"Three Dark Crowns" - Three Queens...Three Gambits

Of Swords and Soulmates

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Have you ever felt the heart-pounding anticipation of a plot twist you never saw coming, or the sting of a character's betrayal that felt all too real? Our latest episode of is a literary feast for the senses, as we unravel the complex world of Kendare Blake's Three Dark Crowns.
We touch on the news that Sarah Maas is the best-selling author (all genres) in 2024 so far with House of Flame and Shadow according to Business Insider. Also, the surprising news that Carissa Broadbent is releasing book two of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Ashes and the Star Cursed King, on June 4. The surprising part is that each vampire house is gong to get its own duology.
This episode isn't just about reviews; it's a deep exploration of how the publishing industry is evolving, a conversation spurred by the news and Business Insider article linking the explosive growth of the romantasy genre to social media. We weave comparisons with the music industry's digital leap and celebrate the romance genre's self-publishing phenomena that's rewriting the rules.
Then, we cast an analytical eye over the charming yet sinister tapestry of Three Dark Crowns, where magic, mayhem, and monarchy collide, leaving us all with fierce opinions and starry-eyed predictions for the Queen of Fennbirn's fate. We give our spoiler-free ratings and thoughts before a deep, spoiler-filled, discussion. We debate which of the three queens we would support in the struggle for the throne.
Concluding with a heart-to-heart on the intoxicating mix of fantasy and romance within Blake's tale, we spar over the authenticity of enchanted romances versus those forged in the fires of genuine connection. The episode's cover art debate is the cherry on top, as we ponder the power of first impressions and the lure of a beautiful book jacket. We cap it off with a fierce discussion on whether the new Dune movies meet the definition of Romantasy.
Prepare to be enchanted by our insights, laughter, and maybe even find a new favorite to add to your collection.
Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Sarah Maas is the best selling author so far in 2024, social media, and the rise of romantasy in the publishing world.
  • Business Insider article
• Crowns of Nyaxia vol. II, Ashes and the Star Cursed King
  • Amazon link to author
• Kendare Blake
  • Author's website
• May is Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month
  • https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/

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Chapters

1. "Three Dark Crowns" - Three Queens...Three Gambits (00:00:00)

2. News (00:01:18)

3. Social Media and Changes in the Publishing Industry (00:06:50)

4. Three Dark Queens Book Review (Spoiler Free) (00:14:55)

5. Spoilers - Fantasy Elements and Character Perspectives (00:23:35)

6. Rating the Fantasy Elements (00:33:48)

7. Predicting the Queen of Fennbirn (00:43:48)

8. Rating the Romance (00:52:45)

9. Spice Ratings (00:55:40)

10. Cover Art Ratings (00:56:47)

11. Is it romantasy? (01:01:45)

12. (Not so) rapid fire - Is Dune romantasy? (01:02:44)