Dear Fantasy Reader

In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, host Hannah Michelle and guest co-host, Mary Cross, sit down with New York Times bestselling romantic fantasy author, Penn Cole, to discuss The Kindred's Curse Saga in preparation of book four's release, Burn of the Everflame!
This episode serves as PART ONE of two, exploring Penn's intricate world-building, slow-burn romance, and the nuanced social themes woven into her storytelling, as well as insights on the craft of writing and activism.
The first portion of the episode is completely spoiler-free, while the second portion dives into spoilers for all three released books in The Kindred's Curse Saga.
 
Key Topics:
Penn Cole's inspiration and creative process behind The Kindred's Curse Saga
World-building and magic system intricacies
Themes of social injustice, empathy, and activism embedded in her series
Writing advice for debut authors and insights on overcoming imposter syndrome
The role of media, social commentary, and activism in storytelling
Penn's unique writing rituals and environment
The evolution of the Guardians and their moral complexities
Handling sensitive topics with nuance and intentionality in fantasy worlds
The importance of diverse voices and sensitivity readers in fiction
 
Stay tuned for PART 2 (releasing 07/30/2026) where the hosts ask Penn all of their burning questions about the highly anticipated Burn of the Everflame!
 
Segment Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:27 Spoiler-Free Segment
31:50 Spoiler-Filled Segment
01:09:07 About Dear Fantasy Reader
*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*
 
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pIie08iT-m8 
 
Ready to add one (or three) more books to your TBR?
Order The Kindred's Curse Saga: https://www.penncole.com/shop#books
 
Follow Penn Cole's Journey:
Website: https://www.penncole.com/
Upcoming Appearances: https://www.penncole.com/appearances
Reader Discord: https://discord.com/invite/pennspals
Newsletter: https://www.penncole.com/newsletter
Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorPennCole
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authorpenncole
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@AuthorPennCole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpenncole/

 
Author bio: Penn Cole is the New York Times bestselling author of the international romantasy hit, Spark of the Everflame. Her debut series, The Kindred's Curse Saga, has been published in 18 languages and has sold over 3 million copies. Before becoming an author, Penn was a small business owner and an attorney. A Texas native, she now lives in Paris, France with her husband and their cat, Cardboard. When Penn isn't writing epic slow-burn romantasy, she can be found eating far too many French pastries and trolling her readers on Discord.
 
Series Name: The Kindred's Curse Saga
Spark of the Everflame
Originally self-published June 1, 2023
Traditional publication re-release October 8, 2024
Glow of the Everflame
Originally self-published July 18, 2023
Traditional publication re-release December 3, 2024
Heat of the Everflame
Originally self-published September 12, 2023
Traditional publication re-release March 11, 2025
Burn of the Everflame
Releasing September 8, 2026
 
Tropes and traits: Enemies to lovers, chosen one, elemental magic, political intrigue, dragons/animal sidekick, fight against injustice, banter, found family, prophecies, slow burn romance, shadow daddy, feisty healer FMC, brooding dark prince MMC
 
Synopsis: When her mother suddenly vanishes, healer Diem Bellator's search for answers forces her out of her poor mortal village and into the dark world of the cruel demigods known as the Descended. Bloodthirsty rebels are recruiting her to join the civil war, but the King's handsome, mysterious heir is watching her every move. Diem must navigate a dangerous game of love, power, and politics to save her mother—and all of mortalkind.
 
Background/Pronunciation Guide: A general overview of the world and a pronunciation guide for the locations and characters is available on Penn's website at https://www.penncole.com/enter-emarion
 
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
The DFRP chapters so far:
Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers! Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!

Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community — our UPCOMING & ongoing series with industry experts where we pull the curtain back on different aspects of the book community learning what all goes into getting these books to our hands!
 
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com
 
DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/
 
JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod
TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod
YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
 
Don't forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!

Welcome to Dear Fantasy Reader!
If you're new here, this is the perfect place to start. And if you've been here for a while, welcome to the next chapter!
Dear Fantasy Reader began as a space for deep dives, theories, and fully immersive discussions around the books we love. As the podcast has grown, so has its perspective—expanding beyond the page to include conversations with authors, creators, and voices across the book community.
🎙️ What to expect:
• Fourth Wing deep dives, lore breakdowns, and theory spirals
• Romantasy & Fantasy author interviews through Dear Fantasy Author
• Upcoming conversations across the book world in Dear Fantasy Community
• Guest hosts joining depending on the conversation
Whether you're here to revisit your favorite stories, hear from the people behind them, or explore the world of fantasy on a deeper level, you're in the right place!
✨ Start listening:
• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Dear Fantasy Author (ongoing)
• Season 3: Dear Fantasy Community (coming soon)
 
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com
 
DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/
 
JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod
TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod
YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
 
Email us your thoughts & theories: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com
 
Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!

Join book besties, Kinsey and Karly, as they dive into a quick yet thorough recap of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Book 1 of the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. Perfect for listeners preparing for ACOTAR 6 or refreshing their memory before the next book, this episode revisits the essential plot points, characters, relationships, and twists that started it all!
This recap kicks off our Maasive Maasverse Mayhem Prep and Recovery season, a long-term series designed to prepare readers for the next A Court of Thorns and Roses installment. Throughout the season, the hosts will recap all five ACOTAR books, share theories for Book 6, explore favorite moments and characters, and expand into Throne of Glass and Crescent City coverage as the journey continues.
Whether this is your first trip to Prythian or your fiftieth reread, this episode makes sure you are fully prepped before stepping back beyond the wall.
Prepare to dive into the Cauldron, the Maasverse awaits!
 
*This episode includes spoilers for A Court of Thornes and Roses BOOK ONE by Sarah J. Maas.*
 
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
The DFRP chapters so far:
• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep
• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive
• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.
• Season 6: Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7: The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe.
• Season 8: Maasive Maasverse Prep for ACOTAR 6 — our full-unhinged season for Sarah J Maas's worlds, beginning with recaps of all five A Court of Thorns and Roses books, complete with favorite moments, character deep dives, and theories. After ACOTAR coverage, we continue with Hannah's first read of the Throne of Glass series, recording her initial reactions after each book with no future-book spoilers. Finally, we close with in-depth Maasverse lore and recaps for the Crescent City series as the grand finale.
& MORE TO COME!
 
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com
 
DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/
 
SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast
 
JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK
Follow along:
Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpodTikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod
YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Email us your thoughts & theories: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com
 
 
New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!
Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!

Step into the quicksilver with book besties Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly as they tackle the biggest loose ends, lingering mysteries, and reader-submitted questions from Callie Hart's Fae and Alchemy series. This episode marks the final stop in our Brimstone Recovery journey before we shift into our next season, and it dives deep into the questions keeping readers awake at night.
This conversation explores the unresolved threads woven through Brimstone and offers thoughtful, chaotic, and heartfelt speculation about what these reveals may mean for Fae and Alchemy Book 3. From gods and runes to dream worlds, dragons, and a fox that keeps stealing the entire show, the hosts unpack every major unknown left on the table.
Listeners will hear discussion on Everlayne's consciousness, the witches and their secrets, the truth behind Khydan's parentage, the origin of the rot, the future of Saeris's vampire kingdom, and the nature of the shared dream state. They also explore the potential role of dragons moving forward and revisit key theories sparked during the Prep portion of the season.
The second half of the episode features reader-submitted FAQs, including questions about mating bonds, true names, Onyx's mysterious revival, tattoos, three-crown lore, and unresolved side character arcs. Expect thoughtful speculation, unhinged cackling, and more than one fight for emotional stability.
This episode concludes our Brimstone Prep and Recovery Season, and we are wildly grateful to everyone who spiraled, theorized, reread, and refreshed right alongside us!
Grab your relics, dearest fantasy readers, and prepare to dive into the quicksilver once more. Sanity is not guaranteed.
 
*This episode includes spoilers for Quicksilver AND Brimstone by Callie Hart.*
 
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
The DFRP chapters so far:
• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep
• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive
• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.
• Season 6: Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7: The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe.
• Season 8: Maasive Maasverse Prep for ACOTAR 6 — our full-unhinged season for Sarah J Maas's worlds, beginning with recaps of all five A Court of Thorns and Roses books, complete with favorite moments, character deep dives, and theories. After ACOTAR coverage, we continue with Hannah's first read of the Throne of Glass series, recording her initial reactions after each book with no future-book spoilers. Finally, we close with in-depth Maasverse lore and recaps for the Crescent City series as the grand finale.
& MORE TO COME!
 
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com
 
DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/
 
SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast
 
JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod
TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod
YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
 
Email us your thoughts & theories: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com
 
New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!
Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!

Step into the quicksilver with book besties Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly as they continue the Brimstone Recovery phase with their biggest theories for Fae and Alchemy Book 3. This episode is packed with Brimstone spoilers, wild connections, and plenty of chaotic speculation as the hosts break down everything they noticed on their first read.
In this episode, the trio revisits major revelations from Brimstone to build their earliest predictions for what might come next in Callie Hart's Fae and Alchemy series. From divine bloodlines and godly betrayals to dragon lore, true names, and the mysteries surrounding the Hazrax, the hosts explore the clues that may shape the future of Saeris, Kingfisher, and the realms beyond.
Expect unfiltered spiraling, mythological parallels, and thoughtful analysis as they connect details across Quicksilver and Brimstone to imagine how the next book might shift the series in new directions.
This episode is part of the Recovery portion of the Brimstone Prep and Recovery season. Dear Fantasy Reader will continue covering the full series as readers recover together and wait for Book 3 news.
 
Grab your relics, dearest fantasy readers, and prepare to dive into the quicksilver once more. Sanity is not guaranteed.
 
*This episode includes spoilers for Quicksilver AND Brimstone by Callie Hart.*
 
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
The DFRP chapters so far:
• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep
• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive
• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next!
• Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.
• Season 6: Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7: The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe.
& MORE TO COME!
 
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com
 
DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/
 
SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast
 
JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK
 
Follow along:
Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod
TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod
YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
 
Email us your thoughts & theories: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com
 
New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!
Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!