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When Rebecca Yarros released Onyx Storm, the third installment in her Empyrean series, fans dropped everything to immerse themselves in Violet's continuing journey. Our podcast hosts were no exception – taking time off work, planning reading parties (thwarted by actual storms), and devouring the book in mere hours.

The conversation around this book reveals the fascinating dichotomy in how our hosts approach fantasy romance. We debate pure entertainment value and emotional impact versus technical criteria regarding world-building consistency and character development. This tension between "enjoyable escapism" and "cohesive fantasy craftsmanship" mirrors broader debates within the romantasy community.

Particularly compelling is how Yarros expands her magical system, introducing the Irids and revealing more about the balance of powers. The hosts passionately debate whether these elements feel organic or retrofitted, with one describing the book as "building the ship as she flies it." Meanwhile, the romantic relationship between Violet and Xaden sparks heated discussion about communication issues.

Beyond the story itself, the hosts tackle the concerning trend of romantasy authors delaying publications due to mental health concerns. They question whether fan expectations have become toxic, whether publishing demands are unsustainable, or if the multi-faceted role of modern authors (writer, marketer, social media personality) creates impossible pressure. As we await the next installment, expected around 2027, one thing remains clear – despite their critiques, there is anticipation for what comes next in this addictive series.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• The Fable reading app now has merchandise
  • Website
• Owlcrate is doing a special edition of Legends & Lattes and the sequel Bookshops & Bonedust
  • Instagram Post
  • Available to general purchase 04/24 and will be $69.99
• Brigands & Breadknives, third book in the Legends & Lattes series comes out on 11/11/25
  • Amazon Link
• Owlcrate is doing a special edition of the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett
  • Instagram
  • $104.99 available to general purchase 04/03/25
• Abigail Owen and Kait Ballenger at New Romantics bookstore in Orlando on 03/25
  • Instagram Post – Website (Info)
• Graphic novel adaptation coming of the Empyrean series.
  • Website
• Several romantasy authors have delayed/pushed back book releases due to mental health concerns. SJM, Yarros, Caggiano, Parker among them. What is going on?
  • Reddit Post

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