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Novel Theories | Romantasy Readers

Nicole & Meghan

Formerly Romantasy Readers Podcast, Novel Theories is a new chapter with bigger theories, deeper dives, and even more ways to obsess over the stories we love. Join us--Nicole and Meghan--as we go way beneath the surface of the craft, characters, theories, and lore that keep us up at night. Because reading the book is only the beginning.

Instagram - @bookloveaholic, @marvelousmrsmeghan

TikTok - @bookloveaholic, @marvelousmrsmeghan

All episodes are also posted to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Romantasyreaders

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  • 29 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 16 min
  • English

Episodes 29

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  • Wednesday · 58 min

    Was Elain Pregnant in the Cauldron? | Wild Maasverse Theories 3!

    It's time for more of the most unhinged theories! In our third installment of Wild Maasverse Theories, we dig into: Is Rhysand related to or connected to Maeve? What is with all the monsters in Wendlyn--are they related to the monsters in the prison? Was Elain pregnant with Greyson's child when she went in the cauldron? Is Gwyn "Shadow-Bryce?" Is Hunt "Shadow-Azriel?" We cover all of these theories and more! Sound off in the comments below - what do you think? Is it a fireheart for you? Do you want to throw it straight in cauldron? And thank you to everyone who has embraced the Maasverse Scoring System with us! We are thrilled to drop the first MSS image in this episode on YouTube, if you want to see it in person! For more, you can follow us at: Instagram: @noveltheories | @bookloveaholic | @marvelousmrsmeghan TikTok: @bookloveaholic | @marvelousmrsmeghan Reddit: u/noveltheoriespod

  • September 19 · 1 hr 41 min

    Is Elain Azriel's Mate? | The Great Azriel Ship War - Part 2: Elriel

    We are going deeper into the Great Azriel Ship War this week with part 2: Elriel! We know there are many die-hard Elriel fans out there and we wanted to investigate the evidence they bring to the table. Honestly? Elain and Azriel fans SHOWED UP with the data. The quotes to comb through were there. But the questions isn't if they have a romantic connection...we know they do. The question is: what does it mean for the future? Do the patterns that occur in the text prove matehood? Endgame? Where are the arguments strong? Where are they weak? And how do we feel about the entirety of the evidence? And we want YOUR thoughts. Sound off in the comments, drop your thoughts, theories, and feedback. We want to hear from you. Maasverse 101: The Great Azriel Ship War Debate is on. Stay tuned as we work on Azris and Bryceriel in parts 3 and 4!

  • September 15 · 1 hr 48 min

    From Indie Author to #1 NYT Best Seller! Sheila Masteron and the Poison Daughter

    BookTok made her book go viral… and then traditional publishing came knocking. This week, we’re joined by Sheila Masterson, bestselling author of the dark romance sensation The Poison Daughter, to talk about the whirlwind journey from indie publishing to breakout success. We talk about what it actually feels like when your book takes off, the realities of going from indie to traditional publishing, the highs and surprises of the process, and what happens when the story you created starts becoming much bigger than you ever expected. Plus: The story behind The Poison Daughter How BookTok and Bookstagram helped propel the book Going from indie author to traditional publishing The whirlwind of getting signed What surprised Sheila most about the publishing world What comes next And… could The Poison Daughter be making it's way to Hulu? Whether you already love The Poison Daughter, found Sheila through BookTok, or you’re fascinated by what happens when an indie book suddenly catches fire, this conversation is such a fun look behind the curtain. And, truly, Sheila is an absolute delight. ❤️

  • September 12 · 1 hr 26 min

    Is Gwyn Azriel's Mate? | The Great Azriel Ship War Begins! Part 1 - Gwynriel

    Nicole and Meghan take on the evidence for Gwyn and Azriel in the Great Azriel Ship War! Digging into a debate that started on social media, follow along in the first episode of Novel Theories (formerly Romantasy Readers Podcast) with us as we surface the top evidence for the possible future of Gwyn and Azriel! We uncover the strongest arguments, analyze what makes them work, where might they fall apart, and what we think this means for the future of the Maasverse! As we move on to the front lines in this war, our first battle will tackle Gwyn and Azriel (Gwynriel), followed in part 2 by Elain and Azriel (Elriel), part 3 on Bryce and Azriel (Bryceriel), and--perhaps--a part 4 on Eris and Azriel (Azris!). We want to hear all of your comments, thoughts, feedback, arguments--what are the pieces of these ships that work for you? Where do they crumble? Just remember--there are rules: - Your arguments must be based in textual evidence, foreshadowing, symbolism, parallels, or lore. - Your arguments must not be based on author interviews or commentary or personal opinion of preferred story line. If it can't be proven by the text it doesn't exist! (For this debate!) Happy debating!

  • September 10 · 1 hr 4 min

    A New Chapter Begins! Ft. Alley: Tornado Turned Viral Sales! + ACOTAR 6/7 Theories

    In this episode we get to sit down with Alley, co-host of Romantasy Readers, as she bids us farewell as a permanent host in order to continue growing her author business! Alley, also known as the author Alexandria Arden, is in the middle of writing her 4th book as her 3rd book -- a hockey romance called "After Further Review" is headed for release! Between her Thayar Crown series (The Witch Queen, The Shining Prince) and her new hockey romance, Alley has been insanely busy on tour! Hear about her run in with a freak tornado accident recently, how it impacted her business growth, and hear her thoughts on the upcoming ACOTAR 6 and 7 releases! We will miss Alley being here regularly, but she will continue on a guest host whenever she wants! We look forward to this new chapter with Meghan as our new permanent host...and stay tuned because a few changes are coming...

  • September 4 · 2 hr 1 min

    Megan Gad Reads: Sarah's Beef with Bloomsbury?

    Join Nicole as she sits down to talk with Megan Gad (@megangadreads) to discuss: What's going on with Sarah and Bloomsbury? Is Rhysand evil? What about Bryceriel? And so much more! Show Note: Megan and Nicole recorded this episode prior to the ACOTAR 6 and 7 title and blurb releases. There is the possibility that some items discussed are no longer as relevant as they were prior to recording. BUT! We still want to hear all of your questions! Sound off below with your thoughts, comments, theories, and more.

  • August 29 · 1 hr 13 min

    Wildest Maasverse Theories - Part 2! ACOTAR + CC

    Is Crescent City in the past and ACOTAR in the future? Is Ragnarok going to happen on Midgard? Is Rhys collecting powerful people—and using the siphons to block Azriel and Cassian’s true power? In this episode, Part 2 of our Wild Maasverse Theories, we cover all these questions an so much more! Join Nicole and Meghan as they get a little unhinged, dive deeper, and bring back the Maasverse Theory Spectrum! Is it going Straight in the Cauldron? Does it have Ironteeth? Maybe…just maybe it’s a Fireheart!

  • August 24 · 1 hr 11 min

    BIGGEST ACOTAR THEORY YET? Is Koschei in the Dread Trove? And WHAT is the Valkyrie Cycle?

    In this episode, hosts Nicole and Meghan dig in on the biggest theories to circulate since the ACOTAR 6 & 7 cover and blurb releases, as well as uncover some of their own theories (like…is part of Koschei’s soul in the Dread Trove?). Do you have a favorite theory for the upcoming releases? What are you SURE is coming, what do you hope isn’t, and what would be the biggest mind-blowing revelation? Let us know in the comments!

  • August 18 · 50 min

    ACOTAR 6 & 7: Cover and Blurb Reveal! Another Emergency Episode!

    All the questions! Court of Splintered Harmony? Court of Forgotten Melody? Who is Koschei? What is going to happen to Cassian? Did we get Throne of Glass hints? What does it all mean!? Join hosts Nicole and Meghan with special guest Ciara as we continue reeling from all the Maasverse news! This is another emergency episode. The book world is on fire, SJM is feeding us, and we cannot contain the excitement! Follow Nicole (@bookloveaholic), Meghan (@marvelousmrsmeghan), and Ciara (@audiobookaddict_) on Instagram!

  • August 17 · 44 min

    ACOTAR NEWS: Emergency Episode - Art Update and Leak?

    Is that a spider? What kind of spider? What are the flames with fangs? And bones??? This is not a drill! Join Nicole, Meghan, and Ciara as we cover the ACOTAR artwork update and cover leak! What do you think the drop is telling us? Let us know! Follow Nicole (@bookloveaholic), Meghan (@marvelousmrsmeghan), and Ciara (@audiobookaddict_) for more!

  • April 25 · 1 hr 22 min

    Sable Sorenson - Author Interview

    Join Alley and Nicole as they interview co-writers Annie and Eliza, known as the pen name Sable Sorensen! We ask all the questions you're dying to know about Direbound and the sequel Furybound!

  • March 21 · 1 hr 15 min

    Ariel Sullivan - Author Interview

    Join Alley, Nicole, and sensational author Ariel Sulllivan as they talk about her books Conform, Beneath, and the universe Ariel is creating. Conform was Alley and Nicole's top book of 2025, and as readers privileged enough to get an early copy of Beneath, they cannot recommend this world and author enough! As always, the first 15-20 minutes are spoiler free so you can hear all about Ariel's books and get excited to go out and read them.

  • March 14 · 1 hr 9 min

    Conform by Ariel Sullivan

    Join Alley and Nicole as they discuss their top book of 2025, Conform by Ariel Sullivan. As always, the first 15-20 minute are spoiler free, giving you the chance to learn more about the book before you commit to reading it.

  • March 6 · 1 hr 34 min

    Breaking Down SJM's Interview on Call Her Daddy

    Join Alley and Nicole as they breakdown every detail of Sarah J Maas's interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast. They talk about what we might expect from the next books, what theories are debunked (or not!), and everything else they loved about the appearance!

  • February 28 · 19 min

    EMERGENCY Sarah J Maas Episode

    Join Alley and Nicole as they speculate about the rumors that Sarah J Maas could be on the Call Her Daddy podcast, and what we might see if she really does make an appearance in March.

  • February 18 · 53 min

    Brimstone Review

    Join Alley and Nicole as they discuss Brimstone, the sequel to Quicksilver.

  • January 21 · 59 min

    Our Top 2025 Romantasy Reads!

    Join Alley and Nicole as they cover their top ten reads of 2025. You'll definitely want to read the top 3, because they'll be featured in the coming months on the podcast! UPDATED: If you previously tried listening to this and there was no audio after the intro, this has now been corrected.

  • Nov 28, 2025 · 59 min

    Is Rhysand evil? We think not!

    Join Alley, Nicole, and special guest Meghan (@marvelousmrsmeghan) as they discuss the popular booktok/ bookstagram theory that Rhysand is actually the villain! Spoiler alert: they don't think he is!

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