Before we get into it, William updates us on some accolades and adaptations from our previous books and Jacob describes CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33, a whacko brilliant new video game from France. And then we’re talking both of our favorite book of 2025 thus far — Sarah J Maas’s QUEEN OF SHADOWS — it’s thrilling pacing, wonderful characterizations, Aelin’s ever-evolving hair color, the even better (and darker) witch plot, and the climax to end all climaxes, and last but not least, our trepidation about the much debated upcoming tandem read.

UPCOMING EPISODES:

• May 6: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 1–20
• May 13: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 21–58
• May 20: The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons, Chapters 59-End

Jacob and William recount their joyous in-person reunion (the first since the pod began!) and the highs and highs of Coachella. And then they keep sipping the Booktok Kool-Aid as they go all in on Sarah J Maas’ THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE and HEIR OF FIRE, in which they discuss the controversial suggested reading order for the prequel novellas, the total badassery of the Ironteeth witches, the two hot new Fae muscle daddies on the scene (Aedion and Rowan obvz), the difference between wyverns and dragons, and so so much more.

Jacob and William chat about their hopes and fears for the LEGEND OF ZELDA film, unpack the truly bizarre choices made in THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES, and gear up for their imminent reunion at COACHELLA. And then they're back in the Arena for the violent, epic, and heartbreaking final act of Suzanne Collins' SUNRISE ON THE REAPING. One of them loved it, one of them hated it, and both have a lot to say about what it all means, how we feel about the tragic fates of the beloved Tributes, and whether or not we think the prequel series should continue.