Fantasy Fangirls Podcast: ACOTAR Wrap Up – January 6, 2025
In this heartfelt and comprehensive final episode of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast, sisters Nicole and Lexi bid farewell to their deep dive into Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. Spanning over 43 episodes and eleven months, this wrap-up encapsulates their extensive discussions, listener interactions, and thoughtful reflections on the beloved fantasy saga.
1. Final ACOTAR Deep Dive Announcement
Nicole and Lexi begin by highlighting the significance of this episode as the culmination of their ACOTAR journey. They emphasize the comprehensive spoiler coverage, encompassing all five books, bonus chapters, and interviews related to the series.
Nicole [02:25]: "This is the final ACOTAR episode. If for whatever reason you have not finished the series, please do that, then come back."
2. Theories and Predictions for ACOTAR6
a. Crack Theories
Lexi shares her favorite "crack theory" with passionate conviction:
Lexi [06:13]: "My favorite crack theory is that Papa Archeron is the king of spices... It is as good as canon in my head."
She connects this theory to the Archeron family's historical involvement in the spice trade and the possible financial downfall triggered by Amarantha's takeover of Prythian.
Nicole counters with her own crack theories, exploring complex relationships and potential magical lore expansions within the series.
b. Tamlin's Redemption Arc
The sisters delve into the controversial topic of Tamlin's potential redemption:
Lexi [11:37]: "Do you think that Tamlin will get a redemption arc? I'm gonna throw. Yes. Ish."
Nicole agrees but anticipates that any redemption would likely involve sacrifice rather than a triumphant comeback.
Nicole [12:48]: "I think that he has to do something with himself here. This is not the end of his story."
c. Nesta as Queen of the Valkyrie
Listener Lauren poses a question about Nesta's possible ascension:
Lexi [15:55]: "We are primed to not see Rhys being in a I need the power situation. So I don't see her ruling over Feyre and Rhys... they are just so content with their family life in Velaris."
The sisters discuss the likelihood of Nesta becoming High Queen, balancing her emerging power with the existing dynamics of other main characters.
d. ACOTAR6 Title and POV Predictions
Predicting the title and perspectives of the forthcoming book, Nicole and Lexi explore various possibilities:
Nicole [19:32]: "I'm 99% convinced 'Shadow' will be part of the title, assuming it will have Azriel's POV."
Lexi suggests evocative titles that reflect the duality and complexity of upcoming storylines.
Lexi [20:00]: "I could see something like 'A Court of Shadowed Light'... 'A Court of Darkened Song' that feels really appropriate."
3. Listener Questions and Rapid-Fire Segment
a. Canon of Azriel's Bonus Chapter
Responding to Hazy Reads' inquiry, Lexi affirms the canonical status of Azriel's bonus chapter while acknowledging its limited availability:
Lexi [42:12]: "This bonus chapter is canon and it is a pattern of Sarah J. Maas to have bonus chapters with really important info."
b. Favorite Characters Before and After Deep Dive
Stephanie asks about favorite characters pre- and post-deep dive. Both hosts reveal shifts in their character preferences, highlighting the depth they gained through analysis.
Lexi [46:31]: "I loved getting to deep dive that love story... Feyre's journey in that story."
Nicole echoes similar sentiments, expressing newfound appreciation for characters like Cassian and Nesta.
c. Theories for Next Book and POVs
Hazy Reads inquires about future POVs and plot directions, prompting Nicole and Lexi to elaborate on their predictions for A Court of Shadows and Seer (ACOTAR6).
Lexi [99:30]: "I absolutely think Nesta's storyline is towards resurrecting the Dust Court..."
They discuss the integration of lore from related series and the potential for character crossover within the Mass Verse.
4. Reflections on the Deep Dive Journey
As the episode progresses, Nicole and Lexi reflect on how their comprehensive coverage of the ACOTAR series has influenced their views and lives.
Nicole [71:53]: "ACOTAR reintroduced me to reading for fun and especially getting back into fantasy."
Lexi [75:15]: "The series, like you said, Lex, it's really embracing who you are and loving yourself... inspired by Feyre's journey."
They share personal growth experiences, such as embracing self-acceptance inspired by Feyre’s character development.
5. Memorable Moments from the ACOTAR Deep Dive
Both hosts recount standout moments from their podcast journey, emphasizing episodes that left a lasting impact.
Nicole [84:25]: "Covering Starfall and Agamath... The final battle in Acowar was so much fun."
Lexi [82:25]: "Chapter 54 was really one where that went out of the window... I was almost following along side by side between Acomaf and Acotar."
6. Conclusion and Future Plans
In their closing remarks, Nicole and Lexi express gratitude to their listeners and outline upcoming projects, including transitioning to cover the Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole.
Nicole [85:03]: "We're moving on to discuss future series coverage and closing the wrap-up."
Lexi [87:53]: "Thank you as always to our executive producer, Hayden... share this episode with your fellow fantasy fangirls."
They also tease the final Mass Verse Madness segment, hinting at spoilers for future series.
Final Thoughts
The Fantasy Fangirls podcast episode serves as a fitting closure to their extensive exploration of the ACOTAR series. Through thoughtful analysis, vibrant theories, and personal reflections, Nicole and Lexi celebrate the rich tapestry of Sarah J. Maas's world while setting the stage for new adventures. Their dedication not only enriched their own understanding but also fostered a vibrant community of fans eager to continue the journey into fantasy realms.