Book Talk for BookTok

• Crown of Midnight Chapters 6–11: Celaena vs. Destiny – Who’s in Control?

  Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! In Episode 2 of our Crown of Midnight season, Jac and Amy analyze chapters 6–11 of Sarah J. Maas’s second book in the Throne of Glass series. Celaena Sardothien navigates haunted hallways, political games, and romantic tension, but beneath it all lies a deeper struggle between fate, freedom, and identity. This is part 1 of this week's episode. This week, we ask:Which expectations placed on our characters are new, and which have carried over from the previous book? We unpack major literary themes and moments, including: – Mirror imagery and characters as reflections of each other – Fate vs. free will, especially for Celaena, Dorian, and Nehemia – The weaponization of sex and gender roles – Ownership, isolation, and who really “knows” Celaena From Mort the talking skull to Celaena’s deadly dinner with Archer Finn, this section reveals how destiny and denial shape the heroine’s next steps. As always, we apply two academic literary lenses to guide our analysis: – Jac uses a feminist lens to explore power, perception, and performance – Amy uses a Marxist lens to analyze rebellion, control, and structural pressure Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. Sponsors: Babbel: We're partnering with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions, but only for our listeners. Go to Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Crown of Midnight Chapters 1–5: Assassin, Spy, Queen? (Literary Analysis, Part 2)

  Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan’s most feared assassin; she’s the King’s Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity, shifting power dynamics, and imaginary lines between people, personas, and political loyalties. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. This season, we’re asking: Has Crown of Midnight truly prepared Celaena for her future as Aelin Galathynius? This episode starts with that question and more: – How are Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol navigating their changing relationships? – What role does dissociation play in the early narration? – And why is Celaena’s fashion sense so symbolically important? We apply a feminist lens (Jac) and a Marxist lens (Amy) to unpack character arcs, foreshadowing, and major literary breadcrumbs you may have missed. If you love: 🗡 Morally gray female protagonists 📚 Literary analysis meets fandom ❤️‍🔥 Enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and character trauma 🔥 Spicy theory debates and SJM universe connections ...you’re in the right place. Sponsors: Babbel: We're partnering with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions, but only for our listeners. Go to Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠ Merch: ⁠Etsy Store⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ TikTok: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ YouTube: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:15:53
• Crown of Midnight Chapters 1–5: Assassin, Spy, Queen? (Literary Analysis, Part 1)

  Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan’s most feared assassin; she’s the King’s Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity, shifting power dynamics, and imaginary lines between people, personas, and political loyalties. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. This season, we’re asking: Has Crown of Midnight truly prepared Celaena for her future as Aelin Galathynius? This episode starts with that question and more: – How are Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol navigating their changing relationships? – What role does dissociation play in the early narration? – And why is Celaena’s fashion sense so symbolically important? We apply a feminist lens (Jac) and a Marxist lens (Amy) to unpack character arcs, foreshadowing, and major literary breadcrumbs you may have missed. If you love: 🗡 Morally gray female protagonists 📚 Literary analysis meets fandom ❤️‍🔥 Enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and character trauma 🔥 Spicy theory debates and SJM universe connections ...you’re in the right place. Sponsors: Babbel: We're partnering with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions, but only for our listeners. Go to Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:04:53
• Preparing for Crown of Midnight: Listener Reactions & All Things Sarah J. Maas

  Before we dive into our upcoming 10-part literary analysis of Crown of Midnight, we’re taking a moment to celebrate all things Sarah J. Maas—with help from YOU, our listeners. In this special episode, we: Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments from across the Throne of Glass series Discuss key characters, worldbuilding, and SJM’s signature writing style Revisit moments from A Court of Thorns and Roses, House of Earth and Blood, and Kingdom of Ash Explore how Maas’s storytelling has shaped the romantasy genre and taken over BookTok Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering her books, this episode is your one-stop refresher before we begin our deep dive into Crown of Midnight. — 🎧 Book Talk for BookTok is your weekly literary analysis podcast for romantasy, fantasy, and romance. Hosted by best friends Jac and Amy, we bring our combined 13 years of academic training to break down the stories you can’t stop thinking about. Follow us now to catch our Crown of Midnight deep dive—and revisit our previous seasons on ACOTAR and A Court of Mist and Fury! Sponsor Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK. Let's keep the conversation going Submit them at ⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠ Merch: ⁠Etsy Store⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ TikTok: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok⁠ YouTube: ⁠@BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:05:01
• How Wattpad and Fanfiction Are Changing Publishing (with Alessandra Ferreri)

  How Fanfiction is Reshaping Publishing: A Conversation with Alessandra Ferreri of Wattpad What do After, The Kissing Booth, and countless BookTok favorites have in common? They all started on Wattpad. In this episode, we sit down with Alessandra Ferreri, Head of Content at Wattpad and self-proclaimed “Fanthropologist,” to explore how fanfiction is influencing the future of publishing, screen adaptations, and Gen Z storytelling. We dive into: What makes a fanfic—or fanfic-inspired story—poised for mainstream success The fan behavior Wattpad studies to identify breakout stories Popular tropes and character archetypes trending on the platform How fandom trends evolve from Wattpad to BookTok to bookstores and screens The growing legitimacy of fanfiction in literary conversations How Wattpad scouts original voices and builds community-driven success Whether you're a longtime Wattpad reader or just discovering the platform, this conversation sheds light on how digital storytelling, fan communities, and BookTok trends are reshaping what it means to be a reader—and a writer—in 2025. 🎧 Perfect for fans of BookTok, fanfiction, romantasy, YA fiction, and those curious about the future of publishing. — About Our GuestAlessandra Ferreri is the Head of Content at Wattpad, the global storytelling platform and webnovel leader from WEBTOON Entertainment. With nearly a decade of experience studying fan communities, she balances art and data to discover breakout stories that span books, screens, and genres. — ✨ Book Talk for BookTok is your weekly deep dive into Romantasy, fantasy, and romance with the academic flair of an English class—but way more fun. Subscribe for author interviews, literary analysis, and all things BookTok-worthy. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok Merch: Etsy Store Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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