Empyrean Graphic Audio Behind The Scenes w/ Khaya Fraites & Gabriel Michael

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Episode Summary: "Empyrean Graphic Audio Behind The Scenes w/ Khaya Fraites & Gabriel Michael"

Episode Information:

• Title: Fantasy Fangirls
• Host/Author: Fantasy Fangirls | QCODE
• Description: Two sisters, Nicole and Lexi, delve deep into beloved fantasy books, discussing lore, characters, insights, and theories. Currently covering A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas.
• Episode Title: Empyrean Graphic Audio Behind The Scenes w/ Khaya Fraites & Gabriel Michael
• Release Date: January 20, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Episode [01:00 - 01:24]

Nicole and Lexi welcome listeners to this special episode of Fantasy Fangirls, marking the finale before the highly anticipated release of Onyx Storm. They express excitement about engaging in a deep conversation with Khaya Fraites and Gabriel Michael, the voice actors behind Violet Sorengale and Zaden Ryerson in the ACOTAR Graphic Audio series.

2. Guest Introduction and Background [07:02 - 09:15]

Nicole [07:02]: Welcomes Khaya Fraites (Kaia) and Gabriel Michael to the show, praising their work on the Graphic Audio adaptation of ACOTAR.

Kaia Fraitz [07:07]: Introduces herself as Kaia, voicing Violet Sorengale. She shares her journey into Graphic Audio, starting with small roles and eventually landing her first significant part in Fourth Wing.

Gabriel Michael [07:12]: Introduces himself as Gabriel, voicing Zaden Ryerson. He recounts his entry into Graphic Audio in early 2021, highlighting his initial roles and his breakthrough with the role of Lucien.

3. Experiences Recording Graphic Audio [07:40 - 14:00]

Nicole [07:15]: Expresses enthusiasm to discuss theories and predictions with the guests.

Kaia [07:40]: Describes her audition process, initially unaware of the specific book she was auditioning for. Upon discovering it was for Fourth Wing, her excitement grew as she immersed herself in the text.

Gabriel [09:15]: Shares his experience auditioning for Zaden, initially with vague descriptors like "asshole douchebag walks around," which later revealed to be Lucien. He recounts the thrill of landing the role and the subsequent excitement from his sister, a fellow fan.

4. Recording Process and Intimacy Scenes [14:00 - 18:51]

Nicole [14:00]: Inquires about the unique aspects of recording Graphic Audio compared to traditional audiobooks.

Kaia [14:00]: Explains that typically, actors record separately under the direction of Scott McCormick. However, for Iron Flame, she and Gabriel requested to record their scenes together to capture a more intimate and authentic interaction between Violet and Zaden. This collaborative approach enriched their performances and deepened the portrayal of their characters' relationship.

Gabriel [16:00]: Discusses the challenges of recording intimacy scenes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity without overemphasizing sounds like saliva on the microphone. He highlights the collaborative effort required to convey genuine emotion and connection between characters.

Kaia [17:30]: Reflects on her acting techniques, such as using hand gestures to convey emotions even in the booth, and the technical aspects of recording specific sounds for intimate scenes.

5. Interaction with the Author and Adaptation Insights [19:18 - 22:00]

Nicole [19:18]: Asks about the level of interaction the voice actors have with Rebecca Yarrow, the author of ACOTAR.

Kaia [19:33]: Mentions limited direct interaction, noting that Rebecca provided pronunciation guides and was involved in casting but remained primarily focused on her writing.

Gabriel [20:05]: Emphasizes the importance of staying true to the characters as envisioned by Rebecca, ensuring their performances honor the source material.

6. Rapid-Fire Questions and Theories [21:04 - 73:08]

Nicole and Lexi engage Kaia and Gabriel in a series of rapid-fire questions sourced from their Instagram followers, addressing popular theories and predictions about the ACOTAR series and the forthcoming Onyx Storm. This segment covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Violet's Second Signet: Theories suggest it may involve resurrection or healing, crucial for her role in saving others.

• Papa Sorengale's Research: Speculations indicate his studies might offer solutions to Venin-related ailments, possibly tying into the lore's deeper mysteries.

• Zaden's Fate: Predictions revolve around his potential sacrifice, struggle with Venin influence, and eventual redemption or salvation through Violet's signet.

• Death Predictions: Discussions about key characters like King Tari, Tokares, and the notorious Jack Barlow, with most theories leaning towards their demise to advance the plot.

• Isle Kingdoms and Dual Narration: The possibility of exploring new locales within the series and integrating dual narrations to enrich character perspectives.

• Character Relationships and Backstories: Exploring connections between characters, such as possible romantic interests, betrayals, and hidden motivations.

Notable Rapid-Fire Highlights:

• Kaia [66:16]: Responds "Nay" to the theory that Violet is part dragon, while agreeing that she is infused with another entity.

• Gabriel [73:30]: Expresses concern over potential additional male antagonists disrupting main character relationships.

• Lexi [73:29]: Predicts the introduction of Isle Kingdoms and the demise of key figures like Jack Barlow.

• Kaia [74:04]: Confirms theories about Papa Sorengale's possible demise at the hands of Navarrean leadership, aligning with the community's speculations.

7. Closing Thoughts and Future Expectations [77:34 - 82:43]

Nicole [77:34]: Encourages listeners to approach Onyx Storm with open minds, letting Rebecca Yarrow guide the story's progression without the constraints of preconceived theories.

Lexi [78:34]: Emphasizes the excitement of experiencing plot twists and new magic systems introduced in the upcoming book, advocating for a fresh reading perspective.

Kaia and Gabriel [80:43 - 81:43]: Share their social media handles and express gratitude towards their families and listeners for their support. They highlight the positive reception of the Graphic Audio series and its role in enhancing the fan experience.

Nicole [81:59]: Reminds listeners to rate, review, and share the podcast, fostering community growth and engagement.

8. Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Kaia [07:12]: "When I got to read it, I just couldn't put it down. Like, I was on vacation in Italy, and I literally read the entire thing while I was there."

• Gabriel [09:15]: "I think it's as if I had been in a big movie. I got to have a big celebration."

• Kaia [11:06]: "I felt like I had a lot of room to make Violet my own."

• Gabriel [16:38]: "You have to give it the same amount of care that you would give other moments that you would think maybe, maybe click."

• Kaia [28:46]: "I love that they're always just on the same page."

• Gabriel [28:13]: "He comforts me when people ask me about why do I like Zaden? Because he is—"

9. Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Fangirls offers an in-depth look behind the scenes of the A Court of Thorns and Roses Graphic Audio series, featuring insightful conversations with voice actors Khaya Fraites and Gabriel Michael. The discussion spans their journey into voice acting, the intricacies of adapting complex characters like Violet and Zaden, and the challenges of rendering intimate scenes authentically. Additionally, the episode delves into fan theories and predictions for the upcoming Onyx Storm, providing a comprehensive exploration of the series' evolving narrative and character dynamics. The hosts, Nicole and Lexi, conclude with heartfelt encouragement for listeners to embrace the new book with an open mind, fostering a community of engaged and thoughtful fantasy enthusiasts.

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Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the substantive discussions and interactions while omitting promotional content and unrelated segments as per the user's instructions.

Transcript

[Nicole]

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[Gabriel]

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[Lexi]

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[Gabriel]

Thanks to Amazon Pharmacy and Amazon One Medical Healthcare just got less painful.

[Lexi]

Welcome.

[Nicole]

Welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character themes, series and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole and we are so.

[Lexi]

Excited for this final episode on the eve of the Onyx Storm release. Hopefully as you listen to this, you're only hours away from getting your hands on Onyx Storm. I'm so excited for all of us.

[Nicole]

So today's episode is going to be split into two parts. First, we are thrilled to have Kaia Fraitz and Gabriel Michael AKA Zaden and Violet from the Graphic Audio on the show today. Who better to discuss final theories predictions than the two people who know these characters inside and out. I'm so excited.

[Lexi]

Then Nicole and I will wrap up this episode and the end of this pre Onyx Storm era with our parting thoughts before we read the book we've all been waiting over a year for. And of course before we dive into our incredible conversation with Kya and Gabriel, we have to do our spoiler warning because we are theorizing for the third book of the Empyrean series. Spoilers for all things books one and two of the Empyrean series, Fourth Wing Iron Flame. And we're also going to be bringing in a little bit from the Onyx Storm excerpt from Cosmopolitan. But friends, no multi chapter preview spoilers here.

[Nicole]

We are literally talking to Xaden and Violet. So it's going to get hella spoilery up in here, especially given the end of Iron Flame. So if you have not finished the books you can go read them or heck, go listen to the graphic audios because they're freaking amazing and we will be here when you're done.

[Lexi]

Next, we a fantasy fan. Girls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words friends, this podcast is.

[Nicole]

Rated R. We will be asking Kya and Gabriel to say lines that were chosen by our Discord and friends. They ain't clean, so please be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Lexi]

Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events. Tonight we are partnering with Barnes and Noble for the Onyx Storm Midnight Release Party and we are so excited. So friends, we will see you in Glendale, Colorado tonight. Then we'll be at Rebecca Yarris Onyx Storm Tour in Denver, Colorado on February 2nd.

[Nicole]

We have so much in store as podcasting partners at Romanticy bookcon both in LA this February and in Orlando this October.

[Lexi]

We'll also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri August 15th through 17th. And we'll be back at the Dragon Gauntlet in Boyne City, Michigan September 12th and 13th.

[Nicole]

Links to all of these are in the show notes and we also have on our website a full calendar for more information, tickets plus our podcast schedule and Fantasy Fan Club virtual events.

[Lexi]

Speaking of, if you love Fantasy Fangirls, if you can't wait for this Empurian journey we're about to embark on together again. If you are so excited for Onyx Storm and want even more content plus a community to share this passion with and so much more, please check out the Fantasy Fan Club, our new official Fantasy Fangirls membership.

[Nicole]

We have three fan club tiers that you can join. First up, the Cadets which includes access to our super Super Active Discord live Q&As from Lexi and me, book clubs, exclusive author interviews, trivia, community events, promo codes for live events, plus 20% off discounted merch that is for $6 a month. You can also join the Dragon Riders which includes everything from the Cadet level plus early access to ad free episodes. Yes, this includes episode one of Onyx Storm Deep Dive. You'll also get all of our episode outlines. Yes, the 40 to 60 page ones and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And last but not least, we have the Squad which includes everything from the first two tiers plus behind the scenes content. You'll probably see Lexi and I in our hotel room losing our minds slowly. You'll also get a welcome gift from Lexi and I, giveaways, private Discord Channel, your name shouted out on the podcast and that is for $25 a month.

[Lexi]

Join the party at fantasy fangirls.com fan club. The link is also in the show notes and we just appreciate you all so much. We love this community and we just love this time of year with Onyx Storm.

[Nicole]

We're so excited and now is time to dive into our final thoughts and predictions with Kaia Fraitz and Gabriel Michael. But first, we want to let you know that this show is sponsored by Hungry Root.

[Lexi]

When it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning, I've got a problem. I don't have time, like at all. I don't have time. I don't have the brain space, none of it. And that has all changed thanks to Hungryroot. It is the easiest way to eat healthy and save time while doing it, which makes this very busy mama so happy.

[Nicole]

This not so mama. I just feel really fancy when I'm using hungry because it's like I have my own personal shopper and nutritionist all wrapped into one. I love that they recommend healthy groceries, meals tailored to your taste, nutritional preferences, health goals. Like for instance, I recently have started incorporating a lot more gluten free foods. They do that. They really just simplify planning and executing my nutritional goals. From anti inflammatory to gut friendly to gluten free. Like I was saying, dairy free, high protein and more.

[Lexi]

Hungryroot had me fill out a brief questionnaire to truly customize my experience so it can be tailored to our household. Grocery shopping and meal planning is something that is just never top of mind for me. I know it should be, but it's not. And that is why again, I love Hungry Root because it literally delivers these healthy groceries right to my doorstep, complete with recipes. So it's one less big thing for me to think about every single week.

[Nicole]

You are going to love Hungry Root truly as much as we do take advantage of this exclusive offer. For a limited time, get 40% off your first box, plus get a free item in every box for Life. Go to hungryroot.com FFG and use code FFG that's hungryroot.com FFG code FFG to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your Choice for Life. Hungryroot.com FFG code FFG welcome, welcome, welcome, Kya and Gabriel to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast.

[Lexi]

Oh, we are so excited to have you here today. And yes, please introduce yourselves.

[Kaia]

Thanks for having us. I'm Kaia Frates and I voice Violet Sorengale for Graphic Audio.

[Gabriel]

And I'm Gabriel Michael and I voice Zaden Ryerson.

[Nicole]

We're so excited to talk to you all about theories about predictions about rapid fires. But first we want to dive a little bit into this graphic audio world because it is so unique, it's so fun and so many people are obsessed with it. So we want to hear how you all got involved with Graphic Audio. Because, Gabriel, you were in the acotar graphic audios and then Kaya, this is your first graphic audio.

[Kaia]

I've done a few graphic audios, but just as smaller parts. I started working for Graphic, I think two years ago. I got cast from a casting call they put out on backstage where they were looking for someone to do children's voices. And I booked a really small part. I think I had literally like 12 lines or something, but they were like, okay, cool, we'll add you to our roster. And they had me like basically record a script with a bunch of different accents, different age groups and stuff to kind of fit like whatever they need. And then they can, like, listen to them and pull from them whenever they need to cast something. But fourth wing is the first thing that I got to narrate.

[Nicole]

I love how you were in a children's book. And they're like, that sounds like Violet Sorrengail. That sounds like a R rated book. Absolutely.

[Kaia]

Literally was playing like a 12 year old boy. That's violent.

[Nicole]

Gabriel, how about you?

[Gabriel]

Yes, I think I joined the company, like right at the beginning of 2021. I typed in top 19 audiobook publishers in the United States, just like every other voice actor. And this was the only one that responded to me. And they were like, we're more like a video game house in a way. Does that sound interesting? I was like, yeah. My very first role, I think I was a rubber band man. Like, it was like a superhero book. And he was a principal and it was Mr. Man, Mr. Hand. And then eventually Acotar came around and Ms. Colleen Delaney popped into my my email and she was like, gabriel, we've never officially met. I would love for you to read for this character. And then there was a hyperlink to a very attractive, fey man. I said, okay, was it Lucien or.

[Nicole]

Was it a different character?

[Gabriel]

It was Lucien. It was Lucian. My sister screamed because she's a big reader, and I was like, bubby, she knows all the books. I was like, do you know this book, this series? And she screamed so freaking loud. It was actually just one of those amazing moments, as if I had been in a big movie. I got to have a big celebration. So that was good.

[Lexi]

Congratulations too, to both of you. Just like for how big this has become and just so excited for you. So I know that you kind of talked about how you got into Graphic Audio. What was your first introduction to Zaden and Violet?

[Kaia]

So when we originally auditioned Scott McCormick, our director, he didn't Give us details on what we were even auditioning for. Originally, he just kind of gave us, like, the archetypes little rundown and, like, an excerpt to read. So he was just kind of like, I have this character I want you to audition for. Thank Katniss Everdeen. She's kind of a badass, you know, young character. And I was like, okay, cool. And I'd heard of 4th Wing at the time, but I hadn't read it. So when I read the excerpt for my audition, I didn't know what it was from. And it was the parapet scene from the beginning of Fourth Wing. And so I was like, okay, cool. Sure.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Kaia]

And I just auditioned, and then a few weeks later, he emailed me and was like, okay, you got the part. It's for this little book called Fourth Wing, you may have heard of it, and sent me the, like, link. And I was like, oh, my gosh. Are you kidding me? Like, oh, my God. I knew how big it was because of. Of book talk and TikTok and stuff, but, like, I'd never read it. And when I finally did get to read it, I just couldn't put it down. It was so good. Like, I was on vacation in Italy, and I literally read the entire. The whole thing while I was there. And on the flight back, I was.

[Gabriel]

Like, oh, my gosh.

[Kaia]

Oh, my gosh. Like. Like turning the pages so fast.

[Nicole]

Like, that's a dream right there.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that's so cool, too, that you read it for the first time already knowing that you had the part of Violet. So did that, alas, like, change your reading experience, or were you almost, like, starting to narrate her already in your head kind of?

[Kaia]

I don't know. I think that, like, I. Well, I also listened to the original audiobook, but I think I was at first. The first time I was reading and just trying to get a grasp of, like, the character and then trying to understand, like, how I would play her, I think. But the writing is so good that I think that you can kind of interpret it in a lot of different ways. And kind of, like, I felt like I had a lot of room to make Violet my own.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Yes, definitely. Gabriel, how about you?

[Gabriel]

I got involved with Mr. Shadow Daddy when Scott, yes, definitely messaged me an email. He didn't tell me the book. My scene was Zaden's narration all the way at the end of the book. And that's a very. That's a very tender, emotional part of Zaden's pov. But those were not the Descriptors I got, they said, asshole douchebag walks around. No, literally alpha male. Like in bold, highlighted, masculine. Literally. I was like, oh, oh, oh, okay, I did it. And I was like, damn. Like, he kind of sounds like an. But I feel like he's talking about some really serious stuff here. Let's do some super sleuthing. I hit up my friend, shout out to Izzy Steel, Izzy Steele, everyone. She was the one who, like, gave me all my. All the inside scoop. I was like, what is this excerpt? She goes, baby, this is Aiden Ryerson in fourth wing. I was like, cool. I don't know who that is, but I'm sure that's like really big, right? And she's like, Gabriel. And then, then once I read about it, then I wanted to redo my audition. Then I was like, no, did I get this? I did end up getting it. And this goes to show you, you never really know. Sometimes you get a lot of prep before an audition. Sometimes you get very little. And I almost wonder if they wanted to see if I would just simply play those descriptors, if I would fall into that trap or if I would bring those and also give him his own life. And so it was a good lesson for me as an actor.

[Lexi]

And then, I assume. Did you read the book? And then afterwards.

[Gabriel]

Yes, I read the. I started with the audiobook as well. Just because for time's sake, that very first title, I think it was a very quick turnaround when we had.

[Kaia]

It was very quick.

[Gabriel]

Yeah, yeah. So I was like, okay, this 26, 20 something hours, let's do the audiobook that had the physical copy for Iron Flame. And I feel like Iron Flame is really where I fully allowed myself as the actor to just immerse myself into that world to the point where I was very picky about my prep right before I'd go into the booth. I wanted to make sure I was coming straight from something military wise. So if anyone wants to know, there's a poem called Camouflaging the Chimera by Yusef Komanyaka. And it's a Vietnam war poem. I always recite it over and over again right before I do a session for Zaden. Wow, fascinating.

[Lexi]

I love that insight.

[Kaia]

Yes.

[Nicole]

What was. Wait, what was the poem again? Can you say it one more time?

[Gabriel]

It's called Camouflaging the Chimera by Yousef Komanyaka.

[Nicole]

Well, okay, so this actually kind of brings us into our next question, which is, what is the process for recording graphic? Because we can grasp what it is like for a traditional audiobook, but with so many actors with the music, with the sound effects. Like, how does a graphic audio go from start to finish?

[Kaia]

So we kind of all record separately with our director, Scott McCormick, and you have to be a really good director to be able to record everyone separately and still make every conversation match and the intention feel there. But Gabriel and I asked if we could record our scenes together because we just really wanted to make it feel like, you know, as intimate as possible, as real as possible. Possible. And Scott and Graphic were kind of just like, we've never done that before, but we're open to trying it if you guys want to do it. So for Iron Flame was when we got to record together, and I really think it makes a world of a difference. And also, Gabriel and I, like, did some prep beforehand, just the two of us just, like, talking through the motivations of the characters and, like, really just, like, establishing that core relationship between Violet and Zaden because. Because they are the core of the whole series, honestly.

[Gabriel]

She's being super humble right now. If y'all enjoy Zaden and thought that he got progressively more sexy and romantic. We owe a lot to Kya. We got. We were practicing one time, one of those. One of those intimacy scenes, and I was like, yeah. And she goes, maybe he's a little bit sweeter. I said, yeah, you right, you right, you right.

[Nicole]

Which scene? I have to ask.

[Lexi]

Yes, yes.

[Kaia]

Do you remember, I think it was, like, at the beginning of Iron Flame where, like, Violet is hurt, but they also, like, want to fuck.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Kaia]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole]

That's. Okay. Well, that actually perfectly brings me to my next question, because the most popular question we get from anyone when we said, hey, we're interviewing Kya and Gabriel, is, so how do they record the sex scenes? How? How?

[Gabriel]

Okay, so I do want to say that, you know, we don't to give away all of graphics, like, tricks of their trade and everything. You know, they work really hard for that business model to. To give you what they give you. So every director is different and every script is different. The script will. Will typically let, you know, an intimacy scene and the type of noises or sounds that they would maybe kind of want you to make. They're not always married to that. It's usually good when they're not. When you can kind of find it. For the first book again, I. It was just me and Scott just going through. He's reading Violet, and I am. We're going through the scenes. If Scott felt like, you know, it needed more oomph or something, he would let me know. Or sometimes you just go through a straight series of. Like, you map it out. Like, okay, you're gonna jump onto the. You're gonna fall onto the bed. You're gonna kiss her thighs are gonna open wide. You're going down. She's gonna grab. She's gonna grab you here. She's gonna slap you, and you're gonna like it.

[Kaia]

But.

[Gabriel]

But when we got to do Iron Flame, that's when I. It was much more organic. I'm sorry if this is weird, Kaya, but, like, it was just much more.

[Kaia]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Lexi]

Trust us. We have had very strange conversations.

[Kaia]

No, yeah.

[Lexi]

Yes. I might be blushing a little bit.

[Nicole]

But it's all good.

[Gabriel]

You know, from this actor right here. You have to give it care, and you have to give it the same amount of care that you would give other moments that you would think maybe. Maybe click. Really press in here, because if you don't, the intimacy will be phoned in. And the best part is when you get to scene partner live like I did, you get to feel those impulses and speak that conversation, and it actually. I mean, I wasn't. I wasn't nervous when I was working with you. Once. Once we started getting into it, I felt like it was easy to put my intention on Kya. She's such a generous actress. She'll really give you a lot.

[Kaia]

I think it is easy to, like, definitely fall into being like, oh, this is so silly. Like, I would never say this. My house, my chair, my woman.

[Nicole]

Like.

[Kaia]

Like, I think it's so easy to, like. Like, to. To give it that and feel that way. But I think that it's important that, like, you have to try to remain as serious as the characters feel because, like, it is so real to them, and it is so intimate to them. And I think in recording together, we were able to find, like, moments that I probably would not have found. Like, I remember, like, there were a couple scenes that were even just sweeter, where afterwards, I literally was, like, literally just screaming because Gabriel feels so good. But, yeah, it's definitely an interesting experience. I will say, for the first book, I do like to talk with my hands a lot, especially when I'm trying to make a point and stuff. Even in the booth, I'm always kind of moving around. And in the first book, when I was recording the armor scene, I accidentally ripped a piece of foam off of my wall, and I was like, ooh, that's his acting. I was like, I saw that. I just needed Something to hold onto, you know? But then also sometimes it is, like, really technical of, like, okay, we're gonna do, like, closed mouth kisses and, like, we're gonna do this kind of a sound and stuff like that, just so they, like, cover our bases. And we have a whole sound library.

[Gabriel]

No one necessarily wants to hear saliva on a microphone. And so, so we. It. That is tricky. That is really tricky to. To sell the intimacy without as much of. Of that very necessary, necessary sound that happens. But I really like, though, that even though they know it's difficult, they still put detailed intimacy that the. They put the author's intimacy in there that they asked for, and they really do still try to get it. So, yeah, who knows what's coming for Onyx Storm?

[Nicole]

But I was gonna say. Okay, I do actually have a question then, since you brought up the author. How much do you guys get to know? Whether it's through Scott or from Rebecca herself, Like, do you guys get to have that insight from the author when it comes to graphic audios?

[Kaia]

She provides, like, pronunciation guides and stuff like that. And she also was heavily involved in the casting, but we haven't interacted with her much. She's a busy lady.

[Lexi]

Yes, we know.

[Nicole]

While we're talking about recording, we reached out to our discord and we said, what line? If you had to have any line that Kya and Gabriel could say, what would it be? And we gave them. We promise, we gave them multiple options that were not sexual options.

[Lexi]

We gave them some real badass ones, some nice ones, and you can guess what they all chose. So.

[Nicole]

Who would like to go first?

[Gabriel]

Oh, my goodness. Kaia, you go first.

[Nicole]

Kya, would you mind saying that trick you mentioned, you know, with the fingers. Thanks.

[Kaia]

Oh. Oh, my gosh. That trick you mentioned, you know, with the fingers. Thanks.

[Gabriel]

Yes.

[Lexi]

So good.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God. I just got chilled. All right, Gabriel, which God are you calling out for? Because it's just me and you in this room and I don't share.

[Gabriel]

Which God are you calling out for? Because it's just you and me in this room and I don't share.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God, you guys are so talented. Holy shit.

[Lexi]

Oh, my goodness. I love it. Oh, my gosh.

[Gabriel]

Like, you know, most voice actors, like, they, like, you ask them to do a character and they'll, like, do it all day for you in impersonations. And I will too, if you ask, but I get nervous because, you know, I really, like, I really have to. I become Zaden when I'm in that booth. Not every role requires such a transformation, but he does. And so I never want to give a fan even a morsel of Zaden that isn't fully Zaden.

[Nicole]

That was fully.

[Lexi]

That was Zaden right there.

[Nicole]

Yes, that was fully Xaden. Oh, my God.

[Gabriel]

I love you guys.

[Lexi]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. All right, let's move into some rapid fire getting to know you questions here. We promise we'll be getting to theories here shortly here. All right, for both of you. Favorite book or series?

[Kaia]

You go.

[Lexi]

You go.

[Gabriel]

Okay. Okay. Great expectations is my favorite book. And then my favorite series is probably the. The Baldelaire books, the series of unfortunate Events.

[Kaia]

Mine is the Legendborn series and also Crescent City. Oh, yeah, Nice.

[Nicole]

Favorite TV series or movie?

[Gabriel]

Scandal. I love. Look, look. Jada, for me is like Shemar Moore mixed with Tony Goldwyn, who plays the president in Scandal. Very good energy. So I love me some Scandal.

[Kaia]

Okay. My favorite movie changes, like, every season, so right now is Challengers, but it was past lives, and also those writers are married. I don't know if that's. And then my favorite show consistently. My entire life has been Gossip Girl, so I'm gonna go with that. Love it.

[Lexi]

Favorite way to. To read. Physical book. Ebook, Audiobook. Graphic. Audio.

[Gabriel]

I want to say a physical copy so bad, but it's just factually incorrect because I. Because of the job I do. It's an. It's an ebook. It's an ebook for me because I'm always reading online.

[Kaia]

I do have to read online a lot for work, but I don't like it. So I'm gonna say physical or audiobook because I read a ton. I listen to a ton of audiobooks.

[Lexi]

So do we. Most of what we do is listen to audiobooks. And then I. I really only do my e reading when we're doing a deep dive for the annotations and things like that. Yeah, if you're a parent of a little one like I am, you also know the struggle of making daily vitamins for kids actually fun. And that is where Haya has been a game changer for our family. Every single morning, my kids get so excited and they literally recognize the yellow bottle and they point to it on the counter and they. They want it right away when they wake up.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

I also recommend checking out their new kids probiotic and nighttime essentials too.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

All right, which bisgayath quadrant would you be in Scribes? That makes sense as a rainbow.

[Gabriel]

The writers.

[Lexi]

Would you survive? Do you think you'd survive as Gabriel?

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Gabriel]

I'm an air sign. We take to the sky like we will.

[Nicole]

Incredible. I feel like Lexi and I would at first think scribes, but there is no way I could be as stoic as a scribe would need to be. I would be kicked out in seconds. There's no way. What dragon would you bond? This is if you went to the writer's?

[Kaia]

Okay, Well, I feel like the obvious answer is Taryn and Darna for me, but I also feel like Fierge Rhiannon's dragon because I like that she felt like there's just like an instant connection.

[Gabriel]

They just, like, knew I adore Sigail, so, I mean, I so like Seagal's a given. However, I do love Taryn. Like, I really do love Taryn. Taryn is who I would want to play if I wasn't playing Zaden.

[Lexi]

Which character are you most like?

[Kaia]

I think Violet.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that's understandable.

[Nicole]

Understandable.

[Kaia]

Yeah, I think because, like, well, she wanted to be a scribe. She is a scribe. But I think that she just has a fierceness about, like, the love she has for the people in her life that I definitely relate to. I feel like I get that fierceness and I understand her, like, desperate need to just have everyone be safe, that she loves and take care of everyone and just be there for everyone. I think she's very open or she tries to be very open emotionally. And I think that's a good quality to have when trying to understand people.

[Gabriel]

I mean, I'm really trying to pick anyone other than Zaden. I'm trying to think who has enough qualities of me. I don't think there's enough. There's a Gabriel necessarily in this story yet. But I feel like Zayden, like, I'm as blunt as Zaden when it comes down to. When it comes down to it. You know what I mean? Like, Zaden probably wouldn't do all of the pop and fluff that I'll do. But, like, when it's time to really go, Detroit comes out and it's just like, yeah, like, we're going to be at this temperature. I love you. We'll talk about it later. I like that.

[Kaia]

Wait, can I say what I think you'd be?

[Gabriel]

Oh, yes, please, please.

[Kaia]

I think you'd be Rhiannon.

[Gabriel]

Oh, that's good.

[Kaia]

I feel like Rhiannon, she also has a fierceness. She also cares a lot. But she, like, also can be very private, and she can, like, she keeps things that are really important to her close to her chest.

[Gabriel]

Oh, that's me. That's me.

[Kaia]

Yeah, for sure. Like. Like how, like, her and Violet ran off to go visit her sister in private and also her relationships and. But she's also, like, just on her all the time. That's why she's section leader.

[Gabriel]

Oh, my God. You really put. This is perfect.

[Kaia]

Yeah, I think. I think that you'd be hurt.

[Nicole]

No wonder you guys are so close. Yes, I know.

[Gabriel]

I'm blown away. Like, honestly. So, like, to Kyle, Kaya. Kaya is so adventurous, and she always has so many fun things to do. And anytime I'm messaging her, I'm always like, I'm coming in at a thousand. I'm like, what are you doing, Kaya? Yada, yada. However, even though that is my energy, she will often be like, do you want to do this? And I'm like, I'm kind of disappearing from society for a month. I'll tell you. I'll tell you later when I come back. And she always. She always gives me that space.

[Lexi]

Wait, who is this cat?

[Kaia]

Because.

[Nicole]

Hi, I know we have. I love.

[Lexi]

What's your cat's name?

[Gabriel]

Albert.

[Lexi]

Oh, I love it.

[Kaia]

He's so cute.

[Nicole]

What is your favorite thing about Zaden and Violet? Make it harder.

[Gabriel]

Well, okay, so I'm going to start. I'm going to start with Violet. I love how she chases. She chases every bone like Nancy Drew, you know, like, she really does. And Kya does such a good job with chasing that, you know, you could get another narrator on this book. And Violet may be more passive, but if she. If there is any action verb to be played, she's going to play it. And I enjoy that about her. Yeah. Yeah. You know.

[Kaia]

Oh, thanks. I think my favorite thing about Xaden is just. Well, I guess it's kind of both of them. But, like, my favorite thing about Zaden is, like, the unspokenness that he has with Violet. Like, they're always just on the same page. And it could just be a look, or it doesn't even have to be a look. She could just know. Like, she could. Like, I know that they are. Like, they can feel each other, telepathy and everything. But, like, I feel like that's just. Like. It's so attractive because it's like, yeah, we. We do want you to read our. Our thoughts.

[Nicole]

We do.

[Kaia]

We actually. That's actually a requirement. But I. I just love it. Like, I love that they're. They. They move as one when they need to.

[Gabriel]

Yes. Yes.

[Kaia]

Oh, and, like, they never have to, like, question, like, what the other is prioritizing or doing when it comes down to battle. And it comes down to, like. Like, defending each other over someone else, if that makes sense. And yes, my favorite thing about Violet is just her determination. My dad always says persistence beats resistance. And I feel like that is Violet to the core. Like, she never gives up, even when she's physically fucking broken. She will just, like, it's just a flesh wound, and get up and just keep fighting.

[Nicole]

Bones sticking out. Meanwhile.

[Kaia]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's like blowing blood spurting out of her collarbone. Yeah.

[Nicole]

Oh, that's so good. Yes.

[Gabriel]

I'm trying to think for Zaden. I always say that he comforts me when people ask me about, like, why do I like Zaden? And he just. Does he. Because he is. It's that. It's. It's the bluntness that I talked about earlier combined with the unspoken thoughts. You know, he doesn't have to break everything down now. There are the secrets that Violet is on his case about, but for the most part, by and large, he doesn't have to. He doesn't have to explain those things. And he. But he knows that they are not lost on Violet. I also highly respect his military prowess.

[Lexi]

All right, last rapid fire question here for you. What is your favorite quote from the Empyrean series?

[Nicole]

Other than the ones we obviously made you guys do earlier? Yes.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Kaia]

My favorite non sexy quote, I think, is in Iron Flame, when General eitos, like, gets a first year to go after Violet, and he ends up. Are we allowed to do spoilers?

[Lexi]

I don't know.

[Nicole]

Spoiler away.

[Kaia]

Okay. And he ends up killing Nadine. And in that moment, like, everything kind of just, like, clicks for her of, like, how intense everything is. And she's like, no one interfere. Like, she just jumps right into action. And she's like. Like, I'm Violet. Sor. And Gail, like, come at me. Like, I love that moment for her. I think it really like, encapsulates like, a little bit of her loss of innocence because it just happened so quickly, but also just like her fierceness and like her not being afraid to be who she is after she's literally spent a whole other year of people trying to kill her for her name. And now she's like, no, like, this is who the fuck I am.

[Gabriel]

I have a couple. So I love the line and I think it's an iron flame name. The line he has when he talks about the first year and then the second year is where they. I just. I like, I felt that moment in the booth too, so much with you, Kai. It was just really good. Those stark. I love all the lines that describe their world and they're in their. And the. In their given circumstances, their particular brand of trauma that they have to deal with. And to hear Zaden spit it out so quickly, like, yeah, everyone knows this. The first year, this. And the second year is this quiet as it's catching. But then Rebecca Yarrow says these lovely, lovely periodic sentences where the most important information is at the end and you really got to go through it. And it's.

[Kaia]

It's.

[Gabriel]

When he's describing. It's a sentence that ends and a quiet. In the quiet city or the quiet town of Orisha beneath us. That whole section, it's just I. That was the first time and it was towards the end of that process because it was the narration. And I really sat back and I was like, it's. He does. It's all for her. Everything for everything for her. And I just. I don't know if everyone gets back to that section. It's a beautiful section of narration, both in. In the text as well. Anything that's going to describe landscape is an author is going to get like, high points. For me, I spent a lot of time in the south and like people in the south, they know that land very well. So when you describe the buildings in the stone and the quiet town of Orisha beneath us, it speaks to like those like. Like childhood stories that, like, my parents would read that talked about land.

[Nicole]

Yeah, yeah, I feel like we're absolutely getting that in Onyx Storm as we're expanding into Poromil, which. Speaking of which, should we get into some theories, friends?

[Gabriel]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yes, let's do it. So we have to start with the biggest question that is on everyone's minds for a year plus, and that is, what do you both think Violet's second signet is? Because we know it manifested in iron flame and the clues are apparently all there. And Rebecca has said it's meant to be obvious. An egg on all of our faces. Because at Lexi and I. Because I have no idea if there's.

[Lexi]

That's not true. You have a hill you're willing to die on?

[Nicole]

I do have a hill I'm willing to die on. However, what I say, it's like, that's the obvious choice. I'm not sure about that. We also do know that signets manifest based on who the writer is at their core and what they need most. What do you all think Violet second signet is?

[Kaia]

I don't know. I think it might have something to do with resurrection. Oh, okay. Or, like, maybe not full resurrection, but maybe, like, back from the brink. I don't know. I feel like she maybe can bring people back before they cross over or something. I don't know.

[Nicole]

So there is a theory that if their things are not all burned for Malik. So, like, for instance, Liam, his letters were not burned. At Lilith Sorrengale, there's apparently some letters that she hasn't burned. Papa Sorrengale's research work and Lira's journals. Those are the types of people that will say, like, Malik will basically be like. Like, here you go. You can have a conversation with them. However, the only thing I will say, like, with the caveat here, is I think it was in Brisbane, someone was like, hey, like, is Violet second signet being like, I see dead people basically being with. With Liam. And she was like, no, it's not. And I was like, I was willing to die on beforehand, but I love this idea that it's. It's a. It's not exactly that, but it's this. I'll talk to the people who haven't fully crossed. Like you were saying.

[Kaia]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Kaia]

Or like, you know, maybe if she hadn't interfered, Sawyer would have lost more than just his leg. And she was like, you're not dying. Okay? And he's like, okay.

[Gabriel]

Honestly, like, I want to have a different theory, but I really don't. Like, I really think it's. I think it's some type of resurrection for sure. Especially if there's been so much. Much talk about what second signet is. It's probably got to be something that's going to have to save the day. What's going to save the day more than restoration and resurrection.

[Kaia]

And also, like, what. Like you said, like, what does Violet need? Like, she needs her people. So, you know.

[Gabriel]

Well, Violet also has her eds. So when Rebecca Yarrow says it's obvious. What does Violet need? Well, the one thing that she thought at the start of all this that set her back, you know, maybe she doesn't need it now. She's found a way around it. But it's also could tie in. What did she have? What did she need? She needed to cure that somehow Arrest restoration or even like.

[Nicole]

Like mending or like I've heard some people throw around mender is. Is definitely something that she is at her core and needs for sure.

[Gabriel]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

On our show, we have a running joke about Papa Sor and Gail's mysterious research. So what do you think the significance of Papa Sor and Gail's research is? And I'll give a quick tldr because I can't not talk about it here. We know that originally Papa Sor and Gail was writing a book about Feather Tales and researching the second Kremlin UPRI. But he never finished his research on the second Crowblin uprising, which happened 200 years ago. Then when Varish pointed out that it was ironic that Papa Sorrengail was writing a book on feather tales who hadn't been seen in hundreds of years, then his daughter bonded with one. And Darna, notably, is silent when Violet asks if it is indeed a coincidence.

[Nicole]

What do you all think is in Papa Sorrengail's research?

[Kaia]

I think that he knew how to cure Venin.

[Nicole]

God, I fucking hope so.

[Kaia]

I hope so too, because I think that Indarna is the key to. Right. I mean, it's kind of.

[Nicole]

So Lexi pointed this out when we were deep diving. It was. I think it was the final episode, right, Lex of Iron Flame. Oh, I don't know. When Indarna. It was either the penultimate or the final. And Indarna breathes fire on that one. Venin. And then rips his head off with her teeth and. And eats it. But his head is roasting, which means smoking. Smoking. It was impacted by the fire. But we know from the Battle of Resin that whenever Taran breathed fire on the venom, it was like it didn't fucking work. So I think I'm willing to die on this hill with you, Lex. That the seventh dragon Den fire affects Venon.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that's canon to me. Like, it is fair. It just has not been the text.

[Kaia]

And so I feel. I feel like maybe like Papa Sorengale figured out a way to harness something from those dragons to create a cure of some kind.

[Gabriel]

Yeah, I could see that.

[Kaia]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Yes. Yeah, I definitely think he figured out because there is a small overlap between Indarna and Papa Sorrengail being alive, I absolutely think that there's some kind of. He figured out that Indarna is not a normal dragon.

[Kaia]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

I don't know if that's a hill I'm willing to die on. That's a mound, a small mountain I'd be willing to paint on frost.

[Kaia]

But also maybe something happened when he was researching and he's figuring all this stuff out and they wanted to stop him.

[Nicole]

Do you think that Papa Sorrengail actually died from. I'll say natural causes or his own heart failure or do you think he was offed by someone else?

[Kaia]

I think he was off. Maybe they tried to attack him and Lilith when she was pregnant with Violet. And then he like, was like, I have the cure and saved Violet, but that's why she still has the silver hair like the rest of the venom.

[Gabriel]

Oh my goodness.

[Lexi]

I think there is definitely a venom connection. I think that Lilith was also attacked by venom.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

And then he saved her. I think about Papa Sorrengal doing that. But yeah, I think about like who could have made it, you know, made him go away was I think that Markham and Daddy.

[Nicole]

See, I'm leaning Daddy Atos, I think. I think that's an.

[Kaia]

Yeah, I see that too. I don't think maybe the venom tried to attack his family, but I definitely feel like it was one of like someone within the Imperium that was like.

[Nicole]

Yeah.

[Kaia]

Trying to attack him.

[Gabriel]

So many like Harry Potter, which. I've never thought of that until now. We do think so with all the flying around. But I like the idea that the way that Harry was branded with a scar in the events prior. There's things about whether it's her hair or her eds. There are other. There's other things that were branded by something that happened before her birth that resulted in the father's diet that I'm cooking. We're cooking.

[Lexi]

Well, I. I don't want to interrupt your cooking here, but yes. Next question. So we know that Violet has this mysterious half silver hair which Lilith blames comes from a sickness that she had while she was pregnant. And as we're all talking here, there are a lot of theories out there that Venin were involved in this supposed, I'll say, quote unquote sickness. So why do you think her hair is silver? I know we were literally just kind of talking about that here.

[Nicole]

But what do you think happened when Lilith was pregnant? I guess is the question.

[Kaia]

Yeah, I think there was some kind of venom attack. And Papa Soren Gail Intervened to try and save her. And I don't know, I guess maybe that's why he was like, you have to keep her in the library to keep her safe.

[Gabriel]

That girl.

[Kaia]

He knew what was happening.

[Nicole]

I don't know.

[Lexi]

And left the breadcrumbs for Violet so she can learn the truth.

[Kaia]

Yeah. And herself.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Kaia]

And the book about.

[Lexi]

Are you all having me on like the part Venin train now? My goodness gracious.

[Kaia]

He's like, oh yeah, this is mythology.

[Nicole]

Well, there is that popular theory now that Papa Sor and Gail apparently wrote the fables of the Baron. But I can't get on it because there. There have been other fables being shared. Like for instance in Rhiannon's village and stuff like that. But he wrote it for Violet.

[Kaia]

They might have. Because it's the only copy that exists.

[Lexi]

I think that it is still a collection of folklore. And remember how their family literally traveled for the military all throughout their lives? So I think he was collecting this folklore and then he put it all and he. And he wrote the fable of Barons. To have all of these stories all in one place.

[Gabriel]

What if Zaden's mom has to come into this picture and like what if she was that Venin? What if she tried to attack Violet? I feel like usually in these stories there is something that is connecting. Well, we have the connection with Zaden's mother and with Violet's mother. But like with Zaden, I don't know. With the mom, I feel like something. Whoever attacked her, I feel like it was. It was. It was a proper nouned person, someone that we know.

[Nicole]

So what I'm thinking is Lilith, when she was out and about on a mission, she was partially drained. Like you know how Dain is drained at the end of Iron Flame by Jack fucking Barlow? Lilith was partially drained while she was pregnant. That's why Violet's half hair is. Is never able to have color in it because venom drained the color from the land. So I wonder if that's what happened. But then there's also the poison tip dagger that some people think that's what Lilith was stabbed with and that's why she was. Was sick, quote unquote. Just like Violet was at the end of fourth wing. So I 1000% think that there is something that happened with Lilith when she was pregnant with Violet that involved a venom.

[Gabriel]

You know, I really. I'm really getting bad foul play from Mr. Dane Ado's father. He already has a track record of supposed to being on their betraying them in a way. And And I feel like that would have started when you have these academy type of situations. There was always what happened at the academy when the parents were of that age. And there's always that. I mean, who knows Eidos's dad. What relationship does he have? How does he. I mean, how he feels about Violet? How does he feel about the soaring gills in general?

[Nicole]

Okay, hold on. I'm gonna. I'm build off your cooking real quick. So what if he. Him and Lilith had some kind of like, bad blood or whatever in school? Like, maybe Lilith didn't even know. Maybe he was jealous.

[Gabriel]

Maybe he was. Maybe he was in love with Lilith.

[Nicole]

Maybe he was in love with Lilith. Oh, my.

[Lexi]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole]

And then he became her aide to get closer to her than to betray her in some way, because.

[Kaia]

Yes.

[Lexi]

No, Yes.

[Kaia]

I see that for sure.

[Nicole]

Papa Sorrengale. Because he was in love with Lily.

[Gabriel]

Like. Like Snape.

[Lexi]

I think that's a fun theory.

[Gabriel]

Snape and Lily. Snape and Lily. Damn.

[Lexi]

See, I think that daddy Atos. I think he is definitely bad news bears, because we also know. We. We do think that he is associated with the Ven. And at this gu. I personally don't think that he is involved with the venom beyond the borders. But there are Venin within this Gaia, and he was responsible for planting the Venin luring box at Resin to set Xaden and all of them. And one of the assassins that he sent after Violet had red rimmed eyes. So that first year had to have been a Venin too.

[Kaia]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

So we definitely think that he is connected to at least. I think at least the best guy at Venon.

[Nicole]

But I don't also think Barish was a Venin.

[Lexi]

Yes. I also think that was a Venom.

[Nicole]

This morning where he's like, let me introduce you to the vice commandant who we brought on like. And I think he was in charge of bringing on Verish so that he had eyes on the ground, for a better term, from a active venom.

[Kaia]

And they were all having Nolan like. Like repair Jack Barlow.

[Gabriel]

Like what?

[Lexi]

Nolan is definitely not making it out of. Onyx has to kill him.

[Kaia]

Right.

[Lexi]

Satan has to kill Nolan.

[Kaia]

I kind of feel bad for him because I feel like he was forced into doing it.

[Nicole]

Oh, absolutely. However, I don't feel bad enough for him to want him to live.

[Lexi]

So here's what I think. Nicole's going off about how he was in love with her and things like that. I think he is very power hungry. Not power hungry in the way of becoming a Venin. Like, I'll say Jack is but power hungry in wanting more political status.

[Gabriel]

He's a political opponent.

[Lexi]

Exactly. Yet he is not personally strong enough between his signet and his Dragon, to rise to the ranks of Soren Gael and Melgren. And so I think that he is kind of attaching himself, like, with the King, Tari, and like, he really kind of cozied up with sworn Gael and found kind of weaseled his way in with all of that and has always been her aide, but he's always wanted more for himself, and she's never seen him as anything more than just her aide. And so he had his own agenda. And so he's been, you know, you doing his own thing lately in an attempt to get more political gain.

[Nicole]

Fuck yeah. But I don't think he is fully Venin, and I think you said this earlier, Lex, because, A, we haven't been close enough to him to see a red rim around his eyes. But if he was, let's say, like, Zayden's level of Venon, he would be an initiate, which means he'd be the lowest level of Venin. And he seems too power hungry for that.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

So. And he can't be higher because he doesn't have the distended vein. So I think he's in charge of the. Again, I'm gonna say boots on the ground. Venin in Navarre. Well, while we're talking about the Eitos family, I do have a quick. We have on the show a nickname for our guy, Dane Atos. And that is. God fucking damn it, Dane.

[Lexi]

So we have in fourth wing, too, by the way. It was fourth wing we were very mindful about every single time he kept Violet's face, which happened, what, nine times? And. And he certainly seemed like a bad guy. And of course, then everything happened at the end of part one of Iron Flame. And, you know, when Nicole and I are having to, like, trying to rewrite our narratives about him. So. So question for you, Dane. Yay or nay? Do you think he's had his redemption arc?

[Kaia]

I think. Yay. I think that he has. I think that he understands more fully now. Like, he's kind of, like, woken up a little in the same way that, like, Violet has, like, literally this entire world is, like, been their whole lives. They grew up together and they, like, learned all the same things pretty much. And now, like, you know, everything that they know to be true is a lie. And he's like. I think I feel, like, accepted that pretty easily. Like, he's kind of just been like, wait, really? Okay, well, I'm leaving with you guys. So I think that he is not gonna, you know, have any trouble continuing to do that or like, even if, like, the more crazy things come out about his dad, which I'm sure it will, I think that he'll be. Be working to fight against his father.

[Nicole]

What if he kills his father?

[Gabriel]

I could, I mean, I could see it because I could totally see a situation where it's like he tried to kill the mom and then it's like he failed, but now he's trying to kill the daughter and he's like, no, dad. Like, he's trying to take out the soaring gales in my head. This is all true. I'm not. I'm not accepting it. It's all true. He's also been in love with her because he's a weirdo. Like, that's always how it goes. Like, they're always in love. I'm also getting like Lucius Malfoy vibe vibes. I really think I'm Nancy Drew on the.

[Nicole]

He was.

[Kaia]

You want to see Harry Potter so bad.

[Lexi]

I just feel like, hold on. Do we want to make a bet out of this also? Nicole and I make bets. So we had a lot of bets in the lead up to Iron Flame, and now we have quite a few bets in the lead up to Onyx Storm. And would you all like to be included in one of our bets here? All right, sounds good.

[Nicole]

That was such a question mark.

[Lexi]

Personally in the camp that he was not in love with Lilith and he is just a power politically power hungry guy.

[Nicole]

Okay, Kya, where do you stand?

[Kaia]

I think I'm. I'm thinking with Lexi clarification, if he.

[Nicole]

Was in love with her in school but is no longer in love with her, I still think that goes in Gabriel and I's favor.

[Gabriel]

Because here's the thing.

[Lexi]

If being in love with her is involved in any of his motives.

[Kaia]

How about that?

[Nicole]

Yeah, yeah, I accept.

[Gabriel]

Yes. That's my theory. That's my theory that it's like he was in love with her. He was jealous of the father. That's usually how it goes. I know how these men work. He was like, he was. He was jealous down. And he was also jealous of her because, like, she was like you were her aide. Like, she was kind of was like the president and you were like, like, what were. Who are you? My only thing is like such an interesting tidbits of details. Like, we could, this is the long shot, be prepared for some of these villains to not really be the villain.

[Nicole]

Oh, talk that out.

[Gabriel]

Well, because if I, if I'm going with, if I'm going with. In love with. With her. We thought Snape was one way and not only, you know, he was really in love with Harry's mother. And there was a lot of bitterness there. There was a lot that could be explained that we thought could not be explained. Ados, though, I feel like he has. I was confused because they had so many bad guys on that side. They had Verish, they had. Then they had him. And it's always like, what is his, what's his function? Who's going to go first? Who's the bigger threat? Who's the biggest threat out of this political landscape? And it does feel like it is Ados, but the fact that he has to grow in that power, usually I feel like. I don't know. I don't know.

[Nicole]

See, I think Ados thinks he's the big bad.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

But in actuality, he's. He's not. He's not. And he'll either be offed by his own son or he'll be offed by those. Like for instance, I, I have a crack theory that I think that there's gonna be like, da, da, da, da. Atos has been bad this entire time. And like, he'll step out of the shadows with the Venin and then the Venin will literally be like, you have finished your.

[Kaia]

Served your purpose, goodbye.

[Nicole]

And they'll kill him just because he's. He's done for. But for our bet, though, I agree that there is some kind of in love motivation from a TOS's side, whether it is present or past. Unrequited love. And for that. Okay, what should. If Lexi and Kaya win, I was gonna say, like, has to wear a shirt of the winner's choosing in a social media video where we collab and you guys do it together or we have to do it together. Okay, penultimate question before we get into rapid fire theories. Zaden. We need to talk about Zaden because book did not end so well for our guy and we would be remiss if we did not ask you to, who know this character extremely well. What do you think's gonna happen to Xaden, our sweet, sweet boy? Not sweet, our asshole of a boy.

[Lexi]

In Onyx Storm, masculine, underlined.

[Gabriel]

Okay, so I feel like it depends on when we start. Onyx Storm is like, does Aiden have the past just to be like. Like, is it okay that he is a Venin? Like, is life going on business as usual with this unpleasantness of Venany or his wife come to a standstill for our main characters because of this. So we don't really know if it's the latter. Like things can't go on until that gets like solved or something. I mean, I would say Zaden, he was already going back and forth between Samara. So I feel like it when it. When the same structure can't happen again. But I do see him having to do this alone. But I, I don't, but I don't know with that, with, with. With a pov that is not, that is not Zayden. Because I feel like. I mean, I feel like there's lots of trials coming for him. They're going to test him in many ways. I'm so afraid Zaden is going to be like mewling, shivering, dying, like not, not the shadow Daddy. And she's gonn take control more than she. She usually finds a way to save herself, but this time around, like she's gonna have to really save him.

[Kaia]

I think that Zaden is gonna get worse and he's gonna realize that there's no saving him and so he's gonna like try and sacrifice himself and die. And that's why I think that her signet is resurrection. Because I think she's gonna bring him back, back. But he won't be Venon anymore. He'll just be himself. That's what I think.

[Nicole]

The emotions that just went through Gabriel.

[Kaia]

I think that's what it's like fully gonna manifest because it's like that's what she needs is like to save him. And then it's just gonna be like.

[Lexi]

So, so follow up question to that. We were previously talking about how Indarna might be the key to curing him or Papa Sorndale's research. So I'll say this. I was pretty convinced that he was not going to be cured in Onyx Storm. And the more I've been thinking about it, I'm wondering if he will get cured in Onyx Storm and towards the end of it. But I agree, Kya, that he will get worse first.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Lexi]

And I love that idea though about like how it's her signet that really comes in like in the last moment, so to speak, there. And I think that he is going to be cured at the. Toward the end of Onyx Storm.

[Nicole]

I think he's going to stay for.

[Kaia]

You think for like a couple more books.

[Nicole]

Books, I think at least until end. I'll say 11 o'clock hour of book four. That's that's where I'm leaning. I think, like, it'll be the. It'll be that. That more style. I do think that this shit's about to get bad. Bad, bad, Bad News Bears for multiple reasons. Because we're so. Rebecca plots her books in a W, but she also plots her series in a W. And we know, based off of where we are in the W that we're about. About to just do a nose dive into, like, things are about to get terrible. So I do think that that's about to happen or we're about to end on the cliffhanger that is going to lead to that.

[Kaia]

So each book is a point in the W. Yes.

[Nicole]

So.

[Kaia]

So right now we're like at the middle peak and we're about to go nosedive.

[Nicole]

Yep.

[Lexi]

Because the good thing is they just, you know, saved.

[Kaia]

And that's the uptake.

[Nicole]

For those who don't know what a W is. It is the. The first point is the first trigger. Then we. This first turning point. We're about to hit the second trigger. We go down to the second turning point, resolution. So book five will be resolution. Next book will be second turning point. We're right now in second trigger.

[Gabriel]

So I feel like. So with Twilight, there was four books and there was a second book. The second book was a slower book. Edward wasn't there. And there was more stuff going on with Jacob. And in this one, in our Iron Plane game, while a lot happened, it is also a longer book that does feel like that new moon energy that we're going to world build. We are going to honestly conquer their. Their issues. That's why. That's why for the people who are like, why are they arguing the whole book? I think it's because hopefully that those issues have been conquered.

[Lexi]

That's what I'm thinking. And I think that is why Violet is not. It's not that big of a deal to her that he's a Venom. I mean, obviously, you know, she wants to cure him and things like that. That. But at the end of Iron Flame, there was a lot of questions about why she's sleeping next to him. And it's her love. She still trusts him.

[Gabriel]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

And then we saw in the Cosmopolitan excerpt that she's like, oh, he's still my Zaden. Like, she still has like. I think exactly what you're saying, Gabriel, is like, they kind of figured out those initial issues between the two of them. And there was even one line where he said something like, you know, like, we have to be able to Weather this storm together. And so I think that's where they were figuring out how to weather the storm in Iron Flame. And now. Hey, Onyx. Storm. Storm. They're weathering the storm now as a unit. All right, so last question before we get into our rapid fire theories. As much as we want everyone to live happily ever after except Jack fucking Barlow, we know that's not going to happen. So who do you think will die this book?

[Gabriel]

Who is the heir to the throne right now?

[Nicole]

Holden.

[Gabriel]

He gonna die.

[Lexi]

I think King Tari is gonna die. We know that we're gonna learn a lot more about the royal family in this book. Book. And from an interview that Rebecca did. And so I don't think that King Tari is going to make it out alive. Or. And slash. Or there's also that Parmeleon queen. And then Tokares is her heir and then Serena is his heir. So I think that either Tokaris or the queen are going to die. There is going to be some poor.

[Kaia]

Million royalty and then Serena will be in power. I kind of love.

[Lexi]

I love that. Yeah.

[Kaia]

Yes. She would be a great queen.

[Lexi]

I think so too.

[Nicole]

I definitely think Auric is going to end up as king. At the end of the day, I think.

[Kaia]

I think he is 100% who I'm.

[Nicole]

Like, he's safe in this series.

[Lexi]

I agree.

[Kaia]

Cameron.

[Gabriel]

Okay. I have a theory that, like, I'm so afraid to even introduce, but I have to bring it up.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God, I'm so excited.

[Gabriel]

Is there going to be another boy? Because I'm afraid there's going to be another boy. This book who's going to cause problems. And I think she's going to sleep with them and I'll die.

[Kaia]

Whoa.

[Nicole]

I think.

[Kaia]

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Lexi]

I was gonna say, like, oh. Like, I definitely think one of her exes.

[Kaia]

Yeah, her ex is definitely coming back.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Gabriel]

For the fans who want to know. Embarrassed. I had a nightmare two weeks ago that that was a storyline. I woke up and I said I'm not gonna be okay if this is a situation. And I didn't think that I was that. That connected to it. Like, do whatever you want in Acotar. Like, I've been okay.

[Kaia]

Okay.

[Gabriel]

Lucian gets sometimes gets love. Sometimes he does it. And this one I was like, I see it happening. I see it just being like, oh, you know, Zaden's still going to be endgame, but he is kind of Ben in. So let's just. Cause some. I could picture causing so many problems for that relationship. I mean, no Kya is distraught.

[Kaia]

No, no, no, no, no. I don't think that's happening. I think that her ex is going to come back. No, I think he's going to come back. Okay, for sure he's going to come back and he's going to try and cause problems, but I don't think that she's gonna sleep with him. I think she's gonna be, like, so uninterested.

[Lexi]

Where do you think Zayden's mom is? Or who do you think she is?

[Gabriel]

I really think she's either some, like, an assassin. Like, I think a dangerous woman. I think she's a dangerous woman. I think there's a reason why she's not grooming her son to be king. In the text, he said, mom, not going there. I read it as something heartbreaking.

[Kaia]

First of all, really quick, going back to the X point in Iron Flame. Like, she says to, like, Auric, like, when he tells her that he knows about the Venin, she was like, your brother knows? And he was like, yeah, basically, like, what is he doing about it? And he was like, well, I'm here, aren't I? And she was like, okay, then. Well, like, that's it. Like, he. Obviously he knows and he just does not care. So I think he's going to come back and, like, try and start some shit, but I don't think that she's really going to care and she's going to tell him the fuck off for who I think is going to die. I think it's going to be, like, Imogen or Justinia or someone, like, else that's close to her. I mean, I hope not. I would love for all of them to survive. Survive. But as far as Aiden's mom, I think that she is, like, like, hiding out in the Isle kingdom somewhere and is, like, plotting. I think she's plotting to come back to, like, stop the Venin. But she was like, I don't know. I think she was just like, maybe she didn't agree with how they handled things. So she took a step back and she's like, no, I'm gonna, like, figure this out. How? Like, it needs, like, we need to take time and actually figure out how to fight this.

[Lexi]

I think she is loyal to Navarre and she is in Caldir and she is associated with King Tari and, like, part of his court.

[Nicole]

I think that's fun. I think that's.

[Lexi]

You know what? I know we've already made a bet on this, but I am absolutely convinced that is a hill. I'm Willing to die on. She is loyal to Navarre and it was marriage contract and she did not agree with Finn Ryerson and the Tyrandor belief that about the Venin and how they should help them and things like that. And so then there was a lot of tension with all of that. And then she went back to Navarre and that's another reason why Zaden doesn't want to talk about her. I actually have a question for you, Gabriel, because you had mentioned, you know, Zaden's POV and things like that. And I do think that from Teddy Hamilton. He has hinted that there is going to be more Xaden POVs in the audiobook, which means more Xaden POVs in the book itself. Gabriel, can you share any insights into that or just nothing.

[Gabriel]

I mean, I can't confirm nor deny.

[Lexi]

Okay.

[Gabriel]

But I do, I do love the narrations when they come up. It gives me a whole section that's dedicated to what's going on in his world. And I would love. There are some plot lines that I feel like Zaden should have the, the narration for To. To. To have things that are very, very personal to. To him. Because I feel like. I feel like we need that. It's nerve wracking. Kaya has a big job with this narration and she does it a. She does it a really great job job. And so whenever I get my little 20 minutes or 15 minutes, like, I really, I really try to give it to y'all.

[Lexi]

Gabriel, when we were Talking about the POVs and whatnot narration, are you. Or have you had the chance to do the bonus episodes? Not episodes, the bonus chapters. Yeah, the bonus chapters for Zayden.

[Gabriel]

I have not. I'll put this out there. I think it would be great if Graphic and Mr. Os found a way to compile those to get them all together. Because people really do want those. And they are. I. I want those. I would love for those to exist in the audio.

[Lexi]

I want you to just to. To talk about. Oh, looks like she's kissing her cousin.

[Kaia]

Well, I think Scott, our director, had told us that they're gonna release 4th Wing and Iron Flame as kind of like an audio box set. So you can get both of them. So maybe we can just ask and see if we can add those extra chapters. Because I feel like people are gonna want to purchase it just because, like you're getting the full pack or whatever of the audiobooks. Like, instead of like it being like part one, part two, it'll just be like the two books.

[Gabriel]

I think I just also want to say, just like the readers, they want it all to remain as is. And that is a testament to how much the listeners and the readers are following along. That makes our job. It's just. It's just another thing in the booth to remind you, like, they are going to pay attention to everything. And then it's a testament to Ms. Yara's writing, like, graphic adaptation. We're going to change some things. If it was with a movie, y'all would get an hour and a half. We didn't we. So it's like, chill. But I never get frustrated when I see those comments because it means that they want every word in there. And that is a testament to the story.

[Nicole]

Well, and it also just goes to show that as this series does get transformed into a TV show, into more graphic audios, like, it is a good reminder for us readers that like any new adaptation, there are going to be changes. And it's to, I'll say, almost release that grip that we have, the iron grip that we have on the original story and really enjoy the ride of these new adaptations that are created by minds. You truly want to do the story as much justice as possible.

[Lexi]

Well, and part of the thing that I think about is you are tuning in for a new experience, too. And so, like, for instance, when we often get asked by people about, like, you know, should I do the graphic audio or should I do the audiobook? And so it's like, if you want a new experience. Absolutely. 100% the graphic audio. If you are literally tuning in to, like, parse through every single word, you know, with the Easter eggs and things like that. Yeah. Then probably the audiobook in that way. But so many people are like, wait, I do want a new experience. Because they are already familiar with the story. Like, they are. And so it's just so cool how this adaptation is able to give a new experience. And I'm also really excited for the TV show as well. And just like, also like releasing those.

[Nicole]

Expectations, I'll throw this in for you too, if you ever want. Just like the biggest confidence boost go into. So we have a video that I did recently about audiobooks and specifically about Fourth Wing and Iron Flame rereads before going into Onyx Storm. And the amount of comments, I would say 70% of the comments are praising the graphic audio and how much they enjoy it and how lovely it is and what a new experience and. And all that stuff. That is truly a testament to you two for how much you have immersed yourselves in the story. Yep. And it's just. You guys have just done such a fucking phenomenal job.

[Kaia]

Congratulations. I also think that the graphic audios are really good. Great to get people into reading. Cuz, like, yes. Like, my sister, she loves them. She's not really ever been a big reader. Now she's like. She listened to the. To the Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, but my mom also listened to the audiobooks. And I called her one time and she goes, what do you want?

[Lexi]

I'm listening to Z. She was like, bye, I have to go. I'm listening to Zayan.

[Nicole]

And she hung up on me because.

[Kaia]

She wanted to listen to Gabriel.

[Nicole]

Gabriel's just beaming over here.

[Gabriel]

My family, by the way. Any tiny little compliment or anything that they can even see, they go so crazy. They get so excited. My oldest sister, Nastasia, she's an actress, but she works in Atlanta. But she also does, like, she's an esthetic. And she had a client who she had mentioned the books to, and she was like. They're like, yeah, we love Fourth Wing. She's like, well, my brother Zaden in the graphic audio. And she says if they first they flip, but then they're like. They start. She's. They get that look in their eye and they're like, your brother has a gorgeous. She goes, now, now, now, now, now. Exactly how she sounds like.

[Nicole]

She goes, well, to round out this episode, you guys are. I could talk to you forever. You're fantastic.

[Kaia]

Sorry, we keep getting off track.

[Nicole]

No, I'm not. Oh, my God, I'm.

[Lexi]

No worries.

[Nicole]

Let's do some rapid fire theories. And we source this from our Instagram followers. And these are yay or nay. Like, I shipped this theory. I do not ship this theory. All right, this is from many, many people. Violet is part dragon.

[Kaia]

Nay.

[Gabriel]

Nay.

[Lexi]

No.

[Nicole]

Nay.

[Lexi]

Nay. Excuse me. Nay, Nay, nay.

[Gabriel]

But I do believe she is infused with another entity.

[Lexi]

Okay, so Taylor Linker asks. Violet is part Venin.

[Kaia]

Yay.

[Gabriel]

Yay.

[Lexi]

I don't like to call it part Venin, but there is Venin. Something coursing through her veins.

[Nicole]

I'm gonna go nay. But there is again, like, some kind of influence. Now, Violet's father is not her true father, so Papa Sorrengail is not Violet's biological father.

[Kaia]

Nay.

[Lexi]

Nay.

[Nicole]

Sorry, Gabriel. All right. Brennan is not tr. Trustworthy.

[Lexi]

Nay.

[Kaia]

Nay.

[Lexi]

Or as my daughter would say, practicing noises.

[Nicole]

You're going nay. There's something sus with Brennan, but I don't think he knows actively, so I'm also going nay.

[Lexi]

Do you think that he is inadvertently not Trustworthy, though I.

[Gabriel]

You know what? Yay. I always felt like with Brennan, we didn't get the payoff that we should have gotten of a brother coming back from the dead.

[Nicole]

Because he also has that rune on his palm. Right? And actually here, a quick question for the group. Is Naolin dead or is he still alive? Terence, previous WRITER he is definitely still alive.

[Kaia]

I think he's still alive. Yeah.

[Nicole]

I think he's Venon.

[Gabriel]

I don't know. But I'm just like. I'm just here for all that I'm like.

[Nicole]

So I think that as he was trying to resurrect Brennan, who I think they were together, they were partners, he.

[Kaia]

Turned Venin to try and save him.

[Lexi]

And I think it cost him everything.

[Nicole]

It cost him everything. Which is why I also think lira is Venon as well. But that's a whole other thing. But there's the rune on Brennan's palm. And we know wyverns have the onyx room, like, within them. Now, we don't know how complex this rune is on Brennan's palm. I don't think that means Brennan's a wyvern. Right?

[Kaia]

But it means that he was, like, made by a Venin, which means that.

[Nicole]

He has the hive mind, which means that he basically, whoever made the rune or controlled him, has access to what he knows. Which that is why I think he does not know, because I don't care.

[Gabriel]

I'm switching. I'm switching.

[Lexi]

Okay, no, hold on. Because I think that if the Venin had somehow known from such a hive mind, they would have known that Arisha got wards up and they had like their big attack on Arisha. Or suppose they were going to attack, attack, and they couldn't get through because of the words.

[Nicole]

But, but no, hold on. I. Rebuttal. Your rebuttal, because this is us with onyx or anything.

[Lexi]

Nicole's getting her pointy finger out like.

[Nicole]

Each other because they got the words up with six dragons. And if General Daramore is indeed the person who was against the first six, and that is which he definitely would think, aha. They didn't get the full wards up, so we can still attack. And then the wyverns start falling. He's like, well, fuck.

[Lexi]

All right, let's move on to another popular one. I think we already touched on this. The seventh dragon Din is in the Isle Kingdoms.

[Kaia]

Yay.

[Gabriel]

Yay.

[Lexi]

Yay. I say yay too. But I don't think that they have bonded with anyone, really. Yeah, I think the seventh dragon Den is. I'LL say anti human bonding. And that is why it was only the first six who bonded with the six dragons. And the seventh dragon, Den was like, I don't want to do that. And that is one of the reasons why they left.

[Kaia]

But it says the first six and the one combined.

[Lexi]

But that was misleading information on purpose.

[Nicole]

But was it though?

[Lexi]

Yes, because Papa Soren, Gail figured out that Warwick didn't want them to have that information. So there's more information on Warwick and his journal? Yes.

[Kaia]

I don't know. I think that they are bonded, at least some of them. And I think maybe like we're going to see some other writers who've been unbonded thus far, like be able to bond. Oh, I think it would have been more interesting if Sawyer was one of those because he was like a second year, first year, essentially.

[Lexi]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kaia]

But he did end up bonding. But I don't know, maybe because there's so many more this year. There's so many more riders that were not bonded. So I think that we'll see a lot more. I think it would be so cool if there were some flyers who were able to bond dragons too. So like how Violet has two. Maybe they get to have a griffin and a dragon. That would be sick.

[Nicole]

From Emily Kadamson, we will get dual narration throughout the book. So the like going back and forth between Zaden and Violet, I would go, yay.

[Kaia]

I hope so.

[Lexi]

I think it will be 3/4 Violet, 1 quarter Zaden.

[Kaia]

That makes sense.

[Nicole]

I'm leaving with you, Lex.

[Lexi]

Yeah, yeah. So whatever that equals out to with the dual narration, I think book four.

[Nicole]

Will be more 60, 40 though. Like I think it's gonna be closer to half and half. Like I think book four is where we're really gonna get that. Because I don't think Zaden and Violet are gonna be in the same place in book four. But that's a whole.

[Gabriel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean I get that impression even in this one. So it could happen in four. Like. Yeah, when you want a character to go through it, you gotta isolate them somehow.

[Nicole]

Yes.

[Kaia]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

And I feel like Xaden is. So he's about to go through some lonesome, like you were saying earlier. And I feel like he is just gonna continue to isolate himself more and more like he has been from the get go. But it's just gonna. Whole new level. From Beckislavia, the Sorengel siblings will mirror the three brothers story from the fable. So the one who commanded the sky, et cetera, et cetera, one pulled from the ground.

[Lexi]

I'm gonna say nay. But I do think that the three brothers story will be represented with Violet serving as one who commanded the sky, but not among the three Sor and Gail siblings.

[Kaia]

Yeah, I'm gonna agree. I'm gonna say nay, but I think that is a really interesting idea.

[Gabriel]

Yeah. That really. Same thing over here.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

The only reason I'm also going nay is because one of the siblings bonded with a griffin. Now, if Meera does get with Serena, she doesn't bond with the griffin.

[Kaia]

Maybe she is too.

[Nicole]

She's bonding like she's bonding in that way.

[Kaia]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. True, true, true.

[Nicole]

So I could. I'm changing my answer. I'm going yay. So, for instance, the three brothers theory, in case you forgot it, is the one who commanded the sky who bonded Zadra dragon. There's the one who bonded a griffin. And then the jealous brother who basically pulled from the source became Venon. And then the one who commands the sky vanquishes the jealous third brother. So if the jealous third brother is in some way connected to the Venin, that would be represented in Brennan. And if he is connected with Naolin still in that way, boom goes dynamite. So I'm going yay.

[Lexi]

All right. From Alyssa Diane. If Taran dies, Violet will live because of Andara Varna.

[Kaia]

Yay.

[Gabriel]

Yay.

[Lexi]

Yay. Yep. I will also say if Taran dies, then Zaden would live because Sigail would also be gone. But he would. He's a venom, so he's not as.

[Nicole]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lexi]

Where. Where he has that. Now, he would have to keep pulling from the source, and that would not lead to good things for him.

[Nicole]

But, you know, from S Pro 13, will Auric be a distance wheel?

[Kaia]

Yay. Yeah, I think so.

[Nicole]

Yay. Absolutely.

[Lexi]

All right. Many, many, many people have asked us this question. Are we finally going to the Isle Kingdoms? Yay.

[Gabriel]

Yay.

[Lexi]

Yay.

[Nicole]

Yay. Definitely from Bookcorner Haven. Jack Barlow finally dies in on. Excuse me, let me call him by his full name. Jack fucking Barlow finally dies in onyx door.

[Gabriel]

Nay.

[Kaia]

I want him to die.

[Lexi]

I write. I hope he does.

[Kaia]

I hope so. So I'm gonna say yay. Wishful think.

[Lexi]

I'm right there with you, kya. Wishful thinking.

[Nicole]

I think if we've learned anything from Rebecca, wishful thinking does not work out for us in my favor. So I think I'm going to go nay. But I think he will die eventually. I don't think he's making out of the series alive.

[Gabriel]

There's no way I'm saying nay. But he does interest me as a character, because the fact that she has not done away with him yet, and she had the opportunity to. Maybe he's going to be the person who's going to. He's already telling Zaden about the Venin and what it's like to. Like to be that. But I feel like if he's around still and not dead and they brought him back, like, they could have showed that somewhere else. Like, I have seen other characters get redeemed.

[Kaia]

You think there's no way he's getting redeemed?

[Nicole]

Hold on. I need this on the record.

[Gabriel]

I think Jack. I think Jack Barlow is like. I'm trying to think of an equivalent of how I've seen him where I'm like, dang, like, he's still around. And when Bat. When bad people are still around for a while, it's like. Like, okay, I'm sure there's some annoying person you're gonna be paired up with, and, like, y'all are gonna be, like, together later on.

[Lexi]

All right, this is a this or that. Papa Sorngale was killed by Nevarian leadership. Or he was killed by Venin scribes.

[Kaia]

Nevarian leadership.

[Gabriel]

Navarrian leadership.

[Nicole]

Navarrean leadership.

[Lexi]

Me too. Yep. Navarrian leadership. Although I do love the idea of Venn inscribes. Or I guess, technically, if it's Professor Markham or Daddy, it could be both.

[Kaia]

True, true, true.

[Nicole]

I think. Oh, that's true. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Did Daddy die one year before Violet.

[Nicole]

Entered the Writer Squadron?

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Yeah. All right, well, hold on.

[Lexi]

But his heart started failing after Brennan passed away and the Sorengale family moved to Bezgayath, where their mom was stationed there right after the war. So. Daddy. Excuse. So Papa Sorengail's heart started failing him. Him. Right when they went to Biscayeth. And that is, I think, when he really started his research, too.

[Nicole]

Final rapid fire. Zaden will pull an Edward Cullen and leave.

[Kaia]

Yay.

[Gabriel]

Yay. I feel like him being away in Samara already takes away the impact of that distance. However, I do think it's a good conceit to use. I do think he needs to go. He's independent. His biggest Achilles heel weakness when it comes to her is thinking that he's too dangerous, too scary for her, and always wanting to conquer that demon without. To retreat. It's his biggest flaw.

[Nicole]

I'm also going, yay.

[Lexi]

I'm gonna go. Nay. And I think that he is going to, I'll say, sacrifice his powers and things. And he will willingly take the serum to protect Violet from him.

[Nicole]

Question when is do you know when your first recording is for Onyx Storm part one?

[Kaia]

We don't know. I think it might be be starting next month.

[Gabriel]

Yeah, it has to start in February.

[Nicole]

I would love Real quick, can we pause? Can you guys plug all of your things? Where can people find you? Where can they support you?

[Kaia]

So you can find me at Kaia Freights on Instagram, Tick Tock and X and also@kaya freights.com I also do have.

[Gabriel]

A cameo, Gabriel Michael and the name is Mercury Boy Wonder. I think it's like the same as my Instagram my Tick Tock handle as well. But yeah I have a website as well. Gabrielmichael.com I'm an actor, a voice actor engineer as well and also do consultations with people and getting them in involved in voiceover. It's very very very important to me.

[Nicole]

Yes and he's fucking phenomenal at it. I have done one with you. Thank you both so so so much for being here. This was so fun and we hope you all enjoyed your read of Onyx Storm this evening.

[Lexi]

As we wrap up this episode, Nicole and I wanted to share a few parting words with you. It is the eve of Onyx Storm release and whenever you are going to be starting your Onyx Storm read and slash or listen, we just wanted to share a few last thoughts before we all say goodbye.

[Nicole]

We go into a book that we wait a long time for and of course theorize as much as Lexi and I do and you all as well. We can go into said book with certain expectations, but rather than going into tonight, tomorrow, whenever the book arrives in your hands and you get to finally divulge into it with believing that it has to be a certain way or a theory must go right this way, we really want to encourage every reader to look at it instead this way. The reason we fell in love with the first book, Fourth Wing of this series is because Rebecca took on a journey and we enjoyed the ride because of the story she wove for us with no expectations. And if Iron Flame has taught us anything, this series is in really good hands. She knows exactly where she wants it to land and it's up to us to allow her to take us to that landing spot which might be different than we initially wanted or thought or even theorized. But we ask you all to trust this incredible author with the story she is telling.

[Lexi]

In fact, I'll even say say it's fun to have something be completely unexpected and as much as we love to predict and theorize, like Nicole was saying here, it really is so much fun to see these plot twists that you might not have seen coming or a completely new kind of magic or a seventh dragon Den, you know, be introduced that never would have been on our bingo cards. Well, we did think Andarna was royal, but that's different.

[Nicole]

Are we going to get our hearts ripped out in Onyx Storm? Yes, most likely. Probably. It is the third installment of a five book series. This book is not going to have a happy ending. We really want to encourage everyone to go into that with that expectation and we strongly encourage everyone else to release the expectations that we might have built up and just like we did with Fourth Wing, allow this author to take us on this journey. Lexi and I have a rule when we read books with this much buildup for the first time, we read the book as Passenger Princesses. Basically, we read it as fans of the lore and the series and the characters rather than the deep dive podcast that we are. So we encourage you all, let's all be Passenger Princesses tonight. No matter how you're getting your book, we hope, hope, hope so, so, so hope that you enjoy the crap out of this experience.

[Lexi]

I know we will. I don't even care what happens in the book. I know I am going to have such a good time and Zayden could.

[Nicole]

Literally look, look violet in the eyes and say I'm pulling an Edward Cullen and leave. And I would pro still love this book.

[Lexi]

Yes. And we know a lot of you have actually been asking. So right after the midnight release party that Nicole and I are going to be going to, we are so excited. We have a hotel for the next two days and so we are going to hole ourselves up there. I am not going to be with the children because I learned my lesson from Iron Flame that it took me several days to read it. So we are so excited to do that. We are also going to be dark on social media once when we do come back. When we do start talking about Onyx Storm on social, we are going to include the most obnoxious spoiler warning for everyone who has not finished the book yet.

[Nicole]

But first, before we say goodbye, we have to say instead a huge welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest members of the Iron Squad.

[Lexi]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Kristen, Ali G. Simone O Holly R. Mandy J. Kelly G Sienna B Molly M. Bailey, Bri.

[Nicole]

Jessica S. Sammy C. Briley K Chelsea C. Shannon Ashley M. Riri Amaya, Michelle B. Ricky, Caitlin K. Amaria Lori S Hannah W Sarah Z Morgan E. Charlemagne M Mary L Patrice D Annika G.

[Lexi]

Ellen M. Nicole S Liz T Bianca A. Sharisa K Javante C Liz H Lexi Lindy Adrian H. Stone K Raquel.

[Nicole]

M Nora K Nora Bell Lexi L Kayla W Christy M Paige N and last but not least, Estefana Holy Gods. Welcome, welcome, welcome.

[Lexi]

We are so excited to have you part of our Iron Squad and really and truly thank you so much for being part of this community. It means the absolute world to us and we love having you here. And hey, if you're like I want my name read out on the podcast too. And showered with all the love in the world. Be sure to join the Fantasy Fan club.

[Nicole]

Thank you as always to our executive producer Hayden, AKA our sanity manager. We flipping love ya. He's probably gonna be working a little overtime on the San Managing this week, I'm assuming.

[Lexi]

And hey, if you're not following us on Instagram and TikTok, what are you doing? Give us a follow antasy fangirlspod we have so much empyrean content.

[Nicole]

Also, do not forget to rate and review the podcast. It takes two seconds to hit that five star rating. Write a little love note in the review section. And it's not only good for this show because it helps us a lot, but also for any show you listen to on the reg. And last but not least, friends share this episode with your fellow awaiting Onyx Storm. Peace people. We will see you on the other side.

[Gabriel]

Bye.