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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 12/15/2025

    Brimstone: Chapters 26-39

    Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 26–39 (Red Wedding Vibes & The Three-Minute Soup) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns with a "Tale of Rick and Roses" (where the girls are apparently just hair clips?). Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down Chapters 26–39 of Brimstone, and frankly, we are not okay. We go from Saeris going full Magneto with twin god swords to Tal interrupting his own orgy to deliver plot points. We finally confirm that Carrion Swift is the undisputed Pansexual King, realize the Stargazer birds were the book the whole time (Rick loves when a bird is a book), and survive a literal Red Wedding ending where everyone vomits black blood. Plus, we debate whether Lights Out is a rom-com or a "dom-com," Rick declares his hatred for "Balls" (the dancing kind), and Amanda gives a masterclass on Vancouver soccer. Key Topics Discussed: Magneto Era: Saeris splits Solace into twin swords, decapitates guards, and proves she is the Captain now. Fischer just stands back and admires the violence. The Soup is Real: No more dreams. We get the Fisher Reunion (described as a "gymnastics trial") and the infamous "Three Minutes" scene against a mirror while Tal waits outside. The Pansexual King: Carrion delivers the iconic "The thing about leaning" speech, confirming he likes the wine, not the label. We stan. Foley is John Cena: The depressed vampire wolf cleans up nice! He enters the Even Light Ball like a WWE surprise entrant to be the 6th petitioner. The Red Wedding: Just when we thought Tal was serving looks, he serves poison to the entire court (and himself). The "Scion of No One" moment left us screaming. Archer Watch: We almost lost our favorite Fire Sprite/Dobby, and Rick was ready to riot. He is alive, one inch taller, and dancing. Closing: Join us for the emotional damage, the soccer tangents, and the realization that Hayden is an entitled brat. Chapters 40–End are next—finish the book, bring your tissues, and prepare for the ACOTAR Christmas Special!

    1h 32m

  7. 12/08/2025

    Brimstone: Chapters 13-25

    Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 13–25 Description: Buckle up, besties — Brimstone drops the brakes in this middle section, and Amanda, Kim, and Rick are simply feral about it. Ambushes, demon scorpions named Josh (yes, really), dream-soup shenanigans, a vampire-wolf named Foley (sorry, still not scary), and an eldritch spaghetti monster who maybe wants a favor and maybe wants your soul…? The Romantasy Roundtable chews through chaos, court politics, and enough editing errors to power a drinking game. Highlights include: A Million %$#@ Scorpions Named Josh: The most un-intimidating demon name in history; the nightmare fuel itself is very real. Fisher Throws Carrion Out a Window: Buddy-cop energy at its finest — including “Did something hit me?” / “Yeah, I punched you.” Library Boom-Pow: Saeris casually detonates a 20-foot hole in a wall and gets banned after dark like a magical middle-schooler. Dream Soup Supreme: Shirtless, panicked Fisher; mate-bond chaos; Onyx cameos; bite-healing; emotional dump fest. The people were FED. Foley the Vampire Sad Boy: Former wolf, current recluse, future reluctant mentor. Also unfortunately named after a catheter. Carrion Swift, Pansexual King: “I prefer my women and my men prettier than you.” The people’s prince has spoken. Cleansing Day Massacre: Fisher goes full righteous fury at reproductive oppression — shadow knives for everyone. The Secret Forge Vault: 1,223 stairs, dangerous quicksilver storage, and Elroy hitting Fischer with a fire iron. Art. Plus: Hanksgiving, tote-bag economics, Jets slander, Rick’s moral alignment chart (Tal: good/bad/good/bad), and RIP to the brave little paper bird. Next up: Chapters 26–39 — stop at Chapter 40. Let the chaos continue.

    1h 21m

  8. 12/01/2025

    Brimstone: Chapters 1-12

    Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 1–12 (Accidental Dosing & The Buddy Comedy Era) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has officially entered the Brimstone era! Amanda, Kim, and Rick (who is absolutely lying about how much of the book he’s read) dive headfirst into the first 12 chapters of Callie Hart’s sequel to Quicksilver. The crew breaks down Saeris’s transition into her Vampire Queen villain era—complete with a feral coronation, a lethal sheer dress, and an accidental venom-dosing incident that leaves Kingfisher high as a kite and slicing lords in half. We dissect the terrifying new "Super Feeders" that drain magic, the "Elroy" publishing error that gaslit the entire podcast, and the start of the ultimate Buddy Comedy: Kingfisher and Carrion Swift going on a road trip. Expect deep dives into shadow wing symbolism, justice for Onyx (the fox who crossed the Andes!), and Sage the ChatGPT’s unhinged prophecies about "children of shadow and soup." Key Topics Discussed: The Hall of Tears Coronation: Saeris claims her throne by biting Kingfisher in front of the Lords of Midnight, accidentally turning the blood rite into a euphoric aphrodisiac scene. Oops. Good Soup Alert (Chapter 7): We analyze the spicy reunion where Fisher confesses he wants to marry her (but can't because he has no true name) and unleashes his shadow wings in the bedroom. The Super Feeders: A new horror has arrived across the river—magic-draining zombies connected to a rotting tree. Callie Hart loves to traumatize Danya, and we discuss why. The Buddy Comedy: The gang splits up! Saeris stays to forge, while Kingfisher and Carrion (carrying the entire comedic weight of the series) head to the Silver City. Rick vs. The Truth: We investigate the allegations that Rick has already finished the book despite claiming he stopped at Chapter 12. (Spoiler: He’s definitely lying). Join us for the rot, the romance, and the rumors. Chapters 13–25 are next—bring your relics and your holiday rom-coms because things are getting dark!

    1h 17m
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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!

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