Podcast Summary: "Jade Presley - The Never List | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dear Fantasy Reader
• Host/Author: Dear Fantasy Reader (Hosts: Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly)
• Description: A deep dive book club-style podcast focusing on the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, featuring meticulous analysis, wild theories, and heartwarming fangirl moments.
• Episode: Jade Presley - The Never List | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
• Release Date: July 24, 2025

1. Introduction (00:33 - 01:22)

The episode begins with a brief ad break before the hosts—Hannah, Kinsey, and Carly—welcome listeners to a special author interview segment. They introduce their guest, Jade Presley, the author behind the popular Romantasy novel "The Never List".

Hannah:

"Dearest Fantasy Readers, welcome to our Dear Fantasy Author interview where we get to talk with the brilliant minds behind our favorite Romantasy novels."

2. Episode Structure (01:22 - 02:22)

The hosts outline the episode's structure, indicating a spoiler-free first half followed by a spoiler-heavy second half, concluding with bonus segments such as "Are You Smarter Than a Fangirl?" trivia and a reader's letter.

Kinsey:

"Due to the nature of this book, this podcast is rated R for content and language."

Carly:

"The first portion of this episode will be spoiler free, but we will be diving into spoiler spoilers in the second half..."

3. Author Background: Jade Presley (05:12 - 07:56)

Jade Presley reveals that she is a pen name for Molly E. Lee, who primarily writes for teenagers under her real name. The creation of the Jade Presley persona allowed her to explore the Romantasy genre without overlapping her existing teenage-focused works.

Jade Presley:

"Jade Presley is a pen name I created. So my real name, Molly E. Lee, I write for teenagers..."

She discusses her passion project inspired by Marvel characters, blending them with fantasy elements to create a unique Romantasy series that resonated with a broader audience.

4. Book Overview: "The Never List" (03:35 - 04:55)

Jade Presley succinctly describes "The Never List" as:

"...a spicy why choose with enemies-to-lovers vibes, forced proximity, faded mates, and four God princes who are ready to steal your heart" (03:35-03:52).

The novel serves as an engaging introduction to the "why choose" trope, combining romantic elements with intricate fantasy world-building.

5. Inspiration and Writing Process (04:55 - 09:23)

The inspiration for "The Never List" emerged serendipitously when a character named Riley demanded her story be told. Balancing this new project with her existing commitments, Jade Presley found a harmonious alignment between her creative vision and publishing opportunities.

Jade Presley:

"Riley was very loud and kind of came into me... she showed me the choosing event and she was very upset about being there."

She emphasizes the emotional depth of her characters, stating her favorite part of writing is immersing herself in their stories, even to the point of crying alongside them.

Jade Presley:

"I'm hurting with you. So I love that process, and it's just like, it's so consuming but fun."

Conversely, her least favorite aspect involves dealing with potential negative interactions within marketing spheres, although she remains optimistic about the supportive communities surrounding her work.

6. Character Development: The Four Legends (21:27 - 39:25)

"The Never List" features four distinct male characters, referred to as the Legends of Chaos:

1. Axel – The playful and carefree prince, easily the easiest to write.
2. Cal – The sweetheart with powers of light and super strength.
3. Jax – The complex and stubborn prince, challenging to portray authentically.
4. Pierce – Often seen as the "golden retriever" type, embodying warmth and reliability.

Jade Presley discusses the challenges and joys of crafting these characters, highlighting that each legend complements Riley, the female protagonist, in unique ways.

Jade Presley:

"Each one played to a different part of her most intimate desires... they all kind of came on their own."

She shares her struggles in writing Jax, who presents a more hardened exterior but harbors deeper vulnerabilities.

Jade Presley:

"Jax is the one that gives me the most trouble... he's just stubborn and has so many different self-worth issues."

Conversely, Axel proves to be a joy to write, with his outgoing personality and humor making his scenes more dynamic.

Jade Presley:

"Axel just will talk all day... it's so fitting of his personality because he just cares about the good times."

7. Themes: Consent and Empowerment (12:35 - 14:56)

A significant focus of the interview is on how "The Never List" integrates themes of consent and female empowerment. Jade Presley deliberately ensures that enthusiastic consent is depicted early in the narrative to create a safe and welcoming environment for new readers of the "why choose" trope.

Jade Presley:

"I wanted to make sure that, like, enthusiastic consent was within the first 10 pages."

She underscores the importance of portraying consent as a default setting, aligning with contemporary discussions on healthy relationships.

8. Magic System and World Building (15:21 - 34:48)

The creation of a cohesive magic system is deeply intertwined with character personalities and the novel's world-building. Each legend's powers reflect their intrinsic characteristics, enhancing their roles within the story.

Jade Presley:

"Riley came to me with her power already... the guys' power ended up fitting their personality."

The world of Lumetus is crafted with gem-themed cities inspired by real-world locations, adding a vibrant and visually appealing layer to the fantasy setting.

Jade Presley:

"The ruby air definitely gave me those Parisian vibes... the Emerald Wood, like London if it was cottage core."

She hints at further exploration of Lumetus and its neighboring realms in the sequel, promising deeper dives into the magical and political intricacies of her created world.

9. Sequel Plans: Book Two and Beyond (42:02 - 48:05)

Jade Presley reveals that the upcoming sequel will amplify the stakes and expand the magic system. The second installment is expected to delve deeper into the history of Lumetus and explore additional realms, enhancing the overall narrative complexity.

Jade Presley:

"Sequels are so much fun because you have those characters established... there will be a ton more world building in book two."

She expresses excitement about weaving new elements into the story, ensuring that the sequel offers both continuity and fresh developments for readers.

10. "Are You Smarter Than a Fangirl?" Trivia Segment (54:03 - 64:22)

In a playful bonus segment, the host Kinsey conducts a rapid-fire trivia game with Jade Presley, challenging her knowledge of "The Never List." The game poses 25 detailed questions covering characters, plot points, and specific elements from the book.

Notable Highlights:

• Jade Presley showcased her extensive knowledge, although some questions were intentionally tricky.
• Hannah, acting as the fangirl contestant, struggled with several detailed questions, illustrating the depth and intricacy of the book's lore.

Kinsey:

"Will the author triumph? Will Hannah crumble under pressure? There's only one way to find out."

The segment concluded with respectful humor and appreciation for the challenging nature of the questions.

11. Reader's Letter and Appreciation (64:22 - 67:55)

The episode concludes with the traditional Reader's Letter segment, where listeners express their gratitude and admiration for Jade Presley’s work.

Hannah’s Letter:

"Dearest Fantasy Author, thank you for seeing us, the readers who have never been able to pick just one book boyfriend... With hearts full and expectations ruined, your fantasy readers."

Jade Presley:

"Aw. Well, thank you so much. Literally means the world to me."

The hosts reciprocate the appreciation, emphasizing the community and camaraderie fostered through the podcast and the book.

12. Conclusion and Future Content (67:55 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to follow their social media for upcoming interviews, join their book club, and support the podcast through Patreon. They reiterate their excitement for future content and express heartfelt thanks to Jade Presley for her time.

Hannah:

"Until next time, dearest fantasy readers, May your chapters be spicy, your book boyfriend's morally gray, and your TBR organized just enough to justify one more pre-order."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• 02:22 - 02:27:

  Hannah: "I'm gonna need you to send us an example of what you're talking about because it sounds like it's right up our alley."

• 07:56 - 08:06:

  Hannah: "What is your favorite and if you would like to share, least favorite part of the writing process?"

• 12:35 - 13:13:

  Hannah: "The themes and the way that you engaged with the concept of consent in this book was a big thing..."

• 43:14 - 43:33:

  Hannah: "Do the other kingdoms have magic or their own goddesses?"

Conclusion

This episode of "Dear Fantasy Reader" offers an insightful and comprehensive look into Jade Presley's creative process, character development, and the intricate world of "The Never List." Through engaging discussions and interactive segments, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of Romantasy storytelling and the thoughtful integration of themes like consent and empowerment. The hosts' enthusiastic approach and the author's openness create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for fantasy enthusiasts eager to explore the depths of their favorite genres.