
Loading summary
Carly
This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try it@progressive.com Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.
Kinsey
Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.
Ad Read Host
Zoe, this thing weighs a ton. Drew Ski, live with your legs, man.
Carly
Santa.
Hannah
Santa, did you get my letter?
Ad Read Host
He's talking to you, Bridges. I'm not.
Kinsey
Of course he did.
Ad Read Host
Right, Santa, you know my elf Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list and elf. I'm six' three. What everyone wants is iPhone 17 and at T Mobile you can get it on them. That center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. Right, Mrs. Claus?
Kinsey
I'm Mrs. Claus much younger sister and AT T Mobile there's no trade in needed when you switch. So you can keep your old phone.
Ad Read Host
Or give it as a gift.
Kinsey
And the best part, you can make the switch to T Mobile from your phone in just 15 minutes.
Ad Read Host
Nice. My side of the tree is slipping.
Hannah
Kimber.
Ad Read Host
The holidays are better. AT T Mobile switch in just 15 minutes and get iPhone 17 on us with no trade in needed. And now T Mobile is available in US cellular stores with 24 monthly bill credits for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 device connection charge credit engine balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Financing Agreement 256 gates, $830 eligible for in a new line $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes fees required. Check out 15 minutes or less per line.
Hannah
Visit t mobile.com a mochi moment from Sadie who writes I'm not crying.
Carly
You're crying.
Kinsey
This is what I said during my.
Hannah
First appointment with my physician at Mochi because I didn't have to convince him.
Kinsey
I needed a GLP one. He understood and I felt supported, not judged.
Carly
I came for the weight loss and stayed for the empathy.
Hannah
Thanks, Sadie. I'm Mayra Amit, founder of Mochi Health.
Carly
To find your mochi moment, visit joinmochi.com.
Hannah
Sadie is a Mochi member compensated for her story. Dearest Fantasy Readers, welcome to the Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast where we travel through the pages of our favorite Romantasy novels. I'm Hannah.
Kinsey
I'm Kinsey.
Carly
And I'm Carly.
Hannah
Join us as we enter the world of the Fae and Alchemy series, now recovering from the highly anticipated release of Brumestone. Today, we'll be discussing our thoughts on the biggest unanswered questions following Brimstone as we await the release of Fae and Alchemy Book three.
Carly
With that content warning and spoiler alert, this episode is full of Brimstone spoilers. So if you haven't finished the book in its entirety yet, go do that first and and we'll be here waiting for you when you are done.
Kinsey
Also, due to the nature of this book, this podcast is rated R in content and language. If you'd like to watch this episode ad free and full video or audio only if you would prefer, it's available now on Patreon and we've dropped that link down in the show notes as well.
Hannah
Now grab your relics and prepare to dive into the Quicksilver. Sanity not guaranteed. Quick note before we dive in, I do recommend, we all strongly recommend going to our latest episode before this one, Brimstone Theories. Going into book three, we will be touching on some of the aspects very lightly that we discussed there, but you're probably going to want to start there for context before you get into this one.
Carly
Yeah, probably a good idea. All right, our first discussion topic. By the end of Brimstone, Everlane is still unconscious, basically in the same state she's been in since the end of Quicksilver, except Idina was able to speak through Everlane. Where do we think Everlane's mind is trapped and do we think she is in a real dream state place like Fishers? And can anyone visit her there? Like, where are we at on this state of Everlane's mind?
Hannah
These were actually my questions that I wrote, so I don't have an answer.
Carly
Bree.
Kinsey
I think her mind is trapped in Daxis. That's the Under God kingdom. Right? I keep forgetting. I feel like. I keep checking.
Carly
I think so. But the Under God kingdom.
Kinsey
Yeah, I think she's in the Under God kingdom because when Sarris was speaking to Edina, she had said that she saw like shadows or something around her.
Carly
Well, she saw a figure in her eye. Like a person. Creepy.
Kinsey
So that would make a little bit sense to me. Especially because the reason she's in this state is because she entered a thrall with Malcolm. And Malcolm and the vampires seem to be connected to the Under Gods. It just makes sense to me with it being vampires, Malcolm, that the Under Gods is the place she is. I'm not sure if it's an actual dream state place like Serris and Kingfisher though, because then she'd be in an alternate reality of their current world and in theory could be connected to someone's mind and they would be able to reach her, but nobody's been able to do that yet. If anyone can, I would think it would be Renfys and he would definitely have mentioned that.
Hannah
Is the dream state a mate's thing? That's what it seems to be implied, but it's not stated. We're just kind of like, led to kind of think that does she potentially have a mate that can reach her there? Or, like, how would we get her out? We, the collective characters in the book, get her out of the state.
Carly
We do Saris use that dream state to like. Like there's a very disturbing version of Kingfisher, like, trapped in their bedroom and she realizes it's not really him. He's kind of there, but kind of not. And so I think because we've seen this darker element to this dream state, I think it's possible we could see it used for other things, that maybe it's just a realm they have access to and that they have somehow accidentally kept Everlane trapped in. But I think it also could be because they were using Ishabel to try to get her back, that, like, maybe she has accidentally trapped her somewhere. That, like, with, like, dark magic. Because, remember there was that, like, sigil on Taladeus and they were very worried about that. And I don't know what she did to Everlane, but I do kind of think we're going to end up needing the o' Sheeleth to cure her and bring her back all the way.
Kinsey
I certainly think that's the case. I know you and I believed that going into Brimstone. I just wasn't expecting Everlane to still be in this state. So they'll need that, those butterflies.
Hannah
I hope it happens soon so that we actually get to experience her character, because I really liked her. But she's literally unconscious for.
Carly
And Renfus seems to be a little bit in love with her. So, yeah, he seems very upset about the Sage. So. I want. I want good things for Renfus.
Kinsey
Me too. He deserves it.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
So the witches were more present in Brimstone, but we're left with several questions. First, where did Owlgit go? What will be the consequences of Isabelle's use of dark magic? And will we find out why Lorath distrusts witches so much? Any thoughts?
Kinsey
My main thought was, how could you even offer Owl get the cure? I think that's someone that they should have just let die when Taladeus went on his whole rampage. So it makes me very concerned. But she might be alone. I would like to think that she is alone wherever she is, because she was basically kicked out of her clan. I believe, however, she probably was kicked out because she used dark magic. And that might mean she will seek Ishabel. Because Isha BAAL used dark magic. There's no way that Owlt didn't recognize the spell work on Taladeus. She knows exactly what happened. She's going to go off and she's going to go looking for the witch that did it.
Carly
Yeah, I agree. I definitely think we're going to see Owet approach Ishabel at some point. And I wish we could have seen the witches get explored a little bit more, because I think they're written really interestingly, but we don't have a ton of world building around them. I feel like I can have a whole book just on the witches. But I also love witches. But I definitely agree. I definitely think we're gonna see Olga approach Ishabel. And I think we could see her either potentially working with Ishabel because Ishabel has maybe been kicked out of her clan for using dark magic, or we could see her, like, blackmailing her because she knows what she did and Isabel doesn't want her clan to know. I want to know what the witches did that made Lorath distrust them so much, as much as everybody else. But I am still convinced that Ishabill knows his true name. And Lorath, I think, is just very mad about that and just trusts her because he doesn't know what she will do with it.
Kinsey
I agree. I think it's related to his true name. I'm not convinced that it's the fact that he grew up near witches and doesn't trust him because of that. Like, maybe it's because of that mate theory. I'm not fully sold on that, but it goes back to how and why does she know his true name? I guess if they are mates, then he would have willingly given her his true name, which is crazy. Don't ever give someone your true name. Don't do it.
Carly
No, it's like. It's like that. It's that in the blood oath, you never, ever make a blood oath and you never give someone your true name.
Kinsey
Never, ever, ever. So there's a major reveal at the end of Brimstone that Kayden must be half God since he wields Shadows. The name and title of his father isn't explicitly mentioned. So there are a few questions readers are left with regarding his father. Do we think Finryn was Kayden's real father? Does this mean Finryn is A God? Which God is he? And if Finryn is his father, then does Madra have a God trapped in Sylvarin?
Hannah
I think he is a God. I just don't think that that's like his name.
Kinsey
Yeah, I think it's a fake name for sure.
Hannah
Fake identity. Because I wouldn't want to. I think it'd just be more interesting to find out that the person that we've been told about, like, there's something new about him other than, oh, that's just not who his actual dad is. Like, that would be more interesting to read.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
But you actually have a theory that we discussed in the last episode for witch God Kinsey. Do you want to tease that or make people go listen to that episode?
Kinsey
Go watch it. Yeah, no, I think it is. It would make sense if it's still sticks personally, which is the main under God, which would explain the amount of power that Kingfisher has.
Hannah
The shadows.
Kinsey
Yeah, all the shadows and everything. He's more powerful than his full blooded siblings, which is interesting. But yeah, I also think Finryn is his real father because Bellacon, I could be totally making this up, but I think at one point in Quicksilver, Bellicon maybe mentioned that he looked like his father or somebody mentioned that Kingfisher looked like his father. And if they knew Finryn, then I don't think. Yeah, unless it's an illusion. Like that's such a cop out excuse, though. So I think it's his real dad and I want it to be Styx because that would make Kingfisher more. All the more powerful.
Hannah
I do recommend to answer that last question about then, does Madra have a God trapped in Zavarin? I will plug our previous episode. You should go listen to that.
Kinsey
Definitely.
Hannah
We're not gonna make Kinsey full out repeat herself.
Kinsey
Yeah. And Carly. Carly started it.
Hannah
Oh, there you go.
Carly
Yeah, that was quite the discussion. But yeah, I'm also with you guys, though. I kind of think Finryn is both the person who raised him and his biological dad. I think he is also the God. And I agree. I don't think that's his real name. I think that's just the name he went by because he kind of has these stories about his dad, like using his shadows and things like that and trying to find ways to impress his mom and things of that nature. I mean, he could have been making that up because I feel like we've seen him. His internal monologue of him giving us information that doesn't quite match up, but.
Kinsey
I think he's his dad, you made me remember something. And this is like a poorly hashed out theory, but when I was trying to do research on Finryn's name, I realized that the stone that they swear on is very close to Finryn's name. Like the spelling and everything. I just can't remember. Remember exactly what it. But it's also, like, with an F.
Carly
But that's what they fear in stone, I think. Yeah.
Kinsey
And that's what they use to make the oath to be like, I'm never gonna lie again. I'm never gonna do this. And if he Styx. And Styx is the river that people swear oaths by and make promises with. Maybe that's why they named the stone. Like, I don't know. But. No, but that would be his. But that would be a nickname, so. But okay, I don't know.
Hannah
I think that can still be true. And it's just like a little bit of an Easter egg on Callie's part. Yeah.
Carly
Or he gave himself a clever nickname.
Kinsey
Yeah, exactly.
Hannah
Yeah, that's what I was just gonna say.
Kinsey
He chose like, oh, I'm a God of oaths. Let me just name myself after their oath.
Carly
Rock.
Hannah
Yeah, I like that a lot.
Carly
Could be good. I like that.
Kinsey
Wow. That's crazy. I can't believe I forgot to mention that in our last episode, but I'm so glad it came up now.
Carly
The on the spot theories are sometimes the most fun. All right, so everyone's favorite topic. The rot is the main conflict in Brimstone. Destroying large portions of Yvelia and killing people who come into contact with it. We know that Brimstone can destroy the rot, that portions of the Quicksilver Tree of Life are covered in rot, and that some of the rot feeders came from Sylvarin, but we don't know what caused it. Do y' all have any thoughts, predictions?
Hannah
Not a single one floating around.
Carly
Sourced.
Kinsey
I think. Or at least because the feeders are coming from Zilvarin. I think that the Triumvirate upset the balance of the world and are somehow causing it. And Madra? Madra was missing for most of this book. She was mentioned a million times, but we didn't actually come face to face with her. So I think that there are consequences. That balance has been upset and this is the consequence. And taking out the Triumvirate and using the Brimstone will help with the rot.
Carly
I agree. I think that we're gonna find some sort of parallel between what Madra has done to her people and making them sick with dirty water. And this rot and what she's done to them. So I think we're gonna find some parallels between the way that they are running things and doing things and turning themselves into some sort of weird hydra essentially that like we have created this rot, basically. But I do kind of think we're gonna find out that there might be some sort of interesting parallel between the dirty water in Sylvarin and the creation of the rot.
Kinsey
Well, also, the Silver City is a rune. The entire city is a massive rune. That is a big spell that's happening there.
Carly
Well, and they're not the only one. They did the same thing in Sandsaroth. They talked about how like there's inner cogs and they talked about how those are also these circular things. And Sarah noticed it, I think when she's like on the balcony that she can see that they're also circular. So they're doing something they shouldn't be doing.
Kinsey
I blame them.
Carly
Yeah, I just blame them for everything. So.
Ad Read Host
For everyone who solves crime from their couch, knows more about forensics than their own job, and has trust issues with small town sheriffs. Amazon Music's millions of podcast episodes are calling. Just download the Amazon Music app and start listening to your favorite true crime podcasts ad free included with Prime. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T Mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.
Hannah
So Odina leaves instructions for Cerys and Foley to not take the cure and to remain vampires. Why do we think Ceres and Foley need to remain vampires? If Taladeus killed or reverted all of the vampires back to their original states, is Serris still considered a queen? And what will happen to that territory now? Anyone?
Carly
Some big questions.
Kinsey
Yeah, I was personally offended when Foley wasn't able to turn Fae again. Since he's so distraught and just so conflicted. All he wants that he's a vampire. Yeah, he just wants to be Fae. I'm like, let the man be a Fae.
Hannah
What could that play out and look like? That vampire would somehow benefit the plot.
Kinsey
Yeah. Is it just that they don't need as much sleep? Are they going to have to track blood or Something. And that's not because the Fae have really good sense of smell as well. I don't know if they're faster or stronger. Maybe by keeping Foley as a vampire, it honors the bond that he swore to Seras to make sure that he's dedicated to her.
Hannah
Well, didn't Ceres also say that she was worried that taking the antidote would actually turn her not Fae anymore and back to humans? So maybe, like, I don't know what Callie's motivation for that would be to make it to where if she did, she would turn back to human. But maybe that's what his mom knows would happen. And so he's like, nope, you gotta stay. And you know, to be entirely honest, maybe it's because the fan base was like, wait, this is really cool. And then what? The next. Halfway through the next book, she's like, not anymore. And it's like, that's kind of convenient.
Kinsey
I don't mind Serris being half vampire. I'm just fully.
Hannah
Oh yeah, agree.
Kinsey
Why can't Foley be vampire?
Carly
Yeah.
Kinsey
Or a Fae.
Hannah
Yeah, well, it's more impactful. Yeah, it hurts a little bit more.
Carly
I have wondered this and I wonder if there is going to be a need for some sort of vampire court again at some point, but run totally differently than the way Malcolm did things. Because, I mean, we know that the Fae still have like, you know, fangs and, you know, they can still drink blood and stuff. And so I wonder if there was at some point some sort of natural evolution of a vampire like creature from the Fae, but it got corrupted for power. And they're going to need people in charge, like, who are high enough up to stay in charge of the vampires, to keep them from becoming what they became before. People who like Sarris and Foley, who don't necessarily want power and want people to live peacefully and not for more power. But I do think that we're going to find out that there is something about them being vampire that's going to be important plot point in book three where they're going to need something about that to survive something or to solve some sort of problem. But it's like. But it's like, but what? Right? Because I'm like, well, okay, like she has trouble in the sun, so Zavarren's gonna be a no go for her. But like, maybe Zolvaryn's gonna be an important plot point and she doesn't want Serris there. Maybe she needs Kingfisher to have to go without her for whatever reason. And keeping Cerys out of Sylvarin, like for the plot, like, to keep her. A good reason to keep her from being able to go there easily.
Hannah
Pausing for just a second. I kind of love that Callie gets to be. That's kind of meta. Like she's created a character who gets to tell her characters what they should and shouldn't do. And so she's like the author to fix potential plot holes. All she has to do is have her instruct Serris to do this or not this. And so it's like sneaky, sneaky.
Kinsey
Yeah.
Hannah
Really creative there.
Carly
Yeah, she like made her own internal narration within that.
Hannah
Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Like that's. That's so convenient.
Carly
Yeah.
Kinsey
What if in the future Kayden dies but because of all the blood play that they've done by her being vampire, it'll just turn him into a vampire after he dies. Because, like, don't you have to.
Hannah
Where did that thought even come from?
Kinsey
Well, well, because she was talking about, oh, it's going to be a major plot point, probably as she was talking about, like Kingfisher.
Hannah
Gotcha. Gotcha.
Kinsey
Being in Sylvarian, and Seras can't go with her, so I'm like, well, they both drank each other's blood, so if he dies, isn't that like a fail safe?
Carly
Well, or also, maybe it's just her ability to turn him. Maybe they need people who maybe at some point she'll need to save somebody's life. Yeah. Maybe not Kayden. Maybe another character. But yeah, could be that too.
Kinsey
Yeah. Because all the feeders are going to die out within days. Right. So they don't need an army of feeders. I mean, I wouldn't want to create an army of feeders, but everyone else is dead, so it's like. Is serious still even a queen? Like, what's gonna happen to the land over there?
Carly
Well, but it did only affect the people at the ball. And I'm assuming there were people who weren't at the ball.
Kinsey
But I thought they invited everybody because it was a big festival. I thought they still.
Carly
Yeah, but you have to assume there's gonna be people who aren't there. Yeah, but.
Kinsey
Cause I thought no vampires were there too.
Hannah
I kind of assumed that it was like mostly the nobles that were there.
Carly
I did also kind of assume that. But also it was at festival.
Hannah
So she doesn't have anybody left to rule. But I think they're still vampires. They didn't just eradicate an entire race.
Kinsey
Well, they seem to act that way with Ishabel. And Taladeus and they're like, we've been waiting for ages to get rid of this curse. So to me I was like, oh, was everyone there? Because it was like this huge festival. Because in Sylvarian when they celebrated, was it even bright, that holiday? They all participated, even the poor. Not quadrant, but their poor city. What do they call them?
Carly
The districts. Yeah, they call them districts.
Kinsey
Even the poor districts like received food and water and were part of the celebration. So it made me wonder if it was the same for the vampires.
Hannah
Gotcha.
Kinsey
I won't be upset if she's not a queen anymore. I don't need her to be the queen.
Hannah
Yeah, I love that she's a queen, but I also like there's so much going on in this world that it's like that could just hold her back. Like if that was the plot, that's one thing, but it's not. The plot is like so much bigger and the scope is so much higher and larger now that it's like, okay, that's like minor. We had to kind of get that out of the way.
Kinsey
She doesn't need to be Queen of vampires if she's going to become queen consort of the under Gods.
Hannah
That's fair. I mean, I would personally prefer to be a queen in my own right, but she's kind of been there, done that at this point.
Kinsey
Yeah, they suck anyway.
Hannah
Pun intended, eh? Okay.
Carly
All right.
Hannah
Our listeners are probably over us.
Kinsey
In Brimstone, Seras and Kayden began sharing dreams. Whatever happened to them physically in the dream state also happened in the real world. And Serris also utilized this dream realm to track Kayden down, communicate with him, and even search his college home. It acts like a mirror to the real world, but nobody is present except for Seras and Kingfisher and on exception, the Hasrax and Onyx.
Hannah
Right?
Carly
Yeah, true.
Hannah
Onyx was also there, which is really interesting.
Kinsey
Very interesting.
Hannah
We especially, I feel like that's supporting evidence for something we'll talk about here in a minute.
Kinsey
Yeah, okay, I'll hold my tongue. Okay. So anyways, how does Kayden and Serris's dream state exist? I guess we did briefly question touched.
Hannah
On it slightly with your next question.
Kinsey
Yeah, we can go again. And is this something all mates experience or did a God connect them because they are God bound mates?
Hannah
Well, at this point I feel like we have got two options. I do think that you're supposed to think it has to do with the mates and I really like that idea. But he is half God and they are Mates. And so maybe it's not a product of being mates. Maybe it's a product of him being God. But I really feel like we've established a strong argument for why is her name slipping my brain?
Kinsey
Everlane.
Hannah
Everlane, yeah. That she is unconscious, and that. That's probably going to be, like, why the dream state was kind of introduced in a bigger way that has to do with her. So I'm hopeful that it is not something that's limited by being connected via God. Or maybe it just revolves around Kingfisher, and maybe he will be able to go into Everlane's dreams.
Kinsey
That would be really interesting.
Hannah
Could that be one of his powers is that he has a dream state, and then because she is his mate, she gets access to that?
Kinsey
That would be really cool. And it would make sense if she.
Hannah
Entered his dream both times. Technically, yeah.
Kinsey
She found him at the cabin, then she found him in Kalish, and the Hazracks just boosted a ride. Because, seriously, to deal with it, I.
Hannah
Have to say, he wasn't confused enough for me. He wasn't surprised enough by this for me.
Kinsey
King Fisher.
Hannah
Yeah, I know he slightly was, but I have no understanding of his powers. Am confused all the time by his power. So I'm just gonna add this to the list of things that he could do.
Kinsey
I like that. I like the idea that it's one of his powers and has to do with him being a half God. And maybe because he's a half God, and then Serris is also half and half of a thing. It goes with them being able to have their own little private area where the other gods can't intervene or see what they're doing.
Hannah
And if they're separated, that's a way to keep them connected. Which is not the only book we've seen. Yeah.
Kinsey
I look forward to seeing how this will be utilized in other series.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
I started reading this, and I was like, oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no. And then I was like, you know what? As long as they're done differently, I'm along for dream sex. This is great.
Kinsey
It was pretty good.
Carly
I mean, we also don't know Seras's abilities really yet. She doesn't know if she has any sort of. Like. I think there was one where he's like, oh, that must be like a. Like a smaller magic of yours. And we don't. I don't remember what it was in the moment, but I'm like, maybe this is gonna also be one of her abilities. Maybe she can find people in Other realms of existence or something. Which would be interesting.
Hannah
I think I'd probably rather it be her than him at this point. He's got a lot going on.
Carly
Yeah, I could definitely be in her.
Kinsey
Maybe the shadow in Everlane's eye was only visible to Cerys because of her ability.
Hannah
Oh, she was only visible. Oh, I like that.
Kinsey
Yeah. Kingfisher only ran in at the last moment and said, why did you say my mother's name? He wasn't part of that conversation at all.
Carly
I like it.
Hannah
I like it. Did we answer that though? Like how does. How do we think it exists? I guess that makes sense. It's like we'd think it's one of their powers or it's a product of a mating bond. Maybe it's not every mating bond. Maybe it's only the God blessed mating bonds. It's in all of these ways it seems related to God's.
Carly
Yeah, yeah.
Kinsey
These meddling gods.
Hannah
Yeah.
Kinsey
I think it could only be if it is related to mates. I think it's only the gods blessed mates because otherwise Talana and her mate would have been like, yeah, we have this dream stuff happen all the time. So I think it's only because of their special connections.
Carly
Yeah, agreed. Agreed. What do we think that the dragon and people dynamic is gonna be like in this next book?
Hannah
People is a loose term used here. Yeah. Polish vampires and non dragon dynamic. Yeah, yeah.
Kinsey
Dragon and non dragons.
Carly
Do we think they're gonna bond? And how on earth is fish are gonna use a dragon? Because they don't really seem like.
Hannah
Yeah, what does he even need to claim a dragon? Yeah, I've said this before. I don't think that bonds are like really heavily implied. Especially not in the context that we're probably most familiar with where it's like a mutual consensual agreement claim seems. And the fact that there's a dragon tamer does not seem consensual.
Kinsey
Yeah.
Hannah
And so I don't know if I believe that. I would rather it be like. Okay. Claiming is like an actual. Some sort of magical bond that connects them, makes it more consensual. But I don't know that that's really that We've been given a lot of context for that.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
In fact the opposite. Quite the opposite. Both dragon interactions.
Carly
I have one guess on this and that is that the dragons may have a similar thing like the Fae do, where if you have their true name, you can command them. And because we know Om Nom Shakrai went by several names.
Kinsey
Yeah.
Carly
And I wonder if by claiming, like, if you have a right to a dragon and you claim one and you get their true name, you can command them to do what you want.
Hannah
That's kind of sad to me, but.
Carly
Maybe that's why dragons hate the Fae so much.
Kinsey
I could see that being what it is. I initially thought, like, there's no bonds involved. I think that he's gonna have to make an agreement with them. So by claiming it's basically I'm asserting my right to bargain and that they would have to come up with a deal. Because as we know, the dragons really hate Kingfisher especially, but they also don't really enjoy the presence of the Fae very much.
Carly
Yeah.
Kinsey
So I think, like, obviously the dragons are safe, but it is affecting the whole tree of life. So eventually the underworld can also be taken, perhaps. I don't know. So it would be in their best interest to help them. Plus, they can have fun destroying and burning Evilia. It might be really rewarding for them, but yeah, I think it's going to be like, please help us. I will give you this in return. And it's just claiming the ability to speak to them, maybe make a bargain.
Carly
The dragons are interesting. They're very much like, burn it all down, ask questions later. And I respect that. So it'll be interesting to see how they are gonna have to work together to some extent. It seems like.
Hannah
I hope it is that. I hope it is something where it's.
Kinsey
Acclaim, but a begrudging allyship.
Hannah
That's the perfect way to put it.
Carly
Yes.
Hannah
But still consensual.
Kinsey
Yeah. And I don't think he's gonna become a Dragon Rider or anything like that. They're not gonna let him do it.
Carly
No. I can't see a dragon being like the coolest. No.
Hannah
But maybe it's like a. We have a really mature conversation about how we need Brimstone to save the world.
Carly
Yeah.
Kinsey
And they'll be like, fine.
Carly
Yeah. They're not gonna be happy down.
Hannah
They've gotta like, come. They've gotta negotiate.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
Well, what do I get out of this?
Kinsey
You know, It's a negotiation.
Hannah
Yeah.
Kinsey
All right.
Hannah
Well, we did have quite a few listener submitted questions that we are super eager to discuss. Starting with fuck, marry, kill Kingfisher, Carrion or Taladeus.
Carly
Kenti. Do you wanna start?
Kinsey
Okay. I will fuck Carrion, marry Kingfisher and kill Taladeus.
Carly
I have the same answer.
Hannah
I have the same answer, but I have justification. Okay. You guys know I love a devoted mmc. And that is really what we got in book two. I want him to grovel. Okay. I feel like Karion would be such a good time.
Kinsey
He would be such a good time.
Hannah
He would be such a good time.
Kinsey
He'd be so.
Hannah
As much as I have come to really have a love for Taladeus, he's not trustworthy and you put him out next. So like I would. He can totally get it too. I could, you know, everybody can get it and then we could. Then he could be killed. Would be my ideal scenario personally. But I am also a white shoes girl, so no one.
Kinsey
I think Taladeus would understand.
Hannah
I think so too, actually. And I think at this point he would rather not exist. Which is actually really sad.
Carly
It is really sad. But yeah.
Hannah
Oh, that's awful.
Kinsey
Carly, last night you said that your answer would be very controversial. So I was expecting. I was expecting you to say, oh, I'd kill Kingfisher or Carrion. And I was like, what?
Hannah
How would I feel like a lot.
Carly
Of people would marry Carrion. So I think. I don't know.
Hannah
He's got some growing. I feel like. Okay, wait, I forgot this is the most. I'm a Leo and I know Karion has some Leo in him and I have dated a Leo. It doesn't work. It doesn't work. So that's my personal. Like, I think he'd be such a good friend and I think he'd be such a good time in bed. But I. A Kingfisher would be a best fit for me, you know?
Carly
Yeah. You know, Carrion's a good time. He's just not the one you marry. Yeah.
Hannah
Which I think that will change for the right person. I'm really excited to see him find his passion.
Carly
I think we'll see that change in.
Hannah
The next book too.
Kinsey
And if you're marrying someone, I mean, come on, you're obviously gonna fuck stuff. You're just getting it more than once. I'll take Kayden, please.
Carly
Ever notice how ads always pop up.
Hannah
At the worst moments when the killer's.
Kinsey
Identity is about to be revealed during.
Hannah
That perfect meditation flow?
Carly
On Amazon Music, we believe in keeping.
Hannah
You in the moment. That's why we've got millions of ad free podcast episodes. So you can stay completely immersed in every story, every reveal, every breath. Download the Amazon music app and start listening to your favorite podcasts. Ad free included.
Ad Read Host
With prime AI, agents are everywhere, automating tasks and making decisions at machine speed. But agents make mistakes. Just one rogue agent can do big damage before you even notice. Rubrik Agent Cloud is The only platform that helps you monitor agents, set guardrails and rewind mistakes so you can unleash agents, not risk accelerate your AI transformation@rubrik.com that's R U B R I K.com.
Kinsey
Do we think Onyx is more than just a little fox?
Hannah
So we actually talked about this in our initial reactions episode, but in short, we hope so, Carly, though, if you do want to go, because I did mention it earlier, it's supporting evidence for the fact that he was in the dream state. Goes towards your theory about him being a familiar.
Carly
Yeah, I kind of got into that in our lore episode, I believe. So if people want to hear that.
Hannah
That was pre Brimstone.
Carly
Yeah, pre Brimstone. I had come up with that theory. And then I think we talked about it more in our initial reactions episode as well. So it's all in there. But, yeah, I definitely. I am, like, full bored that Onyx is a familiar. Yeah, but maybe some other magical creature. But I like familiar.
Kinsey
Yeah, he's a spirit guide. That explains why he's there 100%.
Carly
All right. When Serris brought Onyx back, what did she give up? Was it part of her soul, like with Fisher and Lorath?
Hannah
So Cerys definitely gave up the Hazerack's rune ability to undo and break things. I love her for doing this, but it. As far as the plot didn't make a ton of sense when she could have just, like, undid their. What? It was the oath thing. Mm.
Kinsey
To Belacon.
Hannah
But here is a very long quote from Serris while she is saving Onyx. I didn't know the words. Was I even supposed to say anything? Was there some kind of covenant or. Ah, fuck it. My intentions would have to be good enough. Death rattled the door handle. I could feel it. He was coming for Onyx a second time. I acted quickly, plucking up a small kernel of the energy I had discovered, and I pushed it up past my bond with Fisher, past the empty reserve where my magic should have been into my body, into the raw Alcymarian shield that was smoking on the back of my hand, and then into the little white fox. Y' all made me read that shit out loud. That feels like torture. It's okay.
Kinsey
You did great. You did great.
Carly
Thank you.
Hannah
I was like, just, baby, gotta fake it till you make it.
Kinsey
So it's unclear if the small kernel of energy Ceres used is the same magic as the Hazrax's rune. So there's a chance it might be another sort of power she has. Especially considering that she said her other magic reserves were empty. So I think if it was the Hazrax's power, it wouldn't have been empty.
Hannah
It doesn't seem that she has plural magic reserves like that, but. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Kinsey
And then as I was reading this for the first time, a part of me actually wondered if Serris was somehow giving up the power that made her half Fae, half vampire. But we did learn later on in the book that she still is. Is half a vampire. So it's not that. It could just be the Hazrax's rune. It could be similar to the soul magic Kayden did for Lorath. Only time will tell for certain.
Carly
I'm kind of leaning towards a similarity in the soul magic. Personally, I think that's why she just felt so drained afterwards.
Kinsey
It would make sense. And we don't know a ton about that magic yet.
Hannah
Okay, next listener. Submitted question. How do Cerys and Kingfisher's tattoos move?
Carly
Great question. In the case of their God markings, they change if they unlock certain powers. Once Ceris controlled her quicksilver ability, it became a permanent mark, while her Brimstone mark flares and isn't permanently bound her. Yet in the case of Kingfisher and Cerys fun tattoos, we don't know for certain, but it seems to only happen during intimate physical contact, which, if you.
Hannah
Know me, you know I love.
Kinsey
At the end of Brimstone, when Kaiden says, quote, I've come for a dragon, as is my right. Summon our Father, tell him I've come to make a trade. Is Kingfisher trading Serris? And that's why he told her to trust him.
Hannah
So real quick, this is going to be opinion based because we don't know the answer.
Carly
Right?
Hannah
Like, we're not. This is a question that is unanswered by the book. So all of this is opinions that never crossed my mind because why the fuck would he do that? Like, I. He better not do that.
Carly
I can't imagine that he would do that. Yeah, yeah. Like, unless he was making some sort of sneaky deal where he's like, oh, trade. And then. Nevermind. I never said when you actually get to have Sarah, so. Never.
Hannah
And I say that not to be like, you're absolutely crazy if you thought that. I think that's a fair question to ask. If there's no context of what he could be trading. But what we do know of him, there would have to be. Okay, so maybe people are jumping to it, like, do you trust me? And then turning around, and that's why he's, like, setting her up to be the one that's traded. Okay, I can see that that's probably where people are just.
Kinsey
But he also just revealed that he's a God. That's a mod of trust, too.
Hannah
Thor reveals at the very end that he's a God, that these are his brothers, that he's not shared with her, that he's there to claim a dragon, and that his dad, that he has talked to her about, is actually a God. Like, there's so many things in that that I took to be like, what he's saying, do you trust me for? So I know that he's come to make a trade, but, like, there's no way in hell he would trade her. Right.
Kinsey
I could see it being a trade for Serris only in this circumstance where it is, as I have the dragon, Serris will remain safe with you. And then once the dragon is returned, I get her back.
Carly
Okay. Yeah.
Kinsey
That's the only way I could see it.
Carly
We already have some very, like, Underworld, like, sticks, all these things. And it could be like a very Persephone like, trade, where she has to be there for a certain reason or a certain amount of time, or a certain time of year and then goes back. But I. I am not leaning towards that personally. I kind of think if he's going to try, like, I think the thing that he would be willing to trade, which would be a big sacrifice, would be Nimaril. Like, if he's going to give up.
Kinsey
Something, that would be crazy, because I feel like he would need it to help destroy Madra and Bellacon.
Carly
Yeah. But, you know, I think if he's going to be lined up to give up something, it's going to be that. I think he'd give up that before he gave up Sarris.
Kinsey
I kind of like the idea, though, about the Persephone trade. Like, he's finally willing to join his father's court, because apparently he's known that he's a half God this entire time. So maybe he's like, okay, fine, I will learn what it's like to be a half God. I'll spend a few holidays with you, dad.
Carly
Yeah, it could be. It could be him being there for a certain amount of time a year, and not Ceres. I would see him doing that before he would trade Sarris.
Kinsey
And if he does, Serris could go with him. I mean, it's a matter of walking through a portal.
Carly
But we have seen her use a lot of parallels in all kinds of mythology, whether it's Greek or King Arthur legends or Norsemen with all it. Like, there's all these parallels. So I could definitely see her doing something like that. But I definitely think he would try to trade himself or his sword before he'd ever offer Saris. Yeah.
Kinsey
Or maybe even a kernel of his magic, because, really, there's nothing else that he has with him at this point.
Carly
Yeah.
Hannah
Well, I didn't really think of it as being, like, he had to have it there. He could make a trade and then, like, logistics later.
Kinsey
You know, Maybe he's gonna give his father the little kingfisher trinket that's at his home in Kalish because his mother loved it so much. And he'll be like, here's a piece of my mom.
Carly
He did love her.
Kinsey
Or maybe give him Idina's book after they're done using it, because then his father can read her words.
Hannah
Maybe that's part of her instruction.
Kinsey
That would be really easy.
Carly
Yeah.
Kinsey
And she already knows about the trade because she says, read this after the trade. But maybe it's reassurances, like, I'm so sorry he had to trade you. Serris, it's gonna be okay.
Hannah
Yeah. Trust me. I would not be happy if that's true.
Kinsey
Well, they can still have dream sex.
Hannah
That's true. Maybe that's.
Kinsey
No matter what, it will be a temporary trade. It's not a permanent thing.
Carly
Agreed. All right. Where are Madra and Malcolm? Is Malcolm still out there? Because he can't be killed as part of the triumvirate.
Hannah
So this is another one we have no clear answer for. The Triumvirate are three crowns sharing one source. To kill one of them, you must kill them all. And that is no easy task. So we don't know.
Kinsey
Yeah. I like the idea of Malcolm's soul being stuck in limbo because I think he deserves to suffer. That's what happens when someone shares their soul and they're the first one to die. So he's around, Just can't do shit.
Carly
Yeah. I will point out that Belakan was beheaded with the godsword, but did not kill him. And that is how they killed Malcolm. But Malcolm was weakened with the poison because he drank from carrion, which he wasn't allowed to do, which poisoned him. The Dianthus bloodline poisons them. So I do kind of think Malcolm is dead because of that weird loophole, but it's possible he's still alive. But I'm kind of with Kinsey on this one. I think he's like, in limbo, basically. But that he is dead on that plane. Yeah.
Kinsey
They just need to hurry up and, like, cut off everyone's heads at once. They're, like, all together now.
Hannah
Slice silly gooses.
Carly
Nice and coordinated.
Kinsey
And what did Kingfisher expect when he went to Zilvarin? Part of his plan was to maybe go after Madra. I'm like. And do what, dude? Like, literally, what if you're not killing Belacan at the same time? What does that accomplish?
Carly
Yeah, just because he can. You know, you gotta get some of that rage out.
Kinsey
Yeah. Which he did on her guards.
Carly
Maybe he knows of a way, and he just didn't have the ability to then. Because he didn't have what he needed in that moment to kill Bellakon. But maybe he did know how to kill Madria.
Hannah
Ready for our next question?
Kinsey
Mm.
Hannah
Why couldn't Fisher and Isabayle see Renfys when he was in Ajin?
Carly
Isabel or Ishabel had SCRYED to attempt to find Renfys for the gang. You know, for everybody. But we get this quote she says, I'm sorry. I've done my best, but I don't see him anywhere. I've scoured the entire realm, and he's nowhere to be found. But you know as well as I do, Fisher, this realm is full of dark spots. Just because I can't find him doesn't mean he's not there. It just means that his blood is being shielded from me somehow. So you have to make some leaps. But it is possible it did not work because Renfist was an agin and it is protected by that magical gate. It is also possible that because he is a knight of the Ajin Gate and has an oathmark, that it blocked him from being found.
Kinsey
Also, isn't it on his chest, covering his heart? Maybe that protects his blood. Yeah.
Carly
No, like, his oathmark is on his physical body. Yeah.
Kinsey
Yeah.
Carly
So I think that, like, if we're gonna find out that if he's blocked from being SCRY to found, it's gonna be one of those two reasons. It's either gonna be because you're behind the Azjen Gate and that blocks you, or because of his oath mark, most likely.
Kinsey
Was Zovina somehow making Taladeus believe they were mates? It's insinuated, but unclear.
Hannah
Zovena definitely strung Taladeus along, but it would be difficult to fake a true mating bond. So she probably wasn't trying to convince him that they were mates. In fact, it seemed like she didn't even want Taladeus there, so he was most likely acting out of unrequited love.
Kinsey
My shit.
Carly
Poor Taladius.
Kinsey
Yeah, I'm just saying, I personally would have chosen to marry the heir and stuck with Everlane, but that's just me, so.
Carly
I mean, maybe Talladeasso knew that Renfes was in love with Everlane and didn't want to take her from him.
Kinsey
But to willingly become a vampire and join their court? That's just a little dumb.
Carly
But maybe he did it for another reason. Maybe Zobina isn't the real reason. Maybe we'll find out a different reason. But he did seem to love her, so. I don't know, Talladeus. There's so many suspicious things about Taladeus.
Kinsey
Yeah, I'm just glad she's dead.
Carly
All right, and our last listener question is, who are King Fisher's brothers?
Kinsey
So his brothers are Crave and Githrund. At the end of Brimstone, Kingfisher said summon our father when speaking to Crave. We're assuming they're only half brothers from his father's side and not full blooded siblings born from Kaiden's mother, Idina. Kayden's half sister. Everlane is probably not a half God because Idina is their mutual parent and not Finryn or whoever Kayden's father is.
Carly
Yeah, that's what we know so far.
Hannah
Yep, that's all we know. And that wraps up our episode on our biggest unanswered questions from Brimstone. Thank you all so much for listening and for participating in our Brimstone prep and recovery season. If you've been here with us throughout our prep season, huge thank you. If you are just now finding us, thanks for being here and be sure to check out our Brimstone initial reactions episode and our Fae and Alchemy Book 3 Theories episode.
Kinsey
Join us for our next season massive mass verse mayhem where we are preparing for the Release of ACOTAR 6 by Sarah J. Maas. As the name entails, we plan on recapping all five Accor of Thorns and Roses or Acotar books, discussing favorite moments and characters, theories and more. Following Acotar, we plan on in depth mass verse lore and recaps, coverage of the Crescent City series and my personal favorite as Hannah reads Throne of Glass for the first time. We will film initial reaction discussion episodes after Hannah completes each Throne of Glass book. If you've never read Throne of Glass before and want to buddy read with us, there won't be spoilers for the future books as we will be recording as she Goes.
Hannah
If you are looking for even more Romantasy content, we also have three completed seasons of Empyrean chapter by chapter, deep dive coverage, author interviews and more.
Carly
You can find more info about our previous and upcoming prep seasons, our episode and events calendar, author interviews, our contact form and more on our website dearfantasyreader.com also linked down in the Show Notes.
Kinsey
You can join us over on Patreon where you can access all of our regular episodes ad free a day early and in full video plus extras like PDF, annotations, shoutouts, bonus resources and more. You'll find our Patreon link in the Show Notes along with all the ways you can support the show. Whether that's joining a tier, subscribing, leaving a review, or just sharing us with your fellow Romantasy readers, we'd love to hear from you.
Carly
Send us your thoughts, tag us on Instagram, or come fangirl with us over your favorite fantasy books in our free Discord Chat. And don't forget to follow us on social media where we release book guides, author updates, our reads, clips from episodes, pod updates, and more.
Hannah
Until next time, dearest fantasy readers, prepare for ACOTAR 6 as we begin our journey through the Mass Verse in a Mass in pre season. I am so unbelievably proud of that term pun. It might be like the best pun I've ever come up with.
Kinsey
It's brilliant and I am so so excited to be covering the Mass Verse because it is so fun and so dear to my heart.
Carly
So many books to read.
Hannah
So many.
Kinsey
Yes, but we will do it and it is all necessary in preparation for ACOTAR 6.
Carly
Yeah.
Ad Read Host
Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits, credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required. Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret. It doesn't have to be. Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion and this is a podcast ad. Did I get your attention? You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn Ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows. To reach your target audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn ads, go to Libsynads.com that's L I B S Y N ads.com today.
Release Date: December 18, 2025
Hosts: Hannah, Kinsey, Carly
Series Covered: Fae and Alchemy - Brimstone (Book 2)
Episode Theme: In this episode, the squad delves into the biggest mysteries left unsolved by Brimstone and speculates about what's in store for Book 3 in Rebecca Yarros' Fae and Alchemy series. Through lively discussion and playful banter, the hosts explore character fates, plot implications, major theories, and listener-submitted burning questions.
Purpose:
To dissect and discuss the unresolved questions at the end of "Brimstone," providing theories and insight for what might come in Book 3 of Fae and Alchemy. The hosts address topics like Everlane’s mind, the origins of the rot, godly secrets, vampire politics, dream states, and more—drawing on textual evidence, fandom theories, and their own inferences.
Tone:
Conversational, fangirly, bold, and a touch irreverent. Expect humor, deep fandom energy, and creative theorizing throughout.
[03:10 – 06:53]
[06:57 – 09:36]
[09:36 – 13:33]
[13:33 – 16:02]
[16:56 – 20:58]
[24:01 – 29:01]
[29:01 – 32:20]
[32:21 – 48:13]
“Until next time, dearest fantasy readers, prepare for ACOTAR 6 as we begin our journey through the Mass Verse in a Mass in pre season. I am so unbelievably proud of that term pun. It might be like the best pun I’ve ever come up with.” — Hannah [50:54]