Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Sara and Jennie dive deep into the latest installment of the Blood and Ash series, 'The Primal of Blood and Bone.' They discuss character arcs, plot developments, and the themes of love, obsession, and the complexities of relationships. The conversation also touches on the reactions from fans, the writing style of the author, and predictions as the series wraps up. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, the hosts explore the intricacies of the story and its characters, making for an engaging discussion for fans of the series. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes02:55 - Character Development and Emotional Impact08:47 - Themes and Symbolism14:54 - Climactic Moments and Revelations30:45 - The Weight of Leadership and Responsibility36:04 - Character Dynamics and Relationships42:33 - The Complexity of Ascension and Addiction53:28 - Reader Reactions and Authorial Choices01:05:10 - Looking Ahead: Future Themes and Representation01:06:36 - Outro

Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Sara and Jennie chat with Canadian author J.M. Frey about her latest book, 'Nine Tenths.' They explore the inspiration behind the story, the themes of grief and colonialism, and the representation of mental health in characters. J.M. shares her writing journey, the significance of her characters, and the importance of research in crafting her narrative. The conversation delves into the meta-narrative techniques used in the book, the exploration of love and fear in relationships, and the social commentary on ethical wealth. J.M. also discusses her writing process and rituals, concluding with her hopes for readers to take away courage and kindness from her work. You can find J.M. Frey at her website: jmfrey.netand @j.m.frey on Bluesky, TikTok, Instagram, & Threads   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to J.M. Frye and Nine Tenths03:05 - The Journey of Self-Publishing06:21 - Inspiration Behind Nine Tenths09:15 - Exploring Themes of Grief and Colonialism12:02 - Character Development and Personal Experiences15:22 - Meta Storytelling and Writing Process18:15 - Research and Historical Context21:06 - Anxiety Representation in Fiction24:01 - Romance and Speculative Fiction31:08 - Navigating Grief and Love33:02 - Character Development and Relationships34:49 - Exploring Dark Themes in Fantasy36:39 - The Role of Fantasy in Society38:57 - Ethical Wealth and Responsibility43:14 - The Creative Process and Writing Rituals52:05 - The Intersection of Science and Fantasy56:48 - Courage in the Face of Fear01:00:51 - Outro

Summary In this episode, Jennie and Sara discuss the book 'Nine Tenths' by J.M. Frey. They explore the themes of wealth inequality, the complexities of relationships, and the representation of anxiety and bisexuality within the narrative. The conversation also touches on the world-building aspects of the story, including its historical context and cultural commentary. The hosts share their personal reflections on the characters and the dynamics of their relationships, ultimately providing a rating for the book and expressing excitement for the upcoming author interview.   Content Warningsaccidental injury between domestic partners, enslavement, loss of parent   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Excitement for the Interview04:38 - Themes Explored in the Book09:48 - Historical Context and Cultural Commentary17:39 - Spice Rating and Relationship Dynamics39:56 - Outro

Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the fourth and final book in the Flesh and Fire series, 'Born of Blood and Ash.' They explore its complex themes, including trauma, leadership, and the balance between fate and free will. The conversation delves into character development, romantic dynamics, and the implications of parenthood in a chaotic world. The hosts also express their excitement for future installments in this literary universe and reflect on the impact of page length on storytelling.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview00:24 - Content Warnings and Themes of the Book02:40 - Summary of 'Born of Blood and Ash'06:23 - Character Development and Relationships10:40 - Exploring Leadership and Decision-Making14:19 - The Role of Fate and Free Will18:39 - Reflections on Writing and Page Length22:30 - Pregnancy and Its Implications in the Story26:37 - Final Thoughts and Future Expectations35:11 - Outro

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Sarah delve into the third book of the Flesh and Fire series, discussing its themes, character arcs, and the complexities of morality and monstrosity. They discuss the development of the protagonist Sera, and the intricate dynamics of villainy and heroism. The episode also touches on the portrayal of romantic relationships and the pacing of the narrative. Overall, the conversation highlights the depth of the characters and the writing style, while setting the stage for the last installment in the series. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting05:34 - Character Development and Themes of Monstrosity14:22 - Character Dynamics and Relationships21:31 - Empathy and Human Experience28:01 - Exploring Consent and Trauma in Romance34:05 - The Journey of Healing and Recovery39:11 - Romance and the Gray Areas of Consent47:03 - Outro

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Sara discuss 'A Light in the Flame', the second book in the Blood and Ash prequel series Flesh and Fire. They explore themes such as enemies to lovers, atonement, and the complexity of morality. The discussion highlights character development, the nature of good and evil, and the interplay of fate and free will. They also touch on the significance of the Draken and the terrifying villain Kolis, while reflecting on the emotional depth of the characters and their relationships.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction06:32 - Themes of Enemies to Lovers and Atonement12:21 - Character Depth and Mental Health Themes18:27 - The Stakes of Mortality and Humanity26:16 - Sera and Nyktos: Love and Sacrifice31:56 - The Complexity of Love and Relationships37:07 - Villains and Betrayals: The Nature of Evil42:28 - The Draken: Love and Loyalty46:51 - Outro

Summary In this conversation, the hosts delve into the second book of the Flesh and Fire series, a prequel to the Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. They discuss the complexity of the plot, and the themes of fate versus free will, consent, and found family. The hosts also explore the emotional depth of the characters, particularly in relation to mental health, and the representation of relationships in the narrative. They provide insights into the writing style, pacing, and the spicy elements of the romance, ultimately sharing their ratings and impressions of the book. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Character Debate05:36 - Themes of Fate and Free Will11:33 - Narrative Style and Writing Critique17:40 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Predictions23:50 - The Art of Smut: What Works and What Doesn't29:51 - Found Family: The Heart of the Story34:52 - Emotional Representation: Panic and Depression43:00 - Spice Ratings: The Heat of the Narrative

Summary The conversation delves into the complexities of engaging with art created by problematic figures, focusing on the themes of monstrosity, morality, and audience engagement. The hosts discuss the book 'Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma' by Claire Dederer, exploring their personal reactions to the text and the broader implications of consuming art in a capitalist society. They examine case studies of J.K. Rowling and others, highlighting the nuances of morality in relation to their work and public personas. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support for artists and the need for ongoing dialogue about these issues. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context of the Conversation05:35 - Themes of Monstrosity and Audience Engagement12:19 - The Complexity of Female Artists and Monstrosity17:59 - Generational Trauma and the Stain of Artists24:38 - Concluding Thoughts on Art and Morality30:32 - The Impact of Celebrity Actions on Art35:52 - The Complexity of Artistic Legacies43:40 - The Nuances of Consumer Choices54:29 - Transitioning to New Literary Adventures

Summary In this episode, Jennie and Sara dive into the absurdity of the erotic novella 'Unhinged,' which features a sentient door named Driss and explores themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and humor. They discuss the plot, character dynamics, and the unique narrative style, while also reflecting on the cultural commentary embedded within the story. The conversation highlights the blend of comedy and eroticism, ultimately leading to their ratings and final thoughts on the book. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Unhinged02:55 - Plot Overview and Themes07:21 - Character Dynamics and Humor11:44 - Exploring Female Sexuality15:56 - Narrative Style and Audiobook Experience20:39 - Cultural Commentary and Satire26:13 Final Thoughts and Ratings34:00 - Outro

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Sara discuss the fifth book of the Blood and Ash series, A Soul of Ash and Blood. They talk about the unique perspective of Casteel in retelling the events that happen in the first book of the series, the themes of trauma and self-discovery, and the evolution of writing style in the series. The dynamics between characters, particularly the relationships and accountability among male characters, are explored. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication and choices in character development.   Content Warnings Self-harm, physical and sexual abuse (mentioned but not shown), blood drinking.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Exploring the Blood and Ash Series06:50 - Character Perspectives and Retellings09:44 - Themes of Trauma and Self-Discovery12:37 - Writing Process and Author Intentions15:55 - Character Relationships and Dynamics18:50 - Cultural Reflections in Fantasy21:42 - Feminist Themes in Character Development24:56 - The Complexity of Love and Relationships27:43 - Navigating Fan Culture and Author Ethics44:13 - Outro

Summary In this episode, Jennie and Sara discuss 'A War of Two Queens,' the fourth book in the Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. They explore the plot, character development, themes of consent and morality, and the dynamics of relationships, including polyamory and social monogamy. The conversation delves into the pacing of the book, the self-actualization of the protagonist Poppy, and the cultural reflections in vampire fiction. They also share their ratings and final thoughts on the book, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.   Chapters 00:00 - Exploring Telepathy and Nonverbal Communication03:44 - Diving into A War of Two Queens07:05 - Character Development and Recaps in Fantasy09:53 - Themes of Morality and Consent12:48 - Pacing and Narrative Structure15:59 - Character Dynamics and Relationships18:56 - Foreshadowing and Prophecies21:52 - Anticipating Future Developments25:42 - Fan Reactions and Character Dynamics30:55 - Exploring Monogamy and Polyamory37:01 - The Throuple Dynamics and Sexuality43:01 - Vampire Fiction and Power Dynamics49:03 - Looking Ahead: Future Reads and Series50:02 - Outro

Summary: In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Jennie and Sara dive into the third book of the Blood and Ash series, 'Crown of Gilded Bones.' They explore the evolution of audiobooks, the impact of dramatization on storytelling, and the rise of fantasy and romance genres. The conversation also explores the character development, themes of morality and power, and the consequences of love. With engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, the hosts provide insights into the narrative and its implications for readers.  Shout out and thank you to Jess Escalona of Common Mode, Inc for sharing your audiobook insights! You can find Jess on Instagram @jem.mp3 and @Jess_escalona   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Themes02:54 - Audiobook Evolution and Narration Styles06:04 - Dramatization in Audiobooks and Personal Preferences08:59 - The Rise of Fantasy and Romance Genres11:59 - Summary of 'Crown of Gilded Bones'14:47 - Character Development and Power Dynamics17:56 - Themes of Morality and Power20:52 - Exploring Love and Its Consequences24:00 - Plot Twists and Character Revelations26:52 - Final Thoughts and Future Expectations30:13 - Character Dynamics and Humor in Fantasy33:38 - Audiobook Narration and Character Voices34:30 - Exploring Unique Powers and Emotional Depth37:45 - The Morality of Power and Fantasy's Reflection on Reality39:01 - Fantasy as an Escape and Thought Experiment41:30 - Complexity of Characters and Moral Ambiguity44:40 - Secrets and Revelations in the Narrative46:20 - Evolution of the Series and Genre Blending49:42 - Spice Ratings and Reader Engagement52:00 - Humor and Modern Elements in Fantasy

Summary In this episode, hosts Jennie and Sara chat about the enchanting world of Delemhach's literary universe, exploring themes of cozy fantasy, romance, and representation. This was a rare case of Jennie loving a series and Sara having a *gasp* DNF. They discuss their different perspectives, how the series improved, the humor infused in the narrative, and the significance of neurodivergence and gender non-conformity in the series. The conversation also touches on the cozy aspects of the fantasy genre, the writing style, and the evolution of characters and storylines throughout the series.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Cozy Fantasy02:29 - Exploring Delemhach's Universe05:51 - Character Development and Themes08:46 - Representation and Diversity in Fantasy11:37 - The Cozy Element in Fantasy14:52 - Conflict and Resolution in Cozy Reads17:34 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations37:27 - Outro

Summary   In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Jennie and Sara delve into the second book of the 'Blood and Ash' series by Jennifer L. Armentrout,, 'Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.' They discuss the intricate character dynamics, particularly between Poppy and Casteel, and explore themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the role of emotions in the narrative. The conversation also touches on the feminist undertones of the series, the teasing of throuple dynamics, and the experience of rereading the series. The hosts share their thoughts on the audiobook narration and conclude with their ratings for the book, highlighting its engaging plot and character development.   Spoilers & content warnings blood play, blood drinking (consensual) some disability / disfigurement mocking sexual assault references, mention of rape  non-consensual blood drinking   Chapters   00:00 - Introduction and Excitement for the Series00:52 - Exploring the Popularity and Quality of 'From Blood and Ash'01:48 - Vampires and Their Representation in the Series02:48 - Character Development and Relationship Dynamics06:01 - Summary of 'Kingdom of Flesh and Fire'10:57 - Twists, Turns, and Plot Development17:57 - Themes of Self-Discovery and Empowerment29:50 - Empowerment Through Relationships32:54 - Emotions as Power34:48 - Exploring the Steamy Throuple Dynamics37:35 - The Complexity of Fantasy Series40:49 - Humor and Darkness in Fantasy43:43 - Rereading and Its Rewards49:50 - Feminism in Fantasy Literature52:47 - Spice Ratings and Overall Impressions01:00:25 - Outro

Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, hosts Jennie and Sara kick off Season Two with a detailed discussion of the book 'Onyx Storm.' They explore the plot, character development, and the overarching themes of love, war, and power. The conversation also critiques the writing style, pacing, and world-building, while speculating on the future of the series and the implications of character choices. The hosts share their thoughts on the cliffhanger ending and provide their ratings for the book, reflecting on their anticipation for the next installments in the series. Chapters 00:00 - Season Two Kickoff and Book Overview03:10 - Themes of Onyx Storm06:11 - Character Development and Relationships08:56 - Plot Progression and Cliffhangers11:45 - World-Building and Setting Exploration14:51 - Critique of Writing Style and Pacing17:59 - Expectations for Future Books26:31 - The Role of Editors in Writing27:30 - Character Development and Plot Mechanics28:51 - Foreshadowing and Character Connections30:33 - Dream Manipulation and Its Implications32:29 - The Power Dynamics of Signets34:16 - Theories on Character Relationships36:08 - Exploring Character Powers and Their Significance38:17 - Character Survival and Narrative Choices40:03 - Mysteries Surrounding Brennan45:32 - Expectations for Future Books47:49 - The Nature of Cults and Power49:43 - The Inherent Corruption of Power51:40 - Art Reflecting Society53:37 - Final Thoughts and Ratings57:39 - Outro

Summary In this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, Jennie and Sara discuss the book ‘It Happened One Summer’ by Tessa Bailey. They explore themes such as the small town romance trope, the comfort read aspect of the book, and the predictability of romance novels. They also touch on the steamy scenes and the importance of female pleasure in romance novels. Overall, they find the book to be a delightful and enjoyable read, the perfect candy-coated romp.   Chapters 00:00 - Intro00:30 - The Small Town Romance Trope11:04 - The Comfort of Predictability11:53-  The Dual Narrative Point of View13:20 - Immersive Scene and Setting17:37 -  Steamy Romance Scenes28:25 - The Fantasy and Happy Endings of Romance Novels42:24 Outro Thanks for listening!Season 2 coming early 2025

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Sara discuss the book 'Misadventures of a Curvy Girl' by Sierra Simone. They explore themes of self-love, the impacts of fat phobia, polyamorous romance, and the effects of trauma. Jennie found the book a bit tedious and wanted more character development, while Sara appreciated the representation of a fat protagonist and the exploration of body image issues. They both enjoyed the steamy sex scenes and the adoration the characters had for each other. They rate the book around 7-8 out of 10 and give it a spice rating of 3-4 out of 5 peppers.   Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:38 - Exploring Self-Love and Body Acceptance 05:57 - Addressing Fat Phobia and Trauma 08:47 - Navigating a Polyamorous Relationship 12:47 - Challenging Beauty Standards and Providing Representation 16:59 - The Allure of Cowboys in Romance Novels 22:39 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 44:03 - Outro   Content warnings  fatphobia, self-hate, internet bullying, verbally and emotionally abusive ex, family verbal and emotional abuse, threesome, throuple/ polyamory, anal/ DP, some suicidal ideation of sorts

Summary In this conversation, Jennie and Saraa discuss the book 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout. They talk about the themes of tyranny, patriarchy, awakening, and the power of choice. They talk about the unpredictability of the plot, the knitting together of the storylines, and the potential for a vampire arc in their podcast. They also discuss the writing style and language used in the series, the legacy of vampire fiction, and the importance of the prequel series.  Chapters00:00 -  Introduction and Ideas for Future Interviews00:48 - Excitement for the Book06:16 - Discovery of the Book and Interest in Vampires07:39 - Surprises and Mythology in the Book08:34 - Reading Order and Different Species in the Series09:55 - Synopsis of the Book11:22 - Narrator and Humor in the Book12:47 - Violence and Blood Play in the Book14:44 - Themes of Tyranny and Patriarchy19:23 - Discussion on the Veil and Poppy's Autonomy27:04 - Unpredictable Plot Twists and Engaging Storylines29:57 - The Language Use and Blending of Vampirism with Religion43:29 - The Anticipation for Future Books and the Prequel Series52:16 - Outro Content Warnings:Blood PlayVampires Spoilers:'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Summary:In this conversation, Jennie and Sara discuss the book 'Kushiel's Dart' by Jacqueline Carey. They explore themes such as pain and pleasure, political machinations, secrets versus truths, women's roles in society, found family, loyalty and trust, and the variations of consent. They also touch on the religious and historical aspects of the book, including the concept of 'Love as Thou Wilt' and the pansexual nature of the characters. Overall, they provide a comprehensive overview of the book and its key themes.  Chapters:00:00 Intro00:26 Exploring High Fantasy and Political Intrigue11:30 The Nuances of Consent and Women's Role30:17 ‘Love as Thou Wilt’ and Relationship Dynamics33:39 Exploring Biblical References in Fantasy Literature37:17 Challenging Societal Norms: The Portrayal of Sex Work48:31 Immersive World-Building in Fantasy Literature01:06 Outro Spoilers:Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey Content Warnings for the book:Consensual BDSMAttempted assault

Spoilers:A Marvellous Light by Freya MarskeNarrated by David Thorpe SummaryIn this episode of the Spread Your Wingspan podcast, Sara and Jennie discuss the book 'A Marvellous Light' by Freya Marske. They explore the themes of queer love, power dynamics, and the contrast between social falsehoods and authentic selves. The book follows the story of Robin and Edwin, who navigate a magical world and a sinister plot. Sara and Jennie appreciate the representation of a queer love story in the romantasy genre and the development of the characters throughout the book. They also highlight the feminist themes and the exploration of magic in a hierarchical society.  Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Book Synopsis02:27 - Reading a New Book Together05:51 - The Sweet and Delightful Queer Love Story13:44 - Exploring Feminism and a Feminine System of Magic24:29 - Self-Doubt versus Self-Confidence26:23 - Romance as the Focus of the Book29:23 - The Role of the Fae in the Story37:26 - Rating and Conclusion46:05 - Outro