FictionLeisureHobbies

Just Read It... MCKay!

Elizabeth James

Welcome to your newest fantasy obsession✨📚

Join us each week for cozy chaos, magical deep dives, and unhinged fangirl energy as we break down our favorite fantasy books chapter by chapter.

Hosted by a couple of 30 something fangirls who are equal parts emotionally attached to fictional characters and wildly overcommitted to fan theories, this is the ultimate virtual book club for fantasy lovers. From swoon-worthy romances and morally gray villains to heartbreaking plot twists and jaw-dropping reveals, nothing is off limits here.

We'll recap sets of chapters, obsess over character arcs, unpack hidden details, spiral over fan theories, and yes... there will be spoilers 👀 Whether you're here for the dragons, the shadow daddies, the found family, or the emotional damage, this podcast is your safe space to scream about fantasy worlds with fellow readers who totally get it.

Grab your copy of the book, your favorite drink, and prepare to overanalyze fictional characters like it's our full-time job💖✨

Play

Open in

24 episodes
Avg 1 hr 10 min
English

Episodes 24

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#4
Thursday · 59 min
Ep. 4 CC1 Chapters 21-27
Today we are heading back into the neon lit chaos of Crescent City, breaking down chapters 21-27. Last time we left off with Bryce and Hunt stepping into a meeting with Ruhn that felt like it was bound to shake a few things up. In today's episode, the investigation is getting messy. We've got clues, we're got attitude, and the tension is thicker than a brooding angel's scowl. Honestly, we are all just trying to survive the sheer volume of the alpha males in this city. So grab your pastry, secure your chimera, and settle in folks. Hunt Athalar is already annoyed and we are just getting started.
- Transcript
#3
Tuesday · 1 hr 35 min
Ep. 3 CC1 Chapters 14-20
Welcome back! Secrets are surfacing, alliances are shifting, and the chemistry is undeniable. Somewhere beneath all of the banter, there's also a killer still walking free. This is episode 3 of our Crescent City House of Earth and Blood review of chapters 14-20. On today's episode, Bryce avoids her feelings by solving murders, Hunt discovers that sarcasm is definitely his love language, and the plot begins plotting so hard you're gonna need a board for your own conspiracy theories on top of what we go through. Grab a tea, soda, or coffee, something caffeinated so you can keep up with all of the mind boggling spinning, and let's jump into it!
- Transcript
#2
Monday · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 2 CC1 Chapters 8-13
Welcome back to Just Read It… MCKay? We're back in Lunathian for our second deep dive of House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas. If you've been reading along with us today, we're going through chapters 8-13. Last episode Sarah wasted absolutely no time breaking our hearts and completely changing the trajectory of Bryce Quinlan's life. Now, as the dust begins to settle, we're starting to see what life looks like in the aftermath. And let's just say nothing is ever simple in Crescent City. Today's chapters give us plenty to unpack, new dynamics, new questions, familiar faces, and a few moments that remind us why this book is so much more than a fantasy mystery. We'll be talking about the emotional weight these characters carry, the clues Sarah sneaks in, the characters we're warming up to, and a few we're still side-eyeing. And of course, all the theories that started spinning through our heads. Because oh my gosh, just you wait! So grab your favorite drink and settle in to your comfiest reading chair and join us as we dive in.
- Transcript
#1
August 19 · 1 hr 51 min
Ep. 1 CC1 Chapters 1-7
Welcome back to Just Read It… MCKay? We have officially closed one chapter of our journey and are opening the gates to a brand new world. Today we're kicking off our deep dive into a House of Earth and Blood, the first book in the Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas. If you're joining us for the first time, welcome! And if you've been with us through Prythian, Thank you for coming along for another adventure! It's time to say goodbye to the courts, for now, and hello to the bustling streets of Lunathian. A city where the magic is modern, the world is massive, and the first hundred pages might have you wondering if you accidentally skipped a chapter. Don't worry, we promise you didn't. Grab your drinks, your snacks, and maybe a notebook because Sarah has once again decided that names, places, history, politics, and emotional trauma should all be introduced before chapter 3. We'll do our best to keep up and hopefully help you keep up too. Let's head into Crescent City!
- Transcript
#4
August 9 · 37 min
Ep. 4 Get to Know Us!
Welcome back to our 4th special episode, where we discuss some questions after we finished one of our books. We have officially finished A Court of Wings and Ruin, the 3rd book in the ACOTAR or A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. We'll be answering some fun questions inspired by the book, sharing our favorite moments, debiting impossible what-if scenarios, talking about the characters we love, those that test our patience, and probably revealing a few unpopular opinions along the way. So grab a snack, settle in, and join us for a fun trip back to Prythian. Let's jump in one more time.
- Transcript
#27
August 7 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 27 ACOWAR Chapters 74-End
Hello fellow fantasy fanatics and romantic readers alike! We've made it to the point of dread and anticipation, our final episode of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. We've made it through the impossible odds, emotional damage, questionable decisions, and enough dramatic entrances to keep the night court busy for a lifetime. When we left off last episode, Amren had everyone holding their breath with a plan that was a little bit concerning. So let's jump in, but not into the cauldron, and figure out what Amren's plan really is as we dive into the final chapters of A Court of Wings and ruin. Grab your tea, your tissues, and maybe a therapy bill, 'cause we definitely have an ending to unpack. Let's get into it!
- Transcript
#26
August 5 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 26 ACOWAR Chapters 66-73
Welcome back to the podcast! We are officially in the home stretch of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. And somehow we're already at the second to last episode of our deep dive. We're not emotionally prepared at all. And honestly, we don't think the cauldron is either. Then again, the cauldron has made some pretty questionable decisions at this point, so maybe we shouldn't be taking life advice from an ancient magical soup pot. Today we're diving back into the chaos as the story races toward its conclusion. There are impossible choices, emotional reunions, and enough twists to keep us guessing everyone's motives. So grab your favorite drink, tighten your Illyrian leathers, and join us as we head back to Prythian for one more step towards our epic finale. Let's get into it!
- Transcript
#25
August 3 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 25 ACOWAR Chapters 57-65
Welcome back to our deep dive of A Court of Wings and Ruin. We are officially in the endgame now and the stress levels are off the charts. We're covering chapters 57-65 and if you are reading along with us, you already know that this block of chapters is an absolute roller coaster. We're got shifting alliances, looming battles, and a heart stopping rescue mission. And honestly, we just need to scream about it all for the next hour. So grab your drink, settle in, and in honor of our beloved Suriel, let's spill the tea.
- Transcript
#24
July 30 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 24 ACOWAR Chapters 47-56
Welcome back to another installment as we immerse ourselves in A Court of Wings and Ruin. We are finishing up our High Lord's meeting that had our emotional walls crumbling this time. Jump in as we experience more than we ever could have bargained for. And remember, when in the Maasverse, things may not appear as they are for long.
- Transcript
#23
July 24 · 1 hr 31 min
Ep. 23 ACOWAR Chapters 39-46
Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're diving into one of the most anticipated sections of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas—the infamous meeting of the High Lords. You know, the gathering that was supposed to be about saving Prythian... but somehow turns into the fantasy equivalent of a family reunion where everyone has centuries-old grudges, burned romantic partners, and absolutely no interest in being the bigger person. These chapters have everything: political drama, long-awaited confrontations, sharp one-liners, shocking reveals, even more wingspands, and enough tension to make us wonder if they're going to negotiate or just start throwing magic at each other. So grab your tea, before Mor and Vivienne spill it; tighten your Illyrian leathers to ward against Tamlin's sharp tongue, and join us as we break down every argument, alliance, and perfectly timed comeback before Helion makes our toes curl in our slippers. Let's head back to Prythian and see if we can survive the High Lords meeting together.
- Transcript
#22
July 21 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 22 ACOWAR Chapters 30-38
Welcome back to Just Read It... MCKay! In this episode we'll be encountering some unexpected visitors, catching a glimpse of what has Cassian shaking in his Illyrian leathers, learning about Elain's gifts, and heading back to Adriata for battle. We have a lot to talk about in this episode, so let's jump in!
- Transcript
#21
July 20 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep. 21 ACOWAR Chapters 24-29
We say it every week, but I'm gonna say it again, I just love this book! Today, as we continue our reread and pursuit of theories into A Court of Wings and Ruin, find a seat or perch on the edge of it, grab a delicious beverage, and join us as we brace for emotional impact this time. Today we will be experiencing the inner circle plus Lucien and the sisters as the research, revel, rush, and rigorously train through various skill sets before the High Lord's meet. Join us as we deep dive into ACOWAR Chapters 24-29!
- Transcript
#20
July 14 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 20 ACOWAR Chapters 18-23
Welcome back to the podcast. WE are diving into the war strategy, emotional damage, found family, and dramatic reunions that make up A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. We're heading back to the Night Court to talk about all the chaos, all the power plays, and the tension that's had us stressed out all month. Join us as we discuss the moments that had us screaming, crying, and immediately needing to text someone about it. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready because we have a lot to unpack!
- Transcript
#19
July 10 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 19 ACOWAR Chapters 14-17
We're continuing our A Court of Wings and Ruin deep dive, where stakes are high, the tension is higher, and our blood pressure rises with every chapter. At this point in the book, everyone is either planning a war, preventing a war, accidentally starting a war, or flirting in the middle of a war. Today we're diving back into the chaos, questionable decisions, and emotional whiplash that these chapters have to offer. Tighten your Illyrian leathers and prepare to overanalyze every detail with us as we head back to Prythian!
- Transcript
#18
July 8 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 18 ACOWAR Chapters 8-13
Welcome back to the Podcast! Today we're diving into A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas for our second episode. Alliances are forming, battles are brewing, secrets are being revealed, and the fate of Prythian hangs in the balance. We'll be breaking down our favorite moments, character arcs, shocking twists, and all the emotional damage that Sarah J. Maas delivers along the way. Grab a snack, settle in, and let's return to Prythian one more time!
- Transcript
#17
July 4 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 17 ACOWAR Chapters 1-7
We're back! Hopefully you've overcome some of the heartache and gut-wrenching ending of ACOMAF and have jumped feet first into A Court of War and Ruin, because we have! Let's dive back into the Spring Court for Chapters 1-7!
- Transcript
#3
July 3 · 41 min
Ep. 3 Get to Know Us!
Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're talking all about our thoughts, feelings, and complete emotional unraveling while reading A Court of Mist and Fury. From the moments that had us kicking our feet to the scenes that left us staring at the wall questioning everything, we're sharing our real-time reactions to one of our favorite fantasy books. This isn't a chapter-by-chapter breakdown—it's all about the reading experience. We'll be talking about the characters we fell in love with, the plot twists we never saw coming, and all the moments that completely wrecked us emotionally. So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and come relive the magic, heartbreak, and absolute chaos of A Court of Mist and Fury with us. Let's dive in!
- Transcript
#2
July 3 · 33 min
Ep. 2 Get to Know Us!
Hello Fantasy Lovers! Join us for another question filled Get to Know Us episode! This one falls right after our ACOTAR reread so the questions are tailored around our thoughts and feelings after the devastation of Under the Mountain. We'd love to hear your answers too!
- Transcript
#16
July 2 · 1 hr 33 min
Ep. 16 ACOMAF Chapters 61-End
We made it to the end of the book. And by "made it", we mean Sarah J. Maas emotionally destroyed us and left us begging for more. Today we're breaking down the final chapters; the twists, the betrayals, the bargains, and the absolutely unhinged ending that has readers sprinting to the next book at 2am. Grab your fairy wine, send your therapist a quick heads up, and join us as we dive into the ACOMAF finale. To the stars who listen and the readers who are still recovering from chapter 54. Let's get into it!
- Transcript
#15
June 27 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep. 15 ACOMAF Chapters 56-60
Join us for another episode of the romance, the drama, the trauma, and the wingspan discussions, because we can't go an episode without mentioning them! Don't forget about the theories because we're about to connect too many dots and possibly create a couple new theories along the way. Whether we're right, or completely unhinged, only the next book can tell us. Let's jump in!
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes