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- [00:00]
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- [01:14]
Lexi
Can I just let it go? I was thinking so much.
- [01:18]
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- [01:21]
Lexi
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- [01:32]
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Visit betterhelp.comrandompodcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy and let life feel better.
- [01:45]
Nicole
This podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. I remember first starting FFG and honestly one of the best decisions we have ever made is when we put some real time and attention into our website. Websites are an essential part of small business success. That's why we at Fantasy Fangirls absolutely love Squarespace.
- [02:05]
Lexi
And you know me, with my marketing background I have pretty high standards for website tools, but Squarespace delivers in every way. One thing I love is their integrated Squarespace SEO tools. Every website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated site map, and more so you show up more often on search engines and bring in more of your ideal customers. Yes.
- [02:25]
Nicole
Plus, Squarespace's email campaigns give you all the tools you need to engage, click clients, promote your services, and of course grow your business. There's all kinds of automations and email scheduling that helps take the mental load off of staying in touch with your customers and your community.
- [02:41]
Lexi
Check out squarespace.com FFG to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FFG.
- [02:58]
Nicole
Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls Podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character scene series and more.
- [03:08]
Lexi
I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.
- [03:11]
Nicole
And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.
- [03:14]
Lexi
And today is the day we are starting our deep dive of Brimstone by Kali Hart and covering the prologue through chapter five. This is episode one, friends. So very important spoiler warning that please, please, please, please listen closely to all of these Brimstone episodes. Yes, including this very first one today. Include spoilers for all of Brimstone right up to the last sentence of the book. And in this deep dive, we may reference any of the bonus chapters from Quicksilver or Brimstone.
- [03:42]
Nicole
If you do not know why I'm starting a daddy watch. And no, it's not for Fisher as daddy, it's Fisher's daddy. Then please go finish the book. We will be here when you're done.
- [03:53]
Lexi
Next we have Fantasy Fangirls, our adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.
- [03:59]
Nicole
Rated R. Speaking of daddies, Kingfisher is back and we get a docent today, baby. So please, oh dear, please be mindful of those little listening ears.
- [04:10]
Lexi
Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events. On December 12th in Denver, Colorado, Nicole and I are hosting an ACOTAR Trivia Holiday Party with Book and Gathering.
- [04:21]
Nicole
Lexi and I will also be participating in the first ever Fantasy Fangirls charity livestream on Monday, December 29. But there's a twist. We are going to be playing a tabletop role playing game during the stream and if you donate you will be able to influence the way the game itself is played. It's going to be so much fun. Be on the lookout for more info coming soon.
- [04:43]
Lexi
And on March 6th through 8th in Dallas, Texas, we will be podcast partners at the Dreamers and Readers Festival.
- [04:49]
Nicole
So check out our website or the links below for more information to all of these events, including a promo code for dreamers and readers. Also, in case you missed it, welcome, welcome, welcome fantasy fellas to the Fantasy Fan Girls Network.
- [05:03]
Lexi
Our very own executive producer Hayden and Book Talk star Stephen Walker recently launched a new podcast where every week they dive deep into Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn.
- [05:14]
Nicole
Hayden is an expert in all things Sanderson's Cosmere and has already read the.
- [05:19]
Lexi
Mistborn series, but Steven has not. So each episode only includes spoilers up to the chapters covered as Hayden takes Steven through his first time reading Mistborn.
- [05:29]
Nicole
Episodes 1 through 5 are out now and all new episodes are dropping only on the Fantasy Fanfellas feed, so be sure to check them out and give them a follow. Link is in the show notes.
- [05:40]
Lexi
Last thing before we jump into this Brimstone Episode one. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more events, more content, more community and so, so much more, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.
- [05:51]
Nicole
We have three membership tiers that you can join. Number one, the Hive Mind, which includes access to our Boppin Discord that's been extra bopping lately with everyone talking about the ending of Brimstone. It also includes live Q&As from Lexi and I, a book club often featuring the authors themselves, community events, promo codes for live events, plus 20% off and access to exclusive exclusive merch. That is for $6 a month. Or you can join the Spice Watchers which includes everything from the Hive Mind level plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And last but not least, we have our Feral fans which includes everything from the previous two tiers plus more behind the scenes content, a welcome gift, giveaways, their very own private Discord channel, and your name shouted out on the podcast. That is for $25 a month.
- [06:48]
Lexi
Join the party at fantasy fangirls.com fan club. The link is also in the show notes and really and truly, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us as we've turned this podcast's media network into a dream come true. It's literally all because of you.
- [07:03]
Nicole
And now it is time to coordinate our girls. Sarah's Fane, Queen of Satisf like we.
- [07:10]
Lexi
Do at the beginning of every new Deep Dive book and especially right now because we were not able to do a reactions episode thanks to the holiday. Let's do a quick check in here. Nicole, did we like this book Brimstone and how does it compare to Quicksilver? What are our initial takeaways? What are we excited to deep Dive? Nicole, you do the honors and go first.
- [07:28]
Nicole
Oh thank you very much. I feel like I have three different ratings and answers to for this book for these three because when we first read it, the first third of this book, like maybe even the first half felt flawless. Absolutely perfect. It was funny, it was moving. The Everlane Adina Savis conversations had my soul leaving my body, Carrion and Fisher in silver and was everything I wanted. 10 out of 10, no notes. Then the next third felt a little wandery. It felt like it was harder for me to get my feet planted with a through line throughout the story. I will go ahead and say that on my second read that really did change. Callie said in our interview with her that even in the quieter moments when it seems like nothing's going on, there's a lot happening in the background and I felt like I got that. More on the second read I do also have a confession though. On my second read I was coming out of dental surgery and I was sedated, so I was definitely not in the right state of mind. But apparently I was in a great state of mind to read Brimstone. I also wanna raise my hand and say that I think a bit of my I'll call them qualms with the second half ish of the book was because of the condensed timeline that we read it in. We were going off of three hours sleep. I was a tired lady and so I do think it was harder for me to see between the lines versus when I was coming out of a medically induced nap. But then there's this last act and I'm just going to basically call it like the last nine chapters because what it had me rethinking everything I know about this series. We get Fisher's real name and it's perfect. Especially because it's Gray Star. I knew it was something with stars. I feel so validated. The Onyx storyline had me wanting to throw a pillow and rip it open Hulk style. Thank God our furry friend was brought back. Then of course there's the portal to hell. Everything in Daxis it was perfect. The last sentence had me rereading this book and now wanting to go back and reread Quicksilver with a whole new set of eyes. So for this reason I am going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5. Originally I had it as a 4 and the only reason I'm not giving it a 5 like quicksilver was because of those few moments where I felt like the main goal was lost and a little bit muddied. But for Lore, expansion, magic, expansion characters, or backstory stories, Carrie and Swift, that would be a five out of five on the board. It's really just the storyline that's dipping the rating down a little. I do reserve the right to change my mind during this deep dive because even with just one, I'm almost through a third reread under my belt. It was already bumped up from a 4 to a 4 5, so I could see it going up more. Even just reading the prologue for the Deep Dive had me highlighting every other freaking line with foreshadowing and theories. So I'm. I'm really excited for what this book is going to do to my brain with the Deep Dive.
- [10:28]
Lexi
All right. Yeah, definitely. And I think that you and I are aligned on quite a bit of that. So first things first about Brimstone. For me, it secured Kingfisher as my number two book boyfriend, which if you all know me, that is a huge deal. I have never had anyone besides just my number one, which is still Cassian, of course, but he's like way up here. And Kingfisher is like, I won't say close to him, but he is way closer than anybody else has even come close to being close. I love the way that he supports serious. Such dirty, feral words come out of his mouth. And that he's also such a supportive partner for her well being and her independence and her strength and her happiness. Oh, I just love it so much. What diversity. I love the quiet moments between him and Sarahs too. I know that you mentioned that as well that Callie had brought up to us, and I really did see that through this book. I love how Kingfisher expresses his love for his mate and getting so much more of his POV in this book. I felt like it was very lust forward in the first book with Quicksilver, and in this one there was a lot more quiet moments and them really figuring out why they love one another too. And I really did love that. I also really appreciate how the dynamic between Fisher and Carrion evolve and especially how Fisher's perspective of Carrion changes. He starts to respect him and take him seriously sometimes and he even gives him a hug. That part was so adorable. Speaking of which, Carrion's character and story arc just make me so happy. It's the reluctant leader trope. If the reluctant leader said, I really like your horns as his first declaration to his people. Oh my God, this is just so caring and I love it. Callie fed us more lore and filled in some gaps from Quicksilver nicely. The world building expanded, but it didn't feel overwhelming. There was a lot going on in this book, but I felt like I was able to follow the lore pretty, pretty well. And this could be perfect for a deep dive as well here, which I'm really excited about. Certain elements of this world's magic just truly captivate me. I love the little details and magic. Like the paper birds that turn into Adina's journal. That might be one of my favorite magical moments in the fantasy. Just all of the vampire politics and their society I find so fascinating. I will say, though, I feel like with so many new concepts introduced in Brimstone, there's a lot more questions than answers or partial explainers that it honestly has been a little difficult figuring out topics for my library segments, especially when it comes to magic.
- [12:56]
Nicole
I agree. I do feel like when it came to Lore expansion, some of for instance, the Magic expansion, I was like, wait. But that breaks a lot of rules that we had in the previous, and we've encountered this a few times in fantasy, and sometimes it's a cauldron boil me situation and sometimes it's a. Oh, that's right, that. Oh, okay, I see we were just in a narrow character's point of view and I don't know where this lands in, but I'm worried it's the former.
- [13:23]
Lexi
Yes, me too. And I know that we're going to be really paying attention to how magic works in the Deep Dive and sharing what we do know from the books and also highlighting some of the gaps as well. Hoping that the next book is going to fill some of that in there. Which actually does bring me to what you had mentioned, Nicole. Although I will say the difference for me is that my opinion hasn't really changed after my second read through. I'm so happy that yours did, and I really do hope that the Deep Dive helps with my feelings about this no matter what. For a series, it's a tricky balance between closing the loop on book one storylines and introducing new mysteries and intrigues that still feels somewhat open ended at the end of book two, but it also feels like there's some completion by the end of reading it. And I do wish Brimstone answered a few more questions and maybe closed a few more loops. However, I am giving it the benefit of the doubt. Being in the middle of a series, I have never thought it's fair when people get upset over plot holes or unanswered questions when there are still more books in the series that can potentially address them. So I am having to actively remind myself of that. And I actually do think my rating of Brimstone could drastically change based on what we learn in book three. Like you, I really enjoyed the first half of Brimstone. The vampire politics, the tidbits about the runes and the alchemy. New characters Fisher and Carrion Phant are so delicious. The scary new kind of feeders. I was just vibing and eating up every single page. You and I were having the best, best time when we were reading it. I still did have a great time in the second half of the book. Please, please, please don't get me wrong on that. But I did lose the through line of the plot and with so many loose ends I didn't feel like this book got its own ending. I guess I just didn't feel like I finished the book, if that makes sense. In the last third, I kept waiting for a big climax that the story had been building up to and I didn't feel like I fully got that. So right now Brimstone is a full 4.25 rating for me. I was like, I can't quite put it at a four because it really is better. There are so many great five star moments in it and I really do love the story as a whole. So I can't put it at just a 4, but it's also not quite a 4.5 for me, so I'm putting it right there in the middle there. I will say my rating for Quicksilver went from a 4.5 to a 5 during our deep dive, so it is possible that it'll change here too. I'm just really excited to keep exploring this world and characters in this deep dive. There is going to be so much, so much fun theorizing and highlighting favorite moments.
- [15:49]
Nicole
Definitely. I think you and I are very, very aligned. Even though our second read gave us some different vibes, the root of all of our vibes are still very aligned and I'm really excited to see where that goes during the deep dive.
- [16:00]
Lexi
Me too. Me too. To start off every episode, Nicole does us the honor of summarizing this stretch of chapters. So gather round as we sing Laura's ballad to discuss what happens in the Prologue through Chapter 5 of Brimstone.
- [16:14]
Nicole
Prologue Wading through the shadows Our favorite wolf is in pursuit to track down those who would harm his mate. So cute, but serious. Isn't the only one who needs protecting. Glancing out the windows, it's not what he was expecting. The mountain he crossed is treacherous at best, but Onyx is here, having passed the ultimate test. Kingfisher and Carrion ride like the wind to save the poor fox before he becomes Din Din. Our sweet fox friend is hurt after his great adventure. So Kingfisher uses his healing magic, an unrefillable tincture. Chapter one Staring in the mirror, Ceres.
- [16:51]
Lexi
Looks at her body.
- [16:53]
Nicole
Her new pointed ears, her canines makes her quite the hottie and Carrion agrees. He's not one to mince words, but he better look out or Kingfisher will send him back to the third. But sadly, there's no time to fuck out this tension for serious needs to claim her right to ascension inside the vampire palace. It's not what they expect expect Hidden in that obsidian. This place is decked. But there's no time to stare at the gold filigree. The Lords of Midnight are here to make this fae party flee. Chapter 2 the Lords are not happy with their new future queen. Mere days ago, she still needed sunscreen. Zovenia goes off on a rant or three, but about how these people will never give Saris the knee. Not Aerith. No, no. This religious zealot is all too happy. Little does our crew know that he's being quite so scrappy. But there's one small issue that still needs to be addressed. Serious needs to drink blood before the coronation can progress. Sensing her torment, Fisher offers himself as a meal for Seiris to drink from. And shit. He's harder than steel. Chapter three with her blood virginity gone, the coronation can proceed. But Aerith has other plans. Yes, indeed. With a blade in his hand, Aerith moves too slow for Kingfisher. He's out there to block the fatal blow. The same can't be said for the Vampire Lord, where he now lays in two. By the hand of Fisher's sword. That drama's behind them. It's time to move on. Cerus is Queen of the vampires and not a scared little faun. Later, in Erin, with his bros and Fisher's balls being blue, Lorath wants to know all the docent tea piping hot to brew. All sexual jokes aside, the tension is close. Clear. They need to find their vampire brother Folly and hope he's still near. But there's no time to make that brotherly plan. There's something outside. And boy, is it grand. Chapter four Something is wrong. These feeders are shocking. They're absorbing magic with no plans of stopping. The wolves can't use magic, just their blades in their hands. But attack after attack, they still push forward like rams. It can't possibly get worse. Please tell me it gets worse.
- [18:58]
Lexi
Better? Shit.
- [18:59]
Nicole
They're breaking the ice. It's about to get wetter. But there's one last thing that Fisher can try. In the words of Bryce Quinlan, light it up. Let's watch them die. Well, fire sort of worked. It's off with their head. Hopefully we won't lose too many soldiers to the undead. All healed from his burns. Kingfisher is pissed. Who the fuck was controlling them? Is there something we missed? Chapter 5 Back at the Black palace it's time to reconvene because. What the have they all just seen? A bag of feeder heads hits the floor with a smack. And it's thanks to Carrion that they realize that something is whack. While Fisher and Seris are busy chatting in their heads, Carrion notices that these are human, undead. Their ears are rounded. The female has a mark. Who the fuck let these feeders in? It looks like Madra's trademark.
- [19:47]
Lexi
All right, friends, it is time to don our relics and step through the quicksilver to explore key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh, so much more. Like we do with any new book, let's take a look at the dedication, which for Brimstone is actually a quote from Shakespeare's the Tempest. Quote, hell is empty and all the devils are here.
- [20:09]
Nicole
I am transported back to acting school. This is amazing. Okay, so when I think of this quote, the word that stands out is of course, hell. Considering where we end this book in literal hell, AKA Daxis, it makes sense.
- [20:25]
Lexi
Okay, but is it actually hell? Because only Fisher calls it hell. And there is a difference. Kind of. I think that it's not relevant to this quote. Close enough to have a whole other.
- [20:36]
Nicole
Conversation, but I want to do some. No fear Shakespeare. Shall we? In this scene, the Tempest, a second sea spirit, Ariel, is relaying to Prospero about how he, Ariel, took down a ship with the Tempest storm. In describing about how all the men abandoned ship, Ariel says about the king's son, Ferdinand, that he was the first to leap off the ship while crying. Quote, hell is empty and all the devils are here. So a few themes here in this quote. Number one, abandoning ship. Don't think this is far off from what they're wanting to do in the realm of Evilia with the infesting rot. They're talking about sending a bunch of people through the quicksilver to get the fuck out of here. Two, I do think it's interesting that the king's son, King Fisher, is named Ferdinand. Ferdinand Finran King King Fisher. I might be stretching, but I do feel like there's something there. And lastly is the quote itself. Quote, hell is empty. Is he referring to hell as in Diaxis, or Hell as in the realm they currently are residing in with the rot. And then there's the second part. Quote, all the devils are here. I think this is directly referring to all the devils living in Daxis, Fisher included. I love this.
- [21:55]
Lexi
And how all these demons, the devils, are coming into this realm. Like what Rimphus will tell us toward the end in Ossian sky, describing them as the monsters of old that are about to return and quote, wreak havoc anew on Yvelia.
- [22:07]
Nicole
The devils are here. I'm so excited. We've all been there. You have the best intentions of getting your loved ones something thoughtful, something unique for the holiday season and you end up losing track of time and you have to go the classic gift card route.
- [22:24]
Lexi
Wow. Just at me, why don't you that is where Aura Frame comes in. Aura Frame is the perfect gift that allows you to put all your favorite photo moments to the forefront. The Aura Frame makes displaying your favorite photos easy. All you have to do is download the Aura app and connect to Wi Fi, meaning you can keep adding photos to the digital display from anywhere, anytime.
- [22:44]
Nicole
I have mine right in front of my sink so as I'm doing the dishes I can see photos of Bretton eyes. Just life happen in front of my eyes and it has been one of my favorite things. We do not hang up photo frames because that takes so much flipping time. You know what doesn't take time? Uploading photos to an app that are already on my phone. It's so easy. I want to give this to everyone. My my in laws have one and it's so easy for us to send them photos too.
- [23:14]
Lexi
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com to get $35 off Aura's best selling Carver Matte frames named number one by Wirecutter. That's the one that Nicole and I both have and absolutely using promo code Fantasy fangirls at checkout. That is a U R A frames.com promo code fantasy Fangirls. This deal is exclusive to our listeners and frames do sell out fast so order yours now to get it in time for the holidays. And please be sure to support our show by mentioning us at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.
- [23:45]
Nicole
You all.
- [23:45]
Lexi
Have I ever mentioned how hard it is to get my kids to eat all the vitamins that they need to be happy and healthy? Probably. But Haya is now my superhero because my kids love the taste of these vitamins. They literally specifically ask for them every single morning and they always want smoothie with the hyagreens powders in them. It is a win win for everyone. Literally about 20 minutes ago I made my daughter a smoothie before racing to this recording.
- [24:06]
Nicole
Honestly, I'm a little jealous of your kids because I would have loved to have a fun vitamin like this when we were kids. And are you tired of battling with your kids to eat their greens. Yes hi Haya now has Kids Daily Greens plus Superfoods, a chocolate flavored greens powder designed specifically for kids. Packed with 55 plus whole food ingredients to support brain power, development and digestion. Just scoop, shake and sip with milk or any non dairy beverage for a delicious and nutritious boost your kids will actually enjoy.
- [24:40]
Lexi
I can confirm that they absolutely do enjoy them. Yes we have worked out a special deal with Hyatt for their best selling children's vitamin receive 50% off your first order receive 50 that's 5 0% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiahealth.com FFG this deal is not available on their regular website. Go to H I Y a H E a l t h.com ffg and get your kids the full body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
- [25:13]
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- [26:26]
Nicole
Hey Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile.
- [26:28]
Lexi
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- [26:29]
Nicole
Having four kids that you know about is actually getting a direct line to the big man up north.
- [26:34]
Lexi
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- [26:36]
Nicole
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- [26:39]
Lexi
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- [26:42]
Nicole
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Lexi
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Nicole
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- [26:54]
Lexi
See mintmobile.com Did I talk too much? Can I just let it go? Thank you so much. Take a breath.
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- [27:04]
Lexi
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- [27:27]
Lexi
So Nicole, I had a realization the other day. Oh really? It is. That I have nothing to wear for date nights. Sometimes our closets just need a true refresh. And that is where Revolve comes in.
- [27:40]
Nicole
I love revolve. They feature dress 1200 plus brands and 100,000 styles across fashion, beauty and home. From high end to emerging and exclusive labels. They offer new arrivals daily and best of all, they offer sizing From XXS to 4X. Revolve is truly a place for everyone to find clothes they love.
- [28:04]
Lexi
So for those date nights I was just talking about, I just got this green olive leather jacket. It is, is absolutely incredible. I feel so stylish in it. It's like, oh, who am I? I love it.
- [28:14]
Nicole
I have this bodysuit. It's like this, it's this like super plunge white, loosey goosey one. And I wore it on a big celebration date. Lucy Goosy.
- [28:24]
Lexi
Okay.
- [28:26]
Nicole
And I wore it on this big celebration date night that Brett and I did the other night and I felt so cool. I looked hot. I loved it. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a big night out or a holiday party, your dream wardrobe is just just one click away. Head to Revolve.com fantasy shop our edit and take 15% off your first order with code fantasy fast two day shipping easy returns. It's literally the only place you need to shop from. That's Revolve.com fantasy to get our favorites and 15% off your first order with code fantasy. Offer ends December 16th. Happy shopping. I really hope Somewhere in the distance just my My Shakespeare teacher's heart is. That was like my favorite class in college. I loved it. I wrote 104 page paper on Midsummer Night's Dream on one monologue and it was one of my favorite papers I've ever done.
- [29:22]
Lexi
I was just gonna say look at you making use of your acting degree right there. I'm so impressed. Fun fact. I was Helena in our middle school play Midsummer Night's Dream. And I swear when I say still hear the start to those monologues What? It's been way more than 25 years. I still remember it.
- [29:39]
Nicole
I remember so vividly you in that play. I can see your costume. I'm just so proud.
- [29:43]
Lexi
From the opening with the prologue, Brimstone really sets the scene with the dangers of Amon Traith and the contrast between the living versus the dead, which is going to be quite a common theme, especially with all the vampire stuff that we get in this book. Plus I appreciate how it catches the up with what's happened in the past few days since Quicksilver's Cliffhanger while also throwing us right in. When an author does that well, it deserves a shout out. So go Callie. Oh and regarding the prologue, I love that we are immediately in Kingfisher's pov. This is the first time we've gotten his POV in the official book. Before it was only bonus chapters. And then it opens describing how wolves are part of something larger in a pack, but can also survive alone too. We already closely associate Kingfisher with wolves, so talk about an upfront metaphor. And from the very get go it summarizes Kingfisher in a nutshell. He's both a pack leader and a loner, which more often than not equals self sacrifice.
- [30:37]
Nicole
I also want to point out that on the first page our very first sentence in italics is a few paragraphs down and we get a mention of the gods. It's perfect foreshadowing that our eyes are supposed to lock on that sentence sense and that Fischer is literally a half fucking God. Which is the first time I'm going.
- [30:58]
Lexi
To say that out of a million.
- [30:59]
Nicole
In this deep dive. While we are on God's symbolism, Fisher talks about how reading emotions is like tasting them on the air and he's able to sense them better than most. Quote, they, meaning humans, felt everything so rudely right out in the open with no awareness of how their reaction might affect those with finer senses. Note that he does not say they with finer senses. He says those with finer senses, like half gods. And I want to point out where have we seen this skill of scenting and tasting emotions before? In the bonus chapter The Gate Part 1, Baal and Mithin are the twins who taste, literally taste Fisher's emotion of fear, unmet potential and love. They're tasting and sensing these emotions just like fish are here. So I love this connection that he has to the gods. So yeah, he would be able to sense emotions better than most. I think that this is a trait that all Fae have, but being better than most is definitely like among that God status or is among that godlike trait. And I just think that was such a fun little tie in.
- [32:05]
Lexi
Okay, so I hear what you're saying and I love that little bit of foreshadowing too. I love how you're looking at all of this, because I clearly didn't. I do want to challenge you on what we know about tasting and sensing emotions from others too. Like Taladeus in chapter one says that vampires can smell fear even stronger than blood. And Fae in general are supposed to learn how to mask their feelings so it's harder to sense them. And Sayers will be able to feel true feelings too. Though. Yes, I do think that Fisher having a better sense of smell is attributed to being half God. Just like with how so much of him is a little extra than others. Which we're going to be pointing out quite a bit here too.
- [32:43]
Nicole
Yes, I do agree with you. I'm going. Yes, I think we're. I think we're both right. I think I. I definitely agree with you that this is say and vampire trait. But him saying and I'm. I'm better at it than most is not just Fisher being cocky. It's saying I'm.
- [32:57]
Lexi
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [32:58]
Nicole
Okay, we're on the same page.
- [32:59]
Lexi
See?
- [33:00]
Nicole
Good. On. Nice.
- [33:02]
Lexi
Let's see how long this lasts.
- [33:03]
Nicole
It's not long.
- [33:04]
Lexi
Oh, gosh. Don't worry, friends. We are not even an hour into all this deep dive. We will absolutely be covering way more about whether Fisher really is half God or if his father Fenren is half God or how Styx is his father. Why are you giving me that look right now?
- [33:19]
Nicole
He is half God. Fisher is a half God. That is all about Finryn. Finryn. I'm still out on, like, I can't tell if Finryn is half God and also just a child of Styx or if Finryn is Sticks. That's why I have Daddy watch later on. Don't worry, we are on the same page.
- [33:36]
Lexi
I think we are.
- [33:36]
Nicole
I'm sure.
- [33:38]
Lexi
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is there is a lot to unpack with all of that and we're not going to do it right now.
- [33:45]
Nicole
Let's go back to these emotions that Fisher is tasting. Whose emotions is Fisher tasting though? Because this is a vampire whose eyes that had, quote, probably been blue once, but now they flashed like ghostly opals. God, this writing. Now, could this be because his eyes are clouded? Because he's, you know, a vampire? Sure. But what if there's another reason? Because these cloudy eyes are something we've seen in oracles too, with Adina later and Malwe in book one. So could he also be an oracle?
- [34:16]
Lexi
This is going to be really sad, but I think it's a description of him being ready to end it.
- [34:21]
Nicole
Okay, well, I have another option that's left.
- [34:23]
Lexi
We've already established there are other people with cloudy eyes from book one.
- [34:27]
Nicole
Have another one. Keep going. Because the next thing that the vampire says is, quote, you've ruin the velvet. He has a velvet waistcoat, so he could just be very concerned about his fashion. But there are multiple instances of velvet in the scene where Tal basically kills and cures the vampire court. So I could also see this. You've ruined the velvet before shadowing. And I don't know if it's him being an oracle. Maybe this is just literary foreshadowing that I am pulling way too much out of. But I could see this being foreshadowing for you. Meaning you, Fisher. You, your mate. You. Your. Your crew ruined the velvet. You ruined the velvet of the vampire court. That's my velvet.
- [35:11]
Lexi
We are trying to do this deep dive in seven episodes. I'll just say challenge a second as a way to show how he's feeling in his final moments. Like, he doesn't mind that he was stabbed, but like all the velvet. Like, what a silly thing to focus on. But that's the point, because he's not focusing on losing his life. And this was all he knew what to say.
- [35:35]
Nicole
What if we're both right? What if he's feeling that way? But the literary symbolism is, you've ruined the velvet. The velvet beanie. The vampire court.
- [35:43]
Lexi
Sure. We quickly find out how dangerous it is to be here for the living. From little details that I just find so fascinating, like how the living's emotions give off an energy and a sense like we were just talking about. And the vampires don't give off the smell because they don't have a beating heart. The only time they have the smell is if they've just fed from the living. And it's actually the remnants of the spark of life from their victim. As messed up as this is, these are the lore details that I live for, no pun intended. Our hearts race as we see how dangerous it is for the living. With the big chase to save Onyx, the sole living little creature the feeders are desperate to devour as well as the horses because. Yep, up Bill's back. Having to stay 500ft away with metal doors to protect them. Or how Fisher can't get to Cirrus's. Quarters without losing count of how many vampires he has to kill on the path up there. Can you imagine needing to get like a glass of water after, like, oh great, now I gotta go on a really crazy killing rampage to look. A glass of water.
- [36:47]
Nicole
Just kidding.
- [36:48]
Lexi
I'm sure that they have water in their chambers, but you get what I'm saying.
- [36:50]
Nicole
I don't know. Do they need water?
- [36:52]
Lexi
They need.
- [36:53]
Nicole
They. They need blood.
- [36:54]
Lexi
The point is that this all feels like a very big deal. That Fisher is having to kill a lot of vampires because all they want to do is kill them, but it's just practically normalized here. Then there's Carrion, who obviously never stays in his quarters like he's supposed to, disregarding all of Fisher's insistence because. Ah, yes, as he says, he has his reasons for needing to stay here in Sanis Wrath, since he doesn't want to be king. Nicole, do you think it's because he wants to be close? Serious with what he admits about loving her but not being in love with her?
- [37:25]
Nicole
I think so. I think it's because he wants to protect her. I agree.
- [37:28]
Lexi
I think that he really feels this loyalty to Cirrus, where he feels a responsibility to stay close to her. That's my guess. For his reason.
- [37:36]
Nicole
We're being very clear. It's not from a place of him feeling like he's in love with her. It's like, I love you so much, like a sister, so I want to stay close to you. That's what I've gotten from. In a Gasarian way. Is it?
- [37:46]
Lexi
Like he really does does love her and admires her and respects her. But again, it's not that. Like, oh, I want to be inside you kind of love madam? No. Well, I mean, sure, he wouldn't miss the opportunity, but you know what I'm saying.
- [37:59]
Nicole
Yes, I do.
- [38:00]
Lexi
I think that this is also where he feels the most useful, no matter where. Carrion feels very out of place right now. He doesn't have any place of belonging and so he might as well be here where he feels at least the most useful for Seras. And he can feel like he's upholding his end of his responsibility to her. Bottom line with all these dangers, though, just because Serious is about to reign over this territory and become its queen does not mean that our crew is truly safe by any means. Or that the vampires and feeders are suddenly under serious control. Which is clearly not the case from page one. At least not yet. But back to Onyx running for his life. I need to Give our favorite little fox all the love for crossing the treacherous Omnimir in mountains, racing toward his girl, even when he is broken and injured and tired. Onyx is the best furry friend ever. And I just love him and his determination and his big heart so, so much. It just makes me so happy seeing how Fisher relates and even connects with the little fox over their love and devotion to Seras. It's like while Fisher was warming up to Onyx and Quicksilver, now is when Fisher respects the little fox for what he's done. Now he's trying to get to Cirrus.
- [39:11]
Nicole
Now it's my turn to beat the Debbie Downer. Because I think a huge part of this, this prologue is foreshadowing for Onyx's death.
- [39:19]
Lexi
Oh, absolutely.
- [39:20]
Nicole
Thank God our furry friend gets cured twice, you all.
- [39:24]
Lexi
I cannot even begin to tell you how much I cried like a baby.
- [39:28]
Nicole
Oh, my God, you were crying. I was ready to throw things. Like, I was so mad. Thank God Onyx was cured. That I'm not ready for that part of the podcast. We're not. We're ignoring that. That's not real. Now. This healing is. Is unlike how Seras will cure him later this book where she will call upon one of her alchemist magics, because, yes, that confirms she has more than one. But here we see Fisher use his small magic. But here's the kicker. Healing is part of his small magics, which he got from his mother. And it is small indeed. His well of small magics, he has, like, almost a tiny little bit of healing magic that he almost depleted when he was young. And he fixed it. He's fixed his broken thumb. I loved that tidbit. But this is a finite resource, so he will never get any of those small magics back. And whenever he uses them, his healing well, when he healed Onyx, has now been completely depleted and he will not be able to use it again. Why would he do this? Because his mate is sad and he can't bear it. And because he's not ready to admit, but he loves this fucking fox.
- [40:36]
Lexi
Not only is this major foreshadowing for Onyx's death, but also for Seras sacrificing her undo magic gifted to her by the Hazracks. She can't believe Fisher, right in this moment would sacrifice this tiny bit of healing magic he has for the fox. But of course, his mate's happiness is the most important thing to him, and she will sacrifice a lot more magic for Onyx before the end of this book. They both just love this fox so so much. And Fisher will completely understand when it does come to that big moment. Because Onyx is family. He even says he is family. This little fox would do anything for them and they for him. I'm not ready to cry yet.
- [41:15]
Nicole
I will be a weepy mess and I don't even have a pet. I do want to pause real quick because while we're on this extra insight to Fisher's small magic, we also get an extra insight into Fisher's shadow magic. Given the bomb that is dropped at the end of this book about how people with shadow magic can only be half gods, you bet we are watching out for every single flipping moment of these mentions. Here we learn that shadows are part of Fisher's birthright magic. I am assuming that's because he received it from Daddio, whatever that means. I'm still throwing my hands in the air. But unlike his small magic which is unreplenishable, this one is a I'll call it a near infinite resource.
- [42:00]
Lexi
I also want to highlight what Idina, Fisher's mother, used to tell him, and if we've learned anything, it is to listen to Mama Fisher. She used to tell Fisher never to doubt his powers because each one of them is a gift quote. Each one will prove exactly enough when you have need of it. We are on such high alert for everything revolving around Fisher's magic, so I am just tucking this phrase away for maybe later importance. Especially knowing that Idina was an oracle who's ready for Coronation Day. It's Coronation Day. And everyone in our crew is handling I can't do this in a Disney sing song voice and everyone in our crew is handling the jitters a little differently as they prepare for the big ceremony. Timestamp Right now is 48 hours since serious recovered from her transition. Tal is all business. Vampire politics are his domain after all. Only once Seras abides by the vampires process to crown her will she be able to effectively any change that can benefit Yvelia. Lorath was here in Amon Traith in the prologue but has since gone back to Kalish. Karion is drunk before the ceremony begins and tempting Fisher into ripping him apart by hitting on Cirrus.
- [43:10]
Nicole
We are on the topic of Fae and drinking. I feel so fucking validated right now in my theory that something was off. Something was weird with drinking and Fae.
- [43:22]
Lexi
Yes, I did make this note originally in Foreshadowing about your theory being in our quicksilver coverage about how Seras doesn't really get drunk and how this is Supporting evidence for her being of Fae lineage. So good job, Nicole.
- [43:33]
Nicole
Thank you. If anything, this actually cements that there's more Fae blood in Serious than we already know. As it's mentioned here. Fae can drink themselves under a table, but all they need to do is quote will it and suddenly they're sober as a skunk. Think of all the times that Seris was drinking many a drink and was not even remotely drunk. But Nicole, she didn't will herself to be sober. Not consciously, no, but someone who was living her entire life on the edge, needing to be sharp in the face of danger. I think that this is why she was unconsciously willing herself to be sober when drinking. So does this mean that she's more Fae than Fisher originally thought? Than her just having like a drop of Fae blood? I think so.
- [44:18]
Lexi
He did. You're so defensive. I don't nicely agreeing with you here.
- [44:27]
Nicole
I don't know why, I'm just feisty.
- [44:30]
Lexi
Today, Fisher is a little on edge with his mate. Surrounded by enemies like this. To the point that Tal warns him that vampires can scent fear more than they can scent blood. And Fisher may not be afraid of the vampires, but he is afraid for his mate. Which makes Serris an even bigger target than she already is. And it can weaken her claim and cast her out.
- [44:51]
Nicole
Fisher's also a little on edge because in less than a week he watched his mate basically die in his arms, get ripped away from his arms, put into a quicksilver pool. He tore her out of a quicksilver pool. She was in his arms for three days, throwing up while she transitioned. Then she woke up from transition and it was like, what the fuck is happening? And now she's in a court where everyone wants to kill her. Cough, cough. Aerith Koth. I don't blame him for being like, not okay. Kingfisher is not exactly the most subtle when it comes to protecting those he cares about. And I will give him major points here because with what looks like a chain that he wraps around Seiris's thigh, he actually ties around a silver garrote. What's a garrote? I'm so glad you asked because I was literally researching this just a couple months ago for reasons a garrote is a type of cord, chain, etc. Used to strangle someone.
- [45:48]
Lexi
Thank you. I actually did not know that. And it does not surprise me whatsoever that you do.
- [45:54]
Nicole
And this one, this garrote is pure silver. Meaning that the vampires cannot touch it without burning or hurting them. Not serious though. The silver has no effect on her. Same with iron, which basically means she's indestructible when it comes to that. Go Sarah.
- [46:12]
Lexi
As a reminder, our story's FMC Serris is now half vampire, half Fae, thanks to Xarth, the God of chaos and change. Taking the opportunity while she transitioned into a vampire to become something entirely new. As a Vampire Fae hybrid, the universe cannot focus on Seris because it does not recognize what she uniquely is. At the climax of Quicksilver, Serris cut off Malcolm's head. Off with his head with her godsword solace, but not before he sunk a fatal blow into her stomach. The only way to keep Sarris from dying was for Taladeus, the second most powerful vampire, to bite her, and thus she could transition into a vampire and survive by becoming the undead. That is when Zarth pulled her through the quicksilver, cut Ceres and Fisher off from the threads of the universe, and turned her into half Fae, half vampire instead of fully vampire after being human, as what would have happened if only Tao bit her and she did not go through the Quicksilver. Tsar Malcolm was the only Vampire King ever and he obviously did not provide any air or process in case of his death. So the vampires have adopted the Fae Court rules. Since Malcolm did not have an heir because again, he intended to live forever, the one who killed him was now the rightful ruler. And since Ceres killed Malcolm, it is time for her to be coronated as the Vampire Queen. However, this was all as much a surprise to Ceres as it was to us readers at the end of last book. Starting in Brimstone's prologue, it is clear Cerus is nervous for the part that she has to play, thanks to the hand she has dealt. When she killed Malcolm, taking his crown was not on her bingo card. She sliced off his head for survival, for vengeance, for justice, having no idea it would lead to being crowned Queen of the Undead. As much as she doesn't want to be Queen of the Vampires, Serris also recognizes this as an opportunity to stop the war, save lives and improve conditions for people.
- [48:02]
Nicole
Which was something she never, never ever, ever thought she'd be in a position to do. Especially back in Sylvarin. As a thief. Her people were oppressed by Madra's rule and she was an impoverished thief just trying to make it day by day. Now she feels a sense of responsibility and empowerment for being able to spearhead change. Not exactly for the vampires she's ruling over, but more for the people the vampires and their feeders would have been attacking for Centuries.
- [48:27]
Lexi
And yet Seras still has hope for some of these vampires. For instance, they may be a product of their environment here, forced into servitude by Malcolm, she still sees redemption for them. Which is why she won't butcher all the vampires once when she becomes queen. This would have eliminated the enemy once and for all, as several members of their party. I think it's. Rimphus and Lorath are like, we should just eliminate the enemy once and for all the moment you become Queen. And she's like, okay, I feel like there's like a little bit of middle ground here for us to do. But no doubt most of these vampires are as evil to their core as Malcolm was. As Fisher is well aware of. No matter how unlikely or unwanted this position of being Queen is, there's no doubt it is an incredible opportunity for the fae as a whole. Minus. You know, Bellicon, it is way better for Seras to accept her role as Queen than for one of the evil vampires to step up and take the crown in her absence. Which would have left them in no better position with no peaceful path ahead than when Malcolm was in charge. With Ceres in charge, she can stop the bloodshed. She can make Callous safe enough for Fisher's people to return home without the threat of feeder attacks. Although, as she will think to herself in chapter five, Serious is very self conscious about being a queen when she knows how much disdain Fisher has for royalty. She's really self conscious that he's calling her your highness. And she's like, that's not really a term of endearment here. He's not meaning it as an insult, though. I should make that very, very clear there. I love the full circle moment when Seras explains that she's been getting a crash course in vampire politics over the past two days, and this time she is actually paying att. Unlike when she did not give two shits back at the Winter palace when studying with Everlane. And Rosarius, who was not mentioned once in this book. And I'm very worried for my boy Rosarius.
- [50:10]
Nicole
I'm convinced homeboy is dead. I'm so dead.
- [50:16]
Lexi
You'll have to give him a little eulogy aside.
- [50:20]
Nicole
Oh my God, it is time for a fit watch. And oh, what a. A fit watch it is. First, I love the very first description of her dress. Quote, the dress was made for sinning. Oh, my God, that writing is stunning when he's perfect.
- [50:38]
Lexi
Chapter one, opening line. That what we were left with. It felt so perfect after the cliffhanger for quicksilver. And then like, let's just not pretend like the prologue was there. And then, boom, Chapter one. We got that.
- [50:50]
Nicole
Chapter one openers are so, so, so important. And if that was like the first line of a first book, I would have been so locked in like that. Oh, it's so good. This black sheer strapless dress has a slit up the side so high. Lexi, you know what? She cannot wear underwear. Thank you, Cali Heart, for making Underwear Watch clear and to the point. I'm so grateful I immediately think of.
- [51:20]
Lexi
You and your underwear watch every time I read this. For listeners who don't know specifically, in our last deep dive with all the FIT watches, there were some major concerns. Concerns about where underwear was, if there was underwear.
- [51:32]
Nicole
Like, no, no shade. If someone doesn't wear underwear under the dress.
- [51:37]
Lexi
Oh, no, nothing like that.
- [51:38]
Nicole
We're talking logistically, this is a different type of dress. For Serious. She hated wearing dresses at the Winter palace because they were floofy and just all round. Not her, but this dress. She feels like she's putting on a part heart. It's this role she needs to play to be the vampire queen. And she feels powerful and I love it. This dress also reminds me of the ones that Idina has made for had made for Seras. Maybe with a little less sex appeal, but not by much. Maybe with more underwear, but I don't know. She feels like she wants Kingfisher to get his goods. We know from later on in this book that Serious does not like to wear dresses because she feels like she's trying to be domesticated. But as Kingfisher will say in one of my favorite moments of the book, they are not a way for her to be told to sit back and let the men take care of things. Because we wear pants. No, the dresses are an invitation to be many things. She can be a badass with fighting leathers, and she can also be soft and feminine in the dresses she picks. It is not one or the other. They're all allowed to be. Here we see Saeris adopt a dress that is not a way to soften, but has a new queenly strength about it, which is another aspect she's allowed to adopt and still be holy herself.
- [53:00]
Lexi
But there's one thing that would not complement this fantastic fit. And then a solace. Saris is God sword. Yes, confirming that Fisher's dad's old sword claimed saris. It is now hers. She is bonded to the sword. I know I sure learned my lesson about making bets in, like the first few episodes before finishing the Damn deep dive. Hold on.
- [53:21]
Nicole
What did I win with that bet to hold please. It says that you have to do the dishes at Thanksgiving and we're laughing.
- [53:30]
Lexi
Right now because in the background I have two very sick children and I don't think we're making it to Thanksgiving dinner.
- [53:40]
Nicole
That's okay. It's more important for the kiddos to feel healthy than for me to get my bet one. But maybe I'll move this to Christmas.
- [53:49]
Lexi
We'll figure something out. We also need to figure out a whole lot of other things with our beds because there are a lot of things that are not confirmed. But I'm like 99.9% sure that I won.
- [53:59]
Nicole
That's a we will ask Cali question and if she answers them, then we will consider them. 1. I love getting my nails done. It just does so much for me to help my confidence, especially as I go through my day. But man, it can be expensive and we are busy bees just like you all. Finding the time to squeeze in a nail appointment is not always easy. That's why I love doing mine at home. And no one helps me bring the salon quality experience home with me than Olive and June.
- [54:29]
Lexi
Olive and June gives you everything you need in one box. You get salon grade tools designed just for you and your DIY mani pedi dreams. And best of all, this polish doesn't chip like those cheap polishes and it lasts up to 10 days. It provides a plump gel like finish that we absolutely love. And huzzah. There is no lamp needed and with Olive and June's affordable prices, it breaks down to just $2amanicure.
- [54:51]
Nicole
I have a very healthy obsession with Olive and June. I've been using them for over two years, almost three years now actually, and they are my favorite nail polish period. I love that they also have like nail strengtheners. They have really good cuticle cream. They have so much that's not just just on the nail. It's also to make your nails healthy and look pretty and keep them hydrated. I love this company. I will be preaching them until the day I die.
- [55:18]
Lexi
Visit oliveandjune.com fantasy fangirls for 20 off your first system. That's O L I V E a n d J-U-N-E.com F-A-N t a s Y F A n G I R L s for 20% off your first system.
- [55:39]
Nicole
As small business owners, we wear so many hats, so many hats and that can really be intimidating. Goodness. Isn't that an understatement? But luckily we do not feel like we need to have it that way with our merch because Shopify was just the business partner we needed to get started.
- [55:59]
Lexi
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- [56:17]
Nicole
Shopify is also so helpful when it comes to marketing your products. Get the word out like you have a marketing team behind you. Huzzah. You can easily create email and social media campaigns wherever your customers are, are scrolling or strolling.
- [56:31]
Lexi
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- [56:51]
Nicole
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- [57:10]
Lexi
And you know me, with my marketing background I have pretty high standards for website tools, but Squarespace delivers in every way. One thing I love is their integrated Squarespace SEO tools. Every website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated site map and more so you show up more often our search engines and bring in more of your ideal customers. Yes.
- [57:30]
Nicole
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- [57:46]
Lexi
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- [60:25]
Lexi
You see, if Serious wears a sword on her person in this vampire court, it makes her come off as weak. The Queen should not need a sword to protect herself and if she thinks that she needs one, that does not bode well for her. Plus, Solas is like half of Serious size and the sword is a little big for her.
- [60:42]
Nicole
That's what she said.
- [60:44]
Lexi
So as a compromise, Fisher arms his boo with a dagger. Way more subtle, but she can still defend herself if necessary. We cannot get too far into this deep dive of Brimstone without turning our attention to Talidaeus. We begin to get a peek into this connection between Tal and Cerys with him being her vampire maker. She can sense his emotions, especially pick up on his Sadness. Oh, poor Tal. Or sometimes feel him wake up on the other side of the palace. I also love later on when she describes like his echoes of memories. Like she can can feel his memories, but she knows that they're not hers.
- [61:17]
Nicole
I love Talladeah so much. Yes, my whole Tal is evil theory did not live up. And you know what? I'm totally okay with that. For a moment I thought it was going to, but I digress. I remember that I was like, oh my God.
- [61:33]
Lexi
It's okay. There are a few moments that I thought Malcolm was gonna pop up.
- [61:39]
Nicole
Tal is basically biding his time before he can extract revenge on the entirety of the Vampire Court of what his life has become. He's sad. So sad. And he knows that someone now has access to his emotions and I'm assuming also he has access to hers, which adds another layer of sadness to this because Saerus has this love. She has a mate, and Tal never got to have that. Instead he followed this toxic woman, Zavenia to the Vampire Court and now he's paying the this millennia long price. Side note though, I do love about how when she sees Zavinia, quote, my brother would have fallen in love with her on site. Stunning foreshadowing for how Tal feels and how he feels like he was naive and foolish for following Zavinia to the Vampire Court. It sounds like Hayden, but I'm glad that Tao grew up.
- [62:38]
Lexi
Give Hayden a thousand years and maybe he'll grow up enough. It still doesn't feel like long enough, but does baby.
- [62:46]
Nicole
We do get confirmation on one part of this maker makee relationship with Tal. Having turned her, he does have power to control her. We were debating this on the very last episode of Quicksilver, which does make the other Lords of Midnight worried because Taladeus basically is the most powerful man in this court now. He's not king, but he might as well be. He can overpower anything that serious wants. But go tell the Deus, because homeboy does not use that command even once. And then he'll later disemvow her. This is one of the relationships that I am most looking forward to in the deep dive, especially as we get to later on in the chapters with like chapter Tal and stuff like that, where we just start to see the humanity that still is just desperately trying to get out of this man. I just love him. I love him so much.
- [63:39]
Lexi
Oh gosh. The very end with how he's like, how can I go into the darkness after I've now seen the light?
- [63:44]
Nicole
Oh my. That Entire scene of the sun hitting his face was weepy.
- [63:50]
Lexi
Like serious makes him a Godsworth. Anyway, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Okay?
- [63:53]
Nicole
Yes.
- [63:54]
Lexi
It's Coronation Day. Remember, this coronation takes place in the hall of Tears and the vampires have been calling for Seras to make her appearance. Boom.
- [64:04]
Nicole
I don't remember this in frozen rows.
- [64:08]
Lexi
And rows of vampires. All Malcolm's children, vampires he turned, are here in this hall of Tears. And there's about a thousand of them here. They're dressed in beautiful attire. These definitely are not feeders. And instead are what we'll learn are called the High Bloods. This hall of Tears is quite the room to behold. And the name hall of Tears makes me think about Madra's hall of Miras, even though the two rooms serve very different purposes. Like there's no quicksilver pool in this gigantic hall and the hall of Mirrors has been closed up since the quicksilver stilled. Both are called the hall of Blank and both its rulers are part of the Tramvert. Or were part of the Tramvert here in Malcolm's case. Does it seem like Belakan has a similar hall though? The one that we didn't learn the name of his hall back at the Winter palace at the beginning of Quicksilver.
- [64:56]
Nicole
I could see that hall with Om Nom Nom Nom Nom's skull in it being the hall of Blank. But because we were so in Saera's what the fuck is happening pov, I could see Callie being like, it's not important for Sarah's to know this because she would not want to retain this information in this moment.
- [65:11]
Lexi
Yes, I could definitely see that too. This hall of Tears has grotesque faces carved into the obsidian pillars that hold up the vaulted cathedral ceilings. Torches with even light flames cast the walls in a white green glow. And there's gold curtains with scenes of all manners of of sin and debauchery stitched into the heavy velvet. Watch Nicole fabric.
- [65:34]
Nicole
See, all the velvet is associated with the vampires you ruined. The velvet is. You ruined the Vampire Court. I love how later it is explained that there is this mournful wail consistently echoing off the columns of this room. While it's never stated again, I don't think the person crying devoid of any all hope or whatever is going to be important to the story, but I do think it's really, really cool element of world building. Unless. Yes. What if this is the gasping woman and now she's the wailing woman?
- [66:04]
Lexi
I was very worried about whoever this crying person is, is it part of the magic of the hall. Is it a future meal? Yes. Does it Probably. Does it possibly relate back to the hall of Mirrors? Probably not. And this is just a description to show how eerie and miserable this place is.
- [66:21]
Nicole
That's what I'm leaning towards.
- [66:23]
Lexi
At the head of the room, on a raised dais, is a a stately throne made of black stone. And before the throne is a platform with a mosaic of a five pointed star with a Lord of Midnight standing and waiting at each of the star's points. As Talladeus explained to Sarah's and us readers, vampires are sticklers about their rules and traditions because, yes, they are monsters. And they need these regulations too. In so many words. Stay in line and have order in the society that Malcolm built. Cult.
- [66:54]
Nicole
Let's talk about some of that order. One of the rules being the Law of Ascension. The five vampire Lords, the Lords of Midnight that rule under the Monarch, are bound by this Law of Ascension, meaning they cannot outright kill Saris until they have to acknowledge her ascension to the throne. Then they can steal the crown. Looking at you, Aerith.
- [67:18]
Lexi
But immediately after Ceres is coronated, until she speaks anything to protect herself into law, she will be vulnerable. Which is why Aerith will seize the moment that he will have shortly. This vampire court is ruled by five Lords of Midnight who serve beneath the monarch. It doesn't matter their gender, they are all called Lords. And Malcolm gifted each of these Lords of Midnight a ring that is a source of power. Each ring is supposed to contain an equal amount of magic, but it is rumored that Talz is the most powerful. And yes, vampire politics is today's library topic, so we will go way more into detail about all of that at that time. Time. Behind door number one, we have Zavinia. The keeper of Mrs. Zavinia is a blonde haired female originally from Lycia Lake Tal, which is a southernmost fey territory here in the realm of Yvelia. Zavinia's hair is done in long golden braids and she has a burning hatred towards Ceres in her blue eyes. Zavinia outwardly holds Malcolm in high regard, even calling him a walking God among the living. In fact, she also says this about Malcolm. He, quote, reigned over an entire continent and reduced another to ash, toppled kings, bedded queens, and cheated death so that we all might follow in his footsteps. Okay, so I want to unpack what she said here real fast. Yes, he did cheat death for a very long time. That is the only part of all this that truly makes sense. But considering what's happening Right now to Malcolm's whole court, where it's his spirit is nowhere in the room, it seems. I really do wonder if his death finally caught up to him and Malcolm's not coming back. His vampire reign storyline, I don't know. It seems like it's kind of over after everything that happens with the court later in this book. Unless in spirit, he is connected to these, what I'm calling super feeders that we will unfortunately meet soon. But there are multiple incidences where it's made clear that Godsworth swords permanently kill and are extra dangerous. And Cirrus did cut an already weak Malcolm's head off with a God sword.
- [69:20]
Nicole
So I would agree with you, and I would concede to losing the bet that Malcolm is still alive. However, the only thing that is clinging hope to my theory is that later in this book, when. When Kingfisher beheads Bellicon, he says he's going to come back. So because of that, I'm like, I don't know if we can nix Malcolm off the table yet. So I do think that bet has to stay in Purgatory right now.
- [69:50]
Lexi
No, I. I agree with you. I will agree with that bet there. I will also say that Bellicon did not burst into blue flame afterward.
- [69:58]
Nicole
Yes.
- [69:59]
Lexi
I will also go on to say that Malcolm was extremely paranoid, like with thinking that everybody was going to kill him if he was so afraid of being taken out, he was not as immortal as he claimed he was.
- [70:14]
Nicole
I think our bet is in Purgatory until we get confirmation next November.
- [70:20]
Lexi
All right, sounds good.
- [70:22]
Nicole
So we'll keep that one for insert book three's title here.
- [70:26]
Lexi
But that's not even why I brought up this quote here from Zovenia. I want to ask questions about what else she says here about Malcolm. I'm assuming the entire continent that he conquered is Stanisroth. I believe that what they're calling continents is what I've been calling territories here. So. Right. Stanisroth would be the continent that he conquered. But what is this continent that he reduced to ash? Could that be Sahsroth?
- [70:52]
Nicole
So, okay, there's two different answers to here, and I think you're about to get to the second one. I think that one of the answers is Sanis Wrath, because as we know, Sanisroth is a barren wasteland. And maybe that that was Malcolm's doing. I think it is.
- [71:04]
Lexi
Oh, absolutely. It was his dark magic that was essentially sucked. Albeit I'm gonna call it living magic. Out. Which is why Fisher is on reserves here. Yeah.
- [71:14]
Nicole
So that's. That. That is what I think she's referring to. However, I like where you're about to go with this so we'll keep that as a possibility.
- [71:21]
Lexi
She also says that he toppled kings and so I wonder if she's speaking of Ruik Dianthus that Belakan himself did destroy but it was partly for Malcolm's sake. And then I have to also ask what queens did Malcolm bed? I don't even want to think about that answer. But the Lycia Queen is rumored to drink vampire blood to stay immortal. So I wonder if the current Lycian Fae Queen and Malcolm had a little.
- [71:48]
Nicole
Something that's not a good look for Lycia Queen.
- [71:51]
Lexi
Or maybe this is just a throwaway line to illustrate how larger than life Malcolm was and the contrast between him and Ceres now ascending the throne.
- [72:00]
Nicole
I also wanna note that Zavinius says quote this is not meaning Sarah's this is not the creature who felled my father. My father she calls Malcolm who made her father. And again I'm on such daddy watch here. But when Fisher later says our father to quote unquote half God brothers. Is it in the same way here where it's like Malcolm made Zavinia and therefore it was a father child relationship. Is that the same with Fisher and and Sticks?
- [72:29]
Lexi
I think it's like Malcolm being the father of the vampires. I do think there's.
- [72:34]
Nicole
I agree. No no, no, I agree. I wonder if it's more Cali's writing style where she calls the maker's father and I wonder if that's actually how we're Fisher later on is referring to father. We're going to get all into that. But I'm calling out these little notes because while I'm on the I love the idea that Fisher's actual father is sticking. I do want to call out these moments for when we are going to have the big debate on Yep, is Finryn Sticks or not? I'm not ready for that and I'm not either. I'm gonna have like five different opinions in one episode so get ready.
- [73:07]
Lexi
Zavinia speaks to the court with a convincing emotional poll about how great Malcolm was while undermining Sarah's in the same breath. Zavinia is the reason our friend's letters to Folly were not delivered to him. She's held the title keeper of misses for 783 years and she wears a thick gold band with a purple stone that marks her as a lord. And of course there is a history between Sylvania And Tal that we'll continue discussing here soon, in which he was very much in love with her for a long, long time.
- [73:36]
Nicole
Our next Lord of Midnight is Aerith, Keeper of Even Light. Aerith is a slender male with dark hair, a hooked nose, eyes black as coal, and he appears to be about in his lace, late 30s. His Lord ring is a large amber orange jewel, and we're assuming it's also a gold band. He and his followers are religious zealots worshiping the under gods. This is definitely important because this is going to bite Fisher slash Kaiden. First time saying that in the ass. At the end of this book when Githrin claims that by Fisher killing their father's emissary, this is Aerith, it also severed their father's only threat of power in Evelia.
- [74:21]
Lexi
Whoa.
- [74:22]
Nicole
Because this right here, this action where Kingfisher is about to kill Aerith, it is going to weaken Styx's power in the realm, is at least how I'm taking this.
- [74:31]
Lexi
It cuts off his direct connection to Yvelia.
- [74:35]
Nicole
Yes, yes. So I have about 40 million questions around that. If it were up to Aerith, every single living being in Evelia would be drained of their magic and turned into slaves. As well as every continent being turned into a wasteland and in paradise for vampires to hunt and kill anything left alive for sport. Great dude, Aerith. But let's go back to what he's the keeper of for a second. That is the keeper of Even Light. Yes. Lexi and I are both obsessing over the Even Light holiday that is being set up for in Zolvarin. However, Even Light in this world, specifically Samusroth, is what they use instead of fire. Since fire can kill harm feeders, they go up like kindling. Even Light is a different source. It's greenish white fire. It's a substitute that is used in Samusroth as that light source. Now, does this mean a connection between the Even Light Ceremony in Zulvarin? I would think so, because I don't think those are the same word used by accident.
- [75:36]
Lexi
Oh, absolutely not. Also, later in this book, there is an Even Light ball. We don't know if that happens at the same time as the Even Light Festival, but Tala does ask Sarah is like, don't you celebrate the Even Light? And she's like, oh, actually we do. It's not as great as yours here, but yeah, we do. Does that mean that the Even Light Festival in Zelvarin happens off page? Because it's at the same time as that ball?
- [75:58]
Nicole
I'M worried. I'm worried that. But I don't want to make an official declaration until we're in Zelvearin talking to Hayden, because I feel like I know. Nope. I'm just going to hope for the best. Sounds good. All right, sounds good. I do want to call out that Even Light is also an old English one way of saying Twilight, so the Zilvarin holiday could be a nod to. I'll call it the shortest day of the year. Major air quotes because it's technically always day. Now I also want to point out another possible connection between Zolvarin do you think it's odd that Aerith, a religious follower of the demon gods, is the Keeper of Even Light?
- [76:32]
Lexi
Yes.
- [76:32]
Nicole
And Even Light is a Is being celebrated in Varid such a connection between Zulvarin and the demon God?
- [76:40]
Lexi
Yes.
- [76:41]
Nicole
Cool. Okay. Glad we're on the same page.
- [76:44]
Lexi
Bottom line is I am so high alert for Even Light, I will say I'm a little bit surprised that the Evenlight Festivals were not in this book, that I was willing to bet some money that they wouldn't be. But that's okay. I am still holding out hope that we will get more about the Zelvaran Evenlight Festival in book three, especially with what we know now about magic and the circular shape of the city. I'm getting ahead of myself, though, and now I am very concerned that it did happen off page. But anyway, I 100% think that it's all connected with Madras somehow siphoning extra power on the holiday or something along those lines.
- [77:19]
Nicole
I think some crazy shit's about to go down at the Even Light Festival, and I don't think it has happened off page. Unless it did happen off page. And we're going to learn about what crazy shit went down at it in book three.
- [77:33]
Lexi
Behind Adora Number three is the Portal to Monsters, Inc.
- [77:37]
Nicole
The Hasrax. My love. I love it. It's so cute. It's not cute, it's cute.
- [77:43]
Lexi
Lots of seeds, but sure. The Hasrax is the Keeper of Silence among the Lords of Midnight, and it is the last of its kind. It's not a vampire or constricted to the rules of this court. It's technically not part of this court. The Hasrax is taller than Taladeus, with long limbs. Its eyes are solid black, its skin is translucent, and it has an unnaturally wide slit for its mouth with tiny jagged teeth. Black veins spiderweb across the backs of its two large webbed hands. Its Lord Ring is a thick Gold band with a large blood red ruby. Its magic is a mystery, and no one understands what it's capable of. But whatever magic or power the Hazrack showed to Malcolm all those years ago scared him enough to allow it to stay.
- [78:31]
Nicole
We do know that the Hazrax has the power to bestow runes in the form of break and undo. Like it will do later for Sarus. Later on, also, the Hazrax will say, quote, mine is the power to put out a son. Perhaps the power to untether gravity. So I think it's safe to say that the Hazrax is. Is power in and of itself, yes.
- [78:56]
Lexi
And so ancient, it's one of those creatures that when it is in the room with you, its power is almost suffocating to where you're not able to breathe properly. Also, of course, it'll be able to transport Saris at a very convenient time. Kind of be in her dream slash knockout place, too.
- [79:12]
Nicole
It is the fairy God Hazrax.
- [79:14]
Lexi
As far as I'm concerned, that is.
- [79:16]
Nicole
My name for it.
- [79:18]
Lexi
The Hasrax came to Malcolm centuries ago, when Malcolm was still forging his empire, and offered its services to Has. Malcolm asked it if it wanted eternity in exchange, meaning to be a vampire. But the Hasbrack swore to destroy Malcolm if he tried to bite it when Malcolm asked it. Well, then, what do you want? In exchange for its fealty to Stanisroth, the Hazrat said that it wanted to watch. We'll later learn the agreement was not to watch the Court, but it was to watch Malcolm himself. In exchange for watching Malcolm. Malcolm would get one favorite per year from the Hazrax. Think about how many centuries this Hazrat has been part of his court. I'll call it. Yeah, that's a lot of favors. And I'm so curious about what some of these favors were. Like, what evil did Malcolm inflict through the Hazrak that seems to have unlimited power? Is this one of Malcolm's secrets to how he became so powerful? Oh, I love that.
- [80:15]
Nicole
Maybe we can ask Callie. Maybe she'll. Maybe she'll answer that.
- [80:19]
Lexi
It is rumored that the Hasrax doesn't even leave the hall of Tears. Nor does it eat or sleep. It chooses to speak to very, very few people. And overall, it just watches. Kind of feels like a character out of Dr. Seuss or something. I love it.
- [80:33]
Nicole
I love the Hazrax.
- [80:34]
Lexi
The Fourth Lord of Midnight is Allgot. She is Keeper of Records and is much smaller than the rest of the Lords. While she looks much older than the others, she looks very elderly. She is actually the youngest Lord of Midnight. She has a thick mat of gray hair that obscures her rotten yellow teeth and cloudy eyes. She has frail wrists and gnarled hands.
- [80:58]
Nicole
Her voice is also described as cracked, like the reckoning wind howling across the dunes around the Silver City again writing oh my God. And also Wind Watch is back. Not saying she has anything to do with the four winds, but I'm not not saying it.
- [81:17]
Lexi
Before she was a vampire, Owl was a witch cast out by her own clan for meddling in dark magics.
- [81:23]
Nicole
A witch, A witch, A witch.
- [81:25]
Lexi
A witch who Kingfisher has actually had several run ins with before she turned vampire. And he's like, yeah, you don't want to mess with her. So yeah, good to know about this character Alget. Pure evil runs through her veins and she is not to be underestimated. She also has the power to listen to the thoughts of those around her, including with Ceres and Fisher talk via their bond. She's such a busy body. In fact, when all gets cloudy, Gaze locks eyes with Serris. Serris suddenly remembers various memories arguing with Hayden back in the third, fighting to free her hands as Harren goes to kill her. No mention of Harren in this book either, alas. I guess we don't know if he survived, you know, the next snap in the maze. But anyway, I hope he didn't.
- [82:06]
Nicole
I hope he's dead, because I know he.
- [82:08]
Lexi
For his sake, I hope he's dead. Elgot also makes Seras remember feeling safe in Fisher's arms when they're in Ballard and then the memory of them bang bang bangity banging flashes before her eyes. As far as I can tell, these memories do seem random, and I wonder if it's. I'll get, you know, like fishing through her memories, reading them in real time. And that's why they're coming to the surface for saris like this. This.
- [82:30]
Nicole
That's exactly what I'm thinking.
- [82:32]
Lexi
We'll learn more about Owlett's role as Keeper of Records next episode, in which she oversees the Library and Amatreus. And she has a shadow cat named Guru.
- [82:41]
Nicole
She gives me major grumpy cat energy and I love her. I love the Lords of Midnight. Maybe not Aerith or Zavinia, but Owl and Hazrax are two of my new favorite characters.
- [82:53]
Lexi
Owlett is absolutely coming back into this story with all the witch folks.
- [82:59]
Nicole
I can't wait for our time in.
- [83:00]
Lexi
The library with Her. Oh, she's gonna be up to some trouble.
- [83:04]
Nicole
Our last lord of Midnight is Talladeus, keeper of secrets. We've talked a lot about him, but here's some tldr. He was Malcolm's second in command and is now Cerus's guide and advisor. And you know, maker as all things court politics in the vampire Court. Also as her maker, that means that she's enthralled to him, or at least should be. Based off of the other Lords of Midnight reactions again makes him the most power man in Sanis Roth. But Tao was powerful long before he became a vampire. When he was fae, he had the power to manipulate liquids, most specifically blood. Literally. He could manipulate the blood in someone's body. He was a blood bender. Tallades is so fucking cool.
- [83:48]
Lexi
It's very interesting because technically vampire blood is different. It's like black ichor. Right? And so he is still able to manipulate this kind of blood, even when it's not like, you know, like moving and. I'll call it real living blood.
- [84:01]
Nicole
I cannot wait for Talladeus glow up. If he sacrifices himself, I'm gonna lose my shit next book. But like I. I see him having such a. His own hero's journey.
- [84:13]
Lexi
Yep, yep.
- [84:13]
Nicole
I love him. Tal has been part of Malcolm's court for just over 1,063 years.
- [84:21]
Lexi
Nicole, I'm gonna be a little honest here. All the timestamps surrounding Malcolm's reign in Sanus Roth and how long people have been vampires is not always the most consistent. And it might be keeping me up at night. Now is not the moment to go down the timeline rabbit hole. But yes, we are slowly putting together an ultimate timeline. And it will be a common theme as we continue this deep dive.
- [84:44]
Nicole
We do know that for years Tal was pining after Zovenia, even knowing that she was a horrid person. But he couldn't help it. He was 100% in love with her. Even though he himself was betrothed to Everlane, he took pleasure in hurting Taladeus any chance she had. And it led to him making a deal with the devil. Malcolm all in love for Zavini Tldr. Zavinia sucks.
- [85:10]
Lexi
Besides Tal, the four Lords of Midnight turned their nose up to Cirrus as their new queen. She was a human days ago. Literally. She was food for that them. How could she overcome the great creator of vampires who built this empire and species into what it is now? As far as these vampires are concerned, she is an insult to their kind, their culture, how they measure power. This is not their way. Which is especially important to the vampires who rely so heavily on traditions. And the new queen's mate is literally known for killing vampires. He's a living legend for killing them. They are all mortal enemies with each other. So, yeah, listen, most of these vampires suck. Pun intended. But I also cannot blame them for not being excited over Seras sitting on their throne. And to be fair, it is understandable that the other Lords of Midnight are skeptical about their new queen being enthralled to one of the lords. I know we were talking about this earlier, but there is a huge imbalance of power with Tal being the new Queen's maker. It does not help that the other Lords have already been wary of Taladeus. They never leave. Liked that he was Malcolm's favorite, and now he's able to rule by proxy, which how very convenient that he bit Malcolm's killer. Since we've all read the book, we know Tal would never leverage his control over Seras. He does not like being in this position. It's not in his nature to exercise control over the very, very, very few people. Like two that he is enthralled.
- [86:33]
Nicole
One of the things I love about the opening of this book is with even how ancient Lords are judging their new, soon to be queen, Serious isn't taking shit from them. There is one specific moment I want to call out because she's getting distracted with, you know, Carrion trying to smoke a cigarillo and Kingfisher's literally just like taking it out of Carrion's mouth and squashing it on the ground. And Aerith basically calls her out for not paying attention to them and their powerfulness. Ness. And as she notes, it would be all too easy in that moment to feel like a petulant, misbehaving child and apologize for them because she feels like she was caught in the act of disobeying the elders or whatever, but she doesn't. Instead, she knows these Lords need to be brought to heal beneath her. So she says, yes, Aerith, since you finally thought to ask, I do have better things to do than listen to you all bickering like children. I was told this was supposed to be a coronation, so let's proceed with the business of it, shall we? Brilliant, Seras. She refuses to let herself be seen as weak or young or naive and therefore easy for them to step on. So instead, she's asserting herself as queen of the realm by taking them down a peg with her words. Fucking perfect.
- [87:54]
Lexi
I love seeing her sass as a thief. Just trying to survive from the opening of book one to this transformation. Still the same Seras, but in a whole new role. Having to exercise that swag and confidence in an entirely new way with new people.
- [88:09]
Nicole
While Callie was on tour for Brimstone, someone asked her what the main characters would do, like if they had real people jobs. And she said for serious, that she would be a sassy waitress. And I was like, I see it.
- [88:21]
Lexi
I love that. What was it that she said for carrying? That he would be a sign holder. Like one of the spinners. Yes.
- [88:28]
Nicole
When she said Kingfisher would be a hitman.
- [88:31]
Lexi
Oh, yes, definitely. Incredible.
- [88:33]
Nicole
I also love that she tries to prove her vampirey ness with literally stopping her heart. The way that Talladea showed her how to do this is so freaking cool. And it shows just how other serouses.
- [88:49]
Lexi
I have so many questions about the logistics of being half vampire, half fish. She's like half dead or can will herself to be dead?
- [88:58]
Nicole
I've. I take it as she can will herself to be dead. Like she can. Like she basically can bounce back and forth between her body being alive and dead.
- [89:05]
Lexi
Yes.
- [89:06]
Nicole
Which I think is so fucking cool.
- [89:08]
Lexi
I think that she can also really lean into which part she wants to embody more. And she just is naturally drawn a lot more to the Fae side of herself because of Fisher and her history with the vampires and all that. Yeah, yeah.
- [89:23]
Nicole
I do wonder also if this is foreshadowing because at some point she'll have to. I'm gonna call it play dead, but I don't mean like a possum play dead. I mean like a strategically play dead at some point in book three.
- [89:33]
Lexi
Are you saying that possums don't strategically play dead?
- [89:36]
Nicole
I'm saying if you're a possum and.
- [89:38]
Lexi
You go.
- [89:40]
Nicole
It'S sometimes not the most strategic. It's a little bit more survival instincty. Because Adina very blatantly says Sarah's you should not cure the vampire side of you. I wonder if that's going to be something that she uses to her advantage. Like maybe at some point she'll need to stop her heart in a. Again, strategic, not survival instinct play dead.
- [90:01]
Lexi
Possibly to prove that she is vampire enough that she is one of them and therefore deserves to sit atop the throne. You know what Saris has to do, right? She has to drink blood from the living. She's supposed to be a vampire after all. She has to leash herself to the blood, which yes, after serious does drink, she feels a thirst for that blood that she did not previously feel. All the Lords of Midnight except Tal demand that Serious pop her blood drinking Cherry. Can't have a virgin on the throne who doesn't even want this. Greatest of great pleasure. It's gonna say that with a script. Great face. These Lords also don't really think that Seras will follow through. They look at her as a child who is still part of the living. And hey, they still win. If she does drink from the living here, it'll make her feel drunk and it'll make her vulnerable for an attack once the Law of Ascension passes. Hence why Aerith is extra insistent on her drinking blood right now. He's waiting for his opportunity to kill her. He's already got that silver needle thin blade in position.
- [91:05]
Nicole
Buckle up buttercups, because our R rating is here. Keeping his eyes locked on Sarys, Kingfisher takes off his bracer and he tells Serious to block everyone out. It's just her and him speaking into his mind. Serious tells Kingfisher this is not exactly how I imagined it happening. Leaving Kingfisher very intrigued. But she's nervous. Apparently exhibitionism is not quite her thing really. Also, it's because she's doing an entirely new thing for the first time in front of a bunch of people and it's intimidating as fuck. But it also doesn't help that Zavinia is getting annoyed with her stalling. She's like, she's stalling. I fucking hate Zavinia. Gripping her chin, Hot Kingfisher tips Serious face to his and she sees the tattoos on his throat going crazy. The black line work is morphing and shifting. Even the quicksilver in his eye is. Is forming into a geometric shape and different patterns. Whoa, that's cool. I am on such hyper tattoo watch because why are some tattoos moving and some are not?
- [92:11]
Lexi
I am wondering the exact same thing.
- [92:13]
Nicole
Also with this new quicksilver power that we're going to talk about in a moment with this moving into geometric shapes. Does that mean it's. It's encouraging him and talking to him, but like not in the same like crazed way it was like last book. It's more like precise and refined.
- [92:30]
Lexi
Well once when I do get to his POV here shortly we will learn that the quicksilver is doing that, but not necessarily in this moment. I was taking it more as are the geometric shapes and such are those almost creating like we know how much magic is tied to shapes or shapes are tied to magic. So I feel like that's a little bit of a stretch though. I think it is A description, ultimately.
- [92:52]
Nicole
I think it's a description ultimately. But I like where your head is at at, that's for sure. Back to the walkthrough. Grabbing his arm, Cus instinctually finds his pulse and sinks her canines into him. It gives a whole new meaning to. Deeper than she meant to. Nice. And overcome with an overpowering urge to wait. Dose. Kingfisher's like, fucking God, Sarah, I need you to drink. Because. Because dosing him is making him horny. Cirrus doesn't know this, and she notes that the moment she realizes she's giving him something, she's like, oh, this is cool. And she's pumping him full of horny venom. That is what dosing is. I'm fucking in love with this. Again, the ink on Kingfisher shifts, but this time it flows down his arm to his wrist before transferring to Seris, where then a cool prickle finds the. Finds its place at the center of her chest, like just below her collarbone. And a thin black line that goes from one shoulder to another shoulder. It becomes a new tattoo of hers. Finally, her instincts of let me just sit here and wait and dose this motherfucker finally. Are overpowered by her drawing. Her first sip of blood serious feels an explosion of color and sound inside her head. But that's not all she feels. Fire rushes through her veins and need pools between her legs, sending a powerful wave of pleasure throughout her body. She wants to scream, but that would mean she had to stop, and that's the last thing she wants to do. It's not until Fisher is like, oh, my God, I need you to stop. Seirs finally remembers. Oh, we're in front of a lot of people right now. I love this scene at the end. It's so funny.
- [94:43]
Lexi
So three cheers for Sarah's losing her blood virginity.
- [94:46]
Nicole
Yay.
- [94:47]
Lexi
That sounds so weird. I am sorry, everybody. She is now leashed to the blood, bound to it as all vampires are. A thousand vampires are on their feet cheering for her that she just lost her blood virginity. But serious, like Nicole was just saying, she feels like she just took too much ecstasy at the EDM rave. Like Fisher, she is horny as all hell. And she needs Fisher right now. She feels very drunk. She needs to lie down. She's seen light dance in the air, and indeed, the hall of Tears no longer feels ominous and scary. And. Whoa. It's become beautiful.
- [95:23]
Nicole
Oh.
- [95:24]
Lexi
Which talk about the symbolism. Now that Cirrus has tasted her first blood, she's proven herself to be a vampire. Yes. To all of these high Bloods, sure. But there is a biological chemical reaction that activates ceremonies Saris. Vampire needs, I'll call it. She's going to have a thirst for blood after this. It's way more subtle than it is for the other vampires, but they're all the same. Now, going back to that tattoo that Fisher transferred onto Saris while she was drinking his blood. It is such a simple tattoo. That thin black line from one shoulder to the other right below her collarbone. But we still don't know exactly what this tattoo means. Right.
- [96:00]
Nicole
Going back to what you were saying about geometrical lines, I feel like, like, oh, interesting. I think it has something to do with that.
- [96:06]
Lexi
See, my guess is something that shows that she's, I'll call it leashed herself to the blood. And specifically he was one who gave that to her. I'm not saying it's like an extra connection between them, but it's. I'll call it symbolic. I I, yeah. And I say the word leashed. That is only the vampire term. The effects and cravings, like I said, are way more subtle for Sarah's being.
- [96:26]
Nicole
Half a half vampire, like I air quote quotes alluded to above when Sares put her venom into Fisher and she did not immediately start drinking. This is an act called dosing. That venom is an aphrodisiac if you put it on steroids, making Fisher as horny as humanly possible. But don't worry, we're nowhere near done with dosing in this book. Next episode's gonna be fun. But one of my favorite scenes is when Fisher, Wren and Lorath are all together at a rin after this and his brothers are cracking, making blue ball jokes because Sarah's dosed him and he couldn't immediately take care of business, if you know what I mean. Although big flirty points for Fisher because after she's all, like, flushed and you know, like, you know, drinking and dosed and whatever he says, quote, don't even think about it or he'll take you right here, which is so hot. And I love that. Back to the tattoos and dosing, though, because I think that this specific tattoo coming out of a dose dose is going to be very important because, yes, the act itself, but also because the literal next chapter is called dose, and I feel like you wouldn't name a chapter dose unless something really important happened in that dose, which I can think of only the tattoo.
- [97:46]
Lexi
See, I just thought it made sense because it was friends. Like, it was just very top of mind for future.
- [97:52]
Nicole
Okay, that's fair. That's fair bear. Meanwhile, like I mentioned, they are not alone. Zavinia is like whatever, but Aerith is ecstatic. He's bowing reverently before Saris, using this opportunity to get close to her queenly throne. He's waxing poetic about how Ceres is the queen now and blah blah blah blah. But ahaha, Aerith, you're clever and hot. Clever enough, enough. He doesn't believe that she deserves to be queen. He thinks that she's cursed. The gods have denounced her. But remember which God he serves. If he's saying the gods have denounced her, he's saying the under gods have denounced her. Meaning Fisher's daddy. O God, his God Daddy. I can't wait for us to talk to Rebecca Yarlos and be like, don't worry, it got worse. Now Aerith will at least be like.
- [98:51]
Lexi
Oh, thank God it's not just me.
- [98:52]
Nicole
For my books that you call people.
- [98:54]
Lexi
Weirdly, Daddy.
- [98:58]
Nicole
Aerith waited for Sarus to drink from Fisher for a reason. He wanted serious to be distracted and Kingfisher to be distracted, even though those are two very big understatements. But Kingfisher knows Aerith and he knows his cowardly ass far too well.
- [99:17]
Lexi
This whole time Aerith is near Ceres. Fischer is watching him like a hawk. Even the quicksilver in his eye is telling him to be patient and wait. Which I love how it is now helping him instead of hurting him. Talana and Ishbal have together been pulling the quicksilver out of Kingfisher, where now he can actually hear himself think. And the quicksilver is not literally slowly making him go crazy now instead of a curse. It's a blessing. This is the first time in his life that he has had this quicksilver with him. He's had the quicksilver in him since he was 11 years old. And now for the very first time, it's almost like a partner with him. A single voice instead of incessantly thousands of voices, so loud in his head. It's just so sweet and I love it. And for very good reason. It's warning him to be patient and wait. Because suddenly Aerith shows that he is not such a good guy and he pulls out a silver blade. Before Seras can make a move, Fisher slams Aerith away. He draws his godsword, Nemorel and Kate. Fisher hurls hard across the day as Aerith, slicing him cleanly in two. Fisher has whipped his sword so hard that it is lodged five inches deep into the absurd. Hold on, Dan, hold on. He's whipped his sword so hard I fish his teeth. There's an inappropriate dick joke in there somewhere. What I'm trying to say here is that Kingfisher just sliced this guy in half. As for Aeritha's body, his insights are black, with thick tar like ichor oozing out of him. Thanks to the silver blade and magic inside, Nemoral Aerith does not stand a chance even though his head was not taken off. And when he takes his final breath, his body crumples to ash. I don't know. This emphasis on a godsword taking someone out makes me wonder if Malcolm truly is dead with his head getting cut off. I want to point out that there are three high bloods who come to their leader's aid when he's decapitated. Tal boils their blood until they die. But these three have black tabards, which is like a tunic, so to speak, with blood red dragons on them. The dragon we meet in the final chapter has black scales. So not red. I did check. Om nom nom nom nom Chakrai who is this dragon's son also had black scales too. So we have not met a red dragon yet. But I really do wonder if this red dragon exists. That is their sigil represented from this underworld. Anyway, the fact that this religious group who serve the undergrads have dragons as their sigil, it makes a lot of sense because dragons are in that realm and that is where Brimstone is the source. I just love it so much. But anyway, killing a Lord of Midnight is not exactly good for the current political climate. In fairness, neither is trying to kill the new queen as soon as the law of ascension does not apply. But Seras is considered the enemy here. Aerith was one of the vampires, even if he did have bad breath as Tal says, Fisher has kind of killed the mood here. And the coronation celebrations that Zavinia was especially excited for are about to get canceled. And Fisher is going to have to leave here real fast before, you know, a riot breaks out like Nicole touched on. This will have far more reaching consequences at the end of the book with the under gods Aerith worships. But this will mean Fisher should stay out of Amon Traith for a few days. You know, to let things cool down after he slices a lord in half in front of everyone.
- [102:32]
Nicole
Chill, dude. Kingfisher serious in her full queen era is not letting Fisher be the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress.
- [102:41]
Lexi
No.
- [102:42]
Nicole
With a commanding stop in front of the entire court, it all falls to silence and as Queen, she officially now has the power to speak things into law. Meaning the second she actually speaks says something. Those who are bound to the Vampire Court Court are magically bound to follow her words as law. So she declares a few new laws. Number one, every member of this court will greet her on their knees from here on out. Yes, we are going to be keeping an eye out for certain members of the court who don't do this. Meaning they are not bound to the laws of the Vampire Court. Number two, every member of the Blood Court is forbidden from harming, hindering, or killing her, her mate or any of her friends. Number three, no feeder enthralled to a member of the High Blood may be used for the purposes of war, malice or mayhem. These last two are super extra important because it is a huge tip off that these super feeders we're about to encounter are not part of the Blood Court because they are defying these last two laws.
- [103:46]
Lexi
Which is one more reason that Remphus is especially wary that it is Taladeus doing this. Because he is is technically the only vampire who would be capable of doing this. Because he is not bound to her as a member of the court in the same way that everyone else is. Because Taladeus is her maker. Yes, I bet when Malcolm set up the system for everybody to obey him, his enemy taking his crown and having this kind of power never crossed his mind. It goes without saying that Sarris's court does not particularly like her. Just because she drank the blood does not mean that she's one of the family yet. And she knows that they don't like her. Her, she's not here to be loved. She is here to be feared and show them who is boss. Kneel for your queen.
- [104:29]
Nicole
I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to win.
- [104:33]
Lexi
But yay. The first step of our cruise plan is in place. Too bad it's all about to go to Back in Urine, the war camp we spent a lot of time in Back in Quicksilver and has been the front lines of defense against Santa's Roth for centuries. Kingfisher meets up with Brenthis and Lorth to check in with the camp and catch up. Up first though, I want to explain what a trek it is to go to and from Irin and Amitreus. It is a two hour horseback ride from Amantre, which is the vampire stronghold in Sanus Wrath. It is a two hour horseback ride across the dead fields and then you have to cross the wide frozen river known as the Darn and only then does Fisher have enough magic to properly wield or contra Shadowgate to go to Kalash or wherever he wants to go. Go. While we are on the topic of Fisher's magic, I understand that there has been some confusion among readers about how his magic works. In Amontreus, at the end of Quicksilver, after Malcolm died and his dark magic was swept away, Fischer was able to finally conjure a Shadowgate from the gate in Gilthrite to assumably here in Amon Traath, where the transitioning Ceres was brought. But he should not have been able to create Shadow Gates coming in or out of Amontreith, because that much magic does not work here. Here. So this is when we need a Thayan alchemy equivalent of cauldron boil me.
- [105:46]
Nicole
But that's okay.
- [105:47]
Lexi
We're gonna skid on past that part. In Amon Treth. Here in Brimstone, Fisher's only able to draw little bits of shadow magic here because this is the land of the undead and his magic cannot be sourced here. So that is why he then has to travel back to Erin to be able to fully activate all of his magic again. But before they jump into the serious topics, both Lorath and Ren take a jab at their friend for his unfortunate dosing incident in front of the whole court. Check. Harder than steel.
- [106:14]
Nicole
Check.
- [106:15]
Lexi
Fish are never going to live this down. Double check. As for the camp, things have been quiet since Saris ordered the feeders to go back to the Black palace in Amitreas. There should be no feeders anywhere near Kalish. Huzzah. She has effectively stopped the Sanis Ross side from attacking Evilia.
- [106:31]
Nicole
Effectively. He's doing a lot of heavy lifting there. Being at the camp is not exactly comfortable Bolt for Fisher, specifically because he's away from Saris. Remember, Fisher is a newly mated male. A newly God bound mated male. So being away from his mate is already a lot for him. And then it's also Fisher. He's a little overprotective. He's got a flipping sacrifice tattoo. He is no stranger to throwing himself under the bus for others safety. And that was before he had a man. So now the idea of serious being impossible, danger in a new court, that was the seed of an enemy he fought for years and years and years. And he's not able to get there, at least in an efficient, quick manner and, you know, help her. Yeah, he's a little on edge. But as Renfes reminds him, the law that Saera spoke means that they cannot harm Her. So she is technically safe until the super feeders come into play in a few pages.
- [107:31]
Lexi
Pages. And then we get more of the story behind someone named Foley, my boy. Yes, her name Foley in the prologue as Warth reports that he searched high and low for him. But if you read the bonus chapters the Gate part one and part two, you also remember this character as a member of the Lupo Proalia. He was part of Fisher's inner circle.
- [107:54]
Nicole
I'm so excited for this character. I love him. We get some more information about the lost member of the Lupo Paralia. He. We know that he was thrown into darkness at the battle of Azhin Gate. But here we learn that the Feeders killed him and drunk their friend dry on the spot. After the battle they found their friend and he should have been on his way to a three day path of becoming a feeder. But instead he was already transitioning into a vampire. For years they believed that this was a miracle that he became a vampire. Remember, vampires have the ability to like keep their mind instead of a feeder, which was, you know, just like this killing animal. Basically, his friends stayed with him as he completed his transition and he was so upset over those that he killed before his friends found him. And then Foley fled into the night. But it was not until years later that they learned it was Talidaeus who was the one who turned Folly after the Feeders killed him as a kindness to Fisher, who was very close with Folly. He, meaning Taladeus, fed Folly his blood and then enthralled him, making him a high blood again, still himself, not a mindless feeder. We will later learn that then Tal disembowed him and Folly never technically swore fealty to the Vampire Court. So he's a vampire? Yes, but with his own free will. And he's living in Owlgot's library with his. With the little shadow kitty cat. However, the boys do not know all of this yet. All that Wren, Lorath and Kingfisher know is that Foli went to Amitreyev because the living aren't there and therefore Foli can't endanger anyone. So they know that he would be there, somewhere in the city. And because of that assumption, they've been sending him letters for years. Oh, letters that he will never have gotten. Because Zavinia sucks girl. God, I hate you. One thing's for certain. They are going to find him no matter what. Because he is a member of the Lupo Proalia. Yes, but also. Oh, because Folly's grandfather was one of the last alchemists Alarm. Alarm. Alarm. This is a mentor mentee trope and I love it so much. Because of his lineage, Folly knows more about alchemical magic and practices, and even though Belacan burned all the alchemist books, that information, it lives in Folly's head and who needs it? Serious. I love love this storyline. I love Folly. Oh my God.
- [110:26]
Lexi
There is a distinction between how Renfas views Folly and how Lorath does. Lorath follows Fisher's lead and promises he'll tear the place apart if he has to to find their friend in the vampire stronghold. But Ren challenges Fisher and pushes back on why they need to find their friend. And I think there's a twofold to this one is Ren's personal feelings for his Folly, which I'll get into in a second, as well as his brotherhood with Fisher that is so made up of trust and respect and they've been through it all together since forever. And there's such a camaraderie between how they even argue with each other too. I really just love their friendship even when they're struggling with one another. But what's interesting is that Fisher only ever sees Remfus truly get mad when Tallades comes up. To put it simply, Ren does not trust Tal and gets frustrated that Fisher has such a blind spot for the vampire. Wren has never forgiven Tal for leading Everlane. That right there is a huge clue that Rin has feelings for Everlane. Before, Tal and Everlane were supposed to get married, especially leaving her for someone else, Zavinia and binding himself to Malcolm when from Rin's perspective, Tal did not need to do any of that. He chose Malcolm over them.
- [111:37]
Nicole
You're alluding to this, and I want to hit it home because this right here is everything I need to know. How much Renfus is in love with Everlane. If Everlane was was heartbroken and Ren had to watch his love be heartbroken, yeah, he would naturally hate the dude who broke her heart. I mean, do I think he also was a little grateful because that gave him a little opening?
- [111:57]
Lexi
Yes.
- [111:57]
Nicole
But also Renfus is such a good dude that I think he would be more angry on behalf of Everlane than he is.
- [112:02]
Lexi
Like yes, there's no denying that Tallades has done some pretty effed up shit being Malcolm's right hand and all. In fact, he was one of the people who led the attack on the agency gate. But Fisher refuses to hold this over Tal's head because he understands how awful it is to be under a curse. In Tal's case, he was enthralled to Malcolm and required to do his bidding. Only someone who has been in a similar position can understand the agony of having to follow through with orders and being unable to refuse them. While I really commend Fisher with all that about Taladeus this early in the book, it doesn't feel crazy that Remphus is calling Tal and his motives into question. Tallades is a vampire and by definition their enemy as folly will still hold on to these sentiments even after becoming a vampire himself. But Fisher knows that it's not so black and white, at least not for people who used to be one of them. And Tal showed Fisher some much needed kindness while he was trapped in the maze, which real quick we know that Malcolm would send other vampires in there too. And Aerith is one of the high bloods who never did visit Fisher in the maze. He never got to see Fisher and how much of a threat he was. And going back to Tal, Fischer understands now more than ever before what it's like to love so deeply that you would sell your soul to the devil to protect them. That is what Talladeus did because he loves the I just love how we are getting these tidbits about these guys history and complicated relationships over more than a thousand years. I think that in a lot of these fantasy books it's kind of swept under the rug how much history there is among some of these main characters who've been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. And I love how Callie really does capture the complicated nature of relationships for these guys who have been alive for over a thousand years.
- [113:45]
Nicole
Yes, I agree. Ah, it's episode one and we've already got a battle sequence. It's gonna be good. After Danya calls the bros out to the field, they find themselves staring at a river with eight feeders on the other side. But these ain't no normal, normal feeders. No. First, these feeders should not even be here to begin with. Sarus gave the royal decree not to attack, and in Santos Roth, remember they are magically bound to obey that law. So the fact that these feeders are here and under control and making moves, that means that they are not a part of the Stanislav court. Then there's this matter of how they move. We are used to feeders that move jerkily and animalistically. They're unpredictable. These feeders are moving, moving unnaturally, synchronistically, like an army of eight going left, right, left, right. Immediately the Lupoparelia are like, this is not gonna be a normal fight. So because of that they know that they need to capture at least one of these irregular feeders because they need to figure out why it's different.
- [114:52]
Lexi
Soon enough, the eight feeders dropped to all fours and let out a hair raising scream. The eerie strangeness of these creatures just doesn't stop. And then they begin crawling across the ice, still moving in unison. Left hand, right knee, Left hand, right foot. Fisher makes the call to not break the ice, which would send these undead down the river, because he knows that they need to not only kill them, but they also need to steady them. In hindsight, I wonder if these super feeders would have easily crawled out of the freezing water and just moved against the current. Probably. I'm just not going to underestimate anything about these things. However, important to note that this camp is their target. Whoever is controlling these super feeders wants to attack Eren first. Due to the rules of the land, our fey warriors cannot attack with their magic until these feeders pass the halfway point of the river. So while they wait to strike, Rin and Fisher gather their magic, holding it ready for the second. One of the feeders crosses the line. As the feeders get closer, a foul, toxic, toxic. Something fills the air. It's odorless, but Fisher can feel it moving up into his nose and down into his lungs, wanting to latch onto him and not let go. Which I wonder if this toxin is the rot, or is it dark magic from whoever is controlling these feeders?
- [116:12]
Nicole
I agree that that made my ears perk up. I feel like this odorlessness is odd on purpose and important on purpose. Later, there's mentions of the smell of ozone, and I was like, I wonder if that's connected. But the ozone smell is always tied to the Hazrax, and I literally refuse to believe that the Hazrax has anything to do with the rot. So I'm gonna go with this toxin being the rot itself or the magic from the rot. When the feeders finally launch into the air over the invisible boundary line of war, Renthus releases his magic at the same time that Kingfisher releases his shadow shadows. Ren's magical orb of energy strikes two of the feeders, while Kingfisher focuses the shadows on the remaining six. What a flex. But when Ren's magic hits those feeders, it does not crackle and kill them like it should. Instead, the magic flares, lighting up the area, and then is absorbed into the feeders in a network of bright white fissures across their ribs, almost like it's like a web connecting all of them. This absorbed Magic doesn't just affect those two feeders in it. It's connecting all of all eight of them now with this power glowing, pulsing within them. This is confusing as fuck because they've never seen this before. So Kingfisher releases his shadows onto the feeders, surrounding them and commanding his shadows to strike them hard and end this. This is terrifying. But again, when that magic, this time the shadows hits the feeders, it is drawn into them, joining with Renfes's magic that is trapped within their cheeks, chests, and connecting them. It's not just the magic that gets drawn into them, though. It's almost like their magic is being siphoned from the phase into the feeders. According to Kingfisher, it feels like breathing in ice water, ripping his breath away, leaving behind a loneliness and sorrow that is coiled in his chest and wrapped around his heart so tight that it feels as though it was breaking hold on. Kingfisher notes that in over a hundred years of being trapped in Malcolm's maze, he has never felt anything like this monster. If he can sense emotions, and we know that these feeders are from Zolvarin, why are they feeling this? Why are they feeling this lonely?
- [118:29]
Lexi
Like, oh, I thought it was specifically on Fisher, not on these feeders.
- [118:35]
Nicole
I thought it was them being connected to him and he was like feeling their emotions. If these are the emotions of the feeders, and I'm going to say the feeders, like deep, deep, deep within the feeders, where it's still the humans within them, why are they feeling so lonely? Like, is it Madra who had them imprisoned while she turned them? Because these feeders are fresh, basically. What has she been doing to them to make them feel this way, that then it pours into Kingfisher? That's what I got from this.
- [119:02]
Lexi
I did not get any of that, but okay, I see what you mean by that angle with the loneliness. I think that I am interpreting it separately where it is a. It's just like this dark magic. It is. Is this terribleness that is being inflicted on Kingfisher versus it being from somebody else. My first question with all of this is, where does the magic go after these super feeders take their magic? Do these feeders get stronger, their bodies more powerful? I didn't really get that vibe. Like, yeah, but they don't. Because they don't seem like they are able to wield the magic. Back at the Fae like Fisher is initially worried about, does the magic siphon to their maker, the one puppeteering all of this? Yes or right. That's what I'm thinking here too. Or maybe it really is as simple as the feeder feeding on the magic. And it's like after they finish taking it, you know, that's when they groan and ecstasy and it's like, oh, that's good. And they just keep on going. Good. Magic is like lost because it is essentially goes into this dark hole, like this black hole.
- [120:06]
Nicole
See, I think it's gonna go back into the magic that's fueling up. So it's like this never ending cycle or a circle where we know how important circles are in this world when it comes to magic. So I'm leaning towards the circle of life. Not life though, whatever.
- [120:21]
Lexi
The king. The circle of death.
- [120:24]
Nicole
That's dark.
- [120:25]
Lexi
Lexi.
- [120:25]
Nicole
Kingfisher tries to pull his shadows. Oh my God. You monster. How dare you. I've not recovered from that. When I was five, when I was a young warthog. Kingfisher tries to pull his shadows back, but he can't. The feeders are somehow holding onto them, pulling them to the center of their chests. Kingfisher watches in utterance, horror, as these feeders shudder and look like that. Oh, that's good magic.
- [121:02]
Lexi
Yeah. Well, friends, this is really bad. And now is when the super feeders break apart. They're nearing the warriors now, acting independently as they attack. Wielding magic on these fuckers is clearly a no go. And as Fisher warns loreth, don't he dare use his godsworth of vision easiest powerful angel's breath magic on these creatures. So the warriors meet the feeder's attacks with good old fashioned silver blades and daggers. Grabbing hold of Nimarel, Kingfisher begs it not to use any magic and to just take the feeder's head. I love Fisher's relationship with his sword, Nimarel. And I can't help but think of Remphus's twin sister Morel, whose soul is within Nimarel. Is she somehow connected to the magic of the godsword? And it's like he's talking to to her in this moment to not use magic. Anyway, when Nimarel hits the feeder, good news, there's no black smoke, no magic. Just the blade sinking into the rotten flesh. But that's the only good news in this situation. And quite frankly, it's irrelevant because Fisher and crew are fucked anyway. This ichor is not like normal feeder's blood. The thick black substance on nemrel from slicing the feeder crystallizes along the blade like frost. And it makes Nimerel scream in pain. Oh no.
- [122:20]
Nicole
It is so odd to me. That these feeders are from Zilvarin and their blood is frosting, where it's like they're from a desert realm.
- [122:28]
Lexi
I don't think the environment and all of that is relevant once when they become a feeder.
- [122:35]
Nicole
I think. I think you're right. I'm just calling out these stark contrasts that. That make them seem more eerie, more other.
- [122:43]
Lexi
So quick pause about this super feeder because it has shorn hair and arms covered in runes. Runes. This is not the first feeder we have seen with rune marks either. A feeder in quicksilver had a rune tattooed on his forehead. As we'll find out from Carrion soon. These feeders have rounded ears. And at least one of the females in this group of eight undead appears to definitely be from Zelvar. We have not received any hint from Serris that runes on arms were common back in Sylvarin. They seem to be a bit of a new concept here to her. That's at least just what I'm getting from context clues. So where did these runes come from on this human? What do they mean? Are they connected at all to the less scary theaters that did have runes or to the people that they were beforehand? I remember we did ask Callie back during our call of California in our last dive and we asked her about the rune and she said that we would learn later on. I wonder if this is another clue to that big mystery that's building up here. But back to the speed of flesh that's causing Nemoral pain because I do find it extra interesting given what we know about Nemrel's history. It is a God sword from one of the dead houses in Daxis. One of the forgotten blades of the Under God's ancestors. I love that it's older than the Halls of Kingdoms combined and the traitor gods, which include the twin goddesses. And I'm going to assume Zarth, they are the ones who gave it to Fisher. So traitor gods gave it to Fisher. The twin goddesses who did give it to him. We're going to talk all about that later. But the point for now is that powerful of a sword from hell is screaming in pain from this super feeder. And I'm going to guess from its dark magic or even the rock lot that makes it feel even more unnatural.
- [124:30]
Nicole
I think they're traitor gods because they are deciding to keep the Tree of Life going rather than just scrap it and start again. Yeah, okay.
- [124:39]
Lexi
Yes.
- [124:39]
Nicole
Wanted to make sure we're on the same page there.
- [124:41]
Lexi
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Because yeah. Zarath has made it clear that like he's going rogue from everybody.
- [124:46]
Nicole
Imagine Styx like because he's one of the other gods. Styx would be like bro, because he's one of the ones who wants to just end it. Which does include many ending Kingfisher, one of his sons guns.
- [124:56]
Lexi
Or is this Morel screaming in pain from the slice? Like because it's her soul bound to it. And that's why Fisher's like there's no way that I'm going to do this again. Because it hurt Morel so badly here. And that's it, right? Kate Fisher's slice into the theater even though Nemrell did not like it.
- [125:12]
Nicole
Everything's good now, right?
- [125:13]
Lexi
Wrong. Because it should be dead, but it is not. The theater does not even notice that it has been wounded as it attempts to use the use its teeth along the blade to get closer to Kingfisher. This is insane. Because even without her magic, Nemrel is both silver and iron. The fae part of the feeder should be recoiling from the iron and the vampire part should be highly affected by the silver. Ah, except it was a human before Fisher. I'm not going to lie. I'm a little disappointed in my new number two book boyfriend for missing the glaring detail that these feeders have rounded ears. Yes, I know you are distracted. I forgive you, but I'm just calling it out.
- [125:56]
Nicole
He is literally in the throes of battle with an enemy he has never witnessed before. I.
- [126:01]
Lexi
Do you think that he would be a little bit more aware of what they look like?
- [126:06]
Nicole
He's trying to stay alive. This.
- [126:08]
Lexi
This is when he's watching them from afar. His face sight can catch their eye, their ears.
- [126:17]
Nicole
He is freaking out. He's also a little distra. He got dosed earlier today. He's a little distracted. Anyway.
- [126:24]
Lexi
I forgive him. I just. Sane so with the fear. Being a human before it turned. That is why the iron does not impact it. But this seems to be a power far beyond the vampire's ability because again, the silver should be impacting it. Even without its head fully attached, this super feeder is still attempting to get up and fight. It just will not fucking die. And it's not just Nimrel that is not affecting these feeders. None of the warrior's weapons are damaging them no matter how hard they try. Sufficient to say this is unheard of. It's inconceivable.
- [126:57]
Nicole
With nothing else working, Fisher orders to light em up. Because if fire doesn't work, then they are fucked. Hundreds of torches are lit where the normal feeders would Just start, you know, backing up. At this point, these feeders do not. They literally do not even care. A torch gets thrown. And before it even makes contact with the feeder, even the quicksilver in Kingfisher's eye is telling him, this ain't gonna work. But it must be wrong, right? Because the feeders light up like Christmas trees when torches hit them. That's the logic they've been working off for years. This feeder doesn't even make a sound, though. It just crouches there, slowly turns, and then launches fire alit through the air on the warrior who threw the torch. And then the feeder, the on fire feeder, kills him in a heartbeat. And after killing that warrior, he goes to the next, and then the next, and then the next. It's not even phased by actively being on fire. Taking it upon themselves, Fisher and Danya rush after the feeder. And then when they get to it, they grab it, force it to the ground. All while Violet still burning. Which means, unfortunately, the flames are eating at their arms and clothing. Danya's hair. Until finally, someone takes off its head.
- [128:12]
Lexi
Decapitation. The ultimate feeder and vampire killer. But what the fuck? It still won't die. How is this possible? Though it can at least be overpowered. Now we will take that win. Danya and Fisher are both badly burned in this endeavor. And even though the super feeder is still won't fucking die, at least its head is not attached to the body anymore. I would be so terrified. Oh, my God. It takes the Fae of the war camp a while to round up the seven remaining feeders and take off their heads by lashing them with ropes and pinning them in place while sawing off their heads. But even with their heads removed, guess what, everybody? The feeders will not die. The heads are in a sack down by the river. And the feeder heads are literally trying to chew their way through the fabric.
- [129:02]
Nicole
No, no, no, no, no.
- [129:05]
Lexi
And their bodies are tied to a large oak tree near the riverbank. A big oak tree that's been here for as long as Fisher can remember. And since these creatures have been tied up around the tree, the tree, from its roots all the way to the top, is covered in slimy mushrooms. Dun, dun, dun. Way more on all this with the feeders and the rot spreading from the tree a little later and. And honestly, obviously, throughout this whole deep dive. But I'm wondering if these feeders brought the rot to this realm. Whether they were infected for it to spread, or the dark, powerful magic animating them is the cause of the rot. In which case, this is a blood curse kind of undead on a whole new level.
- [129:44]
Nicole
As for the damage that the Feeders did, this is only the second time in centuries that the Feeders have reached.
- [129:51]
Lexi
The this side of the darn.
- [129:53]
Nicole
And while they took care of them relatively quickly the first time we saw that in Quicksilver, this time half the camp is in ruins thanks to eight Feeders.
- [130:04]
Lexi
Oh, it's so sad. And the section closest to the river where the Feeders came from, it is completely destroyed.
- [130:10]
Nicole
The worst part of it all is that they lost 114 warriors. They have never in this entire war history had an outpost massacre like this. And definitely not from eight Feeders. Even now, Ren and Fisher can still feel those Feeders, the decapitated Feeders, tugging at their magic, trying to siphon more off of them. So Tldr, this is bad. Bad, bad, bad, bad. News bears. The Feeders in the past have been a very real threat. But never in all that their Fae years have any of our crew seen eight feeders take out 114 Fey soldiers. That's only eight Feeter. Can I hit home one more time? Eight feeders. They don't know how many are in this army. So you know how last book I was like, I don't know, the Triumvirate kind of seemed like level one bad guys. If the Triumvirate are behind this shit, I don't think I stand on that hill anymore.
- [131:13]
Lexi
I do not think that the Triumvirate is directly and solely behind this. It's not out of the question because of what we find out with Zolvarin and you know, the Madra connection with all of that.
- [131:25]
Nicole
They have this new enemy who will not die no matter what they throw at it. And they don't know where it's coming from.
- [131:31]
Lexi
They've never been this powerless against an enemy before. How are they supposed to go up a killing machine that cannot die and.
- [131:39]
Nicole
Just to hit the nail on the head one more time.
- [131:42]
Lexi
Time.
- [131:42]
Nicole
Have we mentioned that these Feeders drain the Fae's magic after the Fae use magic on them. Oh dear, oh dear. It is time to put our heads together. Get it? Heads. Because they have a sack of heads. And get to the bottom of these new super feeders back at Amon, Treeth, Kingfisher, Lorath, Taladeus, Carrion and Saris are all together with their bag of heads. Small note here because Carrion says that the heads smell like serious quote old apartment above the Mirage. Which serious notes. Carrion shouldn't know what that smells like, considering he never came over when she and Hayden lived there, which I agree is quite a head scratcher. What's more, he's saying that these heads smell like Silvarin again, as we're about to discover that these heads and the feet are that were attached to them were indeed from Sylvarin. Oh, it's so good.
- [132:39]
Lexi
I love it.
- [132:40]
Nicole
Let's talk about these heads for a.
- [132:43]
Lexi
Moment though.
- [132:46]
Nicole
Because remember, normal feeders are permanently dead to the world when their head is severed from their body. But not these feeders. They are still alive. A they have clouded red blinking eyes, their cheeks are blackened from the fire, and above all, they are are gross.
- [133:03]
Lexi
So obviously the big question in the room is where did these super feeders come from and who is controlling them? Was it you, Taladeus? No. Okay, cool. Nicole, tell me, on your first read, did you think that Tal was guilty?
- [133:17]
Nicole
I didn't. Mainly because I was tired, but also because I think I was so focused on them thinking that it was tail days. And I if something about Wren's nagging that it is. Talladeus felt like it was a direction for us readers to look when something else was happening in the other direction. So I was trying to look at the other direction. I felt the exact same way too.
- [133:41]
Lexi
Yes. Because like you mentioned, Yep. Rinfus certainly thinks that he is the one behind it. And Lorath is one who poses the question, was this you? And it's like he's asking for his.
- [133:50]
Nicole
Buddy who's not here.
- [133:51]
Lexi
But the truth is, Tal has no idea where these super feeders could have possibly come from. Beheaded like this, they should not still be animated. He has never seen or heard of this happening. So this right here tells us that this was beyond even Malcolm's wildest dreams. These feeders are clearly not of this realm. When these different and extremely dangerous feeders were introduced to the story, I was like, let's fucking go. And by the end of the book, there is still so much mystery surrounding these feeders. If Malcolm did not know about this kind of stuff, stuff, I think that if he did know about it, he absolutely would have used it. So I don't think that he would have known, which kind of makes it seem like that it's not behind the Triumvirate. Yes. It could have happened after Malcolm was gone and Belcon and Madra were like, okay, well, this is going to be how we get more of our power.
- [134:42]
Nicole
But Matt was also working against the Triumvirate when she still the quicksilver. So I don't think it's her fully behind these new super feeders and layers.
- [134:51]
Lexi
Less.
- [134:51]
Nicole
There's more to Madra that meets the eye, which I'll get to in a second. But I do think that it wouldn't be out of the question for Madra to hold this secret close to her chest and use it when it works for her, not when it works for Malcolm and Bellicon, because she's done it before. How do we know where these feeders are from, though? Let's talk about Carrion's brilliance. I do not blame. I do not blame the Lupa paralia, but for seeing this, you know, when they first, you know, see the heads and not really putting two and two together. They were preoccupied. They were distracted. They were burned. Literally getting healed because it fucking hurt. You're a monster, Lexi.
- [135:33]
Lexi
I'm just saying.
- [135:37]
Nicole
You'Re not a monster. I love you. I love that. It is Carrion Swift who gets to say this discovery out loud. He sees how one of the female feeders is marked with. With a cross behind her ear. Same spot that saris is marked. This branding is what happens to seven out of every 10 females in the third when they are sterilized against their will so that they cannot have children. Fuck you, Madra. Because her political reasoning is that they're polluted, so they shouldn't be able to procreate. Basically, this means that not only is this feeder from Zolvarin, but the spider is from the third.
- [136:14]
Lexi
Ah. See, these are the little lore, details that you learn in one book, and then it comes back in a bigger way in the sequel. I just love them so much, and I really do believe that is something Cali does so well. Yes.
- [136:26]
Nicole
There's one more thing that tips them off, that these feeders are from Sylvarin, a human realm. Their ears are round. I love that these are the two clues, because if it was just round ears, these feeders, super feeders, could have been from any realm that was human or had humans in it. There are millions of realms out there. Surely some have predominantly human people. Adam, like Sylvarian. But because there's also that branded mark in the same spot behind her ear, that narrows the scope drastically. But wait, couldn't they just be humans from long, long ago, when the blood curse was going on in Evalia? No, because the feeders have a lifespan before they fully desiccate, which is about five to 10 years. The blood curse was over an age ago, which is much more than five to 10 years. Also, these feeders looked fresh, maybe like A week old. So what was happening a week ago, you ask? Oh, Malcolm's death. Madra fleeing through the quicksilver, back to Zilvarin, and all hell breaking loose.
- [137:33]
Lexi
Loose.
- [137:34]
Nicole
So that brings me to a quick note that I have, because I am. I am on watch for if the gods. If we do not have confirmation, but if the gods are walking the Earth again, like the possibility of Styx being Finryn and Finryn, you know, walking the earth, traveling through realms, is it possible that Madra is also a member of the Corcoran? There's only one other goddess other than Bal and Mithun, and that is Nichinai, goddess of magic masks. So this made me go back and look at any instances that the word mask was used with Madra. And you guessed it. Yes. When we first meet Madra, we get this quote. Madra's fair face had fooled many, but a dark, ugly pit roiled away behind the mask she wore. I saw it. I felt it in her words, the countless horrors this woman had commanded in the. That sweet, lilting voice. And that's not all, because when they piece together in this scene that this very well could be Madra's doing, we get this quote. Fisher said nothing. His face a mask of furious concentration. So that mask tie in could be intentional. Could Madra be Nichinai, the goddess of masks? And that is how she's creating these new super feeders. That is the only way I see Madra being this big bad. Love that. Thank you. Yes.
- [139:03]
Lexi
That is impressive, Nicole. That is some out of the box thinking. Like, you're saying, if Madra is the big bad behind all of this, that is how I could definitely see it as well.
- [139:13]
Nicole
Same.
- [139:14]
Lexi
Yes.
- [139:14]
Nicole
I do not think it would just be Madra, but it would also make sense how Madra, AKA Nietzsche, and I would know how these drastically big geometric shapes are siphoning magic. Like, it would be another way that she's able to.
- [139:29]
Lexi
Well, what about this? Because. And I know we're gonna talk so much more about it when we get to this point, but the city has always been that shape. And we also know from the UK bonus chapter for Quicksilver that Madra had just come to power. Like, she was very young. She was only, I believe, 19 years.
- [139:45]
Nicole
Old, something like that.
- [139:46]
Lexi
Yeah, very young. And it was talking about her father before her and her ancestors and things like that. This feels a little bit of a stretch. But what if this goddess saw this opportunity and essentially, I'm not going to say, like, took Madra's identity by any Means, but something to that effect, because she knew that this reign of power over the city would help.
- [140:08]
Nicole
Well, we know from Edina with Everlane that taking over one's body is not. Is not out of the question in this world. So Nietzsche and I could have done that with Madras, but just in a very permanent way. I don't know.
- [140:23]
Lexi
There would definitely be a lot more layers to it. But I. I see where you're going with this idea.
- [140:28]
Nicole
Yeah.
- [140:28]
Lexi
Yeah. If she is not Nechinai, then there could be some kind of occult partnership with her as well.
- [140:36]
Nicole
Yeah, kind of. How? Like Kingfisher is Zarath's champion. What if Madra was Zechenai's champion?
- [140:43]
Lexi
I don't know if I would use the word champion, but. But something.
- [140:47]
Nicole
Yeah, puppeteer. Her puppeteer. Yeah, puppeteer.
- [140:50]
Lexi
Throughout this book so far, starting from the prologue, Fisher has drastically underestimated Carrion. You know, not even this book so far, throughout all of Quicksilver, too. And to be honest, King Fisher, my beloved, has been belittling Carrion and thought and just thinks the worst of all.
- [141:05]
Nicole
You are meaner to Kingfisher in this episode than you were when we were giving him L's on L's on L's.
- [141:14]
Lexi
While we're giving him L's on L's on L's.
- [141:17]
Nicole
That's my point, Lexi. That's my point.
- [141:19]
Lexi
I am pointing out my wonderful partner's flaws because I know he is better than that and because there are so few things that he does not so wonderfully that.
- [141:37]
Nicole
Look at his. His 13 L's from one.
- [141:41]
Lexi
I did not give him 13 L's. I think I agreed to about half of those. Well, yes, some of Fisher's perspective on Karion is absolutely warranted. Karion is going to prove Fisher wrong time and time again. So I do like how since the beginning, we get Fisher's true thoughts about Carrion in the scene with Karion just wanting to be involved. Karion is immediately belittled by Kingfisher for his lack of. Of expertise and experience. And Taladeus is straight up ignoring him. He is not being taken seriously. Fisher is openly mocking him for not having any battle experience or knowledge in their current situation. AKA theaters and blood curses. In King Fisher's defense, as he points out, Karion has said that he has no interest in fighting for his throne. Except I don't believe that even in this moment, that is what his heart wants. Because we also learn how Carrion has been asking questions about, like, about what happened at Agen Gate, which I know asking Questions is not, you know, groundbreaking news with our guy Carrion, but Asking Questions expresses interest. He wants to learn about what has been going on in his realm. He wants to know what he's missed. He wants to get caught up so that he can be a part of it moving forward here. It's not until Carrion points out the fact that these feeders were human and the female has a sterilization mark that they start to really listen to him. To Fisher and the others, Carrion is just the happy, go lucky, annoying, might as well be human smuggler who does not know anything about this world, so he should not even be here. But we also know that there is so much more to carry in than meets the eye in this moment. He is the only one to see the obvious signs that something is even more wrong than they initially thought. And I'm just so excited to keep discussing his character arc in this book.
- [143:22]
Nicole
I love it. Somewhere in the back of Sarris's mind, she hears a whisper. She hears us. Oh, yes, she hears. Hello, Quicksilver. It's nice to hear you again. Oh, how convenient. There is a Quicksilver pool here in Amontrez, which means it is time to travel back to Kalash, where the rest of the Cadre is there to discuss what the hell they're gonna do next. But don't worry, we will get to that wonderful homecoming next episode.
- [143:51]
Lexi
Let's tap into our inner oracle and turn our full attention to other important foreshadowing moments for the rest this book, as well as speculations for book three and even beyond. In the prologue, that vampire purposefully sets him up for Kingfisher to kill and says that Fisher's saved him from what he's become. This is only the beginning of how we'll see the evolution of feelings about being a vampire. And I find it noticeable that this is how the book opens, especially because then the vampire says it's already been seen, that they're going to destroy her, meaning Sarah and the court will fall with her inside it. Which does not seem true from what we know in this book. And since the vampires are basically all gone before the end of this book, I don't see what this vampire says that could have any truth to it. But I'm gonna hold on to that bit of info as we continue reading, because what he says, especially in the prologue, feels very ominous. And.
- [144:45]
Nicole
Yeah, you mean the guy who talked about Velvet?
- [144:50]
Lexi
I think that he said way more important things than about Velvet.
- [144:52]
Nicole
Nicole, there's a moment in the prologue, where Fisher mentions how much he hates the gods. I love all this foreshadowing for the gods. And I want to know why Kingfisher hates them so much.
- [145:07]
Lexi
Oh, I just assumed that it's because of his history visiting Zarith and he thinks they're arrogant pricks or something like that.
- [145:13]
Nicole
But if he's half God in him, in and of himself, there's gotta be more to that story.
- [145:18]
Lexi
I absolutely do agree. And he pretty much admits in the last few pages, he's like, sorry, honey, I've been hiding some things from you.
- [145:25]
Nicole
Yeah, you think? Then also, after Fisher heals Onyx, Sarah starts asking questions about magic and how small magics works. And Fisher thinks to himself, quote, I would explain it to her some other time. There was still a shocking amount that she did not know about its realm, its people, and its magic.
- [145:44]
Lexi
Magic.
- [145:45]
Nicole
But that could wait. I think he's referring to. At least part of what he's referring to here is his heritage.
- [145:50]
Lexi
I thought that it was just his birthright, magic and small magics. Because it's a correct statement. She does not know much about this world that she's part of now.
- [145:59]
Nicole
We get mention of fire killing vampires a lot in the prologue alone. While we will later learn it is brimstone that kills the rot in this new, you know, super feeders. But I love that it's this evolution of fire into brimstone. So I think that's just a nice little hint to us that fire is.
- [146:17]
Lexi
A huge part of this book.
- [146:18]
Ad Read Announcer
Yes.
- [146:19]
Nicole
Yes, indeed. Yes. As Fisher and Carrion fight to save Onyx, it just. We see how far they're going to come in this book as buddies, allies, friends.
- [146:31]
Lexi
Oh, they're definitely buddies. Kiss. Fisher gives him a hug.
- [146:33]
Nicole
I know. I can't wait to talk about it. I'm sorry.
- [146:37]
Lexi
So excited. How can I not call out the foreshadowing for the audiobook teaser that had the fandom absolutely spiraling that there would be a love triangle? Kingfisher thinks about Carrion at staying here in Amontrez, quote, and he could have his reasons, so long as none of them involved him harboring any sort of hope that Serris was going to confess her undying love for him. That wasn't happening. Well, Carrion does not feel that way about Sari. He's not in love with her in any kind of way that threatens Fisher and Sarris's relationship. But he does love Serris. He admires her and respects her. And I think that he looks up to her in so many Ways and feels a kinship with her being from the same place and both feeling a little torn in the worlds that they both exist in. Fisher says to Carrion, quote, the day you save me on a battlefield, I'll put on a dress and dance a fucking jig. I mean, they have not been on a battlefield together yet. Yet. But please, oh, please, tell me that this happens and Carrion will remember this promise.
- [147:36]
Nicole
This next one is more of a question. In chapter one, Fisher uses his shadow powers, but it's described as, quote, tendrils of shadows and glittering black sand. Is black sand and shadows the same?
- [147:49]
Lexi
That's kind of my understanding. I don't think it's like the exact same thing, and it's just different descriptors. But I do think that it comes from the same birthday. Write magic. Yep.
- [147:58]
Nicole
I agree. Okay, same page. I think Fisher mentions his tattoos, and the biggest one saying sacrifice. And it got me thinking. We know at the end of this book that Fisher is declaring a trade to stick Scott of Shadows. But we don't know what that trade is yet.
- [148:14]
Lexi
And I guarantee you it's going to.
- [148:15]
Nicole
Have to do with sacrifice. And that's yet another reason it's the biggest tattoo on Fisher.
- [148:21]
Lexi
All right, Nicole, you have your wind watch. I have my moon watch. The moonlight paints Ceres skin silver. Another little connection between her and the moon. Again from Fisher's pov. He connects her with the moon. And yes, Nicole, I am just so proud of you for guessing that about the stars and being part of Fisher's full name. Kudos to you.
- [148:39]
Nicole
Thank you.
- [148:39]
Lexi
I'm guessing all this mention of moon associated with Ceres is to complement his connection to the stars. It's like he is the stars and she is the moon.
- [148:47]
Nicole
Aww.
- [148:48]
Lexi
When the super theater takes the kernel of magic from Fisher after he attacks him with his shadow, he feels like it takes root in his soul. Later, he thinks about how he's doing better that Talena was able to fix him. But I can't help but wonder, like, is he. Is his little feeding connection to his magic or him losing that bit of his birthright magic going to cause problems down the line?
- [149:10]
Nicole
I personally don't think so. I feel like we would have seen it later. It was. But maybe.
- [149:18]
Lexi
Maybe it's just really showing.
- [149:21]
Nicole
Do not use your magic. Yeah.
- [149:23]
Lexi
Yeah.
- [149:24]
Ad Read Announcer
Okay.
- [149:24]
Nicole
That's kind of what I figured. Well, you mentioned star watch, Lexi. I am going to pull out every single mention of stars because we officially have Kayden Graystar Finvara's full name. So there's this moment where Saeris says that their bond is like two stars colliding. Ah, so good. Sarus mentions how solid this is heavy and she can barely hold it. Perfect foreshadowing for her to, oh, I don't know, make it two swords mid battle. I literally cannot wait to talk about that.
- [149:58]
Lexi
So this one makes me sad. But Sarah's thinking about how keeping Hayden out of trouble and feeding him and watering him was a full time job and how much she sacrificed for him. Literally her whole love life too, but many other things. Well, that little shit is not going to understand her sacrifices and throw it all back at in her face.
- [150:16]
Nicole
I want to wring that little brother out like a towel. When we get to that episode, I am so excited. Oh my God. All right, it is time to enter Algot's library with Guru the Shadow Cat curled up in our lap. Where each episode Lexi guides us through a world building topic to help us deepen our understanding of this world and its map magic.
- [150:43]
Lexi
That's right, friends. It is now called All Gets Library because like I said, we get no mention of my boy Rosarius in this book. And for all I know, he's in the bowels of the Winter palace dungeon. So we're staying relevant. And this time we have a shadow cat and paper birds that turn into a mysterious book. And I love it so much. Anyway, today's Elgin's library topic is Vampire Court politics. We got a long one here, everybody. The Vampire Blood Court is the youngest of Yvelia's courts, but they hold strong to their traditions. The vampires are notoriously vicious and narrative nature, which is why they stick to the rules of court so fiercely. Without hard rules, the vampires would fall into complete carnage. And so they take honoring their traditions very seriously. Let's go through the basic hierarchy here. So first of all, of course, we have the monarch, the King or queen. Until Ceres, the Blood Court had only ever had one monarch, Malcolm. Then we have the Lords of Midnight, who are five vampire Lords who rule under the Vampire Monarch regardless of sex. They are referred to as Lord and are known to to be savages, cutthroat and power hungry. And there are always five lords, but more on that in a minute. Each has a title, the Keeper of Something. This appears to attribute to the Lord's specialties and how they can help better protect the vampires and serve their court. The Keeper title is unique to each lord and is not passed on with the position. For example, when the vampires are petitioning Seras for the open Lord Position. They announce the title they would hold and why they should have it. We'll get the proposition for the Keeper of Warfare. Which is from a vampire who is a prominent trainer in the art of siege warfare and has led several battalions of the Horde. And then there's the other one. The Keeper of Pain. Who is apparently from the Princess Bride. And this vampire is an engineer. Not only in infrastructure but also weapons of war that are specifically designed to inflict unimaginable pain. And then beneath the five Lords of Midnight is the Blood Court. So each of the Blood Court Court's standings are as follows. At the top is the High Bloods. The High Bloods are the next level down. After the Lords of Midnight. Thousands of high bled vampires live within the walls of Amontreith. And all of them are Malcolm's children. Consider them the upper class vampires. Some have thralls and slaves. Some don't. Then we have the lowbloods. The Lowbloods are the lowest ranking of all the vampires in Amontreith. They are the staff and the maids. What makes the difference between a Lowblood and a High Blood? I'm not entirely sure. I'm not sure if it's is regarding their status before they turn vampire or after they turn vampire. I'm guess that it's a little bit of both. Then after the low Bloods, we have the enthralled Fae. Most. But I will say not all of the Fae in Amitre are enthralled and not here willingly. Now there are some Fae here willingly, but they are very uncommon. And they like to get high off dosing in exchange for drinking. That's how Tal gets his living blood to stay immortal. Then we have the dead stock, the feeders and the slaves. Slaves which I'm using interchangeably because I think that's how they do it. Or the slaves are kind of the enthralled Fae. Or they're all kind of intermingled here together. So based on my interpretation, dead stock and feeders are the same thing. I think the dead stock is what the vampires call feeders. Which we are very familiar with. Feeders. But we've only been getting it from the phase perspective so far. Right. Feeders are bound to the High Blood who made them. No matter what. They will only obey their sire. Some slaves are branded when they've turned. But most members of of the Court, they don't bother. Runes and tags of ownership are never required since dead stock and feeders cannot be stolen. Then we have the shunned vampires who are Vampires that disrespect the Crown, they are not considered members of the Court. The Court in fact rips out their fangs if they will not swear allegiance. It's a slow and miserable death since without fangs a vampire cannot feed the normal way. At first they will starve, then they go mad dead. Then they wither away to husks. Most shunned vampires end up out on the dead field, trapped between Amon Traith and the Darn. If a High Blood comes across a vampire with missing teeth, they're encouraged to execute them on sight. Being shunned can also include having their bond to their maker rescinded. This means their maker, which is almost always Malcolm recalls their blood, AKA the blood that was used to turn them and it results in the vampire throwing up said blood. This is very shameful for the vampire. And even if they are not shunned, they can still be shamed within vampire society if this is done. So they do not have to have their fangs removed for this kind of process, but it's just not considered a good thing whatsoever. Shifting gears here to the rules of changing monarchs because it is very straightforward. As we saw from this episode. Using the same rule as the Fae Courts, the crown is passed down to a Regent's heir. Heir or in the case of the Regent is murdered and there is no heir, the crown is claimed by the one who kills them. The Vampire Court has only ever had one King Malcolm and he never named an heir since he planned on living forever. When there is a change in monarch, there is a short grace period where the crown to be is safe from being straight up murdered. This is called the Law of Ascension. The Court has to acknowledge the incoming monarch as the rightful crown and proceed with the coronation before they can try to steal the throne or murder the crown. Now let's talk about the actual crowning of the new monarch. First. The court acknowledges the new King or Queen and assesses if they are eligible for the crown. They have to feed from the life source of the living. The vampires don't trust in a monarch that is not leashed to the blood. Technically this was not law before, but pretty much the Lords of Midnight made a law in real time here because they did not trust Sirus to not have already done this. Once it's been decided that the criteria has been met, they are able to proceed with the coronation. This takes place in the hall of Tears which we are already described plenty of earlier. And each of the Lords of Midnight stands at one of the points of the star that is on the mosaic flooring. The ceremony is simple. One of the Lords of Midnight, in Ceres's case, Aerith, walks up to the dais, bows before the new monarch and places a gold diadem on their head. Let's shift gears to these Lords of Midnight. Each of the Lords wears a ring called a Ring of Office. And this ring is a source of power gifted by Malcolm when they were chosen as his Lord Lords. Each is supposed to contain an equal amount of magic, but it is rumored that Talz is the most powerful. There are only five rings and they each get passed on to the new Lord if a previous Lord dies. There is Hasrax, who has a thick gold band with a large blood red ruby. Talidaz ring has a warm citrine colored stone. Then there is Sylvania, who has a thick gold band with a purple stone. Aerith. And then Folly's ring has a large amber orange jewel. And knowing that Folly is still a vampire by the end of this, I wonder if he still has the ring and if that will come in handy at any point. And then we unfortunately do not know anything about Owl's ring. Moving on to the selection process of a new Lord of Midnight. When a spot in the five Lords opens up, a selection evening is held. I do want to point out that only one other selection evening has ever taken place. So I'm going to assume that before this, Malcolm appointed them those he thought best for the job to, you know, just create the five Lords of Midnight. And then if one ever goes away, then that is when they have the new selection process. So here is how the selection works. Candidates present themselves to become the new Lord of Midnight. The monarch must listen to each petition, and after which, pick who they like best. Each petition includes the candidate's background in who they are and what they've done for the Blood Court, as well as why they believe that they would make the best choice for Lord of Many. They also propose what keeper title they want and again give the reason as to why their skills will be beneficial to the Court. The current members of the Lords of Midnight are of course, we have Talidaeus, who was Malcolm's second in command and is now Ceres, advisor and guide to vampire politics. He is the Keeper of Secrets. And Tal has been a part of Malcolm's court for just over 1063 years. Then we have Zavenia. She's known to be a horrible person in general, if you didn't catch that from this deep dive already. And she is the Keeper of missives, which she has held that position for 783 years. She is in charge of all communication in and out of Amon Treeth. Battle orders, news, secrets, letters, everything goes through her. Then we have the Hasrax. Technically not an official member of the Court, but has a deal with Malcolm and now Ceres to watch them. He is the Keeper of Silence. The Hasrax does not participate in most of the Court things. It just watches. It's only broken its silence for a very small amount of people. And Alligate. She used to be a witch, cast out by her own clan by meddling in dark magic magics. She is the Keeper of Records, who is responsible for the library in the palace and gets to decide who gets to check books out and who has access to them. And there's Aerith, a religious leader worshiping the Under Gods. And he's an emissary for the Dioxin people. He's the Keeper of Evenlight. We don't actually know what this role entails or how it's connected to his positions as a religious leader and emissary, but you know, we're gonna be guessing throughout this deep dive here. Moving on now to the only previous member of the Lords of Midnight Knight, who is named Zaris. He held the Lord position before Alet. And we don't have an exact time on when this happened, just that it happened fairly recently. Who knows how long ago that was in vampire terms, after he was killed by his own brother over a pointless disagreement. And later in this book, we will have a new member of the Lords of Midnight to replace Aerith, which is folly, our boy. He is Slash Was, I'm gonna say is a member of the Lupo Proalia and was shunned by Malka. He's also never been an official member of the Court. He will be selected by Sers as the newest member of the Lords of Midnight. And as far as we know, he does not have a Keeper title. And technically, I don't think the Lords of Midnight still exist, like an hour after he fills a role. But anyway, that's all the Vampire Court politics for today. Or else we'll be here all day and all night. Next episode, we will go more into vampire culture and the society in general.
- [160:25]
Nicole
Let us close out this episode by prancing through the snow with our favorite little fox, Onyx.
- [160:32]
Lexi
Being in Kingfisher's Head and seeing his POV with Carrion is hilarious. And exactly what I imagined. Like, when he goes, is it actually important? Or do you just think it is? Or the way that Karion taunts him about his mate.
- [160:45]
Nicole
When Carrion walks into the room with Fisher and Talentoe and he says cloak.
- [160:50]
Lexi
But.
- [160:50]
Nicole
Well, I suppose no one else is going to say it, then I will. You look downright fuckable, Sayers Fane. He has no shame and I love it.
- [160:58]
Lexi
And then when he's like, what if your girlfriend is hanging off a cliff and you're dead? Can I touch her then? I love Karen.
- [161:05]
Nicole
One of my favorite videos from our all nighter reading is Lexi on the couch at like 2 in the morning being like, she's not my girlfriend, okay? She's my maid.
- [161:16]
Lexi
There is a line that goes, we rode like the wind. And now I'll never not picture Fisher and Bill like Woody and Bullseye. Ride like the wind, Bullseye. On this same note, Phil the horse deserves extra carrots for charging into the oncoming theaters without even flinching. I love the animals in this series. And I also love how Fisher thanks Phil over and over. Yay for good animal relationships. Not really a favorite moment, but I gotta call this out. In all good fun, I promise. Seras, you're still thinking the worst of Fisher when you figure he would kill onyx. But in typical Fisher way, he had made it abundantly clear he did not think that a fox deserved to live in the past.
- [162:02]
Nicole
In the past. He says it in this chapter. He says, I still think the fox would make a great hat. Is he joking? Sure. But still, when Fisher slowly puts the garrote on saris and Tal is like, there's really no time for this, Fisher. Get like, get your hands off your girlfriend, okay? And Carrion says, quote, oh, I don't know, I think it might be able to spare a minute.
- [162:27]
Lexi
And then when he says to Tal, it's not a garrotte. And then in Ceres's mind he's like, it definitely is. I know. Like, this is the relationship that I have been so excited for. Oh my goodness.
- [162:37]
Nicole
Isn't that technically lying? If he says it's not a garage?
- [162:40]
Lexi
You are correct, Fisher.
- [162:44]
Nicole
The oaths. The oath.
- [162:45]
Lexi
Sweet. We need to figure out a cauldron point that series.
- [162:51]
Nicole
I also love that when they're in the hall of Tears and Zidia is giving her like Oscar winning performance and Fisher is yawning, he's so bored. I love it. And while there is no more funny, flirty or Elworthy, I'm gonna make a flirty or dear God, sir, and this is for sure the latter. He says, quote, you can own your fantasies with me, little Osha. There is nothing in this realm or the next I wouldn't give you if you desired it. All you need to do is ask.
- [163:23]
Lexi
Hello. Hello. I am officially beginning a bowels of Blank cow. In this chapter stretch we have bowels of the Black palace and bowels of Amontreis. So we're at 2 now.
- [163:39]
Nicole
What if it's bowels? Boil me. I am officially starting a new segment and it is called Daddy Watch. Not Daddy are not our normal Daddy watch Lexi like it was with funny and flirty and L worthy and not our Daddy Watch like it is with the Empyrean series instead. This is any time Finryn or Fisher's dad is mentioned. We are cataloging it. This is so we can figure out if it means that Finryn is truly Sticks and that's who it's alluded to at the end of this book. Or if there are two different people. And we luckily have a light round today starting off with Sarris acknowledging solace and how. This is a light round. Yes, this is a light round. They see all this text, the outline starting off with Sarus acknowledging solace and how quote it had belonged to Fisher's father. Now note we are in Sarah's pov. She does not know the ending yet. So this that. Take this all with a grain of salt. We do know for a fact that solid this was Finryn's sword. He was the owner. Because in the Orlenna chapter with literally Finryn being the one wielding the sword and then Madra, you know, plunging it into the quicksilver. So right off the bat we have a Fisher's father equals Finran. Father Finran. Looking back at that bonus chapter, here are some descriptions of Finran. He is Fae, but cut like a monster. Okay, Daddy, then he has green eyes, not blue like we normally associate with the gods. But he could be a different type of God.
- [165:19]
Lexi
We're not sure. Well, under that same logic, Fisher has green eyes.
- [165:22]
Nicole
Exactly. So maybe it's a half God thing that they don't have blue eyes. And maybe half half gods have green eyes. Or maybe eye colored means nothing. And I'm on my blue watch for no reason. Anyway, Finryn wields shadows, so no matter what, boom. We know that he is either Styx or he is a half God of stick. And he also sees Orlenna hiding in the shadows where she's not able to be seen by other people. So there's another shadow, Snod. He is also oath bound. So that's important to note because I don't feel like gods would be oathbound. However, half gods are because Fisher is. But Finrin does speak into Orlenna's mind, which they're not bonded as far as we know, in, you know, mating realms. So is this a God power from the Waterstones Bonus chapter in Brimstone. This is a scene in Quicksilver right after Fisher kisses Seiras back in the war tent. In Erin Fisher, this is when he plunges himself into the cold water because he needs to cool off for a second. Fisher mentions in his, you know, mind that his father is probably rolling over in his grave because of how unchivalrous Kingfisher just was with Sarris. Considering that it is believed that Finryn is dead, it is feeling like from that poll Finryn does not equal Styx. Especially because we are in Fisher's pov. We also know that Fisher's father collected books about alchemy back at the library in Kalish. We saw those books written in Old Fae last book. We don't know what was said in it though. Does that really give us any insight into Finryn being Styx? No, but it is important to note what Finran was researching based off of just episode one. I'm not making any bets because I learned from my older people shit.
- [167:05]
Lexi
Yeah, no bets yet.
- [167:06]
Nicole
Oh, no bets yet. But based off of this, if I had to like die on a hill, I would say that Finryn is a half God of Styx and Styx is a fatherly figure, more so in the loose term rather than Fisher's actual father. And Fisher's actual father is Finryn. Or Fisher's biological father is Styx, but the man who raised him is Finryn.
- [167:29]
Lexi
Yes, now he did also have quite a few characteristics of Finren too.
- [167:34]
Nicole
That is true. But maybe that's all half God wielders of shadow.
- [167:38]
Lexi
Oh well, I don't know.
- [167:39]
Nicole
This is episode one. We don't have to have answers yet.
- [167:42]
Lexi
All right, now to close out this episode. I just love how Lore's sword gets sulky if he doesn't clean it every night. And his sword has mood swings. I'm assuming that it's the sentient quicksilver within the sword, or it's the sword in and of itself that the quicksilver contributed to creating. Anyway, and then I love how Laura's like, what's wrong with your balls?
- [168:02]
Nicole
Sure.
- [168:03]
Lexi
Like, I just adore these Lupoproalia boys. We very rarely get to see them have a funny exchange like this. It's always so foreboding. Right? And also, hey Nicole, you know what I'm about to say.
- [168:16]
Nicole
I could take a guess.
- [168:18]
Lexi
The fish has got some giant hanging balls. But really, I love how his friends poke fun at him. It is such a normal thing between friends and comrades. And I love seeing them laugh when everything else in life is so serious and so high stakes and their joy makes Fisher feel hopeful for himself. And there we have it, friends. Brimstone Episode one is in the books. Huzzah. Thank you so much for listening and joining us on this Brimstone deep dive journey.
- [168:46]
Nicole
Next Monday will be episode two covering chapter chapters six through 12. Yes, it's time for chapter seven and I'm excited. But you know what I'm actually no, equally I'm equally excited for is Adina's conversation. Holy. I cannot wait. Oh my God.
- [169:05]
Lexi
Me too. We love to give the biggest warm welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest feral fans in the fan club. Thank you so much for being here. We appreciate you so much.
- [169:16]
Nicole
Welcome, welcome, welcome. Janice M. Alicia M. Whitney G. Kelsey S. Shelby A. Sarah B. Megan, Teresa.
- [169:25]
Lexi
Alicia Lee, Kristen, Lauren H. Fip Bubbuck, Alicia B. Ashley, Sharon, Rachelle, Tori, Tabby.
- [169:33]
Nicole
Barbara, gilded tail Luna, Dr. Robbie and our cousin Allison T. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
- [169:42]
Lexi
Yay. And Dr. Robbie. That's Doc, Doc and friends. If you're like hey, I want my name shout out on the podcast and to be showered with all the love and attention too, please be sure to join our Fan Club at fantasyfangirls.com Fan Club link is also in the show notes.
- [170:00]
Nicole
Thank you as always to our master librarian AKA our content researcher Brooke. She also has two cats so you might as well be algot. And of course our executive producer, the one and only sanity manager, the not Sarah Spain's younger brother Hayden.
- [170:17]
Lexi
We love you both so.
- [170:18]
Nicole
We love you both so we are.
- [170:20]
Lexi
Very active on social media with weekly trivia, book guides and lots more. So please be sure to follow us on Instagram and slash or TikTok at fantasy fangirlspod. And if you're watching this on YouTube, pretty please hit that subscribe button to keep following along. And and same goes for Fantasy Fanfellas to give them a follow at Fantasy Fanfellas. Get all the latest on their new show where Hayden and Steven deep dive into Mistborn.
- [170:44]
Nicole
And as you're hitting follows and hitting buttons, please hit that rating and review button on whatever podcasting platform you are listening on. It is seriously one of the best, quickest, easiest things that you can do for all your favorite podcasts that you listen to. And last but not least share this episode with your fellow Brimstone friends. You know that crowd that you went to the Brimstone midnight release party with this. This is the episode you've been waiting to share with them. So please, please, please hit that share button.
- [171:18]
Lexi
Thank you everybody so much. We will see you next week with episode two. Thank you. Bye.
- [171:25]
Nicole
Back to the walkthrough. Grabbing his arm, Savris instinctively finds his pulse and sneaks her tail. I feel like a badger. Just like don't know what you are doing right now. Like a beaver. It's like on a long this is.
- [171:45]
Lexi
Not the beaver that Kingfisher wants right now. Nicole. This holiday, Verizon is helping you bundle up incredible gifts and savings. You'll get the latest phone with a new line on my plan and a brand new smartwatch and tablet. No trade in needed even on our lowest price plan. That's two gifts for your family and one for you. Or two for you and one for someone else. Or three gifts for you and only you. Either way, you save big on three amazing gifts at Verizon, all on the best 5G network. Visit Verizon today. Rankings based on Root Metric Truth score report dated 1 2025.
- [172:19]
Nicole
Your results may vary.
- [172:20]
Lexi
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