A Novel Bunch

Welcome to A Novel Bunch, your new favorite modern-day book club! Hosted by besties Molly Burnett and Alyssa Tabit Smith, this podcast dives into one book per month, broken down chapter by chapter. New episodes drop every Tuesday, so grab your copy and read along—right here on A Novel Bunch.

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#75
Tuesday · 28 min
Throne of Glass (Ch. 43–55): "Blood Ties Can't be Broken"... WHAT!?
#075: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving into Throne of Glass chapters 43 through 55, and BUNCHIES—we’ve got Kaltain on our LAST nerve, portals opening, MORE Wyrdmarks, and Celaena officially becoming the King’s Champion. *SPOILERS AHEAD* But first—Wyrdmarks in ACOTAR?! Feyre describes the faded markings around her family’s human cottage as whorls, swirls, and runes carved around the doors and windows for protection against faeries. Now that we’ve seen Wyrdmarks used for protection, portals, and crossing between realms in Throne of Glass... could those cottage markings actually be Wyrdmarks—or some forgotten version of the same ancient language? WE HAVE QUESTIONS. Back in Erilea, Celaena finally reveals her true identity to Nehemia, who gives her the name Elentiya, Spirit That Could Not Be Broken. Then it’s time for the final duel. Celaena takes down Grave in under two minutes, but before she faces Cain, Kaltain poisons her wine with bloodbane. As Celaena becomes weaker and more disoriented, Cain begins taunting her with horrifying details about the night her parents died. HOW DOES HE KNOW THAT?! And somehow things get even worse. Creatures begin surrounding Celaena during the fight, creatures no one else can see. Elena appears through a portal, drives them away, removes the poison from Celaena’s body, and gives her the chance to fight back. Celaena defeats Cain, a Wyrdmark glows across her forehead, and when Cain tries to attack her from behind, Chaol kills him—his first kill ever. CUZ HE’S IN LOVE. I SAID WHAT I SAID. Nehemia then reveals she knew WAY more than we realized: she drew the protective Wyrdmarks beneath Celaena’s bed, could see the creatures during the duel, and opened the portal that allowed Elena to save her. Meanwhile, the King and Duke Perrington basically confirm our worst suspicions, the King knew what Cain was doing, and Perrington is using some mysterious “power” on Kaltain. And then...DORIAN HEARTBREAK. After the books, flirting, dancing, Fleetfoot, and KISSING, Celaena tells Dorian they can’t be together, even after he says he would tell his parents about them. Finally, Celaena thanks Elena for saving her, only for Elena to respond: “Blood ties can’t be broken.” UMMMM... WHAT BLOOD TIES?! Celaena signs her contract and officially becomes the King’s Champion for four years before earning her freedom. But with portals opening, the King experimenting with mysterious powers, and Celaena’s past getting more suspicious by the chapter... Something tells us becoming Champion was only the beginning. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#74
August 18 · 29 min
Throne of Glass (Ch. 29–42): Dorian Girlies, WE ARE SO UP
#074: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving into Throne of Glass chapters 29 through 42, and BUNCHIES—the romance is ROMANCING. *SPOILERS AHEAD* The competition continues, another Champion is brutally murdered, and the mysterious Wyrdmarks scattered throughout the castle are becoming harder to ignore. Celaena begins suspecting Nehemia may know more than she’s letting on, especially after finding Wyrdmarks hidden beneath her bed and discovering Nehemia has been studying them herself. Meanwhile, Dorian and Celaena are getting CLOSER. He saves the puppy Celaena begged him not to delete, gifts her Fleetfoot (SWOON), dances with her at the Yulemas ball—and then follows her back to her rooms where THEY KISS. But romance isn’t the only thing heating up. Dorian recognizes Celaena’s mysterious amulet as the Eye of Elena, Duke Perrington reveals Celaena’s true identity to Kaltain, and a plan is set in motion to drug her before the final duel. Then the castle mystery finally starts coming together. Celaena discovers the murdered Champions are being sacrificed to summon a terrifying creature called a Ridderak, allowing its summoner to steal their strength—and she catches Cain in the act. After surviving the Ridderak with King Gavin’s sword, Damaris, Nehemia finds Celaena and bathes her... only to reveal glowing turquoise Wyrdmarks covering her body. WE HAVE QUESTIONS. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#73
August 11 · 35 min
Throne of Glass (Ch. 15–28): We Found the First Major Maasverse Connection!
#073: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re covering chapters 15 through 28 of Throne of Glass, and BUNCHIES… the competition is officially underway, the Champions are being hunted, and the clues are starting to point toward something much bigger beneath the glass castle. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Before we dive into the chapters, we found an old video of Sarah J. Maas sorting her characters into Hogwarts houses, and obviously, we need to discuss. From Ravenclaw Dorian and Hufflepuff Chaol to Celaena’s Slytherin-Gryffindor mix, we’re breaking down whether we agree or not! Then it’s back to the competition as Celaena deliberately hides the full extent of her abilities, survives increasingly brutal trials, and risks everything to save Nox after Grave pushes him from the castle wall. Meanwhile, Dorian and Celaena continue growing closer through books, music, and one very flirtatious game of billiards, while Chaol sends Dorian away from her rooms, only to give Celaena his amethyst ring moments later. The love-triangle energy is officially here, Bunchies. But romance may be the least of Celaena’s problems. Nehemia reveals that the mysterious symbols around the clock tower are ancient Wyrdmarks, and Celaena discovers they can be used to open Wyrdgates into other realms. After finding secret passages behind the tapestry in her room, she is led beneath the castle to the tomb of King Gavin and Queen Elena. There, Elena warns her that the eight gargoyles guard a portal between worlds, and that something evil is already inside the castle. We’re connecting the Wyrdmarks, Elena’s protective amulet, and The Walking Dead to major Crescent City moments, questioning whether “Ah! Time’s Rift!” could connect to the Northern Rift, and asking just how early Sarah J. Maas began planting the seeds for a much larger crossover. And just when the mystery could not get any bigger… Cain reveals that he knows Celaena’s true identity. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#72
August 4 · 30 min
Throne of Glass (Ch. 1–14): First Impressions of Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol!
#072: This week on A Novel Bunch, we are officially beginning Throne of Glass, and BUNCHIES, we are already obsessed. SPOILERS AHEAD Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s most infamous assassin, is pulled from the Salt Mines of Endovier and offered a chance at freedom by Crown Prince Dorian: compete to become the King’s Champion, serve him for four years, and walk free. But surviving the competition may be the least of her problems. Between Dorian’s shameless flirting, Chaol’s reluctant training sessions, Princess Nehemia’s mysterious agenda, and a castle filled with criminals, assassins, and secrets, Celaena quickly realizes there is far more happening beneath the glass castle than anyone is admitting. Magic has supposedly vanished. Strange symbols surround the clock tower. Tiny footprints and flowers appear where they should not. And when one of the competitors is brutally murdered, it becomes clear something dangerous may already be hunting them. We’re breaking down our first impressions of Celaena, debating the Dorian-versus-Chaol love triangle, questioning who betrayed her, and asking the biggest question of all: who exactly is Celaena Sardothien? Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#71
July 28 · 49 min
Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (Ch. 77–102): Bonus Chapter Live Read
#071: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re covering the explosive final chapters of House of Flame and Shadow—plus doing a live read of one of the Crescent City bonus chapters! SPOILERS AHEAD Bryce returns to Midgard with the Mask, exposes the Asteri’s greatest weakness to the entire world, raises the Fallen, and launches a full-scale attack on the Eternal City. But when Rigelus reveals the invasion was a trap, Bryce, Hunt, and their allies must risk everything to finally destroy the Asteri—and yes, that includes black holes, secondlight bullets, mech suits, Shahar, Jesiba’s devastating sacrifice, and Bryce literally dying. Meanwhile, Ruhn and Lidia’s newly discovered mating bond is immediately put to the test when Pollux kidnaps her sons. Lidia finally unleashes her hidden fire magic, reveals her connection to King Brannon’s bloodline, and gives Pollux the ending he deserves. Hypaxia defeats the Under-King and becomes the new head of the House of Flame and Shadow, Ithan embraces his role as Prime, Tharion continues making increasingly questionable life choices, and Midgard begins rebuilding without firstlight, secondlight, or the Fae monarchy. But the biggest clues may come after the battle. Bryce returns the Mask and Truth-Teller to Nesta, gives her Gwydion, and points directly toward the eight-pointed star, the Prison, and what could be a massive setup for ACOTAR 6. And just when we think Sarah J. Maas is finished connecting these worlds… twenty-four pegasuses mysteriously appear in Midgard. We break down why Bryce’s childhood obsession with Jelly Jubilee may have been foreshadowing all along, how the pegasi connect Helion’s Day Court to the lost Dusk Court, and why their return could reveal what is truly happening beneath the Prison. Plus, we live read the Crescent City bonus chapter with Azriel, Nesta, and Bryce! Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#70
July 21 · 32 min
Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (Ch. 51–76): The Truth About Hunt Athalar's FATHER Has Our Heads Exploding!
#070: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 51–76 of House of Flame and Shadow and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas decided the best way to prepare us for the finale was to reveal ancient history, launch an interdimensional war, and casually connect entire worlds. SPOILERS AHEAD Before we dive into the chapters, we're taking a quick detour to completely fan girl over Rebecca Yarros' Threshing Day announcement! We break down everything we know about the 13 stories, theorize whose POVs could be included, from Xaden and Naolin to Brennan, Lilith, Liam, and even Jack Barlowe, and share our wildest predictions for what could set up Book 4. Then it's back to Crescent City as Bryce's search through the Cave of Princes uncovers game-changing truths about Theia, the Starsword, and the true history of the Fae, while the Asteri begin their full-scale assault on Midgard. Along the way, we get one of the biggest relationship moments yet as Ruhn and Lidia finally give in to their feelings, Hunt and Bryce face their toughest conflict, and Baxian's heartbreaking past comes to light. Meanwhile, Bryce learns she's a true World-Walker carrying two-thirds of Theia's power, Hunt discovers the shocking truth about his origins and why he was created, and our favorite mirrored-world theory gets even stronger as Midgard and Prythian continue to reflect one another in fascinating ways. As the final battle begins, alliances are tested, Hel joins the war, Hypaxia races to save the world with her antidote, and Ithan finally steps into the Alpha role he was always meant to claim. And just when we think we know where this story is headed... Bryce opens a portal expecting Hel... and instead finds herself standing in Prythian, face-to-face with Nesta, asking for the Mask. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#69
July 14 · 36 min
Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (Ch. 26–50): The Hind Was Hiding WHAT?!
#069: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 26–50 of House of Flame and Shadow and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas somehow managed to pack an entire season of television into twenty-five chapters. *Spoilers ahead* We pick up with Bryce escaping Prythian after Vesperus is finally defeated thanks to one seriously iconic team-up with Nesta, only for Bryce's "homecoming" to go spectacularly wrong when she lands straight into the Autumn King's waiting chains. Unfortunately for him... our girl was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. While Bryce uncovers massive revelations about the Starsword, Truth-Teller, the Starborn Fae, and the Asteri's centuries-long manipulation of Midgard, Hunt, Ruhn, and Baxian are facing execution in the Eternal City... until Agent Daybright herself reminds us exactly why Lidia Cervos is THAT GIRL. Between the prison break, the chase across Midgard, and one absolutely unhinged cliff jump, these chapters officially cement her as one of the best characters in the series. Meanwhile, Ruhn is barely holding himself together, Hunt discovers the terrifying reason the Asteri are so interested in his lightning, and we learn Lidia has been hiding an enormous secret that somehow makes her story even more heartbreaking. Elsewhere, Ithan makes perhaps the most questionable decision of his life by asking Jesiba to resurrect Sigrid, leading us down a rabbit hole of ancient history involving Parthos, the Fendyr bloodline, Apollion, and enough lore to rewrite everything we thought we knew about Midgard. Bryce eventually reunites with Hunt, boldly declares herself Queen of the Valbaran Fae, convinces the Ocean Queen to help them reach Avallen, and begins chasing answers hidden in one of the oldest Fae strongholds in existence. Along the way we meet King Morven, the deeply unsettling Murder Twins, watch Tharion make yet another impulsive life-changing decision, and witness Hypaxia's resurrection spell go catastrophically wrong. By the end of these chapters, ancient maps hint that Midgard once looked completely different, the mystery surrounding the First Wars grows even bigger, Bryce and Hunt finally get a much-needed moment alone, and Sarah J. Maas leaves us with enough new questions to fuel theories for weeks. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#68
July 7 · 48 min
Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (Prologue–Ch. 25): Bryce Landed... WHERE?!
#068: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're kicking off House of Flame and Shadow, and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas wasted absolutely zero time choosing violence. Within the first few chapters, Bryce crash-lands in a place we've all been dreaming she'd end up, while everyone else is scattered across Midgard trying desperately to survive the fallout of the Asteri's attack. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Bryce finds herself in Prythian face-to-face with Rhysand, Azriel, Nesta, Amren, and the Inner Circle, only to discover they're just as suspicious of her as she is of them. As language barriers disappear and ancient magic begins responding to Bryce's presence, one revelation after another confirms that the worlds of Crescent City and ACOTAR are connected far more deeply than we ever imagined. The Starsword, the Book of Breathings, Queen Theia, the Dread Trove... suddenly, it's all one story. Hunt learns shocking new truths about his mysterious origins, Apollion and Aidas finally step into the conversation, and we're left asking one very important question: Who exactly is Hunt's father? Back in Lunathion, the remaining crew is somehow having an equally terrible week. Sabine refuses to stay dead, the Viper Queen continues collecting people like Pokémon, Ithan accidentally signs himself up for a fight to the death, and Lidia risks absolutely everything after revealing herself as Agent Daybright to the very people who have every reason not to trust her. Over in Prythian, Bryce, Nesta, and Azriel descend into ancient tunnels beneath the Prison, where Silene's hidden memories unravel the true history of the Daglan, the Asteri, Queen Theia, the founding of the Night Court, and the terrifying secret Rhysand has no idea his own bloodline has been protecting. Every answer completely rewrites what we thought we knew about both worlds. And just when it feels like the lore couldn't possibly get bigger... Bryce makes perhaps the boldest decision of the entire series and awakens an imprisoned Asteri beneath the mountain. By the end of these chapters, ancient histories have collided, centuries of lies are falling apart, and it's becoming painfully clear that saving Midgard may require unraveling the fate of every world Sarah J. Maas has ever built. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#67
June 30 · 48 min
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath: (Ch. 64–78 + Live Read of Ch. 78): Did Someone Say PRYTHIAN?!
#067: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 64–78 of House of Sky and Breath and... BUNCHIES. Wow. Just WOW. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Fresh off the Under-King's temple, Baxian finally reveals why he's been helping Bryce all along—and drops one of the biggest emotional bombs in the series: Danika was his mate. As Bryce pieces together Danika's final investigation, it becomes clear she died trying to uncover a truth that threatened the Asteri themselves. Meanwhile, our crew launches their long-awaited Crystal Palace heist, but what starts as a carefully planned mission quickly spirals into disaster. Along the way, Bryce uncovers the horrifying secret behind Firstlight, the true history of Midgard, and learns the Asteri aren't benevolent rulers at all... they're intergalactic conquerors who have been feeding on their people for thousands of years. Elsewhere, Ruhn and Daybright's story reaches a heartbreaking turning point, the identity of Day is finally revealed, Cormac makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Bryce, Hunt, and Ruhn find themselves facing impossible odds inside the Asteri's palace. By the end of these chapters, Bryce makes one desperate leap through a Gate... and wakes up somewhere none of us expected: Prythian. We break down her first meeting with the Inner Circle, the shocking connection between the Starsword and Azriel's dagger, Rhysand's resemblance to Ruhn, and all the ACOTAR crossover theories these chapters unleashed. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#66
June 23 · 43 min
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath: (Ch 48-63): Agent Day Revealed?! (Our Theories)
#066: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 48–63 of House of Sky and Breath and BUNCHIES... every time we think we've uncovered one of Danika's secrets, Sarah J. Maas reveals she was apparently running seventeen different investigations at the same time. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Bryce and Hunt are still reeling from the aftermath of their life-changing voyage, but peace doesn't last long as new revelations about Emile, Sofie, and Danika's secret plans continue piling up. Between mysterious symbols, rebel conspiracies, and favors owed to the Viper Queen, it becomes increasingly clear that Danika was playing a much bigger game than anyone realized. Meanwhile, the gang gains some unexpected allies, including Baxian, a dragon, and a house full of rescued fire sprites, while dangerous new threats emerge across Midgard in the form of deathstalkers, growing demon activity, and a very suspicious Under-King. As Bryce digs deeper into ancient secrets, shocking connections begin to surface involving the Princes of Hel, the Asteri, and a war that may be far from over. On the romance front? We get everything from Bryce publicly claiming Hunt as her mate in front of Midgard's elite, to one of the biggest reveals of the series: a certain secret relationship we've been theorizing about for weeks. And if that wasn't enough, Ruhn and Day finally meet face-to-face... sort of. By the end of these chapters, Bryce is learning just how powerful she really is, receives some interesting information about Hunt's origins, and the Under-King delivers an ultimatum that could determine the fate of Connor, the Pack of Devils, and possibly Midgard itself. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#65
June 16 · 41 min
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath: (Ch 32-47): Ruhn Revealed WHAT About Bryce and Hunt?!
#065: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 32–47 of House of Sky and Breath and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas looked us directly in the eye and said, "What if every answer created three new conspiracies?" *SPOILERS AHEAD* Fresh off the chaos in the Bone Quarter, Bryce and Hunt are left reeling after learning the horrifying truth about what happens to souls after death, and somehow things only get worse from there. As they continue following the trail Danika left behind, it becomes increasingly clear that their best friend was investigating secrets far bigger than anyone imagined. Meanwhile, Bryce, Ithan, and Tharion visit the Mystics in one of the most unsettling locations we've seen yet, complete with enslaved fire sprites, a mysterious Astronomer, and a holographic model of Midgard's solar system that has us asking entirely too many questions. Their search for answers about Connor, Emile, and Danika uncovers even more evidence that the official history of Midgard may be one giant lie. Speaking of lies, Bryce discovers Danika had been researching the origins of the shifters and the Fendyr bloodline, leading to some massive revelations about the First Wars, the Asteri, and what the wolves may have once been before they were "tamed." Elsewhere, the rebel storyline explodes as Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, Tharion, and Cormac infiltrate a weapons shipment tied to Ophion—only to discover a terrifying new mech suit capable of drawing Firstlight directly from the land itself. Naturally, everything goes sideways, Pippa proves she's somehow even worse than we thought, and our crew barely escapes with their lives. On the romance front? We finally get the moment. After Hunt nearly goes feral protecting Bryce, Ruhn casually drops one of the biggest reveals of the entire series: Bryce and Hunt are true mates. The aftermath gives us power merging, emotional declarations, and some very interesting questions about what these two are capable of when their abilities combine. We also meet the Ocean Queen's hidden fleet, learn the shocking truth about Sofie Renast's fate, free a few very memorable fire sprites, and get another incredible Daybright and Ruhn conversation that somehow leaves us with even more questions than answers. By the end of these chapters, the conspiracy surrounding the Asteri is growing, the rebellion is accelerating toward open war, and Bryce is realizing Danika may have been trying to expose the truth about their entire world. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#64
June 9 · 34 min
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath: (Ch 16-31): Agent Night and Agent Daybright Have Entered the Chat
#064: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 16–31 of House of Sky and Breath and BUNCHIES... the conspiracy is conspiring, the rebellion is rebellion-ing, and Bryce and Hunt are finally running out of excuses. *SPOILERS AHEAD* As Bryce and Hunt continue investigating Sofie Renast, Emile, Ophion, and the seemingly endless list of secrets Danika left behind, it becomes clear that Danika was involved in far more dangerous things than anyone realized. Every lead Bryce follows somehow circles back to her best friend, and the deeper she digs, the bigger the mystery becomes. Meanwhile, Bryce and Hunt spend most of these chapters trying—and failing—to ignore how completely obsessed they are with each other. Between emotional conversations, longing looks, and enough sexual tension to power Crescent City, Hunt begins imagining a future that includes freedom, peace, and Bryce. Naturally, that terrifies him more than battle ever did. Ruhn's storyline becomes one of our favorites as he continues communicating with the mysterious Agent Daybright. Their mind-bridge conversations somehow manage to be equal parts rebellion planning and flirtation, and we're officially convinced Sarah J. Maas is setting something up here. Ruhn keeps pretending he's chill about Day. He is not chill about Day. The rebellion plot thickens when Hunt is given the codename Agent Night and begins communicating with rebel contacts through Cormac's crystal. As more information comes to light, Bryce and Hunt start realizing just how deeply the Asteri's control reaches and how many people have suffered because of it. Things take a wild turn when Ruhn is attacked by Reapers and dragged into the sewers. Bryce races after him only to receive a terrifying message from Apollion himself. The Prince of the Pit tells Bryce to train harder because he wants to face her at her full power someday—and suggests that Emile may be far more important than anyone realizes. Thankfully, Cormac arrives in time to help, and Bryce discovers that the Starsword can do something impossible: kill a Reaper. Elsewhere, Tharion continues making questionable life choices, the River Queen continues being suspicious, and Danika somehow keeps creating new mysteries from beyond the grave. And then... it finally happens. After months of waiting, interruptions, and emotional repression, Bryce and Hunt finally admit they love each other. Hunt reveals no one has said those words to him in over two hundred years, which absolutely destroyed us, and the two decide that if Hunt isn't Bryce's mate, no one is. By the end of chapter 31, Bryce and Hunt are officially all-in, Ruhn is getting deeper into both the rebellion and his connection with Daybright, and the growing war against the Asteri feels closer than ever. Add in Danika's secrets, missing children, rebel operatives, and a suspicious amount of attention surrounding Emile, and we're left with one conclusion: Everything is about to get a whole lot messier. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#63
June 2 · 45 min
Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath: (Ch 1-15): Ruhn Danaan Knew Three Things With Absolute Certainty
#063: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're diving into chapters 1–15 of House of Sky and Breath and BUNCHIES... Sarah J. Maas gave us approximately five minutes of peace before throwing us headfirst into another conspiracy. *SPOILERS AHEAD* We kick off Crescent City 2 with a brand-new mystery as Sofie Renast is running for her life carrying information so explosive it could bring down the Asteri themselves. We're talking secret rebel intel, death camps, missing children, and the reveal that Sofie is part Thunderbird—a nearly extinct line capable of wielding and absorbing energy. Oh, and her little brother Emile apparently has the same powers. Meanwhile, back in Crescent City, Bryce and Hunt are somehow MORE frustrating than ever because despite surviving demons, Archangels, city-wide destruction, and literal death... they've decided to make a pact to wait until Winter Solstice before physically being together. WHY, SARAH. WHY. The tension is absolutely tensioning as Bryce's Starborn light randomly flares to life at the ballet. Hunt covers the glowing light on her chest like the protective king he is, while Bryce spends every waking second regretting the bargain she made. At Ruhn's house, we get our first major bombshell when an unexpected visitor crashes the party: Prince Cormac Donnall of Avallen. And not only is he Bryce's cousin... HE'S HER FIANCÉ. The Autumn King apparently decided to arrange a political marriage without consulting literally anyone involved, and Bryce is about as thrilled as you'd expect. Hunt is trying to remain calm, but we all know our angel is one inconvenience away from committing several felonies. Things get even worse when Bryce and Hunt return home to find Ithan Holstrom beaten nearly to death after defending Bryce against Sabine and the wolves. Poor Ithan has officially entered his Sad Boy Era, and somehow Bryce has once again become Crescent City's unofficial shelter for every emotionally damaged male within a fifty-mile radius. Elsewhere, Tharion is sent on a mission to recover Sofie's body—except there's one tiny problem. There is no body. The chains meant to drag her to the bottom of the sea are empty. And suddenly everyone is asking the same question: What really happened to Sofie Renast? As the investigation begins, connections start appearing everywhere. Danika's name surfaces again. Sofie's emails contain references to mysterious projects, hidden truths, and something called "Dusk's Truth." Tharion discovers evidence that Sofie's younger brother may still be alive, while Bryce finds herself pulled into yet another dangerous mystery that absolutely does not concern her but that she fully intends to solve anyway. Because apparently Bryce Quinlan learned nothing from the events of the last book. We also finally meet Crescent City's new Archangel, Celestina, who seems surprisingly kind, reasonable, and competent—which naturally makes us suspicious. At the 33rd, Hunt is forced to work alongside Pollux Antonius, the Hammer, and Baxian Argos, the Helhound, two former members of Sandriel's elite Triarii. Tensions explode almost immediately, fists are thrown, cells are occupied, and Celestina calls Bryce to come pick up Hunt. Meanwhile, Ruhn Danaan knew three things with absolute certainty. Iykyk. He is busy dealing with his own problems, including an arranged engagement to Hypaxia, mounting pressure from the Autumn King, and the realization that Cormac may not be exactly who he claims to be. Because BUNCHIES... Cormac is secretly Agent Silverbow. You know, the mysterious rebel operative from the prologue. The same operative who helped Sofie. The same operative who's supposed to be marrying Bryce. WHAT. And then Sarah J. Maas decides we haven't suffered enough and drops the biggest lore bomb of the entire book so far. Aidas returns. Our favorite suspicious demon cat casually reveals that Bryce is a direct descendant of Theia, the last Starborn Queen, and that everything they've been taught about history may be a lie. According to Aidas, the war against the Asteri never truly ended.The Asteri rewrote history. They erased the truth. They buried Theia's legacy.And the legendary Great Library hidden within Jesiba's gallery may contain proof of everything. Even crazier? Aidas claims Hel isn't the enemy. The Asteri are. And if Bryce chooses to fight, the armies of Hel will answer her call. EXCUSE ME??? By the end of chapter 15, we discover that the mysterious rebel network Ophion may be far closer than we realized, because standing at Bryce's door is Prince Cormac Donnall. Or should we say... Agent Silverbow. WE HAVE QUESTIONS. WE HAVE THEORIES. AND WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT OKAY. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#62
May 26 · 40 min
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood: (Ch 73-97): "Light It Up, Bryce! Light It Up!"
#062: This week on A Novel Bunch, we're covering chapters 73–97 of House of Earth and Blood and BUNCHIES… we genuinely don’t know how Sarah J. Maas expects anyone to emotionally recover from this ending. *SPOILERS AHEAD* The final stretch of Crescent City absolutely DESTROYED us as Bryce uncovers the horrifying truth behind Micah’s plan, the Horn, and Danika’s sacrifice—and then proceeds to become the most iconic female character alive. Everything starts spiraling at the Asteri Summit while Bryce is trapped inside Jesiba’s gallery with Micah… and OH MY GOD the reveals. We learn the gallery is secretly the lost Great Library of Parthos, filled with banned books that challenge everything the Asteri want the world to believe. Micah reveals Danika secretly tattooed the Horn into Bryce’s back to hide it from everyone… meaning Bryce herself has unknowingly been carrying one of the most dangerous magical objects in existence this entire time. Casual!!! And then Micah CONFESSES EVERYTHING. He manipulated Danika, used Synth to push her beyond her limits, orchestrated the deaths of the Pack of Devils, and planned to use the Horn to open portals and unleash armies from the other side. Meanwhile the entire city is literally watching Bryce interrogate him through the gallery security feed while absolute chaos unfolds. But emotionally? Nothing could’ve prepared us for Lehabah. LEHABAH. Our tiny fire sprite queen sacrifices herself to save Bryce and Syrinx in one of the most heartbreaking scenes SJM has ever written. “My friends are with me and I am not afraid”??? WE WERE SOBBING. FULL BODY TEARS. And Bryce? Oh she enters SAVAGE MODE. She shoots Micah in the head, slices him in half with Danika’s sword, burns his body to ash, AND VACUUMS HIM UP. Cinema. Actual cinema. But of course things get even worse because Micah succeeds in opening the Gates before dying, unleashing demons across Crescent City while the Asteri prepare to basically bomb the entire city—including Bryce—to cover it all up. Meanwhile Hunt finally breaks free from his slavery after Hypaxia removes the halo from his brow… and BUNCHIES when Hunt kills Sandriel!? The Umbra Mortis is BACK. Then comes Bryce’s final stand. Alone outside the shelter gates, Bryce calls Hunt to say goodbye, tells him to tell her family she loves them, forgives Ruhn, and admits the feelings she’s been too terrified to say out loud. And then she runs straight toward the Gate while literally glowing with Starborn light. “I am Bryce Quinlan, heir to the Starborn Fae.” CHILLS!!!!! We finally learn Bryce’s power was hidden all these years and that she alone can wield the Horn because of her Starborn bloodline—meaning she could potentially open portals to OTHER WORLDS. And yes BUNCHIES… we are absolutely spiraling over the ACOTAR crossover implications because THE BOOK OF BREATHINGS casually appearing in Jesiba’s library cannot be a coincidence. And then Sarah J. Maas somehow gives us the most stressful sequence of all time. Hunt sacrifices himself to save Bryce from the missiles. Bryce makes the Drop completely untethered. Danika appears as her Anchor beyond death. Bryce channels the power of every Gate in Crescent City to heal the city, close the portals, and literally LIGHT IT UP. Meanwhile Hunt is giving her chest compressions screaming at her to come back because she waited until he was almost dead to finally admit her feelings!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! Bryce makes the Ascent with literally 0.003 seconds left, Hunt is healed, the city survives, and for one glorious second we think everyone might finally get peace… Until the Asteri basically warn Bryce and Hunt to stay quiet, stay obedient, and never use the Horn again. And then the epilogue casually drops MORE INSANE REVEALS when Jesiba meets with Aidas and we learn Bryce carries Theia’s true light… while Hunt’s mysterious father may be far more important than we realized. WE ARE NOT OKAY. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#61
May 19 · 43 min
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood: (Ch 49-72): The Clue Danika Left… “Through Love, All Is Possible”
#061: This week on A Novel Bunch, we covered chapters 49–72 of House of Earth and Blood and BUNCHIES… Sarah J. Maas officially chose violence. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Bryce and Hunt’s investigation into Danika’s death spirals into absolute chaos as new clues reveal the truth behind the Horn, Synth, and what REALLY happened the night the Pack of Devils died. First of all… WHAT DO YOU MEAN Danika may have been involved with Synth!? We uncover terrifying footage from secret Synth trials, learn the drug is basically synthetic magic capable of turning humans into monsters, and discover Danika was secretly investigating it long before her death. But every answer only raises more questions. Meanwhile Bryce summons Aidas, Prince of the Chasm—aka one of the most suspiciously hot demon princes ever—and he drops cryptic warnings about Bryce’s future, her power, and the fact that the Oracle “did not see” what he did. Casual!!! We also get MAJOR lore reveals: Ruhn’s legendary starborn sword was forged from the same meteorite as a missing dagger tied to an ancient prophecy… and yes BUNCHIES, we are absolutely spiraling over the possible ACOTAR connection. And emotionally? These chapters DESTROYED us. Bryce opens up about the motorcycle crash that nearly killed her and Danika, Hunt reveals the heartbreaking truth about his mother and why he joined Shahar’s rebellion, and the two somehow become even more emotionally codependent while pretending they’re “just roommates.” Oh—and then comes the kiss. THE KISS!!!!! After Bryce endures excruciating pain to extract venom from her leg wound, Hunt talks her through it, comforts her… and gives her the softest little kiss that had us LOSING OUR MINDS. But naturally SJM rips our hearts out immediately after. Because Hunt has been hiding the truth. Not only did he know about Synth… he secretly worked with Viktoria and Justinian to try to overthrow the Archangels using it. And worst of all? He believed Danika may have taken Synth the night she died and accidentally slaughtered her own pack before summoning the kristallos demon. Bryce is devastated. Furious. Betrayed. And then things somehow get EVEN WORSE. Justinian is brutally executed. Viktoria’s soul is trapped forever. Hunt is handed back over to Sandriel. Bryce offers MILLIONS to buy his freedom—and even offers herself in exchange—but Hunt rejects her to protect her. Then, in true SJM fashion, the chapters end with Bryce being attacked by a kristallos demon while everything around her completely falls apart. WE ARE NOT OKAY. Let's get into it, Bunchies!
#60
May 12 · 40 min
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood: (Ch 35-48): Wait... WHO Really Stole the Horn!?
#060: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving deeper into Crescent City House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas and BUNCHIES… the plot officially THICKENED. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Bryce and Hunt’s investigation into Danika’s murder takes a dangerous turn after a bombing at the White Raven leaves Bryce injured—and forces Hunt into full protective mode. Suddenly our reluctant duo is living together, sharing late-night banter, trauma dumps, and enough tension to power Crescent City itself. Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding the Horn gets WAY bigger. We learn Danika was secretly investigating the Horn before her death… the temple footage was tampered with… Sabine Fendyr may be hiding something… and ancient legends reveal the Horn can only be wielded by someone Starborn. As Bryce and Hunt dig deeper into demon attacks, rebel groups, underground tunnels, and hidden truths, we also get some MAJOR emotional reveals—Bryce’s heartbreaking visit to the Oracle, Hunt opening up about Shahar, and the two of them slowly becoming each other’s safe place whether they want to admit it or not. Oh—and the flirting? OFF. THE. CHARTS. From Jelly Jubilee unicorns and jealous Hunt moments to almost-kisses constantly getting interrupted, these two are driving us insane in the best way. But then SJM drops the bombshell of all bombshells: Danika Fendyr stole the Horn. And suddenly… nothing we thought we knew about that night feels true anymore. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
May 5 · 50 min
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood: (Ch 1–24): We Were NOT Ready for Chapter 5…
#059: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re kicking off Crescent City House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas—and BUNCHIES… we were not prepared. *SPOILERS AHEAD* We meet Bryce Quinlan: party girl, art dealer, and absolute IT girl of Crescent City—living her best life alongside her ride-or-die, Danika Fendyr. And then… everything is ripped away. What starts as a lush, chaotic world filled with Houses, angels, Fae politics, and ancient power quickly turns DARK when a brutal, inhuman massacre wipes out Danika and the entire Pack of Devils in a single night. And Bryce? She comes face-to-face with the horror that did it. From there, we spiral into grief, mystery, and a city that feels anything but safe. Enter Hunt Athalar—Umbra Mortis, enslaved assassin, and walking weapon—assigned to watch Bryce as a new murder surfaces… identical to Danika’s. Coincidence? Absolutely not. Now Bryce is pulled into an investigation she never asked for, forced to confront the truth about that night, Danika’s secrets, and the chilling reality that the killer never stopped hunting. We’re breaking down the emotional devastation, the insane world-building, Bryce and Hunt’s tension-filled dynamic, and all the early clues (because you KNOW SJM is planting seeds). Because one thing is clear already: This wasn’t random. And it’s far from over. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#58
April 28 · 1 hr 7 min
Onyx Storm | Live Reading (Ch 65–66) + Recap (Ch 50–66): “Don’t Look for Me.”
#058: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving into the FINAL chapters of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and BUNCHIES… we are not okay. *SPOILERS AHEAD* We’re breaking down chapters 50–66 AND doing a live reading of chapters 65 & 66—and yeah… it’s as chaotic, devastating, and jaw-on-the-floor as you’d expect. It all starts with Violet’s second signet fully emerging—dream walking—which opens up a terrifying new layer of power (and danger). Because if she can enter dreams… who else can? And more importantly, can she change them? From there, everything escalates. The Irids return, Andarna makes a shocking choice, and we uncover major truths about Dunne, devotion, and the gods themselves. Violet’s past? Not what we thought. Her future? Still unwritten, but very much in play. Meanwhile, the war explodes. Losses hit HARD. Loyalties are tested. And Violet is forced to lead in ways that cost her pieces of herself along the way. Then we hit chapter 64… and everything snaps into place. Aaric is a precog. Not partial. Not limited. He knows. He’s been knowing. And Violet? She’s been walking straight into fate this entire time. And then… Xaden. Chapter 65 changes everything. The betrayal. The bond. The “new brother.” The moment he finally breaks, and the reason why? Gut wrenching. We’re spiraling over the venin reveals, the Irid power hierarchy, Violet’s connection to both Dunne and Malek, and the terrifying realization that power—true power—always comes at a cost. And that ending? Yeah... “Don’t look for me. It’s yours now.” Absolutely shattered us. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#57
April 21 · 59 min
Onyx Storm (Ch 33-49): Enter the Irids… (Andarna's Seventh Breed Is HERE)
#57: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving into chapters 33–49 of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and BUNCHIES… we are officially in emotional warfare. *SPOILERS AHEAD* We land on Hedotis expecting wisdom and instead get manipulation, mind games, and XADEN’S MOM?? Yeah… enter Talia. But it also unlocks something deeper—because now we’re not just seeing his power shift… we’re seeing why. And that shift is getting worse. From poisoning plots to political alliances, every isle tests the squad in a new way, but the real tension is internal. Xaden is fighting himself. Hard. The control is slipping, the instincts are darker, and when he says he’d rather feel nothing than risk hurting Violet? Yeah. We’re spiraling. Meanwhile, Violet is stepping UP. Like… full command energy. Strategy, leadership, sacrifice, she’s becoming exactly what everyone needs… even if it costs her everything. Then we hit Zehyllna and things go from chaotic to devastating. Losses stack up (Trager?? Sila??), the “gifts” feel more like ominous setups, and Violet starts piecing together something massive: fate isn’t random here. It’s calculated. And then… the Irids. SIX of them. Watching. Judging. Refusing to help. Confirming our worst fear: there is no cure for venin. Not a clean one, at least. The soul is stripped piece by piece… and once it’s gone? It’s gone. Except… Violet doesn’t believe that. And neither do we. Because now the secret is out. Xaden is turning, and Violet finally tells her squad. The fallout? Surprisingly loyal. But the question shifts from if they can save him… to what happens if they can’t. Back in Aretia, everything starts collapsing. The wards are failing, venin are infiltrating leadership, and the war is no longer coming—it’s HERE. And just when we think Xaden might hold the line… another shadow wielder emerges. Yeah. Magic is rebalancing. And it’s not in his favor. But the most terrifying part? Even after everything—the fear, the distance, the literal countdown on his soul—Xaden still chooses Violet. Still comes back. Still fights it. 73 days without channeling. 73 days of control. And when they finally give in to each other… he doesn’t lose it. Which means one thing: Maybe he’s not too far gone. We’re breaking down Xaden’s unraveling, Violet’s rise to power, the Irid revelations, the “no cure” debate, and the growing theory that fate, love, and war are all tied to the same irreversible force. Because if love changes the soul… What happens when that soul is already breaking? Let’s get into it, Bunchies!
#56
April 14 · 54 min
Onyx Storm (Ch 16-32): “There’s No Magic Here…” (Xaden & Violet’s Loophole)
#56: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re diving into chapters 16–32 of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and BUNCHIES… things just went from unsettling to straight-up unhinged. *SPOILERS AHEAD* We start picking up on something Rebecca literally warned us about—there’s a double meaning in the epigraphs—and suddenly EVERYTHING feels like a clue. Letters from Asher? Cryptic. Lilith’s unsent messages? Worse. And the deeper we go, the clearer it becomes… Violet has never been told the full truth. Not even close. Meanwhile, enter: JEALOUS XADEN. Because Halden is back, asking Violet out like nothing ever happened, and Xaden? Oh he handles it. Shadows, threats, slammed-against-the-wall energy… we are absolutely feral. But beneath the tension, there’s something darker building, because Xaden isn’t just protective anymore. He’s shifting. And we need to talk about that shift. His power is different. Stronger. Colder. Controlled… until it’s not. The gold flecks in his eyes? Gone. The way he reads Violet? Sharper. And when things go down in Deverelli… he doesn’t hesitate. At all. Yeah. We’re not okay. As the squad heads to the Isles, the vibes somehow get even weirder. No magic. No connection. No dragons communicating, except Violet and Tairn. And yet, for Xaden… it’s peaceful. Which is maybe the scariest part of all. We meet Narelle, uncover more of Asher’s hidden plans, and everything we thought we understood about the gods gets reframed—because in the Isles, it’s not divine… it’s something else entirely. Because according to the Isles? It’s not divine. It’s science. It’s alchemy. And whatever is happening between Violet and Xaden… might be something entirely new. Oh, and then there’s the temple. Silver-haired priestesses. Six pillars. A goddess calling Violet to choose her path. And when Violet says, “I choose him”… something answers back. Lightning. Power. A force she swears she didn’t summon. So who did? Because by the end of chapter 32, we’re left with one terrifying realization: Xaden might be becoming the storm… but Violet? She might be something even more powerful. We’re breaking down jealous Xaden (bless), the Deverelli chaos, the venin evolution, the growing “cure” theories, and the very real possibility that Violet’s destiny has been set in motion long before she ever knew it. Let’s get into it, Bunchies!

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