Podcast Summary: Dear Fantasy Reader

Episode: Ep 1 The Ascended: Initial Thoughts & Reactions (The Sundered Realms Universe)
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Hannah, Kinsey, Carly

Overview

The debut episode of Season 3 of Dear Fantasy Reader dives into The Ascended, the latest installment in the Sundered Realms Universe (by Bri Greenwich and Parker Lennox). With their characteristic energy and close friendship, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Carly dissect their initial reactions, favorite moments, character arcs, and the intricate connections to previous books in the universe. The conversation is spoiler-rich for The Ascended but thoughtfully avoids major plot reveals from Riftborne and Dustbound until a clearly marked spoiler section. The episode features candid fangirling, heartfelt literary appreciation, and sharply observed analysis—a quintessential “book club with your besties” experience.

Episode Structure & Key Highlights

• [1:19] Welcome, Content/Trigger Warning, and Spoiler Policy

  • Spoiler-laden for The Ascended, but Riftborne and Dustbound spoilers come with a clear warning.
  • Podcast is rated R for content and language.

• [1:45] Context & Universe Introduction

  • The Sundered Universe: Ascended, Riftborne, and Dustbound overlap in major ways.
  • Episode is structured to discuss The Ascended solo first, then shared universe connections.

• [4:06] First Impressions: General Thoughts

  • Kinsey: Loved the cross-series easter eggs and the immersive reading experience. Drew comparisons to The Hunger Games and Serpent & the Wings of Night.

    “...every time I saw like a little clue I was like just like eating that up and highlighting every little thing. I've got so many highlights on my Kindle.” (04:06)

  • Carly: Found the godhood themes and romantic freshness engaging.

    “I have a hard time sometimes with Romantasy. Cause it starts to feel a little same day, differently, different book, you know? And this was so refreshing.” (05:25)

  • Hannah: Expressed immense pride and love for the book as a beta reader.

    “...already so early on, it was a masterpiece. And so I was like, this deserves as much energy as I can give it.” (07:27)

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reading Order and Series Experience

[11:04]

• The merits of reading in publication order vs. alternative paths.
• Debate about the unique experience of starting the universe with The Ascended vs. Riftborne/Dustbound.

2. Hook Moments: When Did it Grab You?

[13:11]

• Consensus Favorite:
  • Thatcher blowing up a god is cited as the undeniable hook.

    “It was when Thatcher blew up the God.” (13:11)
    “The stakes just rose so much.” (13:21 – Kinsey)

  • Comparison to “the vacuum moment” in another fantasy series.
  • Early investment in characters, especially Thatcher and her (Thayess') father.

3. Character Deep Dives

Thayess (FMC)

[17:20]

• Praised for her intelligence, quick-thinking, and unwavering devotion to her brother.

  “...she was feisty, but smart and calculating. And I was like, I'm here for it.” (17:20 – Carly) “She made a choice, she stuck to it...” (18:51 – Carly)

• The revenge arc and sibling bond highlighted as rare and compelling.

Thatcher

[23:47]

• Twin dynamic with Thayess described as a highlight (telepathic connection, emotional stakes).
• Discussion of his seemingly carefree persona, sunshine-like energy, and underlying devotion/protectiveness.

  “He was so happy and not genuinely carefree, but he acted carefree. He was very sunshine...” (24:51 – Hannah)

• Beta reader’s influence: Hannah and another beta requested more Thatcher POVs, which were added post-beta, growing the narrative.

Zuul (MMC)

[36:59]

• Initial skepticism transitioned to love for the morally gray Prince of Death.
• The "Savannah Wrath" plot/device is especially noted for heightening the romantic stakes.

  “...he only opened up for her and only trusted her...” (41:48 – Kinsey)

• Prince of Death trope dissected with enthusiasm and caveats (“not a prince of death girly, but he pulls it off so well” – Hannah, 40:25)

Marx (Side Character)

[44:50]

• Kelly: “She’s my favorite side character ever... that's my type of humor.”
• Kinsey: “...I still don't trust her... Her literal power is cursing, and it just stressed me out...”
• Discussion of Marx’s ride-or-die status vs. suspicions; possibility for her own book emerges.

4. The Trials

[51:03]

• Each host favors different trials (illusions, the hunt, the underwater one), but all agree the structure and payoff are engaging.

  “[Illusion dreams trial]—One of my favorite things in a book is when you don't know what's real and you can't trust the main character's narration...” (53:55 – Carly)

• The Fate Tapestry trial is discussed as especially lore-rich and potentially foreshadowing for future reveals.

5. High-Emotion Scenes

Cillian’s Death (Their Father)

[32:25]

• All hosts felt it coming but praised the execution:

  “They made us love him so fast.” (33:21 – Hannah)

• Recognized as a narrative necessity, driving much of Thayess’ arc.

Betrayals & Twists

[60:46]

• The plot to kill Thatcher and Zuul’s (kind of) involvement—plenty of emotions, debate on forgiveness, and sibling loyalty.

The Ending

[65:00]

• Twists: Moros’ true identity, Thatcher’s separation, The Void.
• Zuul’s forced marriage situation: mixed feelings from all hosts.
• Anticipation for book two is high, with a particular interest in how Thayess and Thatcher will recover/reunite from their trauma and grief.

6. Favorite Moments & Quotes

Notable Quotes (with timestamps & attribution):

• Thayess: “I was Thayas Morveren, wielder of stars, and I had come here to learn how to kill a God.” [85:42 – Kinsey]
• Zuul: “I'll paint this temple with divine blood before I let them touch her.” [87:01 – Kinsey]
• Zuul (to Thayess in her grief):
  • “I don't need anything from you. I just need you to exist, to be here, to let me help carry this until you can carry it yourself again.”
    Thayess: “...and if that's never?”
    Zuul: “Then I'll carry it forever. That's what loving someone means.”
    [88:36 – Hannah]
• Marx: “Don't look so shocked. I'm allowed to have feelings, you know, occasionally when no one's licking.” [85:11 – Carly]

7. Meta Moments & Behind-the-Scenes

• Hannah’s beta-reading journey: 796 comments, passionate advocacy for Thatcher.
• Addition of Thatcher POVs based on feedback.
• Deep gratitude expressed for being involved in the early phases and building relationship with the authors.

Final Reflections & Looking Forward

Universal Praise:
All three hosts endorse The Ascended as a standout entry in the Sundered Universe, lauding its character work, intricate lore, balance of romance and world-building, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Even with foreseen tropes and inevitable heartbreak, the execution is consistently praised as exceptional.

Looking Forward:

• Intense anticipation for Book Two and for the dedicated Sundered Universe Theories episode coming next.
• A strong desire for Marx’s book/novella is expressed.
• Outpouring of love and gratitude for the authors, who have become part of the show’s journey.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:19] – Start of Main Content: Spoiler policy, Sundered Universe context
• [04:06] – First impressions & personal connections
• [13:11] – Hook moments (“Thatcher blew up the God”)
• [17:20] – Thayess character discussion
• [23:47] – Thatcher's arc and POVs
• [36:59] – Zuul’s journey and MMC debate
• [44:50] – Marx: Side character showdown
• [51:03] – Breakdown of Trials
• [60:46] – Betrayal plot fallout
• [65:00] – Ending, The Void, and emotional aftermath
• [78:38] – Favorite moments and favorite quotes with context
• [85:07] – Quote highlights
• [89:06] – Spoiler warning for Riftborne and Dustbound
• [90:07] – Full Aether/Thatcher reveal reactions
• [102:16] – Meta talk: beta reading, author relationships

Tone & Language

The conversation is animated, irreverent, and deeply personal. The hosts switch seamlessly from academic/literary analysis to laughing, swearing, and sharing vulnerable fan reactions. Quotes are delivered in the hosts’ voices with direct attributions, and candid debate is encouraged over favorite villains, plot twists, and character motivations.

Memorable Moments

• Unanimous ‘let’s fucking go’ over Thatcher killing a god.
• First-page Thatcher crush:

  “I already have a crush. Like, what is happening?” (24:51 – Hannah)

• Sibling bonds as narrative engines:

  “The only thing she was more dedicated to than her revenge plot was her brother.” (20:30 – Carly)

• Meta starring:
  • Hannah’s 796-comment beta read.
  • The thrill and terror of keeping the Aether/Thatcher secret.

Conclusion

This episode of Dear Fantasy Reader offers fans of The Ascended both validation for their obsession and tantalizing new insights, while keeping the warmth and nerdy camaraderie that defines the show. Listeners are left eager for the next installment—both in the novels and the podcast, which promises an upcoming wild Theories episode spanning the full Sundered Realms Universe.

Next Episode:
Sundered Universe Theories (Deep-dive spoilers for Riftborne, Dustbound, and Ascended)