a queen!). Closing & Call-To-Action: Are you terrified for Bartholomew's crumbling stone wing? Can Sybil reverse her calcified body? Drop your wildest theories in the comments below! Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to the channel wherever you watch or listen, and find us on Instagram, TikTok, and the Year app. Got book recommendations or want to reach out? Email us at romantasyround@gmail.com! See you next week as we finish The Knave on the Moon with Chapters 16 through the end!

  6. Aug 31

    End of Summer Recap

    Episode Title: End of Summer Reading Recap: ACOTAR, Crescent City, Kingdom of Ash & Romantasy Bingo! Description: Welcome back to the Romantasy Roundtable! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are wrapping up the summer with an End of Summer Reading Recap! We’re looking back at what we read, what we loved, what made us rage, our biggest surprises, our worst reads, and what’s coming for Romantasy Fall 2026. And yes, there is an absolutely unreasonable amount of Sarah J. Maas discussion. This summer was basically Rick’s Maasverse Summer. He reread ACOTAR, dove into Crescent City, revisited Throne of Glass and Kingdom of Ash, and finished his 21st book with Crescent City 3. Rereading ACOTAR completely changed his character rankings, with Nesta going from “I f*****g hate Nesta” to Rick’s new favorite character. Naturally, this led directly into our ACOTAR Top 10 episode. Key Topics Discussed: • Summer Reading Stats: Kim read 9 books and was aiming for 10, Amanda read 25 with two more planned before Labor Day for 27 books and nearly 13,000 pages, while Rick finished 21 books and roughly 10,500–11,000 pages. • Rick’s Maasverse Deep Dive: ACOTAR, Crescent City, Throne of Glass, Kingdom of Ash, and Heartstopper all made appearances as Rick reread with a new perspective and prepared for ACOTAR 6 and 7. His theme? “The Maasverse.” Of course it was. • Amanda’s Summer of Gold Stars: Amanda completed Ripped Bodice Summer Romance Book Bingo for the second year in a row—with a BLACKOUT! She also finished Goodreads Rewards and admits her theme was basically “I’m stressed out about reading.” • Kim Knows What She Likes: Kim’s favorite read was The Incandescent by Emily Tesh, a dark academia fantasy with queer representation, elder-millennial faculty, and enough “soup” to satisfy the Roundtable. We discuss why it felt like a love letter to educators. • Amanda’s Nostalgia Read: Amanda reread The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, a middle-school favorite, and discovered she relates to Carmen in ways she never could have known at eleven. We also discuss the real-life friendship that inspired her love of the book—and the extremely important Pants symbolism. • Best & Worst Reads: Amanda names Kingdom of Ash her favorite overall read, Rick chooses This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, and Kim picks The Incandescent. Rick gives Throne in the Dark: Villains & Virtues three stars, Amanda chooses Ladies in Hiding, and Kim’s “worst” is Heartstopper 6—not because she disliked it, but because she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her sons. • Favorite Characters: Rick chooses Nesta because she made him furious before completely winning him over. Kim picks the Kingdom of Ash characters she can’t stop thinking about. Amanda has a very different answer—and naturally, it involves a sexy Loch Ness monster. • The Thirteen: Nobody can stop thinking about the Thirteen after Kingdom of Ash. We revisit one of the most devastating moments in Throne of Glass and why those characters have stayed with us. • Unexpected Romances & Tropes: Amanda fell in love with Feverdream by Elsie Silver and discovered that maybe she DOES like cowboy romance… if Elsie Silver writes it. We also talk bisexual representation, the portal/Isekai trope, and books that surprised us. • Romantasy vs. Fantasy: We discuss why we love “romantasy” while also acknowledging criticism that the label can diminish excellent fantasy because its audience is predominantly female. Throne of Glass is not just romantasy. It is GOOD fantasy. • ACOTAR 6 Is Coming: We’re looking ahead to the next era of the podcast with Crescent City, Maasverse predictions, listener theories, and ACOTAR 6. The conspiracy board is officially open. Closing/Call-to-Action: What did YOU read this summer? What was your favorite book, biggest surprise, worst read, or favorite character? Did you finish a reading challenge? What are you most excited to read this fall? Drop your recommendations and hot takes in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on Goodreads and StoryGraph. Got an ACOTAR 6 theory, Maasverse conspiracy, or book recommendation? Email us at romantyround@gmail.com! The Name of the Moon is coming, Romantasy Fall 2026 is officially here, and apparently we’re all booked.

  7. Aug 24

    ACOTAR: Top 10 Characters

    Episode Title: ACOTAR Top 10 Characters: Cassian Supremacy, Tamlin Justice & the Miniature Pegasus! Description: Welcome back to the Romantasy Roundtable! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are taking a break from chapter-by-chapter chaos to rank their Top 10 favorite characters from all five ACOTAR books! And naturally, this turns into Cassian supremacy, Rick's ongoing Tamlin apology tour, zero Elain representation, and a very serious debate about the miniature Pegasus. We revisit the characters who made us laugh, cry, rage, and rethink the entire series after rereading A Court of Thorns and Roses through A Court of Silver Flames. From Nesta's redemption arc and Cassian's boyfriend-of-the-year credentials to Lucien getting criminally underrated, Amren being an ancient badass, Azriel needing some serious "Azriel soup," and the Suriel's devastating final moments, we're putting the entire ACOTAR cast on trial. We also debate Rhysand's ranking after Silver Flames, Mor's missing backstory and undeniable ginger energy, Bryaxis just wanting a window, and why none of us could find a spot for Elain. Sorry, Elain. Key Topics Discussed: • Cassian Takes the Crown: Amanda and Kim rank Cassian #1, while Rick gives him #2. We discuss his loyalty, humor, badassery, authenticity, and why the Bat Boys desperately need his levity. • Rick's Tamlin Apology Tour: Tamlin and Rhysand are tied on Rick's list after the reread. Amanda and Kim would like the record to show that this officially makes Rick a Tamlin apologist. • Nesta's Redemption Arc: Rick ranks Nesta #1, Amanda puts her at #4, and Kim is still waiting for the Nesta train to arrive. We discuss trauma, addiction, the Valkyries, and why Nesta's story proves that people can change. • Rhysand vs. Tamlin: Has Silver Flames changed how we see the two High Lords? We revisit control, forgiveness, the pregnancy storyline, and whether either of them gets a free pass. • Azriel, the Shadow Daddy: Amanda ranks Azriel #3 while Rick and Kim place him lower. We talk about his growth, his brooding personality, and our desperate need for more Azriel backstory. • Lucien Deserves Better: Rick puts Lucien at #5 and argues that the fox-boy has spent the entire series taking everyone's crap while still showing up for everyone else. • Amren, the Ancient Badass: Why does this tiny jewel-hoarding menace rank so highly? We discuss her mystery, her tough love toward Nesta, and the backstory we desperately want. • The Suriel Still Hurts: The Suriel makes multiple lists thanks to its wisdom, sacrifice, and unforgettable final scene. Sometimes you don't realize how much you love a character until they die. • Mor Needs a Love Story: Rick ranks Mor #7 and Amanda #5. We love her resilience and cheerful energy, but we NEED more of her backstory—and Amanda still insists she should be a redhead. • The Weird Ones Win: Kim's list includes the Water Wraiths and Bryaxis, because apparently ancient creepy beings with simple emotional needs are exactly her type. Bryaxis just wants a window! • The Miniature Pegasus Debate: Amanda's #10 is a miniature Pegasus. We have questions. You have questions. Where does the tiny horse rank in YOUR Top 10? • Elain Is Missing: None of us ranked Elain. Is she secretly being saved for something huge, or is "boring" simply worse than "evil"? We discuss. Closing/Call-to-Action: Who is YOUR #1 ACOTAR character? Are you Team Cassian, Team Nesta, Team Azriel, or ready to join Rick's Tamlin apology tour? How mad are you that Rhysand and Tamlin tied? Who did we criminally underrate—and where do you rank the miniature Pegasus? Drop your Top 10 in the comments! Like and subscribe on YouTube, and follow us on Goodreads and StoryGraph. Got an ACOTAR hot take or want to defend Tamlin with Rick? Email us at romantasyround@gmail.com! Next week: we're ranking all five ACOTAR books in real time!

  8. Aug 18

    ACOTAR 6 & 7: Reveal

    Episode Title: ACOTAR 6 & 7 REACTIONS: New Covers, Koschei, Stygian Spiders & What Was Broken Will Be Remade?! Description: Sarah J. Maas really said, “Here, take TWO books,” and the Romantasy Roundtable immediately stopped its vacation plans to scream about it! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are back for an emergency ACOTAR bonus—sorry, FILLER—episode after SJM dropped the titles, covers, page counts, and blurbs for A Court of Splintered Harmony and A Court of Forgotten Melody! ACOTAR 6 is 352 pages, ACOTAR 7 is a MASSIVE 896 pages, and we are officially entering the Valkyrie Cycle with movements one, two, and three... plus a mysterious fourth book still to come?! We break down what this new era of ACOTAR might look like and why the wildly different page counts have us wondering exactly how these books are structured. Then we go FULL conspiracy board on those covers. The first gives us bones, fire, fangs, destruction, renewal, and approximately one million questions. Meanwhile, the second has Rick spiraling because if that is a STYGIAN SPIDER, everyone can get... well, you know. We also dissect Koschei the Deathless, the Night Court's “recent betrayals and revealed truths,” and the former alliances they need to resurrect. Naturally, Rick immediately decides this means TAMLIN REDEMPTION ARC, BABY. Amanda and Kim are... less convinced. And then there's the MUSIC. Splintered Harmony. Forgotten Melody. The Valkyrie Cycle. Movements. The Harp. The Dread Trove. Rick starts connecting musical language and recurring art themes throughout the Maasverse—and admits he has a bigger theory he isn't quite ready to share yet. Plus, we debate whether ACOTAR is about to go full Throne of Glass with an ensemble cast, who the romances of the Valkyrie Cycle might be, whether Rick is ever going to stop complaining about the Valkyrie plot being “too convenient,” and why apparently the money's in the smut, baby. Key Topics Discussed: • ACOTAR 6 & 7 Are Official: Our immediate reactions to the titles, covers, blurbs, and SJM casually dropping two books on us. • The INSANE Page Counts: Why 352 pages for A Court of Splintered Harmony and 896 pages for A Court of Forgotten Melody have us questioning how this story is structured. • Welcome to the Valkyrie Cycle: What do “movements” mean, why is there a mysterious fourth book, and how does A Court of Silver Flames bridge us into this new era? • Koschei the Deathless: Rick refreshes Amanda and Kim on the ancient being, his connection to the Bone Carver and the Weaver, and Vassa's curse. • Bones, Fire & Fangs: Our wildly speculative breakdown of the ACOTAR 6 cover and whether its imagery connects to destruction, renewal, or ancient beings. • THE STYGIAN SPIDER THEORY: Is the A Court of Forgotten Melody cover teasing creatures from another world?! Rick is NOT emotionally prepared. • Harmony, Melody & the Harp: We connect the musical titles and Valkyrie “movements” to the Harp, the Dread Trove, and recurring art themes across the Maasverse. • Tamlin's Redemption Arc?!: Rick hears “betrayals,” “former alliances,” and “find a way back to each other” and somehow concludes that TAMLIN IS BACK. • Who Is This Story About?: Is this a Night Court ensemble story with perspectives scattered everywhere? And most importantly... WHO ARE THE COUPLES?! • The Valkyrie Debate: Rick loves A Court of Silver Flames but still thinks becoming Valkyries happened a little too conveniently. Amanda strongly disagrees. • Gwynriel, Mor + Emerie & Redemption: We discuss ships, possible pairings, and why SJM has proven she can completely change our minds about characters. • Bonus Episode or Filler Episode?: Rick refuses to call this bonus content because apparently we're doing Dragon Ball Z comparisons now. Closing/Call-to-Action: What do YOU think the new ACOTAR covers mean? Is that a Stygian spider? Is Tamlin getting a redemption arc, or is Rick completely delusional? And WHO ARE THE COUPLES?! Drop your theories in the comments below! Don't forget to like, subscribe on YouTube, and follow us on Goodreads and StoryGraph. Got book recommendations, ACOTAR theories, or a Dragon Ball Z membership application for Rick's very lonely Venn diagram? Email us at romantasyround@gmail.com! See you next time for more completely legitimate “filler” content!

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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
10 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!

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