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Prepare to indulge your literary senses in a world where romance intertwines with the intrigue of royal fantasy. As we embark on a vibrant discussion, our quartet of book enthusiasts—Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan —discuss Abigail Owen's "The Liar's Crown."

We unveil the news on Holly Black's new card game, Enemies and Lovers: The Crown of Elfhame. There is a new stained-glass limited cover of "Crowns of Niaxia." Discover what awaits in Abigail Owen's final installment in the Dominions trilogy, "The Shadows Rule."

Immerse yourself in the tapestry of relationships and mythology that weaves through our featured fantasy book, where the magic of names and power of bloodlines craft a narrative as compelling as the legends that inspired them. We dissect the nuances of royal privilege and the chains of duty, drawing parallels to the Windsors' own saga. From the enigmatic allure of the Shadowraith to the bittersweet plight of Tabra, we delve into the depths of character arcs that promise to unfurl in the sequel, leaving us yearning for more.

Finally, we cap off this episode with a flourish of visual and romantic musings, critiquing the arresting cover art of Elizabeth Turner Stokes for "The Liar's Crown" and musing over the symbolic resonance within. We then shift gears for a humorous homage to Robin Hood's cinematic journey, ranking our favorite portrayals of Maid Marian and her dashing outlaw. Get ready for a hint of nostalgia and a peek at "Three Dark Crowns" by Kendare Blake, all while we encourage you, our dear listeners, to contribute your burning questions for our next rapid round of literary banter.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Holly Black card game: Enemies and Lovers: The Crown of Elfhame
  • Kickstarter Link
• Acrylipicsbookishnook version of Crowns of Nyaxia
  • https://acrylipics.com/
• The final book in the Dominions trilogy by Abigail Owens, The Shadows Rule All, will be released on November 12, 2024
  • Author's website with announcement
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/

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Unearth the secrets of "The Mummy" as we mark its 25th anniversary, not just reminiscing about its thrills but also digging into the rich tapestry of its characters and their moral ambiguity. Are our heroes really the good guys, or is there more to Imhotep's curse than meets the eye? Join us for a lively debate on this cinematic classic and the implications of its narrative through a contemporary lens. We discuss how 1999 was an amazing year for movies, and this was a great film in a year of great films.

Evie's character, with Rachel Weisz's impeccable portrayal, continues to enchant us with her blend of intellect and audacity. We chuckle over our favorite quotes and concede that some special effects have aged poorly and some like fine wine – or in this case, like a perfectly preserved mummy. The film's success story, from its desert shoots to its box office surprise, makes "The Mummy" a cult phenomenon worth revisiting. And let's not forget the other characters who add zest to the adventure, making every rewatch an expedition worth taking.

Our topic waltzes through the romance of Jerry Goldsmith's score and the bygone era of Hollywood, where movie posters were as much a work of art as the films they represented. We dissect the visual and auditory elements that make "The Mummy" not just a movie but an experience. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newfound enthusiast, this chapter of our podcast promises to rekindle your love for the magic that "The Mummy" has cast over us for a quarter of a century. So, adjust your fedoras and sharpen your wits, as we set out on this podcast journey into the heart of cinematic nostalgia as we discuss if this classic is in fact, romantasy.

Links from this episode:

https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day

https://jenniferlarmentrout.com/apollycon/

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Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/ofswordsandsoulmates

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Discover the enchanting intersections of romantic literature and fantasy realms as we, your impassioned hosts Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan, unveil literary treasures that will beguile your heart and challenge your imagination. With the buzz surrounding Carissa Broadbent's "The Songbird and the Heart of Stone" and the anticipated mecha magic of Xiran Jay Zhao's "Iron Widow" sequel, we're thrilled to share our musings on these upcoming releases and the beautifully bound new editions of "Legends and Lattes." We also will also touch on the announcement of the next installment of Rebecca Yarros' 'Fourth Wing' sequel as well as the special edition of the Throne of Glass books on FairyLoot.

Our book for this episode is "Vikings in the Mist / Shadows of Kiev" by Eliza Milton. As we navigate through a whirlpool of mixed fantasy elements and dissect the fiery romance of Viking fantasy novels, our candid thoughts flow like a cascade of insights as we give an overall rating in a spoiler-free segment before a detailed discussion where spoilers abound.

We're excited for you to join us and share your own thoughts on these narrative odysseys. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of a well-wrought fantasy or the tender entanglement of soulmates, our podcast is your sanctuary for all things romantasy. Engage with us across our social platforms, and let's revel in the art of storytelling together.

Links from the News Segment:
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia book 3) by Carissa Broadbent release date November 19, 2024 - https://a.co/d/5bLjZki

Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow book 2) by Xiran Jay Zhao has been pushed back to December 24, 2024 release date - https://a.co/d/imKsqJa

Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree being released in special edition hardcovers on October 29, 2024 - https://tinyurl.com/5e683f92

Fairyloot is doing special editions of Throne of Glass, open to the general US public for purchase on April 18, 2024 - https://tinyurl.com/2p8k7xdj

Rebecca Yarros announces on Good Morning America that the third book in the Empyrean series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame) will be released on January 21, 2025 and will be titled Onyx Storm - https://tinyurl.com/2zv5ufbs

Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/

Book Reviewed:

Shadows of Kiev / Vikings in the Mist by Eliza Tilton - https://a.co/d/eog2XFp

Author’s Webpage - https://elizatilton.com/

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Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/ofswordsandsoulmates