Swords and Swoons

Before there was Endovier. Before the Glass Castle. Before the King's Champion. There was The Assassin's Blade. In this episode, we're diving into all five novellas that shaped Celaena Sardothien long before the events of Throne of Glass . As we revisit these stories, we're sharing our favorite moments, discussing the incredible foreshadowing Sarah J. Maas planted years before it paid off, and ref...

The truth is finally revealed... and nothing in the Throne of Glass series will ever be the same. In the epic conclusion to our Crown of Midnight reread, we're breaking down the second half of the book, where grief turns into vengeance, long-buried secrets come to light, and the mystery surrounding the Glass Castle begins to unravel. We're unpacking the emotional fallout of Nehemia's death, debati...

Our journey through the Maasverse continues as we dive into Part One of Crown of Midnight , and if you thought Throne of Glass was just setting the stage, think again. In this episode, we're breaking down the opening chapters of the second book in Sarah J. Maas's iconic series, where Celaena has officially stepped into her role as the King's Champion. But behind every assignment lies another secre...

The Champion's Competition is heating up, bodies are piling up, and there is definitely something evil lurking beneath the Glass Castle. In Part 2 of our Throne of Glass reread, we're covering Chapters 28–55 and diving into the mystery, magic, and mayhem that transform this story from a competition between champions into something far darker. We discuss the escalating murders, the secrets hidden w...

Our Maasverse reread officially begins! In anticipation of the next ACOTAR release, we're heading all the way back to where it all began: Throne of Glass . I n Part One of our deep dive, we're covering Chapters 1–27 and revisiting the book that introduced us to Celaena Sardothien, the Glass Castle, and the world that would eventually become one of fantasy's most beloved series. Join us as we meet...

The drinks are poured, the opinions are flowing, and the side-eyes are fully activated. In this episode, we're putting the deep dives and chapter breakdowns aside for a good old-fashioned bookish vent session. Join us as we sip our beverages of choice and discuss the latest BookTok buzz, books that left us feeling underwhelmed, and the tropes that have us questioning everything.

We’ve reached the end of The Rites of the Starling and we have a lot to say. In this final installment of our deep dive, we’re breaking down the explosive conclusion, the reveals we didn’t see coming, and the moments that completely reshaped how we view this story. We revisit our early predictions, react to what actually happened, and dive into what this ending means moving forward. Expect strong...

This week, we’re diving into the next section of The Rites of the Starling , and everything we thought we knew is starting to shift. In this episode, we break down both timelines, following Odessa as she pushes for answers and potential solutions, while Caspia uncovers some of the biggest truths we’ve seen so far. On Odessa’s side, there’s finally a glimmer of hope in the search for a cure for Lys...

We’re back with Part Three of our Rites of the Starling deep dive, and this is where everything starts to unravel. In this episode, we break down chapters 19 through 35 — from shocking visions and major character reveals to the moments that had us completely rethinking what we know about this world. We dive into Andreas joining the journey, the increasingly intense visions surrounding his fate, an...

We’re back with Part Two of our Rites of the Starling deep dive, and things are officially getting intense . In this episode, we break down chapters 9 through 18 — and the story starts revealing just enough to send us spiraling. We dive into the evolving character dynamics, the moments that had us questioning everything, and the details that feel way too important to ignore. And yes… we’re bringin...

We’re kicking off our deep dive into The Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry, and this book wastes no time pulling us into an entirely new world. In this episode, we break down the first eight chapters — from meeting a fresh cast of characters to exploring a brand-new continent and the magic system that already has us hooked. We share our first impressions, early theories, and the moments that i...

We said what we said — and in this episode, we’re holding nothing back. Nesta Archeron is one of the most divisive characters in the Maasverse, and we’re diving headfirst into the debate. Is she misunderstood, complex, and deeply relatable… or just frustrating, toxic, and impossible to defend? We’re unpacking it all — her growth, her choices, her relationships, and why she sparks such strong react...

This is where Shield of Sparrows goes from good to unforgettable. We’re back to finish our deep dive into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, and the second half of this book does not hold back. In this episode, we break down the rising tension, emotional twists, and the moments that completely changed everything. From unexpected reveals to the scenes that left us reeling, we revisit our early pre...

We’re kicking off our deep dive into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, and from the very first pages, this story pulls us in. In Part One of our breakdown, we cover the opening chapters, setting the stage for the world, the characters, and the tensions that immediately have us hooked. We dive into first impressions, early character dynamics, and the moments that stood out most — from subtle emot...

Sarah J. Maas recently sat down for an interview on Call Me Daddy , and the Maasverse fandom had plenty to talk about. In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from the conversation — including the future of the ACOTAR TV adaptation, the surprising origins of Throne of Glass , and Sarah’s perspective on some of the most controversial storylines in her books. We also discuss the ongoing...

In this episode, we are taking on the challenge to convince the other to read a new series, focusing on 'City of Gods and Monsters' and 'The Plated Prisoner' series. To make this even more challenging, this will be a spoiler free debate and we can only convince each other with vibes, music comparisons and meal examples alone! Tune in to see if these series are right for your TBR list, or if you've...

What would your favorite book characters’ Spotify Wrapped look like? In this episode of Swords & Swoons , we’re giving our favorite fictional characters their very own year-end music recap; complete with top artists, top songs, and genres that feel a little too accurate. Expect hot takes, friendly arguments, and a lot of laughing as we turn bookish vibes into playlists. 🎧 Play along with us,...

The secrets are out, the ending is here, and we are absolutely not emotionally prepared. In our season finale, we break down the explosive ending of Brimstone by Callie Hart. From final revelations and emotional fallout to lingering questions and future theories, this episode wraps up our Brimstone deep dive and closes out the season of Swords & Swoons . Spoilers for the entire book ahead.

If you thought Brimstone had already revealed its biggest secrets… think again. Part Four delivers some of the biggest reveals yet. We unpack the shocking truth behind the Book from Edina, where it’s been hiding, the rise of a new Lord of Midnight, and Tal’s full “drink the Kool-Aid” moment with the High Bloods. Heavy spoilers, major power shifts, and unhinged reactions ahead.

We’re back with another round of Brimstone by Callie Hart. In Part Three, Saeris learns some new tricks, Fisher meets some new faces, and the impossible happens!  Expect tension, revelations, and plenty of screaming as we dissect every twist, turn and scene making us scratch our heads. Spoilers for Brimstone ahead. Bring your theories and your emotional support relics.

In Part Two of our Brimstone deep dive, Saeris grapples with her growing power and the rot threat inches closer to reality everyday. Trust becomes a dangerous gamble — and alliances feel more fragile than ever. We unpack Saeris’ evolving magic, Kingfisher’s side quest with his favorite pal Carrion, escalating political tension, and the moments that had our “Spicy Moment Meter” climbing fast. This...

We’re officially entering Brimstone , and Callie Hart did not come to play. In this episode, we dive into the explosive prologue and the first ten chapters, where Saeris’ power sharpens, danger escalates, and the rot threat becomes terrifyingly real. From court politics to hidden magic, morally gray decisions to undeniable tension between Saeris and Kingfisher, we’re breaking down every twist, rev...

In this episode, we’re diving into the second half of Quicksilver by Callie Hart, right where everything goes off the rails. From the moment Saeris uncovers the vampire threat, the world cracks open, the magic deepens, and the danger skyrockets. We break down the rising stakes, the political tension, Saeris’ explosive power arc, and Kingfisher’s glorious descent into morally-gray obsession. With b...

Join us on Swords & Swoons as we dive head-first into Quicksilver , Callie Hart’s electrifying romantasy debut. From desert thieves to fae warrior oaths, living magic to grave threats—this book had it all. We’ll recap the major arcs, unpack the themes, and then shift into full speculation mode for Brimstone . What’s in store for Saeris and Kingfisher? What secrets still lurk in the fae realm?...

 This week on Swords & Swoons , we dive into the exclusive interview featured on the Fantasy Fangirls podcast at Disney World, where Rebecca Yarros teased major developments for the Empyrean series. From what happened during Violet’s missing hours, to how Xaden’s role may shift, to the expansion of the dragon-rider world—nothing is off-limits. We’ll break down the biggest reveals, tie them int...