Flights of Fantasy Podcast

Season 5, Episode 39 - ACOWAR: Revisited - Part 5
Release Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: Anna, Kim, Kristina

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a deep, banter-filled exploration of the latter half of A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR) by Sarah J. Maas, with the trio of hosts (Anna, Kim, Kristina) breaking down pivotal plot moments, character developments, thematic analysis, and fandom debates. Particular focus is given to underlying biblical/religious symbolism, the evolution of key relationships (especially among Nesta, Elain, Feyre and members of the Night Court), and the emotional resonance of loss, battle, and found family. The hosts’ signature mix of heart, humor, and sharp critical insight makes for an engaging listen—perfect for fans revisiting the series or for readers delving into the fandom for the first time.

Key Topics & Discussions

1. Recap and Transition (03:46)

• The episode picks up after the High Lords’ meeting, recounting Hybern’s use of the Cauldron to attack the wall, the shock felt throughout Prythian, and Feyre’s desperate plan to recruit the so-called “monsters” of the world to their cause.

2. The Briaxis Bargain and the “Unholy Trinity”

[04:04–06:03]

• Feyre and Amren descend below the House of Wind to bargain with Briaxis—who asks, not for freedom or power, but simply for a window.
  • “She just wants a window. And I just love Amren in this scene... Feyre's just, like, flabbergasted by this request... And Amren’s like, literally stepping on her foot like, shut up.... The bitch just wants a window! Just give her the window.” — Anna (05:11)
• Discussion of Briaxis' unexpected "strong female energy."
• The hosts playfully dub Amren, Nesta, and Briaxis the “Unholy Trinity,” a trio of terrifying, badass female figures.

3. Anna’s Theology Corner: ACOWAR’s Biblical Parallels

[06:04–13:03]

Amren as an Archangel of Death

• Direct textual references suggest Amren’s origin is modeled after biblical angels ("archangel of death")—noting SJM's minor in religious studies.
• Anna uncovers references to Sodom and Gomorrah ("twin cities laid to waste"), linking them to Amren’s backstory.
  • "Upon the orders of our ruler, we had just laid waste to twin cities." — (07:05)
  • "Our ruler. God. Because she always refers to her ruler as father with a capital F." — Kim (08:07)

Passover Imagery

• Lamb’s blood on thresholds to ward off death—a direct nod to Passover from Exodus, mirrored in Prythian’s offering to Amren.

  • “They painted their thresholds in lamb’s blood...a sort of offering to her and payment to stay away, to 'Passover.'” — Kim (09:56)

• Further Christian symbolism: Seder’s “cup for Elijah" and Amren’s “leave a cup for me” line, another parallel.

Red Sea Analogue

• The history of the original fae/human war: Miriam and Drakon “parting the sea” so humans escape—an unmistakable echo of Moses and the Red Sea.
  • "They cleaved this sea itself, made a path through the water, all the way through the channel, and ordered the humans to run." — Kim (11:48)

Miriam’s Parallels

• Miriam, both in the Maasverse and the Old Testament, is the guiding, liberating sister.
  • “That is literally what Miriam does in the history of the Great War. She leads the humans from slavery, from their fae oppressors.” — Kim (12:19)

Memorable Moment:

• The hosts spiral into childhood church trauma and Catholic school memories, turning a dense theological discussion into an endearing, relatable chat.
  • “Trauma.” — Kim (12:42)
  • “I lied in my confessionals because I was like, why am I telling a strange man…?” — Kim (13:05)

4. The Human Realm Field Trip: Grayson, Elain, Jurian’s Twist

[13:48–16:53]

• The crew arrives at Grayson’s estate to plead for shelter for humans. Grayson, feeling betrayed by Elain’s new fae status and her mating bond, cruelly rejects her.

  • “And sweet Elain…she tries to stand her ground, but she is devastated by this rejection and he's being very cruel to her.” — Anna (14:38)
  • “You belong to him… I don't want it.” — Grayson (21:12)

• Jurian’s unexpected entrance & twist: he’s allied with Grayson, working against Hybern.

  • “This was actually a plot twist I didn’t see coming.” — Kim (15:09)

• Rhysand explains his wariness of reading Jurian’s mind: “I didn't want to see her. Amarantha.” — (16:10)

• As Grayson’s cruelty toward Elain escalates, Nesta slaps him and champions her sister.

  • “She said, you never deserved her. Yes, Nesta, love. This is the black cat energy we love to see.” — Anna (22:18)

5. Battle Sequences – War, Power, and Trauma

[23:07–28:44]

• Discussion of the shift from defensive, chaotic skirmishes (Adriata) to “true, full-scale war” on the open field.
• Tarquin’s moment of justice: drowning Hybern’s forces on dry land.
  • “This young High Lord…showcases this extreme amount of power and drowns…no mercy.” — Kim (25:16)
• Cassian’s heroics on the battlefield, gaining reverence from his soldiers and showing why he’s called the “Lord of Bloodshed.”
  • “They were the same as those the high lords had given Rhys upon seeing his power, like them. And yet other. I love this.” — Kim (27:10)

Memorable Moment:

• Anna’s comparison: Nesta snooping on Cassian’s glory is “giving Angela from The Office.”
  • “She’s like, this is my spank bank...this is foreplay for Nesta.” — Hosts, laughing (28:25)

6. The Suriel’s Final Prophecy and Death

[29:04–33:49]

• Feyre, with Elain’s help, tracks down the Suriel for answers.
  • The Suriel gives two crucial tips: using Nesta’s Cauldron-forged power to track Hybern, and a cryptic message about Amren’s key.
• The Suriel is shot by Ianthe—the hosts' collective rage is palpable. (29:21)
• Feyre's vengeance: luring Ianthe and Hybern soldiers to the Weaver for a gruesome demise.
  • “‘Who did you bring me, little wolf?’ Feyre replies, ‘dinner.’” — Anna (31:07)
• The Suriel’s dying wisdom:
  • “Stay with the High Lord and live to see everything righted…Leave this world a better place than how you found it.”
  • “...it was a dreamer. And it was the heart of a dreamer that had ceased beating inside that monstrous chest.” — Feyre (33:13)
• Deep appreciation for SJM’s ability to humanize monstrous characters.

7. Nesta & Cassian “Mate Watch”

[36:24–38:54]

• After battling, Nesta patches up Cassian's wounds:
  • “She only stared and stared at him…her fingers still curled as if his palm lay there.” (37:46)
• Discussion: Only Cassian brings out Nesta’s vulnerable side—“Mates. Total mates.” (38:08)

8. Elain’s Capture, Feyre’s Rescue Mission…and Tamlin’s Redemptive Moment (Kind Of)

[38:56–44:40]

• Nesta’s scrying backfires—Hybern kidnaps Elain.
• Feyre (disguised as Ianthe) and Azriel stage a daring camp infiltration. Jurian assists, under cover.
• Tamlin intervenes mid-escape—a spring breeze helps Feyre fly to safety.
  • “And it's a great moment, and I want to, like, pause here to talk about a possible Tamlin redemption arc.” — Kim (41:33)
• The hosts debate Tamlin’s arc: maybe not a full redemption, but notes his small but meaningful acts.
• The rescued human girl "Briar" sparks fan theories about Tamlin’s possible future mate.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You do not fear, you do not falter. You do not yield. You go in, you get her, and you come out again. Remember that you are a wolf and you cannot be caged.” — Rhysand pep talk, swoon-worthy moment (46:03)

9. Sisterly Bonds – The Emotional Aftermath

[46:19–48:53]

• After Elain’s rescue, Nesta races to Feyre for an embrace full of gratitude:
  • “...her body shook, shook as she sobbed and said over and over and over, thank you.” — (47:00)
• The three sisters’ quiet, healing moment—mirrored against their traumatic past in the cottage.
  • “...as the sun rose over the world, we held tight and did not let go.” — Feyre (48:12)

10. Mor's Secret: Coming Out, Fandom Debate, and Faithfulness to Character

[50:27–60:41]

• Preceded by a major fight with Feyre, Mor finally comes out about her sexuality in a deeply emotional conversation.
  • “‘My gift is truth, and yet I have been living a lie my entire existence.’” — Mor (53:58)
• The hosts handle the discussion with sensitivity, recognizing their own perspective but opening discussion on why this moment has been so hotly debated in the fandom:
  • Did SJM always intend for Mor to be gay/bi, or was it a mid-series pivot?
  • Why would Mor not reveal this to the Inner Circle, her found family, after 500 years?
  • Why let Azriel pine for so long?
• Hosts agree the emotional logic tracks for Mor vs. her biological family, but not the Inner Circle.
  • “It just feels like a hard pivot. That’s a good word.” — Anna (58:39)

11. The Final Moves: Hybern’s Strategy & the Heroes’ Resolve

[61:14–62:47]

• Hybern tries to wear down the Night Court allied armies, but Feyre and Rhys pivot: winnowing humans to safety, not soldiers.
• Inspiring speeches and reminders of kindness:
  • "If I end my life defending those who need it most, then I will consider it a death well spent." — Cassian (61:53)
  • Feyre: "One life may change the world. Where would you all be if someone had deemed saving my life to be a waste of time?" (62:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Strong female energy.” — Kim on Briaxis (05:02)
• “You never deserved her.” — Nesta (22:18)
• “They were the same as those the high lords had given Rhys upon seeing his power…” — Kim, on Cassian earning respect (27:09)
• “[Suriel’s final words] Leave this world a better place than how you found it.” (33:15)
• “She is not holding back. She is not pulling punches. She is saying what we've all been thinking, right?” — Kim on Feyre calling out Mor (51:39)
• “Mates. Total mates.” — Kim & Anna on Nesta and Cassian (38:10)
• “And I just want her to point that anger towards the right people… She does. She slaps Grayson. I love it.” — Anna (22:32)
• “I don’t see a world where she would…for 500 years, not tell anybody in the inner circle.” — Anna on Mor (58:41)
• “You do not fear, you do not falter. You do not yield. You go in, you get her, and you come out again. Remember that you are a wolf and you cannot be caged.” — Rhysand’s pep talk to Feyre (46:03)

Key Timestamps

• 04:04 – Feyre & Amren bargain with Briaxis
• 06:04–13:03 – Deconstruction of biblical themes & SJM’s religious studies
• 13:48 – Arrival at Grayson’s estate, Elain’s heartbreak
• 15:06 – Jurian plot twist
• 22:18 – Nesta defends Elain (“You never deserved her”)
• 25:03 – Tarquin’s moment drowning the Hybern army
• 27:09 – Cassian’s battlefield glory
• 29:05 – The Suriel and its final prophecy
• 31:07 – Feyre’s revenge on Ianthe (& Weaver dinner)
• 33:13 – The Suriel’s last words
• 36:24 – Nesta & Cassian’s vulnerable “mate watch” scene
• 38:56 – Elain’s capture and daring rescue
• 41:32 – Tamlin’s act of aid (& discussion of his arc)
• 46:19 – Sisterly embrace after Elain’s return
• 50:27–60:41 – Mor’s coming out and the ensuing fan discourse
• 61:14 – Feyre rallies the High Lords to save humans

Episode Tone & Style

The hosts blend depth, critical analysis, playful irreverence, and deeply-felt emotion. Whether dissecting religious allegory or laughing through bath logistics, Anna, Kim, and Kristina embody the voice of passionate fantasy readers and best friends. The tone is accessible and chatty, striking a balance between casual humor and earnest engagement with the text and its fandom impact.

For Listeners

Whether you’re reading for the first time or a multi-series veteran, this episode is a treasure trove of insight and laughter—unpacking both the heartbreak and hope at the heart of A Court of Wings and Ruin.

Next episode: the grand finale—final battle, Feyre and Rhys’ “mastermind” moment, and the curtain call for Nesta & Cassian’s emerging story arc.

No need to have listened to enjoy this summary or the full ACOWAR experience—the hosts’ love for the series shines through every segment.