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When musical comedy duo Grief Cat wrote a song about fairies getting it on during band practice, they had no idea it would become their biggest hit. But that's exactly what happened when Annie and Louisa's romantasy-inspired jam "Fairies Fucking" connected with readers and listeners who share their passion for paranormal love stories.

In this delightfully meandering conversation, we explore how Grief Cat came to be (named after the concept of adopting a cat post-breakup), their musical backgrounds, and what happened when Louisa discovered Sarah J. Maas and dove headfirst into romantasy reading. With over 125 books under her belt already this year, she's bringing that literary passion directly into their music—and fans are eating it up.

The discussion ranges from favorite monster romances like the Duskwalker Brides series (featuring skull-headed monsters who eat people yet somehow make for swoon-worthy heroes) to what's missing in current romantasy storytelling. The duo wishes for more female monsters who aren't conventionally attractive and heroines whose power comes from embracing femininity rather than rejecting it. Their insights reveal how deeply they've engaged with the genre as both creators and consumers.

Between book recommendations, ukulele talk (Louisa's instrument Dolores would definitely choose Bucca di Beppo for dinner), and discussions about the unique magic of live performance, Grief Cat shares wisdom about staying authentic despite criticism. "Don't take feedback from people whose opinions you wouldn't value," they advise—a reminder that whether you're writing songs about supernatural smut or simply enjoying it, caring less about judgments from the cheap seats is always good practice.

With new music coming later this year including singles dropping in June, Grief Cat invites listeners to find them online and at upcoming events like Monsterotica Con. Follow them on Instagram and TikTok @griefcatpartytime to join their journey at the intersection of music and monster love.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano traditional published covers revealed
  • Instagram Link
  • Releases 11/05/25
• Today's guest - Griefcat
  • Official Website
• Monsterotica Convention is May 8-10!
  • https://monsteroticabookcon.com/

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Unraveling the secrets of Sarah J. Maas's intricate fantasy world, we dive deep into "Crown of Midnight," the pivotal second installment of the Throne of Glass series. Our hosts explore how this book serves as the essential bridge that transforms what seemed like a straightforward assassin tale into an epic fantasy with far-reaching implications.

The conversation examines Celaena's complex journey as she secretly spares her targets while pretending to fulfill her duties as the king's champion. This moral struggle sets the stage for the shocking tragedy that our hosts identify as the true catalyst that reshapes everything. Was this sacrifice planned? The mysterious Chapter 25 suggests a sacrifice to spark something greater, a revelation that hit our hosts differently during their first and second readings.

Magic emerges as a central force in this installment, with Dorian's unexpected abilities, the introduction of the witches, and tantalizing glimpses of ancient powers. We debate the effectiveness of these elements, with some hosts celebrating the expanded world-building while others question certain storytelling choices. The romance receives mixed reviews too, with compelling arguments that Kael might be more in love with the heroic idea of saving Selina than with truly knowing her.

By the end of "Crown of Midnight," her world – and identity – have been completely upended. The final reveal positions the series to explode into something far grander than readers might have anticipated from the first book. Whether you're continuing the journey through Erilea or considering whether to pick up this series, our breakdown offers both critical analysis and passionate appreciation for how this middle chapter transforms the Throne of Glass series.

• ·Links from the News Segment and Show:
  • Independent Bookstore Day this year is Saturday April 26th
    • https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day
  • New Medusa retelling book
    • I, Medusa by Ayana gray

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Magic always has a price—but what if that price is your body, your mind, or even your humanity?

Rachel Gillig's "One Dark Window" transports readers into a hauntingly beautiful gothic fantasy where survival means harboring dangerous secrets. In a mist-locked kingdom where magic is treated as a disease to be eradicated, Elspeth Spindle lives with a terrifying reality: an ancient spirit called the Nightmare resides within her mind, the result of surviving a magical fever that should have killed her. He protects her, keeps her secrets, but slowly—darkly—claims more of her consciousness with each passing day.

When a chance encounter with a mysterious highwayman pulls Elspeth into a quest to gather twelve providence cards before the solstice, she's thrust into a world where nothing is as it seems. These cards—powerful magical artifacts—might hold the cure for the kingdom's affliction, but obtaining them means navigating treacherous political waters, confronting painful truths about her family, and risking exposure of her own forbidden magic. As if that weren't complicated enough, the highwayman happens to be the king's nephew and captain of the Destriers, guilty of high treason.

What makes this novel truly exceptional is Gillig's breathtaking prose. The writing flows like dark poetry, creating an atmospheric experience that pulls you deeper into this world with each turning page. The unique magic system, where power is concentrated in 78 providence cards that exact physical tolls on their users, offers fascinating commentary on power, sacrifice, and the lengths we'll go to protect those we love. And while romance isn't the central focus, the developing relationship between Elspeth and Ravyn adds emotional complexity to an already rich narrative.

Discover why readers are calling "One Dark Window" one of the most captivating fantasy reads of the year. Pick up your copy and step through the window into a world where monsters might not be what you fear most—it might be what's already inside you.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Ali Hazelwood cancels UK signing / tour due to political issues
  • Instagram Link
  • Cites safety concerns due to the current political events and concern of exiting / re-entering USA
• Waterstones Cancels US Orders
  • TikTok Post
  • UK bookseller Waterstone is no longer accepting orders from the US and canceling some orders due to the tariffs.
• Plated Prisoner show update
  • Website News Article
• Barnes and Noble special edition of Assistant to the Villian
  • B&N Link
  • $32.99. Shipping in September 2025
• New Book by Rachael Gillig, The Knight and the Mothman
  • Website Article
• T. Kingfisher is the Dragon*Con Literary Guest of Honor
  • Website Article
• April is Arab American Heritage month, National Neurodiversity Awareness month, and National Poetry month!

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