Fantasy Fangirls Podcast: Episode "Kindred’s Curse Intro w/ Penn Cole" Summary

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Current Book Discussion: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Upcoming Deep Dive: Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole

1. Episode Introduction

The latest episode of Fantasy Fangirls, titled "Kindred’s Curse Intro w/ Penn Cole," serves as an introductory segment for their upcoming deep dive into the Kindred's Curse Saga. Hosted by sisters Nicole and Lexi, this episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the series, featuring an exclusive interview with author Pen Cole.

2. Hosts' Introduction

Nicole and Lexi, the dynamic sibling duo behind Fantasy Fangirls, introduce themselves and share their passion for fantasy literature. Nicole identifies as the romantic heart of the pair, while Lexi embraces her role as the lore enthusiast. Together, they aim to help listeners curate their "book hangover" by delving deep into beloved fantasy series.

• Nicole: "I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart."
• Lexi: "I'm Lexi, older sister and fantasy lore nerd."

3. Overview of the Deep Dive into Kindred's Curse Saga

The episode outlines the structure and objectives of the upcoming deep dive into Kindred's Curse Saga. The hosts explain how they will handle spoilers, ensuring that discussions remain focused on the books without leaking critical plot points.

• Lexi (02:26): "We highly recommend you tune into this intro episode as we explain how spoilers will work for these episodes."

Podcast Structure:

• Battle Brief: Chapter summaries.
• Don Our Signets: Key insights, foreshadowing, and theories.
• Archives: In-depth exploration of lore topics within the fantasy world.

The deep dive will span multiple episodes, each meticulously analyzing different aspects of the saga, starting with Spark of the Everflame on May 5th.

4. Interview with Author Pen Cole

The highlight of the episode is an engaging conversation with Pen Cole, the author of Kindred's Curse Saga. Pen provides valuable insights into her inspirations, character development, and the evolution of her storytelling process.

a. Inspirations and Themes

Pen discusses the sociological inspirations behind her series, aiming to address real-world issues like colonialism, discrimination, and income inequality within a fantasy framework.

• Pen Cole (13:04): "I wanted to combine the fun aspects of Romantasy that I love with also some serious social topics."

b. Character Development

A significant portion of the interview focuses on the protagonist Diem (DM) and her complex relationships with other characters like Henry and Luther. Pen emphasizes DM's journey of maintaining her ideals in a challenging world and how her interactions reveal deeper societal conflicts.

• Pen Cole (15:57): "She really has to reorient the way she sees the world. And we kind of see that process begin to break down in Spark."

c. Writing Process and Revisions

Pen shares her transition from a third-person to a first-person perspective to better capture DM's internal struggles. She also recounts the addition of a pivotal kiss scene in Spark of the Everflame, which, despite initial reservations from beta readers, became a fan favorite.

• Pen Cole (29:30): "I added it in and I sent it to two people, and both of them told me to take it out. [...] but I just trusted my gut."

d. Insights into Series Progression and Burn of the Everflame

Looking ahead, Pen teases developments in the series, including deeper explorations of the Courbois family and the impending release of Burn of the Everflame. She also addresses common misconceptions about character motivations, particularly concerning Henry.

• Pen Cole (40:21): "He sure wasn't. [...] I think he's not a good person. [...] he was really put in a bad position by Arlie."

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Nicole and Lexi wrap up the episode by expressing their excitement for the deep dive and encouraging listeners to follow them on social media for updates. They also acknowledge Pen Cole's hard work and dedication to her craft.

• Lexi (63:25): "See you in Omarion."
• Nicole (63:11): "Thank you as always to our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager, Hayden."

Listeners are invited to join the deep dive starting May 5th, promising a rich exploration of Kindred's Curse Saga with detailed analyses, theories, and exclusive content from Pen Cole.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nicole (02:05): "We are here to help curate your book hangover."
• Lexi (05:01): "First up, in every episode, Nicole will kick us off by consulting with our royal advisors."
• Pen Cole (13:04): "I wanted to combine the fun aspects of Romantasy that I love with also some serious social topics."
• Pen Cole (29:30): "I added it in and I sent it to two people, and both of them told me to take it out. [...] but I just trusted my gut."
• Lexi (33:22): "She really has to reorient the way she sees the world."
• Pen Cole (40:21): "He sure wasn't. [...] I think he's not a good person."
• Lexi (57:52): "The feelings towards Henry. Were you expecting that?"
• Nicole (63:25): "See you in Omarion."

Final Thoughts

This introductory episode effectively sets the groundwork for an engaging and comprehensive deep dive into Kindred's Curse Saga. With detailed explanations of their podcast structure, insightful conversations with Pen Cole, and a clear roadmap of upcoming content, Fantasy Fangirls promises an enriching experience for both new listeners and long-time fans eager to explore the depths of their favorite fantasy series.