Dear Fantasy Reader – Ep 3: The Ascended Interview: Grenwich & Lennox

Release Date: November 13, 2025
Hosts: Hannah, Kinsey, Carly
Guests: Bri Greenwich & Parker Lennox (Authors of The Ascended in the Sundered Realms universe)

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Dear Fantasy Reader hosts reunite with Bri Greenwich and Parker Lennox, authors of the widely acclaimed Ascended, for a follow-up interview. The discussion journeys through spoiler-free reader questions, dives deep into the creative process behind Ascended and the interconnected Sundered Realms universe, and shifts into a juicy, spoiler-filled breakdown of lore, character fates, and what’s next for the series. Easter eggs, fan theories, and author confessions abound!

Spoiler-Free Discussion ([03:34]–[12:25])

Social Media Takeover & Reader Response

• Both authors express gratitude and disbelief at the viral success of The Ascended on BookTok and Bookstagram.
  • "You can dream about something like that, but you never know whether it's going to happen. So it's just been, like, shocking, but also...we're so grateful." - Parker Lennox [03:54]
• Hosts celebrate the overdue recognition for the Espritian Trilogy.

Reading Order Recommendations

• Official recommended reading order: Riftborne, Duskbound, then The Ascended (publication order).
  • "We do believe that it can be read with The Ascended coming first. We tried to write them to where they could stand on their own." – Bri Greenwich [04:58]
• Advice for readers:
  • Casual/viral readers: Start with The Ascended for instant access.
  • Easter egg hunters/seasoned fantasy readers: Begin with Riftborne and Duskbound for deeper payoff.
• Hosts note rereads are common after finishing the series out of order.

Upcoming Releases & Future Plans

• Next release: RealmBlade (Book 3 of Espritian trilogy), then Ascended Book 2.
• Total of seven planned books in the Sundered Realms Universe, with possible novellas on the horizon.
• Audiobook update: Ascended audio edition is in the works, with audio rights hoped to be sold—no firm timeline.
• Special editions: Authors are hopeful but no official news yet.

Dive Into the Creative Process ([12:25]–[27:18])

Reader Reactions & Emotional Payoff

• Hosts gush over the book’s satisfying payoff, especially the ending and its ties to the previous series.
  • "Getting to the end of Ascended is like one of those satisfying reader experiences...that's the payoff." – Carly [12:52]

Favorite Scenes to Write

• Authors highlight the trials and Thaeus "pulling down the stars" as favorites. The final battle and Thatcher’s fate in the abyss were particularly impactful.
  • "The final battle scene where Thatcher gets sucked into the abyss. That conversation that they had plays over and over again in my mind..." – Parker Lennox [13:51]

Inspirations: D&D, Mythology, and More

• Heavy inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaigns—gods meddling among mortals, characters wielding celestial magic.
  • "A lot of our worldbuilding ideas and experience come from building characters and worlds. Specifically with Ascended, we pulled some inspiration [from] a homebrew campaign." – Parker Lennox [14:50]
• Thaeus’s star-wielding power arose from Parker’s D&D character "Aurora Andromeda."
• Dual visions for Thaeus’s magic (meteor shower vs. crafted star sword) were blended.

Memorable Moment:

• The authors agree to play D&D with the hosts in the future.

Crafting Unique Trials & the Fate Tapestry

• Wanted to "up the game" on trials, making them god-level, intense, and layered with horror (body and psychological).
• The Fate Tapestry was a way to physically represent fate, helping the authors overcome intimidation about writing fate/time mechanics.
• Fate can be changed in this universe—the tapestry is mutable.

Hints About Book 2

• There will be a time jump ("time jumpyish") in the next Ascended book, but no details on timing.
• POVs will generally focus on the female main character, with others possible when necessary (“never be a split, like, dual-POV type of situation”).
• The fate of beloved side characters (Mark) is uncertain: "No one is safe." – Bri Greenwich [26:03]

Spoiler Section: Universe-Building, Theories & Connections ([27:29]–[52:14])

Revealing the Big Connections

• Aether/Thatcher’s backstory as the Ascended’s protagonist was planned from early on but fleshed out through writing Riftborne.
  • "We knew when writing Riftborne that Aether fell from somewhere...He was always from this other place." – Parker Lennox [29:31]
• The twin bond and psychic communication add both emotional weight and plot utility.

Universe Hierarchy & Lore Clarifications

• Geography: Each "world" consists of realms (Divine & Mortal). Mortal realm in A Sumerian has no powers, unlike Espritian.
• Pantheons: There are four total, with three series (no surprise fourth series, but hints planted in Ascended).
• The void is key to understanding the missing pantheon.

Writing Choices & Character Portrayal

• Writing a lighter Aether was bittersweet, knowing his tragic arc.
  • "You’re so happy to write this origin story of someone, but you also have already written what he becomes. So it’s like this weird, exciting, but melancholia at the same time." – Parker Lennox [35:58]
• The most anticipated scene: when Aether discovers he did nothing wrong and was wrongly exiled.

Theory Lightning Round

• Fate of the woman with gray hair: She will be the third FMC of the planned series.

• Fate Tapestry and fate alteration: Confirmed, as both hosts and authors discuss earlier clues.

• Thatcher's memories: No spoilers; "wait and see," but Kinsey offers two theories on how his memories could return, both acknowledged but not confirmed by the authors.

• Xul's soul-bond ritual (Savannarath): Not a typical "fated mates" trope. It's an intentional act, not predestined—a romantic, irrevocable choice.

  • "How romantic it would be to have that be a choice...not determined by fate." – Parker Lennox [42:16]

Universe Mechanics and Easter Eggs

• Queen Andred has entered the void multiple times across her life—a recurring plot feature.

• Questions about prequels, side stories, and series structure get modest hints.

• Notably, the authors tease Ascended Chapter 70 and Duskbound Chapter 24 as crucial for theory-laden rereads.

  • "I think both of you will have major revelations if you read those back to back." – Parker Lennox [50:47]

• The episode closes with joy and camaraderie between hosts and authors—plus a lasting promise to traumatize readers in the best way.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "[Ascended] is an incredible book on its own." — Hannah [07:27]
• "It's like we're all pulling and trying to expand on these ideas." — Parker Lennox on the fantasy genre [14:50]
• "No one is safe. We're going into some really trying times." — Bri Greenwich [26:03]
• "It's just been, like, shocking, but also...we're so grateful. It feels surreal for all of the readers." — Parker Lennox [03:54]
• "How romantic it would be to have that be a choice...not determined by fate." — Parker Lennox [42:16]
• "You forever. And it's just—I just thought it was really cool." — Carly [44:24]
• "Thank you for breaking our hearts." — Hannah [52:37]
• "We will continue to do so." — Bri Greenwich [52:40]

Key Timestamps

• Reading order, publication vs. thematic ([04:48])
• Audiobook & editions updates ([10:14])
• Trials & fate tapestry concepts ([13:33], [22:19])
• Fate alterability ([23:30])
• Next book time jump ([24:10])
• Xul’s bond: free will vs. fate ([42:16])
• Biggest moments for theorists: Ascended Ch. 70 & Duskbound Ch. 24 ([50:24])
• Twin bond and psychic link ([31:12])
• Third female protagonist hint ([37:44])
• Queen Andred’s Void journeys & universe-building ([45:52])
• Author-reader camaraderie ([52:32] onward)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a masterclass in universe-building and layered storytelling for fantasy fans. Greenwich and Lennox shed light on their creative process, playful partnership, and the devotion to rewarding both longtime fans and new readers alike. Hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Carly keep the energy high, the praise effusive, and the theory-crafting rigorous. The episode is a treasure-trove for Empyrean, Sundered Realms, and romantasy fans, and leaves listeners eager for the next book—armed with new clues for their rereads.

For more interviews, analysis, and theorycrafting, subscribe to Dear Fantasy Reader and check the show notes for links to prior episodes and author content.