Ep 1 The Ascended: Initial Thoughts & Reactions (The Sundered Realms Universe)

Dive into the Sundered Realms Universe with book besties Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly as they share their first impressions of The Ascended, the new romantasy from author duo Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox that has taken BookTok and Bookstagram by storm. The first installment in the Aesymarean Duet, The Ascended expands the interconnected world readers first fell in love with in Riftborne and Duskbound. In this episode, the hosts discuss their initial reactions, favorite characters, quotes, and the moments that made The Ascended impossible to put down. They explore what makes this story stand out through its powerful worldbuilding, gripping trials, and emotionally charged relationships, while celebrating how it continues to raise the bar for romantasy readers everywhere. The first portion of the episode focuses on The Ascended only, so listeners who have not yet read the Esprithean Trilogy (Riftborne & Duskbound) can tune in safely. After a clear spoiler warning, the second half expands to include connections and crossover discussion for those caught up on the full universe! This episode is sponsored by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, longtime supporters of Dear Fantasy Reader and the brilliant minds behind one of the most beloved romantasy worlds. All thoughts and opinions are completely honest and our own. *All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of The Ascended. The second portion of this episode includes spoilers for Riftborne and Duskbound.* GRENWICH & LENNOX DISCORD: https://discord.gg/qMuh8B8mUF Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader? The DFRP chapters so far: • Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame • Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep • Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive • Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers! Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we're interviewing next! • Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn't fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment. • Season 6: Brimstone Prep & Recovery — our prep and spiral season for Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy series, complete with a Quicksilver refresher, lore deep dives, and recovery coverage after Brimstone releases. • Season 7: The Ascended — our reaction and theory season for The Ascended by Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, featuring first impressions, predictions for both The Ascended Book 2 and Realmblade, an exclusive author interview, and reader-submitted FAQs about the Sundered Realms Universe. • & MORE TO COME! Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: www.dearfantasyreader.com DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/ SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK Follow along: Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod Email us your thoughts & theories: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)! Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your bookish friends!