Kathryn VanArendonk, a writer for Vulture, dives into the captivating world of 'faerie smut', a genre that fuses romance with fantasy and has taken the literary scene by storm. She discusses how popular authors and social media, especially TikTok, have elevated this genre's visibility. The conversation examines the shift towards escapist fiction during the pandemic, as readers seek emotional connections through complex narratives. Also highlighted are the evolving perceptions of sex scenes in literature and the cyclical nature of literary trends.
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Midnight Release Party
Emma Alpern attended a midnight book release for Sarah J. Maas.
The atmosphere was like a Harry Potter release, but with adults in faux leather and elf ears.
insights INSIGHT
Romantasy Defined
Romantasy blends fantasy world-building with romance plots.
Key elements include mythical creatures, maps, chosen one narratives, and explicit sex scenes.
insights INSIGHT
Maas' Popularity
Sarah J. Maas is immensely popular, selling over 40 million books.
Her books are widely available, even in non-bookstore settings like Target.
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In 'Why We're Polarized,' Ezra Klein argues that America’s political system is polarizing due to the merging of partisan identities with racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. The book explores how these merged identities have led to a dysfunctional political system and traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and institutions. Klein also discusses the role of media and psychological factors in exacerbating polarization, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of American politics[2][3][5].
A Court of Mist and Fury
Sarah J Maas
After surviving the trials of Amarantha, Feyre becomes High Fae but struggles to come to terms with the traumatic acts she performed. She must honor her bargain with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, and begins to learn about the politics and power of Prythian. As Feyre navigates this dark web of politics, passion, and power, she must harness her gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future and the future of a world in turmoil. Along the way, she discovers the true nature of Rhysand and the Night Court, and their bond deepens as they face a looming greater evil together.
House of Flame and Shadow
House of Flame and Shadow
Sarah J Maas
House of Flame and Shadow, by Sarah J. Maas, is a captivating fantasy romance novel. It is part of the popular "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series, known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and steamy romance. The story follows Feyre and Rhysand as they navigate their relationship amidst political intrigue and dangerous enemies. The book is praised for its immersive world and emotional depth, captivating readers with its blend of fantasy and romance. It explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of power. The novel's popularity has contributed to the rise of the 'romantasy' genre.
Bridgerton
Julia Quinn
The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn is a collection of eight novels set in Regency-era England, each focusing on one of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they find love and navigate societal expectations. The series includes titles such as 'The Duke and I', 'The Viscount Who Loved Me', and 'On the Way to the Wedding'. The novels have been well-received for their engaging characters and historical settings.
Romantasy is the most popular literary genre in America right now. Vulture’s Kathryn VanArendonk and Circana’s Kristen McLean explain why.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
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