Spread Your Wingspan

The War of Two Queens

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

The Crown of Gilded Bones

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

Delemhach Universe

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

Kingdom of Flesh & Fire

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

Onyx Storm

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

It Happened One Summer

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

Misadventures of a Curvy Girl

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

From Blood and Ash

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

Kushiel's Dart

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

A Marvellous Light

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