S5 Ep4: Onyx Storm : Initial Reactions

Summary

Flights of Fantasy - Season 5, Episode 4: "Onyx Storm: Initial Reactions"

Hosts: Anna, Kim, and Christina
Release Date: February 4, 2025

---

In this engaging episode of Flights of Fantasy, hosts Anna, Kim, and Christina come together to share their initial reactions to Rebecca Yarros' latest installment, Onyx Storm. Having just finished the book, the trio delves into a comprehensive discussion covering their thoughts on the plot, character development, significant reveals, and their overall enjoyment of the novel.

1. Overall Impressions and Reading Experience

The hosts begin by reflecting on their journey through Onyx Storm, highlighting the ebb and flow of their engagement with the story.

• Anna: Describes her initial frustration but emphasizes how the narrative turned around around chapter 18, making her unable to put the book down.
  "It took me a little while to get into it and then I feel like there was a turning point around chapter 18 and I was all in, baby." [02:04]

• Christina: Expresses her overwhelming enjoyment, rating the book a perfect 10 out of 10 and praising Yarros' elevated writing style and well-placed Easter eggs.
  "I have not had this much fun reading a book in. I truly cannot remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book." [04:42]

• Rebecca: Notes that Onyx Storm became her favorite in the series, finding it more enjoyable than previous entries like CC3.
  "It skyrocketed to easily my favorite book in the series. Easily the most fun I've had reading a book in." [05:54]

2. Character Development and Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the characters, their growth, and interactions.

• Zayden and Violet's Relationship: The hosts appreciate the stable and devoted romance between Zayden and Violet, which serves as a strong foundation for the plot.
  "He was so devoted to her. The romance was so central to the plot and to the advancement of the plot." [06:25]

• Riddick's Arc: Riddick emerges as a standout character, earning praise for his depth and vulnerability. Anna highlights a pivotal scene where Riddick delivers a heartfelt speech, showcasing his leadership and camaraderie.
  "He gives this beautiful speech about how... I love it." [10:12]
  Christina adds, "He's one of the ones I'm most... a very close second." [09:52]

• Side Romances: The development of side romances, such as Drake and Mira, and Dane Sloan, receive positive feedback for adding layers to the story without distracting from the main plot.
  "They were so fun, and they weren't distracting. They actually brought so much to it." [12:39]

3. Key Plot Points and Reveals

The hosts dissect several major revelations and plot twists that enhance the complexity and excitement of Onyx Storm.

• Halden's Identity: Christina passionately defends her theory about Halden, feeling validated by the community's support.
  "This was the hill I was dying on... Truly, this is the most validated I've ever felt." [16:25-16:52]

• Dreamwalker Ability: Violet’s revelation as a dreamwalker is a significant plot point that opens new avenues for her character's abilities and the story's magic system.
  "She is a dreamwalker, which is kind of a version of intense... she's officially a dreamwalker." [17:34-17:52]

• Auric Signet and Precognition: The discovery that Auric Signet possesses precognitive abilities adds depth to the narrative's magical elements.
  "Auric is like, General Melgren? Like, he can see the outcome of battles... he has precognition." [19:14-19:43]

• Garrick and Bodhi's Roles: Speculations about Garrick's disappearance and Bodhi's possible betrayal keep listeners intrigued about future developments.
  "I think it is Bodhi... because Bode should be inheriting that." [23:27-23:35]

4. Memorable Scenes and Moments

Several standout scenes from the book are highlighted for their emotional impact and narrative significance.

• The Table-Breaking Scene: A humorous yet intense moment where Anna describes Zayden and Violet struggling to control their powers during an intimate encounter, leading to the inevitable destruction of furniture.
  "You know, this table's gonna break. And it broke... I'm really mad at you." [07:01-08:05]

• Riddick’s Leadership Speech: Anna recounts Riddick’s inspiring speech to the squad, emphasizing his commitment and readiness to lead, which cements his role as a beloved character.
  "He was like, I have been reading every single book... I train just as much as you." [10:12-10:51]

• Final Battle and Memory Erasure: The episode discusses the climactic ending where Violet asks Imogen to wipe her memories to protect Zayden, raising questions about the implications for future storylines.
  "I don't want to know where he is... She doesn't know where he is." [22:17-22:52]

5. Theories and Speculations

The hosts share their theories on unresolved plotlines and potential directions for the series.

• Missing Riders and Betrayals: Speculations about the identities and motives of the missing riders, with theories leaning towards Bodhi as a possible antagonist.
  "I think it is Bodhi... we think it's Garrick, but I think it is Bodhi." [24:17-25:34]

• Papa Asher Daxton’s Influence: Discussions about Papa Asher's role and his impact on the current events suggest deeper layers to the lore and character backstories.
  "What this tells us is that they really didn't know as much about their dad as they thought they did." [20:23-21:00]

• Future Developments: The hosts express excitement for future deep dives and episodes that will explore these theories in greater detail.
  "We are going to have so many more deep, deep dive episodes." [25:07-25:34]

6. Favorite Quotes and Highlights

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their favorite quotes and moments from Onyx Storm, enhancing the listener's connection to the book.

• Riddick’s Humorous Interaction:
  "Just tell me your secret. My secretive ways are what attracted you in the first place." [11:34]

• Violet and Riddick’s Vulnerable Moment:
  "I kept my inside thoughts inside." [11:28]

• Dana Sloan’s Redemption:
  "She is someone who was responsible for her brother dying, but she sincerely apologizes to Violet." [14:13]

7. Conclusion and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their anticipation for future discussions and encourage listeners to join their vibrant community.

• Final Thoughts: The hosts conclude by reiterating their enthusiasm for the book and teasing upcoming deep dive episodes that will further explore Onyx Storm's intricate plot and characters.
  "Stay tuned for more on Next Door." [25:33-25:43]

• Community Engagement: They invite listeners to connect on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, fostering a sense of community among fans.
  "Join our book club community on Instagram and TikTok at Flights of Fantasy Podcast." [25:39-25:43]

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Notable Quotes:

• "It just meant that I feel really good about my coverage." – Christina [00:09]
• "He was like, Riddick, I'm really proud of you." – Violet [11:15]
• "She just became nice. Truly." – Rebecca [15:47]
• "This was the house I was dying on." – Christina [16:25]

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Flights of Fantasy continues to deliver insightful and passionate discussions for Romantasy enthusiasts, making it an essential listen for those eager to delve deeper into their favorite fantastical romances.

Transcript

[Christina]

Geico's motorcycle expertise means I'm covered by people who know bikes like I do. I'm happy as a clam.

[Kim]

No conclusive scientific research has shown clams can experience happiness.

[Christina]

It just meant that I feel really good about my coverage.

[Kim]

I mean, even if you took the clam out for the best day ever, visiting the zoo, taking a scenic ride, knowing you're insured by specialists, and sharing a strawberry ice cream cone together, the clam would not feel happy and your strawberry cone would taste sort of clammy.

[Anna]

Ew.

[Kim]

Geico's motorcycle specialists who know bikes like you do assume no liability for clammy ice cream cones. Geico expertise for your motorcycle.

[Anna]

Welcome to Flights of Fantasy, your Romantasy podcast book club. I'm Anna, joined by my book besties Kim and Christina, and together we're diving into the characters, theories, lore and magic behind all your favorite fantasy romance books.

[Rebecca]

Oh my gosh. We are here for a very exciting episode. So we decided to just like casually get together and record our Onyx Storm initial reactions. We all just finished yesterday.

[Anna]

Wow.

[Rebecca]

We are together in New York and we felt like this needed a special sit down episode.

[Anna]

It does because we're like never together. CC3 was like the first book. We were all together finishing physically. Yeah.

[Christina]

This felt really special for sure. We also saw Rebecca last night. So it's been a whirlwind of Onyx Storm flash.

[Rebecca]

It has, Truly it has. It's been so fun. So this is going to be like a very high level, more just like vibes and feels. We are of course going to be doing several Onyx Storm episodes, breaking every single thing down, doing our deep dives, doing all that stuff. But this is just like a high level. We just finished. We're super excited. We loved it so much and we just want to chat about it type of episode.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

So before we dive in, obviously a spoiler warning for Onyx Storm. We are not going to be able to talk about this book spoiler free. I'm really sorry, we just can't do it. So if you have not finished Onyx Storm, do that and come back.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

So, okay, let's do like a round robin of our overall vibes feel of the book and I start us off.

[Anna]

I. Okay, so I had a journey. So initially I was a little frustrated in the beginning. It was just, it was. It took me a little while to get into it and then I feel like there was a turning point around chapter 18 and I was all in, baby. Like I could not stop. I couldn't put it down. I was frantically reading on the plane, trying to finish.

[Rebecca]

Oh, my God. We have to tell the story. Okay, so obviously, Christina lives in New York. Anna and I flew in for the Rebecca Yaros event, and, like, we knew we were gonna be together, and we were gonna record this episode. And so Anna's like, I'm sitting in the food court. I'm reading at the airport. Like, just come find me. Okay. Like, I can't look up.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

So I walk up, and Anna is just like, oh, God, like, sitting at the table by herself, just stressed. And I walked down. I was like, hey, whatcha reading? What's up?

[Anna]

Yeah, so I was in the. The part that I was reading was right in the big battle with the. And the ribos dad chest was there, and I was so stressed out, and I didn't even see Kim walk up.

[Rebecca]

Yeah, it was really funny. She did not look up at all. I'm walking up with my little suitcase, and I was like, oh, hey. And we were supposed to go get a cab and go meet Christina, but instead I was like, I have three pages left of this book. Like, I actually. I have to finish. So instead, I just sat down.

[Anna]

We got a little Starbucks. Yeah, we sat down. Kim finished. And then when she was done, I was like, okay, I'm gonna read in the cab.

[Rebecca]

In the cab on the way back to the hotel.

[Anna]

And I finished it. The cab.

[Rebecca]

She finished it in the cab. And I recorded her reaction. It's on Patreon. It's so funny. Of just like, wait, what? Like, I'm sorry.

[Anna]

Sneak marriage.

[Rebecca]

Sneak marriage.

[Christina]

Sneak marriage.

[Rebecca]

Well, which, by the way, Anna called. She literally called the. There was the epigraph at the top where it talks about, like, a lieutenant can marry whoever they want after they graduate.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

And Anna looks at. Literally reads it, looks at me and goes, did they get sneak married? And I was like, sneak what?

[Anna]

You were such a good actress.

[Christina]

Thanks.

[Anna]

I was like, okay. No, they didn't. And then it was like, sneak married? I was like, yes.

[Rebecca]

I literally go. I don't. I didn't even read that. Like, I wouldn't read a Rebecca Yarros epigraph. I was like, I don't know. I didn't even. I don't. It's just, like. I just keep reading. I don't even know when she was like.

[Anna]

When Imogen's like, the ring on your finger, and it's the emerald. There's an emerald missing from the dagger in one of the dreams. And I was like. And. But I thought of another series where there's an emerald involved.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Anna]

And I went. And that immediately triggered a. Oh, like a wedding band.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Anna]

And I was like, oh, I bet maybe Zaden's gonna propose. Like, he took the emerald out of the dagger.

[Christina]

Honestly, they talked a lot of that. Well, and they talked a lot about it, to be fair. He called her the consort. And then at some point, she was like, this is not the time. And he very seriously looked at her and was like, when would be a good time?

[Rebecca]

When would be a good time?

[Christina]

Not right now. We are in a high stage death situation.

[Anna]

The heir of the throne has been kidnapped and held hostage. Yeah, that's about the times, Aiden.

[Christina]

Oh, yeah.

[Rebecca]

My toxic ass would be like, now. Let's talk about it now. Who cares? Let's talk about it. When are we gonna get married?

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

Christina, what about you? What were your overall Vibes feeling?

[Christina]

Oh, my God. I love this book so freaking much. Guys.

[Rebecca]

This is.

[Christina]

I have not had this much fun reading a book in. I. I truly cannot remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book. I am 10 out of 10 obsessed. I loved the vibes. I feel like her writing has elevated and that we had all these Easter eggs and reveals that felt earned and really hidden, and I just. I. I loved it. Yes. A few things in the beginning, you know, they. I think they bothered me less, but I do agree that they were there. But I agree again. After 18, it was just off to the races. Like, I finished and immediately wanted to reread it.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Anna]

I can't wait to go back.

[Rebecca]

I agree. Like, I think En and I are the more, like, logical, realistic, like, well, that doesn't make sense. Like, why would this happen? And Christina is a total Vibes reader, which, like, I very much envy at times because I have a hard time, like, turning my brain that don't make. If something doesn't make sense to me, it distracts me to the point where I can't get fully in it.

[Anna]

And I think I'm in the middle of you two. But I also think the three of us, because of the nature of what we do, it's hard. It's hard for me sometimes to move past it until it's explained better. And I'm like, okay, all right, I get it now.

[Christina]

But we feel like that we did move past it.

[Rebecca]

We moved past it, and it just skyrocketed to easily my favorite book in the series. Easily the most fun I've had reading a book in. I mean, I had way More fun reading this than CC3.

[Christina]

Same.

[Rebecca]

I enjoyed this so much more. I felt like it was so fun to read. It was just fun. Like, you know, Christina, like, in that Rebecca interview, you could tell she had fun writing it, and that very much translated. And I think the readers all had more fun reading this book.

[Christina]

She, like, injected more fun, and the characters had more fun. And she did say in the interview she felt grounded in the world at this point, so it felt like she knew the characters better. And we did, you know, and I.

[Rebecca]

That showed. I think it felt grounded. All the characters felt very real. The way they interacted with each other felt super genuine.

[Christina]

Another thing that I think really made a difference for us was Zayden and Violet's communication. Oh, my God. There was no miscommunication. There was no fighting. He was so devoted to her. The romance was so central to the plot and to the advancement of the plot, and he was so steadfast with her the entire time. And that's what we needed and wanted after. I blame.

[Rebecca]

Yes, absolutely. It made us have a very stable foundation so that if anything happened to them, I wasn't like, oh, they're gonna break up. Like, Zeta Multiple was like, no, we're past that.

[Christina]

No.

[Anna]

He was like the Duke of Angst. Somebody calls him the Duke of Angst. But it was done in a way that was not annoying.

[Rebecca]

Yes, totally.

[Christina]

Yes. The taking out of the secrets and asking the questions was very appreciated.

[Rebecca]

Very much appreciated.

[Anna]

Thank you so much.

[Rebecca]

Also, the spicy scenes were spicy.

[Christina]

They were fantastic. I think she gave us a great amount. And I actually really thought it was. It was kind of fun that we couldn't actually have sex until we got no magic.

[Anna]

Oh, my God. I was like.

[Rebecca]

It was.

[Christina]

I was frustrated by it, but it kind of.

[Anna]

She was edging us. I kept saying. I was like, she was just edging us.

[Rebecca]

Anna and I were texting because we were head of Christina, and we were talking about, like, Zaden's, like, we can't have sex. Like, we can't.

[Christina]

I will lose control.

[Rebecca]

And I was like, I think we're going to have a lot more Throne room scenes where it's about her because he's scared to, like, fully let go. And Anna was like, I don't hate it. I would love to see it.

[Anna]

And we.

[Christina]

And we did love it.

[Rebecca]

And we did. It was so. They were so well done. It was so good.

[Anna]

And when we did have them, it furthered the plot in a way. Like, we, you know, we're on the land where there's no magic. And Zaden is able. He can't channel channel. So, like, it makes sense. Like, he's not gonna hurt her by accident. He's not gonna do something because, my God, they can't have sex without breaking furniture with their magical powers. And I'm like, why are your orgasms so insane?

[Rebecca]

So insane. Like, what is happening?

[Anna]

Does every. This doesn't happen to everybody because it's so good, Anna. I was like, they got on the table, and I was like, okay, I really don't think this. I was like, this table's gonna break. Like, it's a hundred percent going to 100. And it broke.

[Christina]

This table is not long for this.

[Anna]

I was like. And we just kept going. We just rolled over. And I was like, we're not going to.

[Rebecca]

Okay.

[Anna]

No.

[Christina]

I think she's even like, are you okay? And he's like, I fell three feet, not 30. Let's keep going.

[Rebecca]

Yeah. What is happening?

[Christina]

I loved it.

[Anna]

I loved it.

[Rebecca]

I loved it.

[Christina]

It felt like a fan service moment, too. They broke more furniture.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

Also, that's the moment where everyone's in the hallway and Riddick is like, did you guys break something again? They broke. They broke something again.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Rebecca]

This is like the arm wall. And Mira goes, the what? The what?

[Anna]

Violet's like, you saw it. He goes, violet. It's hard to miss an omror being carried out of a dorm room.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Christina]

Mirror's like, I'm sorry, hold on.

[Rebecca]

What's happening? And everyone's Zane's like, I'm sorry, what can. What can I do for all of you? Like, let's move along.

[Christina]

Possibly need. Yeah.

[Anna]

God.

[Christina]

But yes. This sex.

[Rebecca]

Spicy, spicy spice was spicing. The world expanded in a really fun way. That was so fantastic. It was so well done. It was just such a joy to get to go to all these different places. And I think she wrote them incredibly well.

[Christina]

They all felt different. And I feel like in a different book or by a different author, this would have felt maybe overwhelming. Like, we're doing too much. Like, we're going to too many places. And instead, I. I feel like it was really effective. I actually really liked it.

[Anna]

I did. I liked it, too. And I think it's also giving us a little more insight into this idea that the gods are very important outside of Navarre. And so I think that's going to be interesting going forward in these books.

[Christina]

Well, we know Dune's important.

[Rebecca]

Inu's also very important is Riddick, guys.

[Anna]

I fucking love him.

[Christina]

MVP of the book.

[Rebecca]

I mean, incredible.

[Anna]

Incredible. I could not. The end of that chapter when the knife stabs him the way I had a brain aneurysm. I was like, the one person you cannot hurt is Riddick.

[Rebecca]

No. The one person you cannot touch him.

[Anna]

Is the joy that we need in this book.

[Rebecca]

Absolutely.

[Christina]

And especially in this book.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

Also last night at the interview, she said that she loved the arc of Riddick. And someone from the audience just screamed, don't kill him.

[Rebecca]

And she goes, I don't take requests.

[Anna]

I don't take requests.

[Christina]

It was really funny.

[Anna]

Oh, my God. But the scene, I think one of my favorite. I mean, there were so many great Riddick scenes, but I loved the moment of vulnerability we had with him. And when Violet's going in for. I love how he calls it Quest Squad, you know, to meet with everybody in charge. And Riddick comes in, and he gives this beautiful speech about how, like, Rhiannon, you're leading our squad. You're busy doing this. Sawyer, you're fricking recovering. You've lost a leg. He's like, I have been reading every single book. And don't act like my humor makes me any less than all of you. I train just as much as you. I studied just as much as you, and it doesn't make me less of a squad mate or capable of handling, like, my job. Yeah, I love it.

[Christina]

It was incredible.

[Anna]

It was such an incredible moment. And then Violet was like, you're with me. Like, let's go.

[Rebecca]

Absolutely.

[Anna]

And also, because of what her father had written about, like, you go into battle with those you trust implicitly. And Riddick is one of those.

[Rebecca]

Absolutely.

[Anna]

But then I love. So we have this beautiful moment. But then, because it's Riddick, and true to his character, he stands there steadfastly next to Violet. She argues her point. She kicks ass, says, fuck the patriarchy.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Anna]

And then at the end, he, like, exhales, and she's like, riddick, I'm really proud of you. Like, you didn't, like, do any snide comments. He goes, I kept my inside thoughts inside. And I was like, I can't wait to see his character on tv.

[Rebecca]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Christina]

I know.

[Rebecca]

He's one of the ones I'm most. I mean, obviously, Zaden is number one, but, like, Riddick is a very close second.

[Christina]

100%. Oh, my God. There's a quote when he's, like, making fun of them as a couple, and he's like, just tell me your secret. My secretive ways are what. He attracted you in the first place. Can't you just keep yourself out of.

[Anna]

Harm'S way reenacting them? It's so funny when him and Violet go off in the woods and have their little conversation. And then they come back. He's got his arm around Violet, and then Zaden's, like, leaning up against a tree, staring at them, and he's like, out loud, if I move my arm, it looks like we were doing something, but we weren't doing anything. And then. So if I keep my arm, are you going to be, like, mad? And then Violet had lost her temper and struck down a true lightning. And he was like. And also, like, you know, we were together, and I know you saw the lightning, but, like, we weren't together together. And Zaden is just like, first of all, I trust Violet. Second of all, that strike of lightning wasn't big enough. Riddick. Riddick's response is like. He's so mad at Zaden right now. And Riddick's like, I'm really mad at you. So, like, we're not at dick jokes yet.

[Rebecca]

We're not back to dick jokes yet.

[Anna]

It's too soon.

[Rebecca]

Zaden.

[Christina]

God, he was such a star of this. You know what else was interesting? Were the side romances not on our bingo card.

[Rebecca]

Guys. I loved these so much, and they.

[Christina]

Were so fun, and they weren't distracting. They actually brought so much to it. I loved, love, love them.

[Anna]

I was totally like Drake and Mira immediately. She needed in the boss. I was like, it's giving it's enemies to lovers.

[Rebecca]

I love it. And we know Rebecca said one of her favorite tropes is enemies to lovers.

[Anna]

She did.

[Rebecca]

And what could be more enemies than kneeing someone in the dick?

[Anna]

Yeah. And, oh, my God. Dana Sloan Dane. That is ultimate enemies.

[Rebecca]

Could it be more enemies? He literally was responsible for her brother dying.

[Christina]

Yeah. Dana Sloan really threw me. I didn't hear anyone theorizing that. I don't hear that anywhere. I don't think anyone talked about them as a couple.

[Anna]

She blushes.

[Christina]

And then at the end when he's. She's helping him siphon, and he just. She's like, I'm gonna hurt you. And he smirks and he goes, God, don't I know it, Dave.

[Anna]

I was like, okay, we're in the middle of a battle, Jane.

[Rebecca]

I was like, danes anymore.

[Anna]

See, it's so funny that you guys read it that way, because I read it as, like, it's gonna hurt to have the siphoning taken out. Yeah, Dana's gonna hurt. I was like, I Was like, it's more times she's gonna siphon your power.

[Christina]

And we're like, God, the romance, he's so complex.

[Rebecca]

It's so romantic.

[Christina]

But it is actually really impressive that we like Dane this much at this point. Really, truly, we. We hated in book one. Book two, I was still like, I don't trust. And then I think maybe the separation so viscerally from his dad helped in this book. But, like, I. I'm totally fine. Like, I'm fine.

[Anna]

Yes, I'm fine. I stand by all of the garbage trash whore comments we made in book one.

[Rebecca]

Oh, absolutely. Those were super valid.

[Anna]

She laid the groundwork in book two, and we were already starting to, like, feel that. But in book three, it solidified.

[Rebecca]

When I reread Iron Flame in preparation for this, I really actually liked him. Once he saved Violet, he came with them to the rebellion. Everybody hated him, but he came anyways because it was the right thing to do. He stood on the right side. He helped translate the diaries. He sincerely and genuinely apologized to Violet. And I just love this idea of, like, how are we gonna get around the fact that Dane is technically responsible for Sloane's brother dying?

[Anna]

This is gonna be rough.

[Rebecca]

But, like, she clearly has feelings for him. You guys. Like, the blushing was telling them she doesn't like it.

[Christina]

The blushing was very telling. And he's like, train your signet and train your sickness.

[Rebecca]

That's how he said it. Oh, but also Drake and Meera.

[Christina]

Oh, guys, we haven't even talked about broccoli.

[Rebecca]

Oh, that's what I bring out, this broccoli.

[Anna]

That was okay. I was like, what are we doing with a kitten on this journey? They're like, what's the name, Broccoli? And me was like, what the fuck? You named your cat broccoli? And he was like, yeah. It's because it's like, not you don't want it, but like, you need it or once you have it, you feel good. Once you have it.

[Rebecca]

They're.

[Christina]

They're 100%. Like, they're Canon for sure. But also Garak and Imogen.

[Rebecca]

That was really rewarding to see even.

[Christina]

The glimpse of it.

[Rebecca]

Yeah.

[Anna]

At the end when she's like, I'm not leaving. And he says, I'm not leaving you.

[Christina]

And she needed that. I think we've seen that pining for a long time and that hopefully is setting up to them actually acting on that next book. And, like, we're going forward from here. I think so. Speaking of pining Cat and Trager, I do we do have to talk about them as a side romance. RIP Traeger.

[Anna]

Poor cat.

[Rebecca]

I know. Like, the girl just finding happiness.

[Christina]

She just became nice.

[Rebecca]

Like, she just stopped being a bitch. Truly.

[Christina]

I was worried she was gonna just go straight back to the bitch, but she was. She actually.

[Rebecca]

No, you know, she did. Her. She did her best.

[Anna]

She did. Yeah. And she. It was just sad because, like, you saw them walking down and holding hands and. And, you know, Violet's like, I'm so happy she found somebody. And Trager's literally been, like, standing, like, for the whole first half of the book. He's like, I'm right here. Like, see me?

[Rebecca]

Yeah, me.

[Christina]

Pick me.

[Anna]

She does.

[Rebecca]

She gets ripped away.

[Christina]

Oh, that was sad. That was sad.

[Anna]

That was a rough time for all. Yeah. Okay, so, Christina, can you rattle off some of the big reveals that we got?

[Christina]

I would love to do nothing more. And you know which one I'm gonna start with?

[Anna]

Yes, please do.

[Christina]

Guys, I'm gonna start with Halden, because you called it.

[Rebecca]

I called it.

[Christina]

Guys, this was the hill I was dying on.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

I made a 30 minute Patreon video, just me talking about this.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

The amount of clips we made and the amount of people that commented that this was a dumb theory and that I was wrong.

[Rebecca]

Oh. How validated do you feel right now?

[Christina]

Truly, this is the most validated I've ever felt. I text Anna and I was like, is this how you feel all the time? Because it is exhilar.

[Anna]

Yes, it is very nice. It's a great feeling.

[Christina]

Yes, it is. Yeah. I was trying to convince Lexi and Nicole of this. This was my hill that I was dying on.

[Rebecca]

Yes. It was incredible.

[Anna]

Kim and I were so happy because we were ahead of Christina. And we were like. We were, like, screaming for Christina. We were like, christina, we need you.

[Rebecca]

To get to this page.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

It was the best. It was so fun to see, like, because you were so. Really. You convinced us. Like, we hadn't thought about it.

[Rebecca]

Totally.

[Anna]

It was such a fun reveal.

[Christina]

I was so gung ho about it.

[Rebecca]

It's just so validating. And everyone that was like, it's not about the eyes. Like, that's not right. Guess what it was.

[Christina]

Cheers and happy reading to that is.

[Rebecca]

What I have to say.

[Christina]

Okay. All right, guys, we got so many reveals. Dreamwalker. She's a dreamwalker. That's her second sickness.

[Rebecca]

Yep.

[Christina]

She is a dreamwalker, which is kind of a version of intense, like, and also makes sense that she was like, guys, it was right in front of you.

[Rebecca]

She was in Literally, like, literally the entire iron flame she was in.

[Christina]

I'm really excited to break this down further and, like, what this really means and what, like, she can do with this, but she's officially a dreamwalker.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

We have Papa Sorrengale's name, y'all.

[Anna]

It's Asher.

[Rebecca]

Asher.

[Anna]

It's Asher. Just Asher.

[Christina]

Introducing Papa Asher. Yeah, yeah.

[Rebecca]

Papa Asher Daxton.

[Christina]

And then he took Sorengail, and then.

[Rebecca]

He took Lilith's name, which is what we thought the whole time. We always thought that, like, Lilith was the Sorghill.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Christina]

But I did, like, I thought that was interesting, the way she trickled in the epigraphs of Asher Daxton.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

And we were figuring out that timeline also. Then, of course, we have to plug that into the timeline where they left and separated from his family, which is also probably when Lilith decided that she needed to stay behind the wards all the time to not to see theophany. Also in book one and book two, there are epigraphs from Colonel Daxton, and they're, like, a bunch of.

[Rebecca]

And I'm very excited to reread those.

[Christina]

Like, how to be a Scribe. It's about being a scribe. About being a scribe, which is fascinating. Yes. So that was a big one. We met Zaden's mom, y'all. Guys, that reveal was so fun.

[Rebecca]

That was. That was such a great reveal.

[Christina]

Had so much fun. In that moment, she's there on the beach, and he's like. And then puts his hand across to.

[Rebecca]

Like, Guard Violet, and he just goes, mom. Incredible.

[Christina]

End of chapter.

[Anna]

And the way that Garrick stiffens. Because he knows.

[Christina]

He knows.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

You know, that whole dynamic was really hard to read and interesting to read. I'm excited to break that down further. But the fact that we also got that huge. Another thing everyone's been talking about, another interesting reveal. Auric Signet turned out to be super helpful. Precognition.

[Anna]

Yeah. Wow.

[Rebecca]

Oh, and I also called this one while we were reading in the airport, she looked up and she was like, what if Auric is like, General Melgren? Like, he can see the outcome of battles, but not battles. Like, just everything. Like, he has precognition. And I literally was like, really, Anna? Like, really? At that point, I was like, yeah, yeah. Like, actually, yeah, you know what? I got nothing. I can't. I can't lie my way out of this.

[Christina]

No, you were so good.

[Anna]

No, you were like, that's a really good idea.

[Rebecca]

And I just immediately called it. It was so funny.

[Christina]

Beautiful, sleuthy mind.

[Rebecca]

It is A beautiful thing.

[Christina]

Okay. We also figured out why her hair is silver.

[Rebecca]

That was huge.

[Anna]

She checked off.

[Christina]

So many questions. So much still to uncover there, but huge and interesting about how she was dedicated but didn't finish her dedication. And remember, in an interview previously, Rebecca has stated that in future books, she's going to have to grapple with why her hair is silver. And that is, she's going to have to grapple with the fact that her dad took her to be dedicated to.

[Anna]

This God and he did it to fix her because she was sick in utero.

[Christina]

Her mom didn't know about it.

[Anna]

Yeah, her mom didn't know about it.

[Christina]

And I do appreciate that we got the epigraph from Lilith. Not supporting it either. He was like, what has he done?

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

What this kind of tells us in that really beautiful and hilarious sibling conversation when we kind of really figure this out is that they really didn't know as much about their dad as they thought they did. And they grew up thinking their mom was this type of person. And now after she's died, they're like, oh, she's. She believed in me. She didn't want him to do this. She was looking out for us. And there's just a lot more to uncover from papa.

[Anna]

And what does that mean? I mean, obviously she's in touch by Dune, so thou has that blessing from that God.

[Rebecca]

Right?

[Anna]

Right.

[Christina]

Yes.

[Anna]

And what does that mean going forward?

[Rebecca]

Right.

[Christina]

Well, because it's also been said multiple times, it's still a possible path.

[Anna]

It's still a possible path.

[Christina]

Right. So another big thing we find out other things about second signets. Turns out that all of the marked ones have the ability to have a second signet. We're going to really dive into this in main feed because there's lots to unpack. But the main real takeaways, if we're just talking about reveals, is the fact that Garruk has a second signet.

[Rebecca]

Oh.

[Christina]

Also it turns out first we look for his first signet first. And it's a wind wielder. And then turns out he is our distance wielder.

[Rebecca]

He is our distance wielder.

[Christina]

We did call with the desert island interview.

[Anna]

We did.

[Christina]

Yes. And the big interesting thing she really checked off the list and second signets is that Liam did wield the ice at the end of Fourth Wing. It was his second signet.

[Rebecca]

Yep.

[Anna]

Feelings.

[Christina]

Now we have feelings about that. And we want to talk about the logistics when we have had a chance to really sit with it.

[Rebecca]

Absolutely.

[Christina]

And then let's just discuss the ending. What a wild, crazy ending. Like just rattle off like our main big things that happened.

[Anna]

Yeah, yeah, it was so much fun. I mean, the snake marriage. And clearly, you know, she asked Imogen to wipe her mind, which.

[Christina]

Why did she ask for that? Like there has a bigger plan in place.

[Rebecca]

To me, it's plausible deniability.

[Anna]

It's a hundred percent.

[Rebecca]

I don't want to know. I don't want to know where he is. I don't know what he's doing. If you torture me, like, you can look at. Have Dane look in my mind, he'll be able to tell you. She doesn't know where he is. Yeah, I think it's to save her.

[Christina]

I think Zayden probably told her to. Like, I think they have a plan.

[Rebecca]

Oh, absolutely.

[Christina]

And it was like, okay, I'm going to go be secret agent with Venon. We're married now. But she's going to have to erase your memories when you get there so that you're safe.

[Anna]

So I wonder if Imogen can erase memories without seeing the memories. Has that been discussed? Interesting.

[Rebecca]

I don't know, because then Imogen would also be.

[Anna]

Would also be a danger to knowing what happened if she knew the memories. But maybe she's able to just erase the past few hours without actually seeing what's in there. Because if she could see that, would that make her type of intrinsic like. Or like, you know, zading memories? So maybe she's able to just erase them without actually seeing them. Like I'm erasing certain amount of time.

[Rebecca]

Right.

[Christina]

Because we know it's been 12 hours.

[Anna]

Yeah.

[Christina]

So let's talk about quickly, the brother. Yeah, that's mentioned.

[Anna]

So the. Oh, they're just.

[Christina]

Who's turned.

[Anna]

Okay, so, yeah, so Zaden sees somebody behind that's turned. We don't know who it is, but he references them as his brother. And like, how could this person do this after he seen me struggle for five months with being a Venom? So clearly it's somebody in the inner circle, somebody that's close to him. Either Garrick or Bodhi. We've gone back and forth over the two of them, but it makes the most sense, I think, for it to be Bode right now. Because why else would you sneak marry Violet to put somebody in charge of Tyrandor? Because Bode should be inheriting that.

[Rebecca]

Right.

[Anna]

Unless Bode's not available.

[Christina]

Right. He also said I can't leave him here. Also, the last time we see Bode, he's on his hands and knees.

[Anna]

Yes. Throwing up.

[Christina]

Throwing up. Garrick.

[Rebecca]

We do see.

[Christina]

Garrick is missing.

[Anna]

Garrick is missing. But my theory with that is when he saves Imogen and brings Quinn's body back, he says, I only have enough in me for one more jump. If I leave here, I can't get back. And he says, but I have to do something. And Goldy just appears at the end, and Darna just shows up. How did she know to come back? Garruk is our only distance walker.

[Rebecca]

True.

[Anna]

He could make that jump with his dragon to where Goldi is and be like, we need you. But he can't get back, and that's why he's missing. He only had enough energy in him for one jump, and it's only been a few hours that are missing.

[Christina]

I like that. I like that a lot. I think that tracks. I do want to understand how he knows where Andarna was, like, where she. The mythical. Where they are and they go. But I feel like we could figure that out.

[Anna]

I feel like if he jumped with the dragon and was just, like, flying around like the Irids found him the last time, I think he probably just went back to the island and was like, yo, Goldie, where you at?

[Rebecca]

We're gonna fly around.

[Christina]

Where you at?

[Rebecca]

Shit's at the fan. We need you to come back.

[Christina]

And, you know, in.

[Anna]

Darda will be like, what? She would immediately come?

[Rebecca]

Yeah, totally.

[Anna]

But how did she fly that fast back? That doesn't make sense either.

[Christina]

Oh, yeah.

[Rebecca]

Yeah. Because Garrett can't take her because he could only go one way.

[Anna]

Guys.

[Christina]

Maybe time moves differently with the Irrads, and she's already learned a bunch. And maybe she's been there for, like, a. Actually a long time, maybe. And she can poof the way they poofed.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

Onto the beach.

[Rebecca]

I love it.

[Christina]

You know, I love it.

[Anna]

Interesting.

[Rebecca]

I do think telling us that Garak is missing is like, a red herring. I agree that we're supposed to think it's Garrick, but just the way that Zaden speaks about it, which, again, we'll go into more detail. Like, I am coming around to the idea that I think it is Bodhi.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And we foreshadowed setting Violet up to be the reluctant leader.

[Rebecca]

Absolutely.

[Anna]

We've been foreshadowing that the whole book.

[Christina]

He says she promised. And she did specifically say she has promised me. You'll take care. You'll take it. And it is.

[Anna]

And he's bonded to a general among dragons. You will be a leader whether or not you like it or not.

[Rebecca]

And that's what's happening.

[Christina]

Also to mention there are four riders missing. So we know it's Garrick and Bodhi, but we don't know who the other two are. Are.

[Rebecca]

Yeah, Right.

[Christina]

And we don't know where they are.

[Rebecca]

Guys.

[Anna]

All right.

[Christina]

All righty.

[Anna]

That's it.

[Christina]

All right. Yes. Stay tuned. We are going to have so many more deep, deep dive episodes.

[Rebecca]

Yes.

[Christina]

Fully fleshing out this amazing book. So stay tuned for more on Next Door.

[Rebecca]

Yay. Bye. Well, friends, that wraps up another episode of Flights of Fantasy podcast. Don't forget to join our book club community on Instagram and TikTok at flights of Fantasy Podcast where you can share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments with us and fellow listeners. We'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us spread the magic of Romantasy to even more book lovers. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep reading, and remember, every good story deserves to take flight.